AGRA
Agra
is home to the internationally famous Taj Mahal, and is one of the most famous
tourist spots of India. It is located about 204 km south of Delhi in the Indian
state of Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the west bank of river the Yamuna, Agra is
the city of tombs and memorials. Agra is known for its Taj Mahotsav (Taj
Festival). This cultural festival is held in the month of February every year,
and thousands of tourists throng to it from all over the world. The Taj Mahotsav
brings traditional Indian music and dance on a single platform for tourists to
enjoy.
Agra has a rich historical background, which is manifested in the numerous
historical monuments in and around the city. Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi
of the Lodhi dynasty of the Sultanate of Delhi in the 16th century. Babur, who
was founder of the Mughal dynasty in India ntroduced the concept of square
Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort, while Jahangir
beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal
architecture, by building the Taj, the unspeakably beautiful riverside mausoleum
that is undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction of Agra.
Tourist Attractions
Some of the most famous tourist sites to see when you travel to Agra are
listed below.
» Taj Mahal Agra
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is a dream in white marble with
exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types of
precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on
the interiors. On a trip to this magnificent monument, it is better not to rush
into seeing things, but to linger in the gardens, admire the scenic beauty, and
take your time.
» Itmad-ud-daulah’s Tomb Agra
Built in memory of Mirza Ghiyas this tomb is also known as the ‘baby Taj’, it
was the first Mughal structure completely built from marble and first to make
extensive use of pietra dura.
» Agra Fort
Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna, the Agra Fort
dominates the centre of the city. The crescent-shaped fort has a 20-metre high
and 2.4-km long outer wall that contains a maze of buildings that form a small
city within a city. The Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience), the Diwan-i-Khas
(hall of private audience), the octagonal tower known as Musamman Burj, Khas
Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden)
are the other places to see within the fort.
» Jama Masjid Agra
The Jama Masjid is a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. It has a
rectangular open forecourt and no minarets. Its sandstone domes have a striking
marble patterning.
» Sikandra in Agra
The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar represents Akbar’s philosophy and secular
outlook, by blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and
styles.
» Dayal Bagh in Agra
Dayal Bagh is the headquarters of the Radhaswami sect and a beautiful white
pietra dura marble inlay temple is being built here. The temple has been under
construction for almost 100 years now.
» Rambagh in Agra
Ram Bagh is one of the earliest Mughal Gardens in the country and was laid out
by Emperor Babar.
Excursions Sites in Agra
Agra offers a number of excursion sites nearby.
» Mathura
47 km from Agra, Mathura is a famous and important pilgrim place of the Hindus
since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura is also an important crafts
centre.
» Vrindavan
Vrindavan is associated with the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna. It has
scores of temples, shrines, and memorial stones and hermitages of the saints and
Krishna’s followers. Govind Dev Temple, the 150-year-old Ranganathan Temple, the
ISKCON Temple etc are located here.
» Gokul
Lord Krishna is believed to have been raised secretly in Gokul. One of the most
notable structures here is the Chaurasi Khamba (84 pillars), also known as Nand
Maharaja’s house. Most of the temples and structures here are built around the
legends.
» Fatehpur Sikri
The Mughal Emperor Akbar built the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri in AD
1564. Some of the major attractions of this city are the marble tomb of Sheikh
Salim Chisthi, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Jodha
Bai’s Palace and Birbal Bhavan.
Govardhan Hill, Bhandirvan, Keetham Lake are all associated with Lord Krishna.
The industrial city of Ferozabad famous for its glassware, and Aligarh, famous
for the Aligarh Muslim University and for its locks, lie close by.
How to Reach Agra
Agra is well connected by air as well as road to India. The Agra airport is 7
km from the city center and daily tourist shuttle flights operates to Agra, and
back. Flight time from Delhi to Agra is only 40 minutes. Agra is well connected
by railroad to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan.. The main railway
station is Agra Cantonment.
We offer complete travel and tour packages to the historic city of Agra that are
inclusive of hotel booking, air booking services as well as cab and car hire
services for the entire duration of your stay there. Our Agra tour packages or
Taj Tour packages are convenient and cost effective travel options that offer
you unique sight seeing opportunities.
Important Travel Information About Agra
Being a part of the great northern Indian plains, Agra has a tropical
climate. Summers are extremely hot and the maximum temperature can be as high as
45 degree Celsius. However, winters are cold and foggy, and heavy rains and high
humidity mark the monsoon season.
Agra is known for its traditional and modern shopping areas. Leather products,
rug weaving, jewelry, and marble work items can be purchased here. Shilpgram or
the crafts village is located 1 km from the eastern side of the Taj, from where
one can buy good quality craft items. Of note here is the miniature marble
replica of the Taj.
Please check out the below mentioned itineraries for more information on how to
travel to Agra and other places.