Agra
Famed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Agra is a virtual fort of history and architecture located in the state of Uttar Pardesh in India. Historical monuments, architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of marbles, Agra thrives as the best picnic spot in India.
Agra, a medieval city, was assumed to be built in 1475 had been found its place even in the epic Mahabharatha as Agraban (means paradise). The renowned second century geographer Ptolemy spotted this place as Agra in his world map. Agra was the capital of many dynasties including Lodhi and Mughals.
Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Agra offers the tourists the richest of the man made beauties including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Agra forts, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal. It is the haven of Mughal art, culture and architecture
Agra, a medieval city, was assumed to be built in 1475 had been found its place even in the epic Mahabharatha as Agraban (means paradise). The renowned second century geographer Ptolemy spotted this place as Agra in his world map. Agra was the capital of many dynasties including Lodhi and Mughals.
Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Agra offers the tourists the richest of the man made beauties including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Agra forts, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal. It is the haven of Mughal art, culture and architecture
| State | : | Uttar Pradesh |
| Location | : | Agra District, Uttar Pradesh |
| District Area | : | 188.40 km square (73 sq mi) |
| Altitude | : | 169 mts above the sea level |
| Population | : | approx. 1,686,976 |
| Literacy | : | 81% |
| ISD/STD Code | : | +91 562 |
| Best time to visit | : | October to March |
| Rainfall | : | 69 cm (27 in) of rainfall annually |
| Temperature | : | Summer: 48.5°C Max. - 30°C Min. Winter: 25°C Max. and 16°C Min. |
| Climate | : | Continental Climate |
| Local Languages | : | Hindi, Rajasthani, Urdu and English |
Taj Mahal
Even as the world is caught in the skirmishes of War & peace, Nuclear and Non-Nuclear; Taj has stood as the epitome of love. This extravagant monument of love is one of the most visited and most photographed places in the world. Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal was the culmination point of Indo-Persian architecture. The Mughals Emperor were always fond of constructing monuments. Perhaps they knew that they would be gone but these structures will remind the world of their grandeur.
Agra Red Fort
Agra which lies on the west bank of river Jamuna became one of the principal cities of the Mughal Empire after the death of Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526. When Akbar choose Agra as his capital he laid the foundation of the Fort of Agra. After Taj this was one of the most important group of buildings. The construction was started in 1565 and was completed in about eight years at a cost of thirty five lakh of rupees under the superintendence of Qasim Khan Mir Barr-u-Bahr. This fort was just one of the many large fortified residences that the emperor wanted to have at various strategic points of his empire. According to contemporary chroniclers like Abul Fazal the fort contained over five hundred buildings. But later on Akbar's descendants added new buildings, mainly in marble to the fort and demolished the old ones.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb
This tomb belongs to the father of Nur Jahan, Ghias-ud-Din Beg. He was the Wajir or the Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir. This white marble tomb was built by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628. The tomb may not be as mammoth as the Taj but the inlay designs and carvings are no less than Taj if not more. The delicate marble latticework in the passages allows the light to enter the interiors. A similar tomb was built by Nur Jahan for Jehangir in Lahore. This tomb was the first complete marble Moghul structure.
Chini-Ka-Rauza
A tomb of glazed tiles is a memorial dedicated to poet-scholar and later the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan, Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz.
Jama Masjid Or Jami Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648, the main gate of this mosque has inscription written on it that it was built by Jahanara Begum. She was the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan and was imprisoned with him. The absence of minarets and the shape of the dome give sit a distinguished character.
Jehangir Palace
This was built by Akbar for his favorite son Jehangir to provide him with the comfort and luxury inside the fort. This palace displays an excellent combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Ram Bagh
Bagh-i-Gul Afshan or Ram Bagh is one of the earliest gardens of Mughal empire. Originally this garden was set up by Babur but it was later on renovated and renamed by Jehangir as Bagh-i-Nur Afshan. This garden is situated on the southern side of riverine Sarai of Nur Jehan. Babur introduced in this garden three terrace. The water, which was drawn from the river, descended from one terrace to another after flowing through a network of canals, tanks and water chutes. Each water chutes had stairs on both sides and ends in a red sandstone pond. To add to the beauty of the garden apart from the various water device platforms, pathways, Chhatris and a variety of plants were provided at regular intervals. During Jehangir's reign two beautiful suites on the two sides of the main terrace was built. In the centre a Mah-tab or island platform was built which was connected with the mainwater system. This gorgeous garden set on the riverbank is a typical example of Mughal pleasure garden.
Octagonal Tower
The Musamman Burj, or Octagonal Tower, stands close to the Diwan-I-Khas and the small, private Mina Masjid. Also known as the Saman Burj, this tower was built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal and is another of his finely designed buildings. It was here, with its views along the Yamuna to the Taj, that Shah Jahan died in 1666, after seven years' imprisonment. Unfortunately the tower has been much damaged over the years.
Dayal Bagh Temple
In Dayal Bagh, 10 km north of Agra. The white marble Samadhi of the Radah Soami religion is currently under construction. It was started in 1904 and is nor expected to be completed until sometime next century. You can see Pietra Dura inlaid marblework actually being worked on. Dayal Bagh is 2km north of Agra and can be reached by bus or cycle.
PLACES AROUND AGRA
Fatehpur Sikri
37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city and within 20 years the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. The city is a fine example of culmination of Mughal and Hindu architecture. Any visitor to Agra must have a go at Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri mosque was said to be built in lines of the holy mosque in Mecca. Entrance to the mosque is through the Buland Darwaza that is 54m high.
Sikandra
Sikandara, the place where the remains of Akbar the Great are interred, is situated some six miles to the north-west of Agra on the Delhi and Lahore road. It was founded by Sikandar Lodi in 1504 when he shifted his capital from Delhi to the vicinity of Agra in order to be nearer to the eastern provinces of his kingdom. It was at Sikandara that Akbar decided to have his mausoleum and hence it was renamed "Bihishtabad" or the "Heavenly Abode". Akbar wanted his mausoleum to be in the centre of a large garden. Like his administration, it was to be of solid construction and like his empire it was to be of vast proportions This structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. The blending is much like the religion, Deen Ilahi, which Akbar started. But Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and his son Jehangir completed it.
Mathura
Krishna, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu was born here. Mathura, which is one of the major Pilgrimage for the Hindus is 58 Kms from Agra. It comes before Agra if travelling from Delhi. Today the small town of Lord Krishna has grown and the place has a population of almost 3 lakh people.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, around 15 km from Mathura, is a major place of pilgrimage, on the banks of Yamuna . Attracting about 5 lakhs pilgrims every year, it is noted for its numerous temples- both old and modern. Vrindavan is synonymous with the innocent mirth and child like playfulness of Shri Krishna. Vrindavan, the dusty little town known for the temples, big and small, famous and remote strewn all over the place.
National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
The National Chambal Sanctuary, located in Etawah, near Agra is spread over an area of 635 sq. kms. Established in 1979, the park has a rare collection of exotic rarely found species. The unusual gangetic dolphin is the main attraction of National Chambal sanctuary. The sanctuary is presently a part of a large area co-administered by Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Ram Bagh
When Babur came to India he laid the first Mughal gardens 500 m North of the Chini Ka Rauza. This well laid gardens are not even a fraction of what they used to be. It will need lots of imagination to picture how these gardens must have looked in 1558.
Even as the world is caught in the skirmishes of War & peace, Nuclear and Non-Nuclear; Taj has stood as the epitome of love. This extravagant monument of love is one of the most visited and most photographed places in the world. Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal was the culmination point of Indo-Persian architecture. The Mughals Emperor were always fond of constructing monuments. Perhaps they knew that they would be gone but these structures will remind the world of their grandeur.
Agra Red Fort
Agra which lies on the west bank of river Jamuna became one of the principal cities of the Mughal Empire after the death of Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526. When Akbar choose Agra as his capital he laid the foundation of the Fort of Agra. After Taj this was one of the most important group of buildings. The construction was started in 1565 and was completed in about eight years at a cost of thirty five lakh of rupees under the superintendence of Qasim Khan Mir Barr-u-Bahr. This fort was just one of the many large fortified residences that the emperor wanted to have at various strategic points of his empire. According to contemporary chroniclers like Abul Fazal the fort contained over five hundred buildings. But later on Akbar's descendants added new buildings, mainly in marble to the fort and demolished the old ones.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb
This tomb belongs to the father of Nur Jahan, Ghias-ud-Din Beg. He was the Wajir or the Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir. This white marble tomb was built by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628. The tomb may not be as mammoth as the Taj but the inlay designs and carvings are no less than Taj if not more. The delicate marble latticework in the passages allows the light to enter the interiors. A similar tomb was built by Nur Jahan for Jehangir in Lahore. This tomb was the first complete marble Moghul structure.
Chini-Ka-Rauza
A tomb of glazed tiles is a memorial dedicated to poet-scholar and later the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan, Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz.
Jama Masjid Or Jami Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648, the main gate of this mosque has inscription written on it that it was built by Jahanara Begum. She was the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan and was imprisoned with him. The absence of minarets and the shape of the dome give sit a distinguished character.
Jehangir Palace
This was built by Akbar for his favorite son Jehangir to provide him with the comfort and luxury inside the fort. This palace displays an excellent combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Ram Bagh
Bagh-i-Gul Afshan or Ram Bagh is one of the earliest gardens of Mughal empire. Originally this garden was set up by Babur but it was later on renovated and renamed by Jehangir as Bagh-i-Nur Afshan. This garden is situated on the southern side of riverine Sarai of Nur Jehan. Babur introduced in this garden three terrace. The water, which was drawn from the river, descended from one terrace to another after flowing through a network of canals, tanks and water chutes. Each water chutes had stairs on both sides and ends in a red sandstone pond. To add to the beauty of the garden apart from the various water device platforms, pathways, Chhatris and a variety of plants were provided at regular intervals. During Jehangir's reign two beautiful suites on the two sides of the main terrace was built. In the centre a Mah-tab or island platform was built which was connected with the mainwater system. This gorgeous garden set on the riverbank is a typical example of Mughal pleasure garden.
Octagonal Tower
The Musamman Burj, or Octagonal Tower, stands close to the Diwan-I-Khas and the small, private Mina Masjid. Also known as the Saman Burj, this tower was built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal and is another of his finely designed buildings. It was here, with its views along the Yamuna to the Taj, that Shah Jahan died in 1666, after seven years' imprisonment. Unfortunately the tower has been much damaged over the years.
Dayal Bagh Temple
In Dayal Bagh, 10 km north of Agra. The white marble Samadhi of the Radah Soami religion is currently under construction. It was started in 1904 and is nor expected to be completed until sometime next century. You can see Pietra Dura inlaid marblework actually being worked on. Dayal Bagh is 2km north of Agra and can be reached by bus or cycle.
PLACES AROUND AGRA
Fatehpur Sikri
37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city and within 20 years the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. The city is a fine example of culmination of Mughal and Hindu architecture. Any visitor to Agra must have a go at Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri mosque was said to be built in lines of the holy mosque in Mecca. Entrance to the mosque is through the Buland Darwaza that is 54m high.
Sikandra
Sikandara, the place where the remains of Akbar the Great are interred, is situated some six miles to the north-west of Agra on the Delhi and Lahore road. It was founded by Sikandar Lodi in 1504 when he shifted his capital from Delhi to the vicinity of Agra in order to be nearer to the eastern provinces of his kingdom. It was at Sikandara that Akbar decided to have his mausoleum and hence it was renamed "Bihishtabad" or the "Heavenly Abode". Akbar wanted his mausoleum to be in the centre of a large garden. Like his administration, it was to be of solid construction and like his empire it was to be of vast proportions This structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. The blending is much like the religion, Deen Ilahi, which Akbar started. But Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and his son Jehangir completed it.
Mathura
Krishna, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu was born here. Mathura, which is one of the major Pilgrimage for the Hindus is 58 Kms from Agra. It comes before Agra if travelling from Delhi. Today the small town of Lord Krishna has grown and the place has a population of almost 3 lakh people.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, around 15 km from Mathura, is a major place of pilgrimage, on the banks of Yamuna . Attracting about 5 lakhs pilgrims every year, it is noted for its numerous temples- both old and modern. Vrindavan is synonymous with the innocent mirth and child like playfulness of Shri Krishna. Vrindavan, the dusty little town known for the temples, big and small, famous and remote strewn all over the place.
National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
The National Chambal Sanctuary, located in Etawah, near Agra is spread over an area of 635 sq. kms. Established in 1979, the park has a rare collection of exotic rarely found species. The unusual gangetic dolphin is the main attraction of National Chambal sanctuary. The sanctuary is presently a part of a large area co-administered by Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Ram Bagh
When Babur came to India he laid the first Mughal gardens 500 m North of the Chini Ka Rauza. This well laid gardens are not even a fraction of what they used to be. It will need lots of imagination to picture how these gardens must have looked in 1558.
Agra experiences extreme temperatures in summers and winters and moderate temperatures in other seasons.
Summers (April to June) are hot and not considered to be ideal for visit.
Monsoons (June to October) rain showers are expected, with heavy rains in July, Taj Mahal looks beautiful in the rain drops.
Winters (November to March) are very cool and temperature can touch as low as 2°C and accompanied by thick fogs prohibiting travels due to poor visibility. Flights can be delayed during this period.
Summers (April to June) are hot and not considered to be ideal for visit.
Monsoons (June to October) rain showers are expected, with heavy rains in July, Taj Mahal looks beautiful in the rain drops.
Winters (November to March) are very cool and temperature can touch as low as 2°C and accompanied by thick fogs prohibiting travels due to poor visibility. Flights can be delayed during this period.
By Air:
Agra is one of the hottest tourist destinations in India and all facilities have been provided for the easy access to this place. It has its own airport which connects Agra with all the major places in India. The Agra airport or the Kheria airport has all the major domestic airlines having their services to this place of the Taj.
By Railway:
Agra is a major railway station with almost all the trains to south India, Mumbai and many trains to Calcutta stopping here. Agra city is visited by the "Palace on Wheels" .The Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains have also their stoppage in Agra. The city is well connected by trains to almost every corner of the nation.
By Road:
Agra has the National Highway Numbers 2, 3, 11 passing through it. So the premier tourist destination of India, Agra is also well linked by bus services to other places in the State as well as outside the state. The state transports have deluxe as well as ordinary bus services for the place. There are conducted tours which take tourist not only to Agra, but the near by tourist spots too.
Agra is one of the hottest tourist destinations in India and all facilities have been provided for the easy access to this place. It has its own airport which connects Agra with all the major places in India. The Agra airport or the Kheria airport has all the major domestic airlines having their services to this place of the Taj.
By Railway:
Agra is a major railway station with almost all the trains to south India, Mumbai and many trains to Calcutta stopping here. Agra city is visited by the "Palace on Wheels" .The Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains have also their stoppage in Agra. The city is well connected by trains to almost every corner of the nation.
By Road:
Agra has the National Highway Numbers 2, 3, 11 passing through it. So the premier tourist destination of India, Agra is also well linked by bus services to other places in the State as well as outside the state. The state transports have deluxe as well as ordinary bus services for the place. There are conducted tours which take tourist not only to Agra, but the near by tourist spots too.
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