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 Places in Agra
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 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.
