Location:
58-km From Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Founded By:
Badal Singh
Established
In: 1475
Main
Attractions: Taj Mahal,
Agra Fort |
Tourism in
Agra
There are very few cities in the world that
can match the history and heritage of Agra -
the city of Taj Mahal. Located at a distance
of 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is the single
most famous tourist destination of India.
Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna,
Agra is a part of the great Norther Indian
plains. The architectural splendor of the
city is reflected in the glorious monuments
of medieval India built by great Mughals who
ruled India for more than 300 years.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th
century Agra witnessed a frenzied building
activity and it was during this time when
the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The
buildings made during this era were purely
in the contemporary Mughal style and of very
high quality which is still reflected in
what ever monuments remain in Agra.
HISTORY OF AGRA
Agra, the city of Taj was established in
1475 by Badal Singh. Agra finds mention in
the Mahabharata as Agraban. Agra city in
those days was considered to be the sister
city of Mathura which was more prominent
than Agraban. Agra came into its own when
the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside the
Yamuna to be their capital city. Sikander
Lodhi made Agra his capital but Babar
defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra
but also laid the foundation of the Mughal
empire.
The coming of Babar heralded a new era which
was to see Agra at its zenith during the
reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It
was during Akbar's period that Agra became
the center of art, culture and commerce and
learning. This trend reached its height when
Shah Jahan became the ruler.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th
century Agra witnessed a frenzied building
activity and it was during this time when
the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The
buildings made during this era were purely
in the contemporary Mughal style and of very
high quality which is still reflected in
what ever monuments remain in Agra.The
narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of
Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy
in crating master pieces with their skill
all remind of the Mughal royalty which this
city had once experienced. Today whatever
remains, has become a major tourist
attraction which has taken Agra again to the
heights of glory but this time as a major
tourist destination of India.
THE CITY OF THE TAJ
Agra - The city known for the famous
monument of love - the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal
was constructed by the Mughal Emperor, Shah
Jehan. It is said he built this monument in
the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is ethereal at any part of the
day - blushing in the rosy glow of dawn or
sunset , appearing like a pearly mirage in
the moonlight or reflected in the pools of
the garden . Perhaps the most moving view of
the Taj is from an octagonal tower in the
Agra Fort further along the river Yamuna .
USEFUL INFORMATIONS ON AGRA
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS IN AGRA - AGRA TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
MONUMENTS IN AGRA
Taj Mahal Agra
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.
More about The Taj Mahal
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 Agra
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 Agra
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 Agra
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
Agra
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 Agra
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
Agra
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
Agra
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.
EXCURSIONS FROM
AGRA / 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.
More about Fateh Pur Sikri
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.
More about Sikandra
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.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
IN AGRA
The Taj Mahotsav
One of the most awaited cultural festivals
in India is the Taj Mahotsav. The festival
is organized during February. This ten day
extravaganza is held in the Shilpgram close
to the Taj. Taj Mahotsav brings the
extensive arts, crafts and culture of India
on display. This festival has the classical
dance and classical song performances by
some of the well known artists in India.
Mushairas and ghazal programmes add to the
colour of the festival. Camel and elephant
rides accompanied by games and delicacies
attract children and elders in equal
numbers.
Bateshwar Fair:
Situated at a distance of 70 km. from Agra
on the banks of river Yamuna, Bateshwar is
an important spiritual and cultural centre
and also the birthplace of the Prime
Minister of India, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Rambarat:
The marriage procession of Sri Ram called as
'Rambarat' is held every year, during
Ramlila celebrations at Agra.
Kailash Fair:
The Kailash fair is held at Kailash,
12 kms from Agra during the months of
August-September. more...
AGRA
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH AGRA
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.
Rail: 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.
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ABOUT AGRA
Population in Agra : About 1, 20, 000
people resides in this city.
Main Languages : Hindi, Rajasthani,
Urdu and English.
SHOPPING IN AGRA
Agra is not only a famous tourist
destination but is a shoppers paradise too.
There are plenty of shopping areas and
shopping malls where one can buy the
specialities of the place. Agra is famous
for the Taj Mahal made out of Marble, the
markets are bound to have replica of the Taj
in marble being sold as decorative, gift
item or as souvenirs. But the all that looks
is not marble. There is one stone called
Talk. This stone is cheap and looks like
marble only difference being that marble is
opaque and talk is not. So, while purchasing
any marble item make sure that you are
buying the original thing.
Agra is also famous for the leather items.
Agra is the hub of hand made leather items.
Particularly the Agra jail inmates are make
these items which are sold to give them a
decent earning. The local artisans are also
good at making leather chappals (sandals),
purses, bags, decorative items and many more
such leather product which instantaneously
attracts your attention. In the handicraft
craft emporiums and shops there are sandal
and rose wood items even though there are no
rose or sandal wood forest nearby. The shops
also have brass decorative pieces and stone
carved images. Agra is also famous for the
Zari and embroidery work, Stone inlay work
and durries.
The main shopping areas in Agra include Taj
Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar, Raja Mandi,
Sadar Bazaar. the Gangotri at Taj Mahal
Complex and the Up Handlooms, UPICA at the
Sanjay place are two UP Government
emporiums.
PLACES TO STAY IN
AGRA
Agra is one of the major tourist
destination, where international tourist
inflow is also quite good. So the options of
luxurious accommodations are plenty. If you
are a budget travellers, there are numerous
tourist lodges as well mid-range hotels in
Agra.
TOURIST INFORMATION
CENTRES
The government Of India Tourist Office -
191, the Mall, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
UP State Tourism Development Corporation -
Tourist Bungalow, Raja-ki- Mandi, Agra,
Uttar Pradesh, India.
Tourist Information Center - UP tourist
office, 64 Taj Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh,
India
Tourist Information Counter - Agra
Cantonment Railway Station, Agra, Uttar
Pradesh, India
More
Information on Agra click here
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