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Location : Agra is a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India.
Altitude : 169 mts.
Best Time to Visit : September to March |
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The city of Agra was the imperial capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Shah Jahan. He built the beautiful mausoleum - the Taj Mahal - for his consort Mumtaz Mahal after her death in 1631. Agra also has many other Mughal monuments - the Agra Fort, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, and Akbar's fort at Sikandra near Agra, which make a visit to this historical place in Uttar Pradesh, India, a must see on your tour of the historical places in India.
History of Agra is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the history of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich history of Agra. Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort; Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj. The post-Mughal era's history of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city. |
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Major Attractions |
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Taj Mahal : Applauded as the zenith of medieval architectures, the Taj Mahal nestling on the shifting sands of the shimmering Yamuna, is most alluring in the relative quietness of early morning, shrouded mists as the colour changes from soft yellow to pearly cream and then the most dazzling white. The Taj Mahal is generally considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements of Persian, Indian and Islamic craftsmenship. Built by emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal |
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has become a epitome of love because of the romance of its inspiration. This enduring icon of India, which even today captures the imagination of billions across the world, is indeed a fascination to experience on your next visit to India.
Legend has it that the emperor loved his wife so much that, after her death, he went into seclusion for two years and reappeared wearing glasses and hair completely grey. The picturesque Taj Mahal does not adequately convey the legend, but made many eminent writers including nobel laurate Rabindranath Tagore to say the mausoleum 'a teardrop on the cheek of time'. Taj Mahal means 'Crown Palace' and is in fact the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. Walk amidst the lush green manicured gardens and see the marble magic standing stately as a symbol of eternal love; affording an ambrosial green and white matrix of colours. The tomb is set against the shimmering sands of river Yamuna and it is believed that it is this background that works for its magic of colours that, through their reflection, change the view of the Taj.The colours change at different hours of the day and during different seasons; portraying different moods of a woman. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines before its marble head.
Walk on the marble floor that caress a fascinating calligraphy and mosaicwork adorned with precious stones. Once inside, you will be overwhelmed to see elaborate marble designs embossed cheek-by-jowl with semi-precious stones such as jade, crystal, turquoise and coral. Ask your guide and he might help you to see exquisite magical charms of the mausoleum; optical effects that eventually create an illusion. Walk on the sun-kissed marble ramparts and chuck a gaze at Yamuna, the emerald waters flowing silently in the shadow of history. Stay some more time until dusk breaks. Believe us, seeing the sheer white magic by moonlight is a lifetime experience. |
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| Agra Fort : It is here that the hands touch the sky. It might be if you stand on the colossal ramparts, you feel like touching the sky... or simply. The hands of craftsmenship touch the sky of appreciation. This great monument of red sandstone dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, 2km northwest of Taj Mahal, was constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century, when he shifted his capital from Lahore. Interestingly, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan all contributed to the construction of this magnificent fort. |
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Therefore, you must visit this massive complex for its impressive architectural styles, a rare amalgamation of the aesthetic sensibilities of three different Mughal kings over the sleeves of time. Come, experience a grandeur like never before.
The Fort, though appearing impregnable from outside and as fulfilling its military purpose, was more like a city on the inside, with many buildings, streets and shops. Its colossal double walls rise 69 ft in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference, encircled by a moat and contain an intrinsic matrix of buildings, splendid mosques and ambrosial palaces. Walk through the pultritudinous gateways that marks the history to reach the sprawling Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate). Walk straight to reach the Jehangiri Mahal, situated north of the gate at the end of a spacious lawn. Built by Akbar as a residence for his son Jehangir, the palace is the largest private residence in the fort, a su[perb blend of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Don't miss the profuse carvings on stone, heavy brackets exquisitely carved with animal and floral motifs, piers and cross beams with remnants of the rich gilded decorations that adorn the walls. Wander around the Nagina Mahal, built as a harem for the royal ladies, the Zeena Meena Bazaar where the queens shopped and the elegant Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor dealt with his dignitaries. Don't miss the exquisite Persian inscription carved out of a single block of sandstone, that records Jehangir's marriage to Mehrunissa (Nur Jahan). |
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Jahangiri Mahal, Agra Fort : Walk through the Anguri Bagh to reach the famous Diwan-i-Khass, the Hall of Private Audience where secret 'Darbars' (meetings) with the close kinsmen were held. Walk to the right of Diwan-i-khas and you will be at the Hammam-i-Shahi or the Shah Burj. It is an airy apartment, attached to the residential quarters which was used as a summer retreat. To see an exquisite lattice work, enter the most famed Diwan-i-Am or 'The Hall of Public Audiences'. Once the royal women could watch the court without |
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being seen by others from the pavilion through jali (lattice) screens. Today, you can only see the erstwhile glory floating on its ramparts. |
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Excursions from Agra |
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Fatehpur Sikri : If you want to be a part of the medieval drama sans the sights and sounds of armoured soldiers marching under red sandstone ramparts, or emperors glorifying the pages of history with rhymes of their valour and romance, make your next holiday trip to Fatehpur Sikri, nestling at some 38 km from Agra. This palace complex was built to commemorate the birth of the Emperor Akbar's first child, Salim, named after the great Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, whose benevolent blessings beared the fruit. The city itself didn't last long, but it has been preserved in all its Mughal glory and is still the object of architectural study - and of the admiration of millions.
Mathura Vrindavan : The birthplace of Lord Krishna (an important Hindu deity) is a perfect place to visit; if you are a religious minded person and want to know more about Hindu religion. Mathura is a land of temples and saints. It is merely at a distance of 45 km from Agra.
Vrindavan is another place related to Lord Krishna, it is a place filled with temples. According to Hindu ythology Vrindavan is a place where Lord Krishna had spent most of his childhood days. |
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How to Reach |
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By Air : Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. Major Indian airlines operate daily tourist shuttle flights to Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back. It only takes 40 minutes from Delhi to Agra.
By Rail : Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra is well connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan. Trains like Palace on Wheel, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express are the best choices if you want to reach Agra from Delhi in luxury.
By Road : Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra, from where one can catch buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc. Buses for Mathura also leave from Agra Fort bus stand.
Dream Holiday Solutions provide offers tour booking for Agra India. For more information or to book a Agra tour, please
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