Location
: In the state of Uttar Pradesh in India, about 204 km from Delhi, the
capital of India.
Language : Hindi, considerable % of people can speak English. The
Muslim population can speak Urdu.
Climate : Moderate
Best time to visit : Through out the year
Speciality : The city of Taj Mahal
Festival : Taj Mahotsav (cultural festival).
The Home of Taj Mahal, Agra
Agra is world renowned for being home to one of the seven wonders of the
world - the Taj Mahal. Agra was the capital of India in 16th - 17th century,
during the Mughal Era. The architectural magnificence of the mausoleums, the
palaces and the fort are the vital remainder of the its glorious days in the
16th and early 17th centuries. Agra was then the most advanced and developed
city of India. Though the political importance of the city ended with the
transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural
treasure has firmed its place on the international historical map. A
fantastic city with slow pace of advancement in the modern century, Agra is
known for its marvellous inlay work on marble and sandstone by expert
craftsman. The city is also reputed for its carpets, gold thread embroidery
and leather shoes.
Coming to Agra
By Air: Kheria Airport is 6 km from Agra. From the
International Airport at Delhi, Agra is 220km.
By Rail: Connection to important cities from Agra Cantt,
Agra fort station, Raja-Ki Mandi and Tundla. Agra is connected to all the
major cities of India through the rail tracks.
By Road: Buses are linked to all major cities. Some
important road distances from Agra are Delhi-204km Bharatpur-57 km
lucknow-369km Mathura-54km Nainital-353km, varanasi-605km, Khajuraho-400km.
Check in the Accommodation at Agra
Agra has a wide collection of hotels and others comfortable accommodation
available in its vicinity. Some of them are :
» Amar Vilas - 5 star
» Mughal Sheraton - 5 star
» Jaypee Palace - 5 star
» Hotel Clarks Shiraz
» Howard Park Plaza
Get
Absorbed In
Taj Mahal, Agra
Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world- the
Taj-Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the
palaces is a vivid remainder of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is
a vivid reminder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries.
Agra Fort
Built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. the fort Is a masterpiece of
design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite
buildings, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-E-Am, Diwani-E-Khaas and
Musanman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment beside
Jahangirs place, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.
Itmad - Ud - Daula
To the north of the fort and across the river yamuna are several fine
examples of mughal architecture. The itmad -ud -daula was build by the
empress Noor Jehan as a memorial to her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, is
beautifully ornamented with pietra dura inlay and lattice work marble
screens.
Chini Ka Rauza
The tomb of Afzal khan, the persian poet and minister at Shah Jehan's court
gets its name from the brightly coloured glazed tiles that decorate it, lies
just 1km beyond itmad-ud-daula.
Sikandra Fort
12km the tomb of Akbar, begun by the emperor himself and completed by his
son, Jehangir. This richly decorated structure is a quaint mixture of
styles.
Not to overlook - Excurtions
Ram Bagh
The great Mughal emperor Babar laid out this earliest example of a Mughal
garden. It is said that his body was buried here before place in Kabul.
Jama Masjid
This imposing mosque was built in the name of Jehanara Begum, Shah Jehan's
daughter.
Fatehpur
Sikri, Agra
A royal city perfectly preserved, Fatehpur Sikri provides a marvellous
escape into the past . Akbar embarked on the construction of a new capital
here when a prophecy of the birth of a male royal heir, by the Sufi saint
Salim Chisti of Sikri, came true.
Sikandra Fort
12km the tomb of Akbar, begun by the emperor himself and completed by his
son, Jehangir. This richly decorated structure is a quaint mixture of
styles.
