A pleasant town with moderately slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble by craftsmen evidently the descendants of those who worked under the Mughals on the Taj. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra
was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in the past. Mughal emperors with their passion for building endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world. It is very easy to slip away here through the centuries into the agnificence and machinations of the Mughal court. Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times Agra came into importance when Sikandar Lodhi made it his capital city in 1501. The Lodi rule was to end very soon and Agra passed into the possession of the Mughals. It was during the time of the third emperor Akbar that Agra came into its own. He embarked on the construction of the massive Agra Fort in 1565. Though Akbar was diverted into building a new capital at Fatehpur Sikri not far away.
Much of the city's notable past lives in proof even today not quickly for gotten in the haunting presence inside the monuments, the majesty of the buildings, the exquisite arts and crafts and not to forget, the lure of an exceptional cuisine. all, cherished as priceless legacies of a nostalgic past. The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history. captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home. Today, luxury and modern convenience also exist adjacent to tradition - luxury hotels, shopping malls and plazas, wide avenues and a superb choice of venues for recreation, business, sports, pleasure, education and the arts.
Place of interest
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled. The Taj Mahal, the one and only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shah Jehan's dream. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in the making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtaking beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, see it by moonlight.
Open : 6 days a week (Closed on Fridays), Sunrise - 7.30 p.m.
The Agra Fort
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I- Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shah Jehan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal.
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Chini Ka Rauza - This was constructed by Afzal Khan - a high official in the court of Shah Jehan. Decorated by glazed tiles on the façade, the structure clearly depicts the Persian influence in architecture.
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Ram Bagh - One of the earliest Mughal gardens, it was laid out by Emperor Babar - the founder of the Mughal dynasty. It is said that Babar was temporarily buried here before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan .
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Sikandra - The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative fusion. Completed in 1613 A.D., it is a well-preserved monument.
Open : Sunrise to senset.
Itmad-ud-daulah - This exquisite marble tomb was got constructed by Emperor Jehangir's queen, Nurjahan, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg during 1622 - 1628 A.D. The craftsmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal. It was here that 'Pietra Dura' the inlay work on marble - so characteristic of the Taj - was first used.
Open : Sunrise to sunset. Entry Fee Rs. 10.50
Mariyam's Tomb - This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbar's Goan-Christian wife - Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional carvings.
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Jama Masjid - This building, with a rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648 AD by Shah Jehan's daughter, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh Salim Chishti and his grandson Islam Khan. Of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.
Radha Saomi Samadhi, Dayalbagh - The headquarters of the Radha Saomi sect. On the sprawling lawns here, is a beautiful marble temple under construction for almost 100 years now. Open : 8.am to 7 pm. (Entry free upto 15 years age and free for all on Fridays). These monuments are open to visitors everyday throughout the year).
Click here for more Agra Tour Packages
TOUR PACKAGES OF TAJ MAHAL
Agra Tourism
Delhi Tourism
Jaipur Tourism
