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.

“ I am an explorer by heart. I have covered many destinations in the world. Some of top picks were Great Pyramid of Giza, the tower of London, Great wall of China But never got an oppurtunity to explore Taj Mahal, which tends to be one of the Seven wonders of the world. This somewhat kept bothering me from time to time , untill and unless I planned my trip to Agra. I landed in Delhi airport and from there my travel agent, booked a deluxe cab and baught me to Agra.”said Ronald Jefferson, who came to Agra, in the year 2005.


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.

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.

“ It was difficult for me to stay in my hotel. My hotel room were booked by my travel agent. Soon I ventured out to explore the many facets of Agra city. Each and everything which I explored was enthralling. I still behold deep memories of Taj Mahal and Agra fort” added Ronald Jefferson


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.

“ Well, I customized my tour, so I covered all the boudary line cities of Agra which make it all the more expecial. Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra are amongst them.” He concluded it.

• Collect “Peeha” and “Dal Mot” from Panchi : For Indian travellers they are not new words but for our foreign friends we would like to explain; Petha is an Indian sweet and Dal Mot an Indian tea time snack just as you have your chips or french fries.
  
• If time allows, visit Buland Darwaza, one of the highest gate of India
  
• Watch Son-et-lumiere show at Agra fort. Timings English : 7:30 pm and Hindi 8: 30 pm
  

“ Everything is Bikaner seemed to be glorified. The entire ambiance was very royal and I felt as the regal ambiance surrounded me. Walking through the winding lanes of Bikaner was an experience as each step I took added a new chapter into my life.” concluded Vinny from Australia.


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
Festival : Through out the year
Getting there
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.
Your Stay in Agra : Agra Hotels
Excursion : Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura & Vrindavan

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Agra-Ancient Mughal Heritage City-By Namita Kulshreshtha
Agra’s Musical Connection- By Kornika
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