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Agra City Travel
Agra is home to the internationally famous Taj Mahal, and is one of the
most famous tourist spots of India. It is located about 204 km south of
Delhi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the west bank of
river the Yamuna, Agra is the city of tombs and memorials. Agra is known
for its Taj Mahotsav (Taj Festival). This cultural festival is held in the
month of February every year, and thousands of tourists throng to it from
all over the world. The Taj Mahotsav brings traditional Indian music and
dance on a single platform for tourists to enjoy.
Agra has a rich historical background, which is manifested in the numerous
historical monuments in and around the city. Agra was founded by Sikandar
Lodhi of the Lodhi dynasty of the Sultanate of Delhi in the 16th century.
Babur, who was founder of the Mughal dynasty in India ntroduced the concept
of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort,
while Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked
the zenith of Mughal architecture, by building the Taj, the unspeakably
beautiful riverside mausoleum that is undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction
of Agra.
Tourist Places in Agra
Some of the most famous tourist sites to see when you travel to Agra are
listed below.
» Taj Mahal Agra
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is a dream in white marble
with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different
types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay
work done on the interiors. On a trip to this magnificent monument, it is
better not to rush into seeing things, but to linger in the gardens, admire
the scenic beauty, and take your time.
» Itmad-ud-daulahs Tomb Agra
Built in memory of Mirza Ghiyas this tomb is also known as the baby
Taj, it was the first Mughal structure completely built from marble
and first to make extensive use of pietra dura.
» Agra Fort
Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna, the Agra Fort
dominates the centre of the city. The crescent-shaped fort has a 20-metre
high and 2.4-km long outer wall that contains a maze of buildings that form
a small city within a city. The Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience), the
Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience), the octagonal tower known as Musamman
Burj, Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the
Grape Garden) are the other places to see within the fort.
» Jama Masjid Agra
The Jama Masjid is a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. It
has a rectangular open forecourt and no minarets. Its sandstone domes have
a striking marble patterning.
» Sikandra in Agra
The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar represents Akbars philosophy
and secular outlook, by blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian
motifs and styles.
» Dayal Bagh in Agra
Dayal Bagh is the headquarters of the Radhaswami sect and a beautiful white
pietra dura marble inlay temple is being built here. The temple has been
under construction for almost 100 years now.
» Rambagh in Agra
Ram Bagh is one of the earliest Mughal Gardens in the country and was laid
out by Emperor Babar.
Excursions in Agra
Agra offers a number of excursion sites nearby.
» Mathura
47 km from Agra, Mathura is a famous and important pilgrim place of the
Hindus since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura is also an important
crafts centre.
» Vrindavan
Vrindavan is associated with the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna. It
has scores of temples, shrines, and memorial stones and hermitages of the
saints and Krishnas followers. Govind Dev Temple, the 150-year-old
Ranganathan Temple, the ISKCON Temple etc are located here.
» Gokul
Lord Krishna is believed to have been raised secretly in Gokul. One of the
most notable structures here is the Chaurasi Khamba (84 pillars), also known
as Nand Maharajas house. Most of the temples and structures here are
built around the legends.
» Fatehpur Sikri
The Mughal Emperor Akbar built the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri
in AD 1564. Some of the major attractions of this city are the marble tomb
of Sheikh Salim Chisthi, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas,
Jodha Bais Palace and Birbal Bhavan.
Govardhan Hill, Bhandirvan, Keetham Lake are all associated with Lord Krishna.
The industrial city of Ferozabad famous for its glassware, and Aligarh,
famous for the Aligarh Muslim University and for its locks, lie close by.
How to Reach Agra
Agra is well connected by air as well as road to India. The Agra airport
is 7 km from the city center and daily tourist shuttle flights operates
to Agra, and back. Flight time from Delhi to Agra is only 40 minutes. Agra
is well connected by railroad to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan..
The main railway station is Agra Cantonment.
We offer complete travel and tour packages to the historic city of Agra
that are inclusive of hotel booking, air booking services as well as cab
and car hire services for the entire duration of your stay there. Our Agra
tour packages or Taj Tour packages are convenient and cost effective travel
options that offer you unique sight seeing opportunities.