Agra is a city in the North Indian State of Uttar Pradesh, some 201 km from the Indian capital city of New Delhi. Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings and tourist destinations in the world is also home to two other UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Agra Fort in the city and Fatehpur Sikri nearby. The sites are some of the wonders of the world and no trip to India is complete without at least one visit to the Taj Mahal.
Places to Visit :
Taj Mahal (3 Km): The inimitable poem on white marble is the finest expression of love of an emperor for his queen. Taj Mahal is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal, in 1532.
Agra Fort: Built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1555 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-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment besides Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb (5 Km): The tomb was built by Empress Noor Jahan, in memory of her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg in 1522-25A.D. This ornate tomb is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal; this small garden tomb reflects the taste and sophistication of the gifted queen. The warm yellow marble is highlighted with white and black marble inlay and the lacey pierced marble screens and rich, jewel-inlaid mosaics have a delicate, feminine quality that is pure enchantment.
Sikandara (12 Km): The tomb of Akbar was begun by the Emperor himself and completed by his son, Jehangir. This richly decorated structure is a quaint mixture of styles. The emperor began to build his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime, a red sandstone monument in a chahar-bagh or 4 square-formal garden. A magnificent marble-inlaid gateway leads up to the open, airy, four-tiered structure which is topped by a white marble cenotaph and screen on the fifth storey. This was added by Shahjahan who completed the mausoleum after his father's death.
Radhaswamy Samadhi, Dayalbagh: This highly ornate memorial to the founder of the Radhaswamy sect has been in the making for several years and is still being worked upon. It is entirely in marble, upon which every manner of ornamentation has been applied.
Jama Masjid: Of specific importance due to its assimilation of Iranian architectural elements, it was built in 1548 A.D. by Emperor Shah Jahan's daughter, Jahanara Begum.
Mariyam's Tomb (13 Km): Built for Emperor Akbar's Goan Wife Mariyam in 1511 A.D., the tomb has exceptional carvings and finished in red sandstone.
Chini-Ka-Roza (7 Km): The tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz is a memorial to the poet-scholar who later became the Prime Minister of Emperor Shah Jahan. The surface of the tomb is decorated with glazed tiles.
Ram Bagh (8 Km): The earliest example of a Mughal garden was created by the founder of the dynasty, Emperor Babur.
Fatehpur Sikri (37 Km): Fatehpur Sikri has its own tale. When everything failed, Emperor Akbar came here in search of the renowned Sufi mystic, Sheikh Salim Chishti to ask the blessing of a son. His prayer was heard and soon a son was born. In honour of the saint, Akbar named the prince Salim and vowed to found a new city. And so Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent new city rose on the craggy hills 40 Kms from Agra.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary(50 Km): Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India's most renowned water bird sanctuary lying in the neighbouring State of Rajasthan, is the winter home of the rare Siberian Crane. Approachable from Agra by road, a variety of accommodation is available, within and outside the National Park. (Season - October to February)
Sur Surover (Keeetham Lake) (23 Km): This 2.5 sq.kms lake, surrounded by the Surdas Reserve Forest harbors a variety of fish and water birds and is a popular picnic spot.
Aligarh (83 Km): A famous university town and age-old centre for learning especially for Islamic studies. Aligarh is also an important centre for handicrafts and metalware especially locks.
Bateshwar (70 Km): It is a temple town, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva. A huge cattle fair is organized from mid-October to mid-November. It is also a pilgrimage center for Jains.
Mathura-Vrindavan: Mathura on the banks of the River Yamuna is celebrated as the birth place of Krishna and the groves and ghats of nearby Brindavan with its thousands of shrines and temples still echo with stories and songs that recount the exploits of this charming place. |
