Agra
is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - The Taj
Mahal. The amenity of the legendary Mughal Empire is reminded in its
architectural magnificence of fort and palaces. The city was the capital of
the Mugal regime in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Bequeathed with the
excellent example of Mughal architecture, the city has emerges as the most
favorite of the tourist destination in India. A pleasant town with a
comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble
and is also famous for it's carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather
shoes. Within the reaches of the city lies Fatehpur Sikri, the glorious
capital built by Emperor Akbar.
Attractions of the city
Taj Mahal : The
peerless structure in white marble is the finest articulation of love of an
emperor for his queen. Taj was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for
his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal , in year 1632. This majestic tomb is crowned
on the banks of river Yamuna 3km from Mall.
Agra Fort : Built in
red sand stone by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is a chef
d'oeuvre of art and architecture. The fort comprises of are a number of
ethereal structures, including the Moti Masjid , Diwan -E-Am, Diwan-E-Khas
and Musamman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb : 6km from the Mall,
Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb was built by the queen Noor Jahan in memory of her
father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg in 1622-25 AD This luscious tomb is considered a
trailblazer of the Taj Mahal.
Jama Masjid : The masjid was built by Emperor Shah
Jahan's daughter Jahanara Begum in 1648 AD The construction of the building
is of due importance due to it's osmosis of Iranian architecture.
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 made entirely on marble,
upon which every manner of ornamentation has been applied.
Some of the other places popular among the tourists are Dayal Bagh 8 kms,
Chini-Ka-Roza 9 kms Mariyam's Tomb 13 km, Sikandra 10 kms, Motilal Nehru
Park and Shah Jahan Gardens & Rosary.
Excursions from Agra
Fatehpur Sikri : once the capital of Emperor Akbar lies
37km.from Agra. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri are affluent legacy of Mughal
regime. Due to a shortage of water in the city it was deserted after only
fifteen years and the capital was relocated back to Agra.
Sikandra : 10km from Agra is the monolith of Akbar is a
perfect blend of Hindu, Islamic architecture.
Rambagh 35km : is the majestic ruin of the Mughal city.
When Babur came to India he laid the first Mughal gardens 500 m North of the
Chini Ka Rauza.
Mathura : the birthplace of Lord Krishana is one of he
religious Hindu Pilrimage, 58km from Agra.
Bharatpur bird sanctuary : at a distance of 54 km. The
sanctuary covers an area of 29 km, is famous for its magnificent migratory
birds, Siberian Cranes.
Festivities
Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha and
Muharrum
the Muslim festivals are celebrated with much enthusiasm and fun
supported by assemblage and prayers. The city is also popular for its Id
Melas and the kaleidoscopic Tazias taken out on Muharram. Diwali, the main
festival of Hindus is also popularly celebrated in the city .
Sheetla Fair, Kailash Fair from August-September,
Bateshwar Fair November and Urs Fatehpur Sikri during Ramzan are some of
other festivals of Agra.
The Taj Mahotsav : Taj Mahotsav is a culturally
oscillating scaffold that brings together the finest Indian crafts and
cultural subtlety. The festival is held in Shiipgram just a km from Taj. The
festival is embellished with cultural folk music, classical dance
performances and poetry. Elephant and camel rides are also organized in this
fun and food festival.
Organized by: UP Tourism Department.
Duration: the festival is held between 18th and 27th of February for
10days.
Shopping
Agra is known for its craftsmen & handicrafts, marble and soft stone
inlay work, carpet and leather goods. The city is also famous for its
miniature replicas of the Taj. Main Shopping market is Taj Mahal complex,
Kinari Bazaar, Raja Mandi and Sadar Bazaar. Another foremost attraction in the tour of
Agra is 'Patha'a mouth watering sweet dish.
Souvenir Shops : The city has a number of Souvenir Shops
approved by U.P. Tourism details of which can be had from the local Tourist
Office.
Government Emporia : Gangotri, U.P. Govt. Handicrafts
Emporium, Taj Mahal Complex, U.P. Handloom, Sanjay Place, Hari Parbat, M.G.
Road.
Accessibility
Air : it is well connected with all the major parts of the country.
Convenient airports from Bombay are Jaipur (174 km) and Delhi (182 km) since
there are no direct flights to Agra from Mumbai.
Rail : Agra is between Delhi Mumbai broad-gauge railway line.
Palace on Wheel a luxurious train also covers Agra.
Road : Agra is connected to Delhi, Rajasthan and other cities of
Uttar Pradesh by an excellent bus service.
Within the city one can move around by the local transport that comprises
of cycle rickshaws, tongas and taxis.
