Agra, or the city
of the Taj, as it is known all over the world, is the goal of a pilgrimage
to the creative best. Craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked
under the Mughals know Agra for its superb inlay work on marble and
soapstone. Though its political significance ended with the transfer of
the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, it's architectural wealth has
definitely secured international fame for carpets, gold thread embroidery
and leather shoes
Attractions In & Around
Agra Fort :- Located
on the banks of the Yamuna 2 kms. Northwest of the Taj Mahal, designed and
built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque
and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas,
Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid.
Akbar's Mausoleum :- Situated about 10 km
from Agra, in the small town of Sikandra (4 KM from Agra), this mausoleum
is a fusion of Muslim Hindu architectural style. It was started by Akbar
but completed by his son Jehangir in 1605.
Chini-Ka-Rauza :- Chini-ka-rauza is
located on the east bank of Yamuna river less than 1 km north of
Itmad-ud-daulah. Afzal Khan, a Persian poet and Shah Jahan’s prime
minister built it in 1635. It depicts the Persian influence on Mughal
architecture.
Dayal Bagh :- Temple15 kms. from Agra, Dayal
Bagh (Soamibagh) houses the samadhi of the founder of Radha Swami faith,
'Swamiji Maharaj'. The main structure is a majestic building, 110 feet in
height, built of pure white marble. The belief here is that construction
work should never end, making it into a living monument, hence it is under
construction for almost 100 years.
Itimad-Ud-Daulah :- This tomb was erected by
Nur Jahan- one of the Mughal empresses, in memory of her father
Ghiasud-Din-Beg between 1622-1628 A.D. After Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, this
mausoleum is the most important monument in Agra. This tomb of
Itmad-ud-Daulah is considered as the imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal.
Jehangir Palace :- Jehangir’s palace is
the largest private residence in the Agra Fort built by Akbar for his son.
The palace displays an interesting blend of Hindu and central Asian
architectural styles - a contrast to the unique Moghul style which had
developed by the time of Shah jahan.
Mariyam 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.
Ram Bagh :- It is one of the earliest
Mughal gardens, created by Emperor Babar in 1528, a couple of kilometres
north of Chini-ka-rauza. It is said that Babar was temporarily buried here
before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan. Its original
name was Aram Bagh (Garden of Rest).
Taj Mahal :- Taj Mahal located on the
banks of the Yamuna River is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The
Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial built this marble tomb to his wife,
Mumtaz Mahal.
The Octagonal Tower :- Shah Jahan built
octagonal tower of Musamman Burj inside the Agra fort for his wife, Mumtaz
Mahal. It was here that Shah Jahan spent last seven years of his life
imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The tower is considered to provide one of
the best views of the Taj.
Getting in, Around & Away
AIR : Agra airport is about 7 kms. from the city center and 3 km from
Idgah bus stand. Indian airlines operate daily tourist shuttle flights to
Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back.
RAIL : Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the
Agra Cantonment station. Trains like Palace on Wheel, Shatabdi, Rajdhani,
and Taj Express are the best choices to reach Agra from Delhi.
Tourist Information Center
1 Tourist Information Centers(Govt)
Government of India Tourist Office, Mall Road, Agra
Tel : (0562)363377
2. UPTDC, Near Clarks Shiraz,
64, Taj Road, Agra
Tel: (0562) 360517
3. Tourist Information Counter -
Agra Cantonment Railway Station,
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Tel. - +(91) - 0562 – 368598
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