Agra
City of The Taj Mahal...
Highlights : Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar Mausoleum or Sikandra Fort, Tonga Ride
Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Northwestern India. It is 378 kilometres (235 mi) west of the state capital, Lucknow, 206 kilometres (128 mi) south of the national capital New Delhi and 125 kilometres (78 mi) north of Gwalior. With a population of 1,686,993 (2013 est.), it is one of the most populous cities in Uttar Pradesh and the 19th most populous in India. Agra can also refer to the administrative district that has its headquarters in Agra city. It is a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Tāj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpūr Sikrī, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Agra is included on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Jaipur.
Agra By Road
Idgah Bus Stand, Taj Depot, Ford depot and Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) are some of the major Bus Stands in Agra which connect several other major cities of the country. NH 2 connects Delhi to Agra through Tughlakabad whereas NH 11 connects Agra to Jaipur via Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. NH 3 connects Agra to Jaipur via Agra –Mumbai Highway. Mathura (55 KM) and Delhi (184 KM) are few other major cities located near Agra.
Agra By Rail
Agra Cantt is the main railway station that lies in the southwest of the Taj and Agra Fort, both of which are located at a short ride from the station by car, auto-rickshaw, or cycle rickshaw. Agra Fort Railway Station is one of the oldest railway stations in the country from where you can find trains for several routes. The station has trains to eastern cities like Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Kolkata, Patna and central India like Ratlam, Nagda, Raja Ki Mandi, Idgah and Billochpura. Agra City and Yamuna Bridge are some of the other small stations where one can find trains for other routes. Trains like Palace on Wheels, and the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels also have stoppage in Agra.
Agra By Air
Agra Airport is situated at a distance of about 12.5 km from the city center (Indian Air Force Airport - no scheduled commercial flights).
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is a world famous monument of true love which makes it a favourite romantic destination. Because of Taj, Agra is popularly called as ‘City of love’. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Palace was built by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631. Made in white marble, it is the finest example of Mughal architecture showing influences of Islamic, Persian and Indian styles. Construction started in 1631 CE and the main monument was completed in 1648 CE. The gardens and outlying buildings were finished five years later in 1653 CE. In total it took 22 years to create this marvellous tomb.
In 1983, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was referred as “the jewel of Muslim art in India’’. It stands grandly by the banks of river Yamuna. The white marble was brought from Makrana in Rajasthan. Semi-precious stones used for interior decor were sourced from all over India , Afghanistan and Ceylon. The monument is situated in the centre of the Mughal garden. A beautiful reflection of the tomb can be seen in the raised marble water tank at the centre of the garden. The mausoleum showcases its beauty by displaying different shades of colours. It is pinkish in early morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines at night.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Open all days. (Closed on Friday)
Entrance Fee:
For Indians: Rs. 20
Foreign Tourists: Rs. 750Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is a beautiful mosque that is located in Fatehpur Sikri. It is quite large in area and was built in the year 1648 CE by Shahjahan's daughter Jehanara Begum. Visitors can enter inside through the massive gate of Buland Darwaza. Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, the famous Sufi saint is located inside the premises of Jama Masjid. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to visit this place. It should be noted that while visiting the religious place one should cover their head with a cloth.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Open all days.
Agra Fort
Popularly known as the Lal Qila of Agra, the Mughal castle has its origin in the Badalgarh Fort. According to archeologists, the Badalgarh palace was constantly captured by different rulers at different times. First, it was attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni who nearly destroyed it. Later, it was restored by the Chauhan Rajputs and again was captured by Lodi rulers of Delhi. In the Battle of Panipat (1526) Lodis were defeated and the fort was taken by the victor Babur. Later his grandson, Emperor Akbar reclaimed the fort from Suri rulers and started renovating it as per his requirements. The construction started in 1565 CE and was completed in 1573 CE. It is believed that additions were made up to Shahjahan’s period.
Rebuilt in red sandstone on the banks of river Yamuna, Agra was the throne of power of three generations of the great Mughal Emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shahjahan. As you walk inside the massive palace you’ll feel like reliving the grand royal lifestyle of the bygone era. The entry is allowed via Amar Singh Gate only. As you enter, you’ll come across Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience with numerous pillars which are believed to be made by Shahjahan in the year 1628. As you walk further, you’ll see Royal Pavilions full of elegant mosques comprising of Mina Masjid and Nagina Masjid, palaces like Macchi Bhavan, Sheesh Mahal, Khas Mahal and Zenana Mina Bazaar.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Open all days
Entrance Fee:
For Indians: Rs. 20
Foreign Tourists: Rs. 300
Free entry for children below the age of 15 years.
