Agra, once a small administrative unit, rose to become a world-renowned city with the arrival of the Mughals. Its transformation was centered around the timeless creation, Taj Mahal, making Agra a place of great historical significance. Its mention in the epic 'Mahabharata' as Agarbana is a testament to its importance in Braj Bhumi. In recent history, Raja Badam Singh's reign saw Agra thrive, while Sikandra Lodhi made it his capital. The golden age of Agra began in 1526 A.D. when Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan transformed it into a center of art, culture, learning, and commerce.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal, the "Poem in Marble," is a marvel of architectural beauty and one of the eight wonders of the world. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, construction began in 1631 and took 22 years to complete.
The renowned Islamic architect Ustad Isa Khan oversaw the project, with 20,000 skilled workers from India and Central Asia employed to produce the intricate marble screens and inlaid pietra dura. Artisans from Delhi, Kannauj, Lahore, Multan, Baghdad, Shiraz, and Bukhara were among those who contributed to the Taj's exquisite design.
The Taj stands on a raised, square platform with truncated corners, forming an unequal octagon. Its striking central dome is surrounded by smaller domes, and its arches are adorned with scriptures from the Holy Quran. Inside, finely cut marble screens inlaid with 43 different types of precious stones protect the two subterranean vaults, where Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are buried side by side.
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| Agra Fort |
Agra Fort
Construction of this grand fort on the banks of the Yamuna River began in 1565 under the rule of Emperor Akbar, with further enhancements added by his grandson, Shah Jahan. The expansive fort boasts walls stretching 2.5 km in length and is encompassed by a 10 m wide moat. Presently, only the Amar Singh gate is open to visitors, with access granted from sunrise to sunset. Despite its imposing exterior, the fort contains an inner sanctuary of extraordinary beauty.
Diwan-e-Am - This hall of public hearing is the place where the Emperor heard the petitions of the public and met the officials.
Diwan-e-Khas - This was the hall of private audience.
Octagonal Tower - It was here that Shah Jahan spent last seven years of this life imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb.
Moti Masjid - Made out of white marble, it is one of the ancient mosques situated in Agra
Sheesh Mahal - It is a creation of myriad glass pieces and central fountain.
Jahangiri Mahal - It was built by Akbar as women's Quarters.
Jehangir Palace - This was built by Akbar for his favorite son Jehangir to provide him with the comfort and luxury inside.
Mina Masjid - It is enclosed on all the four sides by high walls. The marble mosque has three small arches in its facade, which are plain and unadorned.
Machhi Bhawan - Opposite to the Diwan-E-Khas is the machhi bhawan, the fish enclosure.
Anguri Bagh - These 85 square geometric gardens lie to the left of the fort.
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| Jama Masjid |
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is a significant part of Fatehpur Sikri and is considered as one of the largest mosques in India. Its construction was completed in 1572 AD, and it is also referred to as Darrgah Mosque. The mosque's architecture reflects a blend of Persian and Hindu design elements, and it is believed to have been modeled after the mosque in Mecca. |
| Mariyam's Tomb |
Mariyam's Tomb
A distinctive red sandstone mausoleum was constructed in 1611 AD as a tribute to Mariyam, the Christian wife of Emperor Akbar, who hailed from Goa. |
| Itmad-ud-daulah |
Itmad-ud-daulah
Itmad-ud-daula showcases a magnificent marble mausoleum built between 1622-1628 AD by Nurjehan, the wife of Emperor Jehangir, in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The intricate workmanship displayed in the monument anticipates the splendid craftsmanship of the Taj Mahal. |
| Akbar's Mausoleum |
Akbar's Mausoleum
The tomb of Akbar, made of sandstone and marble, is situated in a garden in Sikandra, approximately 4 km from Agra. The construction of the tomb was initiated by Akbar himself and incorporates a blend of various motifs and styles from Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Christian cultures. Although Akbar's son Jehangir completed the mausoleum, the tomb remains an exemplary masterpiece of architecture. Its red sandstone structure is decorated with abstract white marble patterns, and each corner features a three-story minaret. The name "Sikandra" is derived from Sikander Lodi, who was the Sultan of Delhi from 1488 to 1517 and had built the Baradi Palace within the same garden as the mausoleum.
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| Fatehpuri Sikri |
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, much like a fleeting cactus flower that momentarily embellishes the desert, enjoyed a short-lived period of splendor. Its construction lasted only 15 years before it was abandoned due to water scarcity. Despite its brief existence, this magnificent town had once served as the capital of the Mughal Empire. The stunning marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi, located here, remains a significant pilgrimage site for thousands of people seeking the blessings of the revered saint. |
| Chini Ka Rauza |
Chini Ka Rauza
Chini Ka Rauza is believed to have been constructed by Afzal Khan, a prominent member of Shahjahan's court. The facade of this structure is adorned with glazed tiles, showcasing the Persian influence on Mughal architecture. |
Ram Bagh Ram BaghThis garden, which dates back to 1528 and is considered the earliest Mughal garden, was designed by Babar. It is rumored that Babar's temporary burial took place here before his permanent interment in Kabul, Afghanistan. |
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| Mathura City |
Mathura
Mathura, an ancient city with a history dating back to 1500 BC, is renowned as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Its sacred significance has made it a popular destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual fulfillment. |
| Vrindavan City |
Vrindavan
Located in Uttar Pradesh, just 10 km from Mathura, Brajbhoomi is considered the heartland of Lord Krishna's legend. It is situated to the northwest of Agra.Tajmahotsav: A festival of art, craft, culture and celebrations, organized by U.P Tourism, is held every year between 18th to 27th Feb.
Kailash fair (Aug/Sept) - Held at Kailash it's a major fair celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva who is believed to have appeared here in the form of a stone lingam.
Sheetala fair (July/Aug) - It is held near Delhi Gate.
Bateshwar Fair - This festival is held annually during the month of November at Bateshwar, 65 kms from Agra.
Urs (Fatehpur Sikri) - This fair is organized at Sheikh Salim Chisthi's Dargah, during the month of Ramzan.
Shopping
Handicrafts - Agra is known for its fabulous handicrafts, made of marble and soft stone inlay work. Besides inlay work other handicrafts are: leather ware, brassware, carpets, jewellery and embroidery work.
Leather Items - Agra is the hub of hand made leather items.
Main shopping areas - Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal Complex. Shopping is recommended at the Govt. Emporia or Souvenir Shops approved by Uttar Pradesh Tourism.
Tourist Information Center:
Phone: 0562-2226431
(10:00am to 5:00pm)
U.P. Tourism office: 64, Taj road is closed on Sunday, 2nd Saturday and govt holidays.
Phone: 0562-2421204
(Everyday : 6:30am to 9:30pm)
(Everyday : 6:30am to 9:30pm)
Phone: 0562-2230230
(Police Station (24 hours)
How to reach
In terms of connectivity, the is destination are well defined by all means of transport be it Air, Rail or Road.
Air - Agra's Kheria Airport 7 kms from town connects Agra with Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi.
Rail - Agra is connected by rail with major cities. Shatabdi and Taj Express and Intercity express link Agra to Delhi. The palace also visits Agra city on wheels.
Road - National highway Nos, 2, 3 and 11 pass through Agra and link it to all parts of the country. Distance: Delhi 204 kms, Jaipur 237 kms, Khajuraho 395 kms, Mathura 54 kms, Gwalior 110 kms, Lucknow 35 7 kms, Bharatpur 54 kms, Varanasi 605 kms.
General Information:
Temperature
Summer: 21.9 Degree Celsius to 45.0 Degree Celsius
Winter: 4.2 Degree Celsius to 31.7 Degree Celsius
Language Spoken
English, Hindi
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| Agra City map |
