Agra, The Marble Milieu
Known as the city of Taj, Agra narrates the romantic tale
of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The city was chosen by Mughal emperor Akbar
as his capital and today, it successfully represents Mughal culture and
traditions on parallel lines with the modernity it embodies in the form of
the high-tech industrialized city with shopping malls, plazas, and
high-rising building.
Quick Facts
- Location : Situated in North India in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a small city on the western banks of sacred River Yamuna, 203 km from Delhi and 237 km from Jaipur.
- Climate : Extreme temperature prevails in this city with maximum temperature in summer moths (April-June) touching 47 degree Celsius and minimum temperature in winter months (December-mid-January) reaching 5 degree Celsius.
- Known For : Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, tombs and memorials, zardozi work, marble inlay work, Mughlai cuisine.
- Best Time for Visit : January to April and September to November
Major Attractions
Taj Mahal: The magnificent piece of Mughal architecture, which astonishes all who visit the monument has a golden fantasy tale of Shah Jahan's love for his wife Mumtaz, behind its making. The grand Taj Gateway hiding the monument like a veil, the char bagh overlooking the edifice, adorned with fountains showing the beauty of a woman, the pietra dura work on the tombs and the perfect symmetrical structure makes it an unparalleled wonder which leaves every visitor awestruck.
Agra Fort: Spanning almost 2 km along the banks of river Yamuna, the fort was built by Mughal emperor Akbar. It was the place where Shah Jahan, Akbar's son, took his last breadth, watching his marvelous creation as h e was locked in the fort by his son Jahangir.
Chini Ka Rauza : Famous for its inverted lotus style of tomb, floral motifs and breathtaking Persian architecture, Chini ka Rauza is the mausoleum of Shakrulla Shiraz, Shah Jahan's favorite poet and was built in 1639 AD with abundant use of colorful tiles called chini, is an architectural stunner in its own right.
Fatehpur Sikri: The well planned town of Mughal era Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar to honor the revered Sufi Saint Shaikh Salim Chishti. It is located 40 km from Agra and is worth a stoppage while going from Agra to Jaipur.
Itmad-Ud-Daullah's Tomb: The ornamental mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah was built by his daughter Nur Jahan after her marriage to Mughal emperor Jahangir. The delicate inlay work on the outer walls give it an appearance of an intricate jewel box.
Recreation Centres
Sur Sarovar and Keertham Lake: The best way to relax after a visit to the Mughalian past is to have a bird-watching session at the Sur Sarovar or the Keertham lake which are very close to the main city of Jaipur.
Agra Golf Club: Imagine a green landscape with a scenic vie of Taj Mahal in the backdrop, serene atmosphere and lovely clear whether, what else can a golfer ask for. Agra golf course at Circuit House Campus is just the best place for a golfer for all the fun and excitement and a truly amazing experience of a nice shot!
Fairs And Festvals
Taj Mahotsav :A ten day festival in February, it is the favorite time of tourists to visit Agra and witness the city in its best colors. The celebration takes place in the laps of Taj Mahal and people enjoy the traditional food, camel rides, folk dances, songs, performances by celebrities, ghazal evenings, procession of bejeweled elephants and camels in the grand Mughal style,plunge in shopping expedition with displays of crafts, inlay works, pottery, carpets, traditional jewelery, silk textiles, foot wears, accessories and take back a whole lot of priceless souvenirs for friends and relatives.
Bateshwar Fair and Kailash Fair
Both the annual fairs are devoted to the Hindu Lord Shiva. The Batehswar fair takes place in the months of October-November and is marked by devotees taking holy dips in River Yamuna, as a symbol of purification. A cattle fair also takes place which attracts huge participation from the locals. The Kailash Fair is celebrated in the monsoon months of July-August to celebrate the appearance of shiva lingam in the sacred place.
Shopping Expeditions
Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal Complex are the markets where you can find the intricately crafted show-pieces, wall hangings, gif items, handicrafts, leather goods, marble miniatures and a wide range of sandlewood and rosewood items at the best available prices.
Food Fiesta
Taj Kheema, Dasa Prakash, Olive Garden Multicuisine Restaurant: Enjoy the Mughlai Feasting at restaurants in Agra to savor the specialty of city at its best, ranging from kebabs, chicken curries to dalmoth and pethas.
How To Get There
Air : Kheria Airport is the nearest domestic Airport, just 6 km away. Regular flights connect the city to the major metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Mumbai.
Rail : The 'Palace on wheels' is a luxurious option available to visit Agra. Shatabdi and Rajdhani are the super fast trains connecting Delhi to Agra. Agra Cantt is the main station of the city.
Road : Agra is connected to Delhi by National Highway 2 ensuring a safe and speedy drive. Idgah Bus Terminal provides all the buses to main centres in and around Agra like Mathura and Fatehpur Sikri.
Taj Mahal: The magnificent piece of Mughal architecture, which astonishes all who visit the monument has a golden fantasy tale of Shah Jahan's love for his wife Mumtaz, behind its making. The grand Taj Gateway hiding the monument like a veil, the char bagh overlooking the edifice, adorned with fountains showing the beauty of a woman, the pietra dura work on the tombs and the perfect symmetrical structure makes it an unparalleled wonder which leaves every visitor awestruck.
Agra Fort: Spanning almost 2 km along the banks of river Yamuna, the fort was built by Mughal emperor Akbar. It was the place where Shah Jahan, Akbar's son, took his last breadth, watching his marvelous creation as h e was locked in the fort by his son Jahangir.
Chini Ka Rauza : Famous for its inverted lotus style of tomb, floral motifs and breathtaking Persian architecture, Chini ka Rauza is the mausoleum of Shakrulla Shiraz, Shah Jahan's favorite poet and was built in 1639 AD with abundant use of colorful tiles called chini, is an architectural stunner in its own right.
Fatehpur Sikri: The well planned town of Mughal era Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar to honor the revered Sufi Saint Shaikh Salim Chishti. It is located 40 km from Agra and is worth a stoppage while going from Agra to Jaipur.
Itmad-Ud-Daullah's Tomb: The ornamental mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah was built by his daughter Nur Jahan after her marriage to Mughal emperor Jahangir. The delicate inlay work on the outer walls give it an appearance of an intricate jewel box.
Recreation Centres
Sur Sarovar and Keertham Lake: The best way to relax after a visit to the Mughalian past is to have a bird-watching session at the Sur Sarovar or the Keertham lake which are very close to the main city of Jaipur.
Agra Golf Club: Imagine a green landscape with a scenic vie of Taj Mahal in the backdrop, serene atmosphere and lovely clear whether, what else can a golfer ask for. Agra golf course at Circuit House Campus is just the best place for a golfer for all the fun and excitement and a truly amazing experience of a nice shot!
Fairs And Festvals
Taj Mahotsav :A ten day festival in February, it is the favorite time of tourists to visit Agra and witness the city in its best colors. The celebration takes place in the laps of Taj Mahal and people enjoy the traditional food, camel rides, folk dances, songs, performances by celebrities, ghazal evenings, procession of bejeweled elephants and camels in the grand Mughal style,plunge in shopping expedition with displays of crafts, inlay works, pottery, carpets, traditional jewelery, silk textiles, foot wears, accessories and take back a whole lot of priceless souvenirs for friends and relatives.
Bateshwar Fair and Kailash Fair
Both the annual fairs are devoted to the Hindu Lord Shiva. The Batehswar fair takes place in the months of October-November and is marked by devotees taking holy dips in River Yamuna, as a symbol of purification. A cattle fair also takes place which attracts huge participation from the locals. The Kailash Fair is celebrated in the monsoon months of July-August to celebrate the appearance of shiva lingam in the sacred place.
Shopping Expeditions
Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal Complex are the markets where you can find the intricately crafted show-pieces, wall hangings, gif items, handicrafts, leather goods, marble miniatures and a wide range of sandlewood and rosewood items at the best available prices.
Food Fiesta
Taj Kheema, Dasa Prakash, Olive Garden Multicuisine Restaurant: Enjoy the Mughlai Feasting at restaurants in Agra to savor the specialty of city at its best, ranging from kebabs, chicken curries to dalmoth and pethas.
How To Get There
Air : Kheria Airport is the nearest domestic Airport, just 6 km away. Regular flights connect the city to the major metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Mumbai.
Rail : The 'Palace on wheels' is a luxurious option available to visit Agra. Shatabdi and Rajdhani are the super fast trains connecting Delhi to Agra. Agra Cantt is the main station of the city.
Road : Agra is connected to Delhi by National Highway 2 ensuring a safe and speedy drive. Idgah Bus Terminal provides all the buses to main centres in and around Agra like Mathura and Fatehpur Sikri.
