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India » Agra
 City Guide
 
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Come to Agra, India, and see the Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel in white marble. The Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, for his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal, is the finest example of Mughal architecture in India and a symbol of eternal love. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is a sublime expression of architectural skill and a historic and romantic destination. The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is a mesmerizing sight. This beautiful marble structure is considered to be aesthetically perfect in its design. Seeing the Taj Mahal by moonlight is truly an unforgettable sight. The enchantingly beautiful Taj Mahal, a monument to love, has to be seen once in your lifetime, preferably in the company of a loved one.
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AIR
Indian Airlines operates a daily hopping flight on the Delhi-Agra-Varanasi-Khajuraho sector.
AIRPORT
Kheria Airport, located 7 km from the city centre.
RAIL
The Shatabdi and Taj Express from New Delhi are amongst the more convenient trains to Agra. Other trains connecting Agra to important cities include the Udyan Abha Toofan Express, Nizamuddin Intercity Express, Kerala Express, Ahmedabad-Gorakhpur Express and Punjab Mail. Railway Station: The city has many railway stations but the main are the Raja ki Mandi and Agra Cantt.
ROAD
Good motorable 4 lane highway takes about four hours to drive down to Agra from Delhi covering a distance of 203 kms. Bus terminus: Buses mostly halt at the Idgah Bus Stand but those coming in from Mathura terminate at the Fort Bus Stand. Certain buses from Delhi come here too.
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Population: 1,400,000
Climate: Extremely hot in summers - Months May - June. Its cold and foggy in winters- Months Nov - Jan.
Languages: Hindi, Urdu, and English.
STD Code: 0562
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Taj Mahal
This most extravagant monument of love is the reason most foreign tourists buy their ticket to India. Built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14th child, Taj Mahal has indeed placed Agra on the world map. The construction of the Taj lasted over two decades, involving an army of 20,000 workers assembled from across the country. Open between 6 am to 7 pm daily except Fridays, the entry ticket is Rs 20 per person for Indian nationals and $17 for foreigners.
Agra Fort
The Agra Fort, on the banks of the river Yamuna, was the seat of the Moghul Empire for a long time. The three Mughal emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan, contributed to its construction. This massive complex should be visited for its magnificent architectural styles reflected in the Diwan-e-Am, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Pearl Mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Palace of Mirrors and more. Visitors can enter only through the Amar Singh Gate.
Jama Masjid
Muslims throng the majestic Jama Masjid on Fridays from all over. A flight of stairs in the midst of a bustling bazaar lead up to this monument. Pigeons enough to outdo London s Trafalgar Square inhabit the tomb. Entry is free.
Akbar s Tomb
Akbar s mausoleum, designed by the Emperor himself, stands pretty in its white and red combination of marble and red stone.The Buland Darwaza or the gateway of magnificence , flanked by minarets, marks the entry to the tomb. Located about 10 km from Agra along the Grand Trunk Road, entry fee to this monument is only Rs 12.Those bringing in a video camera pay a wee bit extra.
Itmad-ud-Daula
Mirza Ghiyas Beg was the son of Khawaja Muhammad Sharif, who was the wazir (Prime Minister) of Khurasan. After the death of his father, Mirza Ghiyas came to India and was introduced to Akbar who enrolled him in the imperial service. Mirza was an able man and rose high by the sheer dint of his merit. On Jahangir s succession in 1605 he became Wazir and received the title of Itmad-ud-Daula (Pillar of Government). Jahangir fell in love with his daughter Mehrunnissa, better known as Nurjahan, and married her in 1611. It was Noor Jahan who built the tomb for her father in 1628AD, 6 years after his death.
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Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, a mere half-hour by road from Agra (34 km), is a must-see. Built by Akbar in 1568 as his capital, the town s palaces, courts and other monuments are a perfect example of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. According to one account, the red sandstone city was abandoned 14 years later due to water scarcity. Salim Chishti s dargah or tomb in the Royal Mosque is another major draw; it continues to attract pilgrims in large numbers who come here to have their wishes fulfilled. Sur Sarovar
Sur Sarovar, or Keetham Lake, linked by a motorable road, is a picnic spot that has some beautiful fish and water-birds. Fishing is allowed here.
Firozabad
The main attraction here are the glass factories. Reasonably priced glassware is available at the factory shops. Buses connect you to the place from Agra.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, 86 km from Mathura, is a place dedicated solely to Lord Krishna. Famous for its Govind Dev Temple and Krishna-Balram Temple, Vrindavan is well connected by rail and road from Delhi, Agra and Lucknow.
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| Agra gets tourists right through the year and people who visit Agra have a variety of shopping complexes to visit! Kohinoor at 41, Mahatma Gandhi Road, has a fabulous collection of jewellery. It s also much visited for its marble and inlay work in bright and dynamic colours. Agra also offers semi-precious stone jewellery that is typical of the ornate Moghul style. Catch up with all this and more at the Handikrafts Inn on Fatehabad Road. Agra is also known for leather items including shoes, sandals and belts. Get yourself handicrafts and musical instruments from the Handicrafts Gallery at Jasoria Enclave, also on Fatehabad Road Paintings and silk embroidered items are great buys too. |
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