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Agra Information Guide Agra, the city of Taj Mahal, the greatest symbol of love in this world. Visit Taj Mahal in India, get well-packaged tours and Taj Mahal travel itineraries, and get to know the real cultural heritage of India with the Taj Mahal. |
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Agra Information Guide
People from all over the world come to Agra to see Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. It is located about 204 km south of Delhi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the west bank of river the Yamuna, Agra is the city of tombs and memorials. Agra is also known for its Taj Mahotsav. A cultural fest held in the month of February every year that enables to celebrate traditional Indian music and dance on a single platform. Thousands of tourists throng to it from all over the world.
» Taj Mahal : Agra is popular for beholding one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The architectural brilliance of the mansion, the fort and the palaces is a clear remainder of the mausoleums of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Taj Mahal is one of the World Heritage Monuments and attracts maximum number of tourists from all over the world.
The magnificent marble tomb was built between 1631 and 1653 by Shah Jahan, the Emperor of Agra. The Taj Mahal was built in memory of his wife Mumtaz, who died in childbirth.
» Agra Red Fort : The fort was originally built by Emperor Akbar and was later expanded by Aurangzeb. The fort's huge double walls rise over 20 m (65 ft) in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference. They are enclosed by a fetid moat and contain a maze of superb halls, mosques, chambers and gardens which form a small city within a city.
Shahjahan was kept captive by Aurangzeb in this red fort. He did gave his father a room with a view of the Taj Mahal, built by him. It is an interesting fort and worth seeing.
» Jama Masjid : The masjid was erected in the memory of Sheikh Salim Chisthi and his grandson Islam Khan by Jahanara Begum, Shahjahan's daughter, who was imprisoned with Shah Jahan by Aurangzeb,in the year 1648 A.D. The masjid exhibits a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. The building with its rectangular open forecourt, has no minarets but its sandstone domes have a striking marble patterning.
» Fatehpur Sikri : Between 1570 and 1586, this was the temporary capital of the Emperor Akbar, of the Moghul Empire. This impregnable city houses impressive gateways and ornamented palaces built in red sandstone. Among these architectural game are the palaces of Akbar's queen - Jodha Bai, Mariyam and his Turkish sultana, built in varying styles, each perfect in itself. It is 40 km west of Agra.
» Mathura : 47 km from Agra, Mathura is a important pilgrim place of the Hindus since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura is also an important crafts centre.
» Vrindavan : Vrindavan is linked with the childhood of Lord Krishna. It has scores of temples, shrines, and memorial stones and is famous for Krishna's followers. Govind Dev Temple, the 150-year-old Ranganathan Temple and many other interesting monuments are located here.
» Varanasi : Popularly known as Cultural capital of India, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities of the world. The city has a past that dates back to 3500 hundred years, during which it has continuously been populated. Varanasi is a restoration of an ancient name meaning the city between two rivers - the Varuna and Asi. There are supposed to be 2,000 temples in Varanasi.
» Gokul : Lord Krishna is believed to be raised secretly in Gokul. One of the most interesting structures here is the Chaurasi Khamba or 84 pillars, also known as Nand Maharaja's house. Most of the temples and structures here are built around the legends.
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Shopping
in Agra
There are series of good shops in Agra, where one can shop according to his budget and convenience. Agra is known for its impressive marble and soft stone inlay work. Shops like the Oswal Emporium, 30 Munro Road, and Subhash Emporium, 18/1 Gwalior Road are good marble shops. It is also famous for handicraft work that includes leather goods, brass ware, carpets, and jewelry. One must explore the following shopping areas around the Taj Complex: Sadar Bazaar and Fatehabad Road.  There are several large emporiums such as the Cottage Industries Exposition on the Fatehabad Road, has a good collection but it is shockingly expensive. Shilpgram is an exhaustive crafts village that has collection of arts and handicrafts from all over India and has a special feature of occasional live music and dance performances. Agra is one of the worst cities for touts, rickshaws drivers and guides, who want to show the best possible shops. Usually one has to pay more for their purchases, as a percentage is given to the person who brings you there that includes rickshaws drivers and guides. Shopping or loitering around the Mall, MG Road, Kinari Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar and the Taj Complex is fun, but you need to know what you're buying and be prepared to squabble. Those who have a sweet tooth can enjoy the Agra's famous delicacies- Petha and Ghazak, which are rare in taste. How to Reach Agra Agra can be accessed by train, air or by road. » Air : Kheria Airport of Agra is 9 km southwest of the city » Rail : The superfast Shatabdi Express which originates at the New Delhi railway station is rather convenient since it reaches Agra at early hours leaving the whole day for touring Agra. » Road : Buses usually depart from the Idgah bus stand, near Agra Cantt railway station. 
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