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.
Tourist Attraction in Agra
» 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.
Excursion From 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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