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Agra

Known For The Wealth Of Architecture, Handicrafts & Jewellery

Welcome to the home of some of the world famous monuments that are an epitome of skilled craftsmanship and timeless beauty, including Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Agra is considered one of the most remarkable cities of the world because of the rich Mughal architectures. Agra was the capital of India during the Mughal rule (in the 16th and 17th century) and it still seems to ber associated with the memorable Mughal period.

Founded in 1475 during the reign of Raja Badal Singh, Agra is something more than just a dacadent city of graveyards and stones. Located in Uttar Pradesh, about 200 km from Delhi and 60 km from Mathura, it has been a vibrant centre of culture, art and religious philosphies for centuries. Agra is visited for its superb inlay work on marble and soastone by craftsmen who are supposed to be the descendant of those who worked under the Mughals.

Best Time To Visit

Agra enjoys extreme and tropical climate throughout the year. Summers are extremely hot, winters are cold and foggy, and monsoon witnesses heavy rains and high humidity. The most suitable time to visit Agra is winter season.

Prime Attractions

Taj Mahal (The Symbol Of Love)

One of the most popular and most beautiful monument of the world, Taj Mahal is famous for its marvelous white marble beauty. Because of its spell binding beauty and architectural characterstics, Taj Mahal is declared as one of the seven wonders of the world. The monument was built by Shahjahan in the memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. The wonder provides you with an opportunity to feel the greatness of love.

Agra Fort

This majestic monument built in red sandstone reflects the grandness of royal Mughal era. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar on the bank of River Yamuna, it boasts of being one of the finest Mughal structure. It was used as the royal residence.

Jahan Gir Mahal

Situated inside Agra fort, this beautiful palace was basically the Zenana Palace (Palace for royal women, mainly for Rajput wives of Akbar). It is a perfect example of the typical Indo-Islamic architectural pattern.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah

The ancient tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, Itmad-ud-Daulah was built by Noorjahan, Emperor Jehangir's Queen. Mirza Ghyas Beg, a persian who had obtained service in Akbar Court, was Noorjahan's father. Intricate carvings and other inlay works like 'Pietra Dura' are quite similar to those on Taj Mahal.

Sikandra Fort

A unique blend of Hindu and Muslim architectures, this fort was completed in 1613 A.D. by Emperor Jahangir (Akbar's son). This well preserved monuments serves as the last resting place of Akbar. The tomb of Emperor Akbar stands in the centre of a huge garden, enclosed by high walls. The garden is designed as per the conventional 'Charbagh' plan (divided in four parts with a water stream in the middle of it). The four minarets, made of red sandtone, are inlaid with white marble polygonal patterns.

Radha Swami Samadhi

Often called 'Dayal Bagh', this majestic building (with 110 feet height) is the resting place of the founder of Radha Swami Sect 'Swamiji Maharaj'. This highly revered place is made of pure white marble and is under construction from last over 100 years (because of the belief that the construction of the building should never stop).

Shopping

Agra is a shoppers delight too. Market areas like the Taj Complex, Kinari Bazaar, Sanjay Palace and Munro Road, are quite famous for the miniature of the Taj Mahal (replica of the Taj), leather bags, chappals and leather shoes, carpets, gold thread embroidery etc. Besides, Petha (a sweetmeat) is the speciality of Agra which can be taken from any corner of the city.

Getting There

By Air

Flights connect Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho, Varanasi and several other major tourist destinations.

By Rail

Agra lies on the Delhi to Mumbai broad gauge railway line. It is connected to almost all the major cities of India.

By Road

Agra has the National Highway 2, 3, 11 passing through it. Therefore it is well connected to Delhi (203 km), Jaipur (236 km), Mathura (58 km), Gwalior (118 km) and other important cities of India.