About Agra

The city of Agra is located approximately 205 Kilometers from Delhi.Any foreigner who visits India would know about the Taj Mahal, and any Indian would definitely have seen the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is a must-see place. However, one should also know that Agra does not offer anything else apart from deep rooted history. There is hardly any night life and the city as such is not very clean. But for those interested in history, this is as good as it can get. For those who plan to see only the Taj Mahal, a one day trip from Delhi should suffice.
Top ten best place to visit in Agra, Uttar Pradesh (India). These are must see places for all the tourists who visit Agra.Apart from the Taj Mahal, we would recommend Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri. If you have a couple of days, then you should also plan to visit Itimad ud daula and keep enough time for shopping and visiting the local market.

Taj Mahal - Ranked #1 of 10 attractions in Agra

The Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his Queen Mumtaz. Finished in by Marvel, it is perhaps India most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monuments took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, Masons and Jewellers to built. Verses from the Holy Koran are inscribed on the main gate and the domes. Inlay work using semi-precious stones decorate the Taj Mahal. Close-up photograph of a wall in The Taj Mahal showing inlay work. The Taj Mahal is built on the bank the river Yamuna.

While the Taj Mahal is a great site during the day, it is best viewed at night during a full moon.

Note: Foreigners are charged Rupees 750/- ($ 15 USD) as an entrance fee to view the Taj Mahal.

Best Time To Visit Taj :- The Taj Mahal is March to April and October to December. Expect heavy rainfall during monsoon season in July to September.There is always heavy traffic during days when there is a full

Open Time : 6 A.M. to 7.30 P.M. (Friday is closed)

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TAJ MAHOTSAV (SHILPGRAM)

Come February, and it's springtime. The time of the year when nature dawns all its colourful splendour and Agra bursts into colourful celebrations. For 10 days there is sheer celebration of U.P.'s rich heritage of arts, crafts, culture, cuisine, dance and music. Yes, it is Taj Mahotsav time again. There are festivities all around and Agra truly puts on the colours of joy and gets transformed into one non-stop carnival. Organized by U.P. Tourism and held as an annual event at Shilpgram, literally next door to the Taj Mahal, it is also a gentle peep into the rich heritage and extraordinary legacies of this wonderful land. The festivities commence with a spectacular procession inspired by mughal splendor. Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artistes and master craftsmen... all help recreate a visual delight reminiscent of the golden era of the Mughal Darbars.

18-27 FEBRUARY

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Agra Fort - Ranked  #2 of 10 attractions in Agra

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 A.D., although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hight an inner pardise. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 k.m., and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9 mt. wide and 10 mt. deep moats surround the outer wall.

There are number of exquisite building like the Moti Masjid-a white marvel mosque akin to a perfect pearl, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Musamman or Samman Burj-where Shahjahan was held captive in 1666 A.D.

Agra Fort is also a popular tourist attraction. The famous Taj Mahal can also be viewed from the Agra Fort.Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the Agra Fort and was able to view the reflection of the Taj Mahal in a precious diamond built strategically in one of the Fort walls. Agra fort was actually a "brick" fort, known as Badalgarh, built by a Rajput king, and when the Mughals conquered the north part of India, they realized the strategic importance of Agra and started constructing a proper fort. From Babur's time till Aurangzeb's period, over 5 generations, there were some additions being done to the fort. However the major part of the fort was constructed during Akbar's and Jahangir's rule. The fort hosted 500 odd buildings, but now unfortunately only 21 buildings are functional and most of the area is cordoned off and is under military occupation.

Hiring a guide is the best way to see the Fort. Photographers usually wait at the main gate and approach tourists to take their photographs for free. The idea being that if you like the photographs then you can buy them. These guys are actually pretty good and will walk around with you taking photographs using their own camera. You need not pay for their entrance fee as they are allowed in by the gate keepers for free.

These photographers know where to take pictures and will take some memorable photographs. They only charge for the pictures you buy and the price is quite reasonable. DON’T GIVE THEM YOUR CAMERA. They use their own camera.

There are a lot of architectural wonders to see at the Agra fort and we would strongly recommend that you take a guide. You can get a guide at the entrance of the fort, the authorized guides carry an identity card certified by the Agra tourism office. Alternatively you can also visit the tourist office in Agra and get a guide for the entire day, because you need a guide at most of the monuments (Agra fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri) Dont miss out on the optical illusions used in Agra fort, the echo system, the "AC" room, the sheesh mahal...the list is endless. Buy a UNESCO booklet (will cost you 100 INR) and you will get a fair idea of what places to see in Agra fort.

Agra fort also has a sound and light show, which is everyday in the evening. 7.00 pm show is in Hindi only and 8.00 pm show is in English. It is strictly ok, but do see the show for the fort - the fort looks spectacular at night.

Open Time : Sunrise to Sunset.

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Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah - Ranked  #3 of 10 attractions in Agra

Itmad-ud-Daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, a persian who had obtained service in Akbar Court. Itimad - ud - daula is a tomb built by Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir for her father Mirza Ghyas Beg. Noor Jahan was Mumtaz Mahal's (in whose memory the Taj Mahal was built) aunt. This tomb was built much before the Taj Mahal and has a nice blend of red stones and white marble. The Craftsmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal. It was here that. "Pietra Dura"-the inlay work on marble-so characteristic of the Taj-was first used.

The Itimad-ud-daula monument one can see two distinct types of marble work: marble inlay which is prominently seen in most of the monuments in Agra. It is perfected in the Taj Mahal monument. There is a popular belief that the marble inlay work originated from Europe and was perfected by Indian artisans during the Mughal period; however there are people who believe otherwise i.e. this art originated in India / Persia....well it doesn't matter because no matter where this art originated it looks stunning on white marble. And what is even more amazing is the fact that all this work was done more than 400 years ago when there were no tools, machinery - everything was "hand-made".

Open Time: Sun rise to Sunset.

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Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity - Ranked  #4 of 10 attractions in Agra

 Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata (Calcutta), India in 1950. For over forty years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s expansion, first through India and then to other countries. At the time of her death, they were operating 610 missions in 123 countries, including hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, soup kitchen, children and family counseling programs, orphanages and schools.

Mother Teresa’s Charity home in Agra has 48 children who are orphaned or come from poor families who can no longer provide for them; as well as 150 infirmed adults who can no longer care for themselves. The mission is solely reliant on private donations to support their cause. The Collette Foundation has committed to support Mother Teresa’s Charity Home for the next 2 years.

If you are visiting Mother Teresa’s, please note that the Collette Foundation doesn’t accept in kind donations. However, if you’d like to bring items directly to Mother Theresa’s we have some suggestions:

Vitamins / Sterile Gauze / Masks / Latex gloves

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Fathepur Sikri - Ranked  #5 of 10 attractions in Agra

Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. A city of yesteryear today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D.. Mughal Emperor Akbar had no heir. He visited holy men to enlist their prayers for his son. When he visited Sheikh Salim Chishti who was living at the village of Sikri the saint foretold the emperor that he would be blessed with a son. When is son was born, he is gratitude, constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to sortage of water and unrest in North-West, Akbar has to abandon this city. The beautiful marvel tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti still attracts thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned places are Dewane-e-Am, Dewane-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan. Fatehpur Sikri is about 39 K.M. from Agra.

Open Time : Sunrise to Sunset.

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Mehtab Bagh - Ranked  #6 of 10 attractions in Agra

 Mehtab Bagh:- Mehtab Bagh which means the “Moon light garden” was built on the northern side of the Taj Mahal complex and lies across the Yamuna River. It is also known as “Chaar Bagh”. The significant attraction of Mehtab Bagh is Taj Mahal it self. The place has been enriched with plants and at present more than 40 varities of plants bloom in the garden. Your visit to the beautiful garden will mark you treat your eyes far away from the hustle bustle of the busy town.

The Mehtab Bagh, a 25 acre garden plot constructed during 1631 to 1635 AD, is the moonlight garden located along the western side of bank of the river Yamuna. It is laid just across the Yamuna, aligned with the world famous Taj in a symmetrical style.

This is the ideal location from where one can view the perfect beauty of Taj Mahal under the romantic glossy moon light. This garden is one of the most attractive gardens in Agra and it replenish the grandeur era of Mughal dynasty in the minds of the traveler.

This picturesque area is now converted into the epic centre of the eco-friendly environment developing around Taj Mahal. The soft cool breeze from Yamuna and the fragrance of the colored flowers in the garden are sure to attract all visitors to this romantic place.

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Panch Mahal - Agra - Ranked #7 of 10 attractions in Agra

A big five storied pavilion placed in the Fatehpur Sikri fort complex, Panch Mahal was believed to be the pleasure and relaxation place for Mughal emperor Akbar. The pavilion is made up of beautiful red sandstone and is at the highest point in Fatehpur Sikri. This is a monument depicting the architectural marvel of Persian style of construction.

Panch Mahal was the residential pavilion for his queens and the pavilion has stone screens prohibiting the view from outside. Presently the screens were removed and the columns are visible from outside. There was a marvelous and imposing dome supported by four columns.

The pavilion steeps in a progressive style and each floor is connected to the next floor through well crafted stairs. The first floor has 84 pillars, second floor has 56 pillars, third floor has 20 pillars and the fourth floor has 12 pillars. All the pillars are carved with beautiful images and are very attractive.

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Khas Mahal - Ranked #8 of 10 attractions in Agra

Built by Shah Jehan between 1631-40, 'Khas Mahal' or 'Aramgah-i-Muqaddar' has river on the one side and Anguri Bagh on the other. Built for the two favorite daughters of Shah Jehan, Jahanara and Roshanara, it has a beautiful tank in front with fountains, white marble pavilions and open courts. The central hall or baradari and the adjoining colonnade or portico is almost of same size. The arched recesses of the main hall lead to the side rooms. The richly ornamented ceilings of the palace are flat and the complex has stylishly carved and molded brackets. The niches in the walls are believed to have contained portraits of Mughal emperors while the iron rings in the roof of the central hall were meant for the chandeliers.

It is believed that Jahanara lived in the northern one of the two almost identical pavilions separated from the central hall by a high marble wall. These red sand stone pavilions have been plastered with white shell plaster and have skilful gold work in its mural paintings. The interiors are profusely ornamented in floral and geometrical patterns from the dados to the ceiling. Gold and blue, the royal colors, have been abundantly used here and still their traces are visible on the walls.

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Ram Bagh - Ranked #9 of 10 attractions in Agra

The Ram Bagh is said to have been constructed by Babur. It is commonly believed that when Babur died in 1530 his mortal remains were temporarily kept in Chaubureja a place close to Itimad-ud-Daula tomb till these were taken for the final resting place at Kabul. The original name of the bagh was Aram Bagh, which was later corrupted to Ram Bagh under the Marathas, when they occupied Agra from 1775 to 1803 AD The first historical mention of this garden site as the Bagh-Nur-Afshan led some historians to believe that this name had been derived from a garden ( Bagh –Gul- Afshan or Nur Afshan ) in Kabul. The garden was in good maintenance under Jahangir as confirmed by Tazuk-I- Jahangiri. It gets additional support from the paintings and epigraphical evidences found in some of the remaining structures of this garden. Colossal walls enclose the garden with corner towers crowned by pillared pavilions. The garden is divided into quarters by stone paved pathways. On the north- eastern side of this building, there exists another terrace, from which steps leads to a Hammam. The rooms of the Hammam, now in ruins bear evidence of a vaulted one roof. Immediately north side of this garden, there is a row of ruined houses with a gateway, built of red sandstone at each end.

The layout of the garden complex is not on the formal Char Bagh pattern, but confirms rather to the pattern of Bagh- Hasht-Behisht. In the garden three levels have been maintained, one for flowers and vegetables, second for flower beds, with fine stone paved terraces and kiosk and the third one has structures, terraces and tanks.

Open Time: Sun rise to Sunset.

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Jama Masjid - Ranked #10 of 10 attractions in Agra

Jama Masjid:- The Jama Masjid in Agra is perhaps the largest mosque in India and it is also known as Jami Masjid. Jami Masjid was built by the mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The Masjid is a quadrangular building of brick and stone encircled by a ring of terraced roofed and double storied buildings. The main prayer hall is used on most days by worshippers and is made up of high cusped arches and marble domes. On Fridays and other holydays the courtyard is filled with devotees who come in for “Namaaz”.

The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Agra. It was built in 1648 and is popularly known as Jami Masjid. This mosque is credited with the name of Princess Jahanara Begum, the lovely daughter of Shah Jahan. The mosque is noted for the absence of minarets and also for the exquisite tomb.

The Masjid is placed on an elevated podium and has five marvelous entrances with arched structures. Three elegant sandstone domes add the attraction to the Masjid, all covered with imposing marbles. The walls are adorned with sacred inscriptions and colored tiles. The central courtyard of the Jami Masjid is a huge area serving thousands of devotees to offer prayers and meditation for many centuries.

Buland Darwaza is the massive gate through which Jama Masjid can be reached. The elegant and attractive tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, the renowned Sufi saint, is situated interior to the complex of Jama Masjid.

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