Agra Travel

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Agra is not only known for its three fabulous architectural monuments all over the world - The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Red Fort, but also for being the vivacious hub of ethnicity, art and religious philosophies. The city has helped in developing optimistic thoughts, while enriching the mankind with traditions and values, over the centuries.

The medieval city of Agra is positioned on the banks of the river Yamuna. It lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is famous for its forts and heritage monuments. If we go through the history it is generally accepted that Sultan Sikandar Lodi founded Agra in 1506. Later the Mughals took it over in 1526, and ruled till 1658. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the city came under the influence of Marathas and Jats before falling into the hands of British in the year 1803. Today, Agra is one of the most developing and most visited cities in the northern part of India.

Tourist Attractions

Taj Mahal
Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal in Agra is the most extravagant monument of love in the world. Lying on the banks of the Yamuna River, Taj Mahal is also the most visited place of tourist attraction in India. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal was in its full form after 22 years (1630-1652) of continuous hard labour by 20,000 workers. Best masons, inlay workers and artisans were commissioned to build this marvel with complete perfection. Surrounded by scenic green gardens and finely trimmed lawns, Taj Mahal represents the eminence of the artisans and craftsmen who were involved in its construction.

Agra Fort
In 1565 A.D, the Mughal Emperor Akbar started building the Agra Fort, and later Jehangir and Shah Jahan too did some additions in the fort. This huge fort consists of exquisite structures like the Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque with perfect pearl finish, 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.

Sikandara
The construction of Sikandara was started by Emperor Akbar using both the Hindu and Muslim architectures and giving it a secular look. His son Jahangir completed the mausoleum in 1613 A.D. Later on, the great Mughal Emperor Akbar was buried in this tomb only. This is one of the well-preserved monuments in India.

Itmad-ud-Daulah
The tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah was built by Emperor Jehangir's Queen, Noorjahan, in the memory of her father Mirza Ghyas Beg during 1622-1628 A.D. Mirza Ghyas Beg was a Persian who used to serve in Akbar’s Court. The craftsmanship and work of Itmad-ud-Daulah is quite similar to that of the Taj Mahal.

Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, about 39 kms from Agra is a grand monument made in red sandstone. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. The other exquisite buildings are Dewane-e-Am, Dewane-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan.

Radhaswami Samadhi
This beautiful marble structure was made in the memory of the founder of Radhaswami religion. Here the holy ashes of the founder of the faith have been preserved. Radhaswami Samadhi is the main headquarter of Radhaswami religion and consists of sprawling lawns and intricate carving of fruits, flowers, leaves and plants on the interiors of the temple.

Other Places: Chinni ka Roja, Mariyam's Tomb and Jama Masjid.
Religious Places: Kailash Temple, Mankameshwar Temple, Balkeshwar Temple, Prithvinath Temple, Rajeshwar Temple, Guru ka tal Gurudwara, Baptist Church, Catholic Church & Digambar Jain Mandir.

How to Reach
Air: Kheria Airport is about 9 kms away.
Rail: Agra’s major railway junction routes to the south, east and west.
Road: Bharatpur-54 km, Delhi-204 km, Gwalior-119 km, Jaipur-232 km, Khajuraho-400 km, Lucknow-369 km, Mathura-45 km, Nainital-353 km, Varanasi-605 km and Mussorie-417 km.