Agra Travel
City Information
No trip to India is complete without Agra. Because only this city is blessed with a grand expression of love called Taj, making the world notice the splendor of the India. The tear drop on the cheek of time, Taj Mahal is the wonder of the world standing like a bulbous beacon in white marble. Located on the banks of River Yamuna, Agra is the city where Mughals lived and ruled, so most of the tourist-spots here are based on dome shaped Mughal Architessscture. This Mughal capital also has the other two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, showcasing the luxuriant splendour of imperial pride of Badshahs.
And don’t forget to eat Petha, a square shaped sweet flavoured with saffron, rosewater and coconut and Dalmoth, a spicy snack famous in Agra.
Major Tourist Attractions
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is an ode to love, an architectural marvel carved on white makrana marble. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz, Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The monument showcases an apogee of Mughal architecture. Came into being after the 22 years of sweat, toil and efforts; it’s the splendour of Taj that mesmerizes everyone. Lapis-lazuli, Cornelian, Mother of pearl, Agate and Emerald are inlayed in floral and geometrical carvings on the marble itself, making it epitomize the beauty.
A walk towards the stone pathways of Taj Nature Park is a treat for the eyes unveiling majestic views of the grand Taj in the natural environs of the reserve forest. This park is located 600 meters north east to the apogee of Mughal architecture and offers a natural retreat in the company of lush forests, wild-life and natural heritage instilling a feeling of taking ahead the historical and natural heritage together.
Open: All days except Fridays and in night time during Ramazan
The Agra Fort
Built in 1565, Agra Fort epitomizes the assertion of power by Emperor Akbar during the time he began consolidating his empire. Spread over 94 acres of land, the fort stands tall in testimony of the royal Mughal era. The high fortified walls protect the 30 Mughal Buildings and the architectural brilliance behind it transcending the visitor into a whimsical land.
Tourist attractions here include Jahangir's Palace, Shah Jahan's Khas Mahal, the Diwan-i-Khas and obviously the wondrous mosques.
Itmad-Ud-Daula
A Mughal mausoleum, Itmad-Ud-Daula was built by Empress Noor Jehan, wife of Jahangir in memory of her father Ghias-ud-Din Beg, who served as a chief minister for the king. Built between 1622 and 1628, the mausoleum consists of numerous outbuildings and lush gardens. Often referred to as the Baby Taj, this tomb is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal.
Sikandra Fort
Besides Taj Mahal, Agra also showcases some exemplary monuments from the Mughal Panorama. The Tomb of Akbar the Great stands tall in sandstone and marble at Sikandra, a suburb in Agra. This third Mughal emperor himself planned, selected a suitable site and started construction of his own mausoleum. The tomb offers a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural principles. It features a gatehouse at the center of each wall, and broad paved avenues, laid out in Mughal style with four rivers of Paradise lead to the tomb at the center of the square.
Best time to visit - October to March
How to get there
By Road - Road trips to Agra are driver’s delight offering convenience to access remotely this heritage city. Various luxury coaches and rented cars on the national highway NH 2 connect the city to Delhi’s driving route
By Train - Famous luxury rail routes like Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani and Taj Express take a traveler towards the identical city of India.
By Air – The city is connected by air from Delhi and Khajuraho
Excursions:
Fatehpur Sikri:
Fatehpur Sikri was erected by Akbar in memory of Sheikh Salim Chisti who lived in a cavern on the ridge here. The first planned city of the Mughals, Fatehpur Sikri represents a fusion of Indian, Persian and Islamic Architecture. The city also served as the capital of Mughal Empire for 14 years. A must see at the ruined fortified city of Fatehpur are Buland Darwaza, Jami Masjid, Jodha Bai's Palace and Hawa Mahal
Bharatpur
The city of Bharatpur is famously known for the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a home to many exotic species of birds. A bird watcher’s paradise, Bharatpur is one of the world’s prime breeding and feeding ground. Located 55 km west of Agra, the city is ‘An Avian Kingdom’ serving as a fertile ground for 364 inland species along with seasonal home for Siberian Crane and many other endangered birds.
Ranthambhore
Hemmed by rocky ridges, Ranthambhore is known for its rustic wildlife park and is one of the finest tiger reserves in India. Located in the middle of Aravali and Vindhya Range in Rajasthan, the park is one of the best places to spot the wild tigers amidst the exciting dense jungles. A dream for wildlife lovers and photographer’s paradise, the city is a home to animals like jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard, and tiger.
Mathura / Vrindavan
If one has to explore about Lord Krishna, then a visit to Mathura and Vrindavan is a must. Located on the banks of River Yamuna, these two villages showcase the life, childhood antics, frolics and most popularly redolent melodies of Krishna’s flute. Located approximately 50 km north of Agra, these hamlets host hundreds of temples dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna and are considered sacred by a number of religious followers.
Sariska
Located in Alwar District of Rajasthan, Sariska is another infamous tiger reserve supporting scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grass. Spread over an area of 866 square km, Sariska is actively participating in preserving tigers under India's Project Tiger scheme. Other wildlife gems found in Sariska include The Bengal tiger, leopard, jungle cat, striped hyena, golden jackal,chital, sambhar, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, hare and a plenty of bird species and reptiles including Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl.
Gwalior
Referred as ‘the Pearl among fortresses in India’, Gwalior adorns the country with its only hilltop fort. The way to the majesty of Gwalior Fort from Agra is 122 km away, showcasing the grandeur of Scindia Territory and the long preserved musical heritage of Tansen’s Gwalior Gharana.
Nearby cities – Delhi (200 km), Jaipur (255km), Gwalior (120 km), Lucknow (363 km)
Where to Stay
- Amar Vilas (5 star)
- Radisson Hotel Agra Taj East Gate Road (5star)
- Clarks Shiraz (5star)
- ITC Mughal Sheraton (5 star)
- Trident Agra (5 star)
- Jaypee Palace and Convention Centre (5 star)
- Mansingh Palace (5 star)
- The Gateway Hotel Fatehabad Road (4 star)
- Hotel Yamuna View (4 star)
- Utkarsh Vilas (4 star)
- Howard Park Plaza (4 star)
- The Grand Imperial (4 star)
- Hotel Pushp Villa (3 star)
- Grand Hotel (3 star)
- Hotel Crystal Inn (3 star)
- Hotel Amar Yatri Nivas (3 star)
- Hotel Royale Residency (3 star)
- Hotel Bhoomi Residency (3 star)
- Hotel Mayur (3 star)
- Hotel Kant (3 star)
- Hotel Amar (3 star)
- Hotel Atithi (3 star)
- Ganga Rattan, Agra (3 star)
- Hotel Chanakya, Agra (3 star)
- Usha Kiran Palace (2.5 star)
- Hotel Siris 18 (2 star)
- Hotel Siris 18 (2 star)
- Hotel Taj Plaza (2 star)
- Hotel Jyoti Continental (Budget class)
- About agra
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