Agra Tour

Visit the city of architectural wonders on the bank of river Yamuna that has always inspired poets and lovers throughout the world !! The city of Agra is truly a tourist's delight when it comes to historical monuments, extraordinary Mughal architecture, sweets and shopping. The royal capital of the erstwhile Mughal Empire, Agra is filled with magnificent grandeur.

The city is synonymous with the grand Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. It is a legendary architecture of pure white marble, a tribute by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and an inspiration for all the lovers in the world. But Agra is not only about the Taj Mahal. The charm of Agra Fort, Jama Masjid and Sikandra also draws millions of tourists to Agra.

Shopping
There are lot of unique items to shop for in Agra. It is famous for its marble works and Zardozi. One can find a wide variety embroided clothes. A miniature marble replica of the Taj Mahal is a good souvenir to take back. For those with a sweet tooth, surrender yourselves to the exotic varieties of Gazak and Pethas.

Agra Major Attractions

Taj Mahal
Built over a period of 22 years (1631 - 1653) at an estimated amount 35 million rupees, the Taj Mahal is listed among the seven wonders of the world. Ustad Isa Khan, the chief architect, supervised the construction of this amazing monument, employing about 20,000 artisans and workers, under the orders of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Inside this beautiful monument lie the crypts of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, side by side with their heads facing in the direction of the holy city of Mecca. The Taj and the crypts are intricately decorated with carvings, inscriptions, jali work etc., which, at one point of time, were studded with semi-precious stones and gems. It was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, whose unparalleled beauty was the inspiration behind its construction.

Inspired by the Persian, Indian and Turkish styles of architecture, the Taj Mahal is considered as the finest specimen of the Mughal style of architecture. Its rounded dome, the lotus design carved at the top of the dome, a bronze spire on the top of the dome, and four minarets in each corner make the Taj a unique blend of Hindu as well as Persian architecture. The beautifully maintained Taj Mahal gardens add even more splendor and beauty to the monument.

Agra Fort
Listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, Agra Fort is a marvellous set of monuments. Widely known as the Red Fort of Agra or Fort Rouge because of the generous use of red sandstone, the monument displays stunning and royal Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal is located about two km from the Agra Fort on the banks of River Yamuna. Founded as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the fort is a grand and tall architectural structure belonging to the typical Mughal style. It was completed in the year 1571. Built over an area of 2.5 km, the fort has two main gates- the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. Entry is permitted only through the Amar Singh Gate.

The major structures inside the Agra Fort are:

• Diwan-e-Khas: Private meeting hall for private audience like kings and other higher dignitaries. Constructed by Shahjahan in 1636-1637.
• Diwan-e-Am: Public meeting hall, used as a communication ground between the public and the emperor, with the emperor seated on the Peacock Throne.
• Sheesh Mahal: 'Glass Palace'- the royal dressing room adorned with mirror-like glass-mosaic decorations on the walls.
• The Anguri Bagh: Lush grape gardens.
• Khas Mahal: A marvellous white marble palace overlooking the specially laid Angoori Bagh, constructed by Shah Jahan.
• Mina Masjid: Literally translates to 'Heavenly Mosque'. Open to public as well.
• Nagina Masjid: Literally meaning 'Gem Mosque', this mosque was meant only for the royal ladies.
• Musamman Burj: A large, octagonal tower where Nurjahan (Jahangir's Queen) and Mumtaz Mahal (Shahjahan's Queen) lived. It had a balcony facing the Taj Mahal.

Sikandra
Visit the peaceful resting place of Akbar to have a glimpse of the royal, lively and memorable life of Akbar the Great. 10 km north of Agra lies the city of Sikandra, which is popular for the Sikandra Tomb. This tomb of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar was constructed by the Emperor himself. It is known for its unique architectuiral style, which is supposed to be influenced by Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain patterns. After the death of Akbar, the construction was completed by his son Jehangir in 1613. It got its name from the Afghan general Sikandar Lodhi who occupied Agra in the year 1492 A.D.

The building is of five storeys, four of which are made of red stone and the fifth is built out of white marble. Built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, the 100 feet high monument has four minarets each containing a flight of 93 stairs. One can enter the monument through the Buland Darwaza, the towering main gate that opens on the southern side. Akbar's tomb is situated in the basement, close to the tomb of Mariam Zamani, Jehangir? mother. The words - Allah-o-Akbar (God is Great) and the name of the deities of 99 religious sects is inscribedd on the walls of the tomb.

Itmad-ud-daula
An excellent example of marble decor and naqqashi, the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula is world famous for the fine inlay works and the carvings. The tomb is a tribute to Mirza Ghiyas, who received the title of Itmad-ud-Daula (Pillar of the Empire), from his daughter Nurjahan (the queen of Jehangir). Built in 1628, Itmad- Ud ? Daula is known as the "Baby Taj". The tower boasts of being the first tower in India made entirely of white marble. The main chamber was decorated with semi-precious stones on the mosaics. The mausoleum is close to the Yamuna River and is surrounded by a vast garden. Like almost all other Mughal architectures, Itmad-Ud-Daula also has four small minarets at the four corners of the main structure.