Agra

 

Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments -The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort. Some may call it just a decadent city of graveyards and stones, but the city has much more behind what is evident, it is a vibrant centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosophies that have enriched mankind and shaped human thought over centuries. Agra tours opens gates to the city's age old treasure of famous handicraft products such as Inlay work on Marvel, leather work, footwear, brassware, carpets, jewellery, zari and embroidery work.

General Information

Climate: Hot & Humid
Weather: Winter (4.20 C 31.70 C) & Summer (21.90 °C - 45.00 °C)
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Suggested Clothing: Cotton in Summer & Light woolen in Winter
Distance: Delhi- Agra- 200 km

Places to visit

• TAJ MAHAL:
  Completed in 1653 AD, Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is the final resting place of his favourite Queen, Mumtaz. These perfectly symmetrical monuments set amidst landscaped gardens took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, Masons and Jewellers to build. Fantastic inlay work using semi-precious stones decorate the interiors all such ornamental features and the history that goes with it makes Taj Mahal a real time façade of Agra tourism and is a must visit destination for all those lovers of history, art, architecture and culture.
  Visiting Hours: 6 am to 7.30 pm. (Friday closed)
• AGRA FORT:
  The great connoisseur of art, Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 A.D. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. There are number of exquisite buildings 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.
  Visiting Hours: 6 am – 5:30 pm
• SIKANDRA:
  The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved monuments. This is the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar which works as a fine stoppage on the way of those on Agra tour.
• FATEHPUR SIKRI:
  Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. A city of yesteryears today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. When his son was born, as a sign of gratitude, he constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Other renowned places are Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan. Fatehpur Sikri is about 39km from Agra.

Taj Mahotsav

A ten day long carnival displaying best of India's art and craft, Taj Mahotsav is a grand event held in the month of February (from 18 to 27th) each year. A gorgeous backdrop of eternally beautiful Taj Mahal and the best of art and craft forms on display the event showcase vibrant shades of Indian cultures. A well planned tour to Agra is one done way ahead of time which can provide the visitor the opportunity to experience the truest and the most stunning façade of the city which makes the world wonder.

Sweet & Spicy Details

Agra is considered a heaven for Chaat lovers. This spicy preparation is a mix of munchies along with spices and chutneys and you will find crowds awaiting their turn outside numerous stalls selling Chaat. Popular places like Double Phatak near Sikandra and Sadar and Belangunj are well known for serving such delicious treats. A typical Agra Breakfast constitutes of spicy Berahi and sweet Jalebies found at every nooks and corners served fresh. And who can forget the world famous sweet, Petha of Agra. On Agra tours this is a sweet one must try especially the plain ivory one or the Angoori flavoured Petha for maximum delight. The famous stores selling this sweet are Panchi's Bhimsain BaidyaNath and The Pracheen Petha store also, Bikanervala, Gaopaldas and Ajanta Sweets.

Shopping

Famous for its leather industry and marble inlay work, Agra makes for a fine shopping destination selling stunning pieces of art at reasonable prices. On a vacation in Agra you cannot escape the shopping fever and so you must take a stroll around the bazaars close to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Famous sites selling stunning leather articles and fine marble inlay work are Agra Handicraft Industries, Handicraft Inn, Sadar Bazaar, UP Handicrafts Development Centre, Agra Marble Shoppy, Kinari Bazaar and more. The quality of the articles is top end and in addition, the proprietor will walk you through a demonstration to a small workshop to explain the materials and the process of making these things. Whether a miniature Taj Mahal or good quality leather or tabletops, boxes, vases etc you can get all at different shapes and sizes at bargained prices.

Access

Airways
Indian airlines connect Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi. Kheria Airport is about 9 km from Govt. of India Tourist Office.
Raiways
Agra is a major railway junction on main broad gauge routes to the south, east and west. Two of the best trains viz. Shatabdi Express (between Delhi and Bhopal) and Taj Express (between Delhi and Gwalior) are available to access Agra. Some other train servicing the city are: G.T. Express (New Delhi to Chennai), Dadar Express (Mumbai to Amritsar), Jhelum Express (Jammu to Pune), Kalinga Utkal Express (New Delhi to Puri), Karnataka Express (New Delhi to Trivendrum), Ujjani Express (Dehradoon to Ujjain) and Hyderabad Express (New Delhi to Hyderabad).
Roadways
Agra, on cross roads of national highways 2, 3 and 11, is excellently connected to all parts of the country. Some important road distances from Agra are: 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.