[Taj Mahal] [Agra Fort] [Sikandra] [Itmad-ud-Daulah] [Fatehpur Sikri] [Radha
Swami] [Taj Mahotsav] [Other Places] [Religious Places] [Tourist Places] [Festivals]
in 1653 A.D., The Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting
place for his favourite 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 and is set
amidst landscaped gardens. Built by the Persian architect, Ustad Isa, The Taj Mahal the
bank of the Yamuna river. It can be observed like a Mirage from the Agra Fort from where
Emperor Shah Jahan stared at it, for the last eight years his life as a prisoner of his
son Aurangzeb. It is a masterpiece of symmetry, Seeming to be floating in the air from a
distance, and each revealed as an illusion experienced as one enters through the main
gate. The verses of Holy Koran as inscribed on it and at the top of gate 22 small domes,
signifying the number of years the monument took to built. The Taj Mahal has been built on
a Marvel Plateform that stands above a standstone one. The most elegant dome of the Taj,
with diameter of 60 feets, rises 80 feets, over the building and directly under the dome
is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan's tomb has been irected next to her's by his son
Aurangzeb. Fantastic Inley works using semi-precious stones decorate and interiors.
Time : 6 A.M. to 7.30 P.M. (Friday is closed)
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,
flattended 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 moat surround
the outer wall.
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.
Time : Sunrise to Sunset.
mausolumn of emperor Akbar represent his philosphy 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 Empror Akbar.
Time : Sunrise to Sunset.
is the tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, a persian who had obtained service in Akbar Court. The
Marvel tomb was made by Emperor Jehangir's Queen, Noorjahan, for his father Mirza Ghyas
Beg during 1622-1628 A.D..
Craftmanship 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
Time : Sun rise to Sunset.
Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. A city of yeasteryear, 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 attract 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
Open Time : Sunrise to Sunset.
RADHA SWAMI SAMADHI
is the head quarter of Radhaswami religion, here the holy ashes of the founder of the
faith have been preserved. On the sprawing lawns here, is a beautiful marvel temple with
beautiful carving of fruits, flowers, leavesand plants which have been reduced into stone
true to nature, and are distinctive speciments of the plastic arts. This is under
construction for almost 100 years.
Time : 9 A.M. to 5.30 P.M.
Radha Swami Samadhi
TAJ MAHOTSAV (SHILPGRAM)
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. Organised by U.P.
Tourism and held as an annual event at Shilpgram, literally next door to the Taj Mahal,
the Taj Mahotsav is indeed a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of mastercraftsman
and other exponents of art, music and cuisine. Not only this, it is also a gentle peep
into the rich heritage and extraordinary legacies of this wounderful land. The festivities
commence with a spectacular procession inspired by mughal splendour. Bedecked elephanbts
and camels, drum beaters, folk artistes and mastercraftsmen... all help recreate a visual
delight reminiscent of the golden era of the Mughal Darbars.
was constructed by Afzal Khan, A high official in the court of Shah Jahan. Decorated by
glazed tiles on the facade, the structrure clearly depicts the Persian influence in
Sunrise to Sunset
uniqe tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. a memory of Emperor Akbar's Goan
christian wife Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional carvings.
Sunrise to Sunset
building, with a rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648 A.D., by Shah Jahan's
daughter, Jehanera Begum in memory of the famous Shiekh Salim Chistti and his grand son
Islam Khan. Of perticular importants is its wounderful assimilation of Iranian
TOURIST PLACES NEAR AGRA
(ABOUT 65 K.M.)
LAKE (ABOUT 23 K.M.)
(ABOUT 53 K.M.)
(ABOUT 65 K.M.)
NATIONAL PARK (GHANA BIRD SANCTUARY) BHARATPUR (ABOUT 65 K.M.)
SANCTUARY (ABOUT 54 K.M.)
SAFARI (ABOUT 80 K.M.)
Kailash about 12 k.m. from Agra in the month of August/September. It is a major fair
celeberated in honour of Lord Shiva who is belived to have appeared here in the form of
held near Delhi Gate in July/August month.
long festival is held annualy during the month of November at the place called Bateshwar,
Which is about 65 k.m. from Agra.
fair is organised at Sheikh Salim Chistti's Dargah during the month of Ramzan.