Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Introduction
Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal holds a powerful fascination for visitors from around India and the world. Located close to Delhi and just 200 km away, Agra is easily accessible. Enroute lies Mathura the birthplace of Lord Krishna, a temple town with ghats along the river. It provides a glimpse of another facet of India. A dash to Bharatpur takes you to a marvelous water-bird sanctuary, a splendid escape to the world of nature.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Agra was once the capital of the Mughal empire and even today it seems to linger in the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world. It is very easy to slip away here through the centuries into the grandeur and intrigues of the Mughal Court.
Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his capital city in 1501. The Lodi rule was to end very soon and Agra passed into the possession of the Mughals. It was during the time of the third emperor Akbar that Agra came into its own. He embarked on the construction of the massive Agra Fort in 1565. Though Akbar was diverted into building a new capital at Fatehpur Sikri not far away. Agra continued to retain its importance and Shah Jehan, Akbar's grandson ornamented the city with that masterpiece of Mughal architecture - the Taj Mahal and built several other beautiful buildings within the Agra Fort.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
What To See
Taj Mahal
Built by a grief stricken Emperor Shah Jehan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal has a structural elegance and pristine beauty that has been rarely matched. It took 20 thousand men nearly 22 years to build the mausoleum and the fines of skilled artisans were brought in to inlay the white marble edifice with precious stone and to conjure filigreed marble screens around the cenotaphs of the emperor and his beloved queen. There is a jewel - like quality about the Taj Mahal. The beautifully proportioned octagonal structure topped by a perfect dome is balanced b 4 soaring minarets that stand at the corners of the plinth.
The Taj Mahal is ethereal at any part of the day - blushing in the rosy glow of dawn or sunset, appearing like pearly mirage in the moonlight or reflected in the pools of the garden.
Perhaps the most moving view of the Taj is from as octagonal tower in the Agra Fort further along the river Yamuna. It was here that the Emperor Shah Jehan was imprisoned and where he spent his last days gazing at the tomb of his beloved wife.
It is said that he has planned to build a similar tomb for himself in black marble across the river - but it was not to be.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Agra Fort
Emperor Akbar began the construction of the imposing fort in 1565 but it was his grandson Shah Jehan who gave it some of its finest buildings, changing the function of the fort from a military fortification to a royal palace.
Within the fort are the Pearl Mosque in white marble; fine halls - the Diwan-I-Khas for private audience and the pillared Diwan-I-Am where the emperor met the public; the Jehangiri Mahal an elegant double storeyed palace built in 1611 AD; the Khas Mahal an airy marble pavilion believed to be the Emperor Shah Jehan's aramghar or sleeping quarters and the Sheesh Mahal, beautiful halls studded with tiny concave mirrors where a single candle flame is reflected in a thousand flickering lights.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Itmad-ud-Daula (7 Km)
To the north of the fort and across the river Yamuna are several fine examples of Mughal architecture. The Itmad-ud-Daula built by the Empress Noor Jehan as a memorial to her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, is beautifully ornamented with pietra dura inlay and lattice work marble screens.
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Chini ka Rauza (8 Km)
The tomb of Afzal Khan, the Persian poet and minister at Shah Jehan's court gets its name from the brightly coloured glazed tiles that decorate it. It lies just 1 km beyond Itmad-ud-Daula.
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Excursions
Ram Bagh (9 Km)
The great Mughal Emperor Babur laid out this earliest example of a Mughal Garden. It is said that his body was buried here before being removed to its final resting-place in Kabul.
Sikandra (12 Km)
The imposing mausoleum of Emperor Akbar is built in a fusion of the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. Intricate mosaic work in elaborate geometric designs embellish the structure, which is set in a specious garden.
Jama Masjid
This imposing mosque was built in the name of Jehanara Begum, Shah Jehan's daughter.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Fatehpur Sikri (40 Km)
A royal city perfectly preserved, Fatehpur Sikri provides marvelous escape into the past. Akbar embarked on the construction of a new capital here when a prophecy of the birth of a male royal heir, by the Sufi Saint Salim Chisti of Sikri, came true. Imposing gateways and light - hearted palaces were built in red sandstone within this fortified city only to be abandoned a few years later. Among its many architectural gems are the palaces for his queens - Jodha Bai, Mariyam and his Turish Sultana, built in varying styles, each perfect in itself.
The Diwan-I-Khas entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room with an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that once held the emperor's throne. Narrow galleries link this to the corners of the room where it is believed his ministers sat.
Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building here, the marble Tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy marble screens.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54m high was built to commemorate Akbar's victory in Gujarat and was completed in 1575.
The airy Panch Mahal a 5 storeyed structure rising in pyramidal fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court.
Firozabad (44 Km)
This town is famous for its glass industry and especially for its glass bangles and chandeliers.
Sur Sarovar (23 Km)
This 2.5 sq. km lake located in the Surdas Reserved Forest is noted for its variety of water - birds and fish. It is a favourite picnic spot.
Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 Km)
A small 52 sq. km reserve has a variety of flora and fauna. Accommodation is available at the Forest Rest House.
Aligarh (83 Km)
The famous university town is a centre of Islamic studies. The city is also noted for its handicrafts and metal-ware.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Conducted Tours
Tours to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are operated by UPSTDC.
For information, tour bookings and car rentals contact:
UP Tours, UPSTDC,
Hotel Taj Khema,
Eastern Gate of Taj Mahal
Tel: 330140, 230001
Ashok Travels and Tours
Hotel Agra Ashok,The Mall
Tel: 361223 - 32
Tourist Guides
The services of approved guides are available from:
Approved Guides Association
Opp. Hotel Taj view,
Fatehabad Road
Tel: 333837
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Access
Agra is easily accessible by air, rail and road. It is well connected to all other major cities in the country.
By Air
A daily Indian Airlines flight proceeds from Delhi to Agra (30 mins), onwards to Khajuraho (35 mins) and to Varanasi (40 mins) and back. The Kheria Airport is 6 km from the city centre. Taxis and auto - rickshaws are available here for transfer to the city.
Indian Airlines Offices
City Booking Office
Hotel Clarks Shiraz
Tel : 360948,360190,25341
Keria Airport Office
Tel : 142,360153
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
By Rail
Agra is a major junction on the broad gauge line to the sough and on east - west routes. Agra is linked to Delhi by excellent services such as the Shatabdi (between Delhi and Bhopal), Taj Express (between Delhi, Agra, Gwalior) and Intercity Express.
Agra's main railway stations are:
Agra Cantt. Railway Station
Enquiry: Tel: 131, 133
Reservations: Tel: 364611
Raja Ki Mandi Railway Station,
Tel: 354477
Agra Fort Railway Station
Enquiry: Tel: 132, 135
Reservations: Tel: 364131
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
By Road
National Highways Nos. 2,3 and 11 pass through Agra and link it by excellent road to all parts of the country.
Some Important destinations within easy reach are:
Bharatpur - 60 km
Delhi - 200 km
Gwalior - 119 km
Jaipur - 240 km
Khajuraho - 400 km
Lucknow - 369 km
Mathura - 60 km
Nainital - 376 km
Varanasi - 605 km
Mussoorie - 417 km
Bus Services
There are bus services to all major centers in the region including Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, Haridwar, Mathura, etc.
Local Transport
Taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, cycle-rickshaws are easily available for local movement. Coaches and taxis, both A/C and non A/C can be hired from travel agencies.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Accomodation
Agra offers a range of hotels to suit varying budgets from luxury hotels to small lodges.
Deluxe Hotels
Welcome group Mughal Sheraton
Fatehabad Road
Tel: 331701 (28 Lines)
Fax: 331730
Clarks Shiraz
54 Taj Road
Tel: 361421-7, Fax: 361428
Taj View Hotel
Fatehabad Road
Tel: 331841-59,Fax: 331860
The Trident
Fatehabad Road Tel: 331818-26
Fax: 331827, 331812
Hotel Agra Ashok
6B Mall Road,
Tel: 361233-32
Fax: 361620
Jaypee Palace
Fatehabad Road
Tel: 330800
Fax: 361620
Holiday Inn
M.G.Road,
Tel: 356742, Fax: 357625
Grand Hotel
Station Road, Agra Cantt.
Tel: 364014, 364320, Fax: 364271
Howard Park Plaza International
Fatehabad Road,
Tel: 331870-78, Fax: 330408
Mansingh Palace
Fatehabad Road,
Tel: 331771-78
Amar
Fatehabad Road,
Tel : 331885-89, Fax : 330299
Atithi
Tourist Complex Area,
Fatehabad Road,
Tel: 330878-84, Fax: 330878
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Government Accommodation
Tourist Bunglow (UPSTDC)
Near Raja Ki Mandi
Railway Station
Tel: 350120
Hotel Taj Khema (UPSTDC)
Near Eastern Gate of Taj Mahal
Tel: 330140, 230001
Fax: 351720
Youth Hostel
Sanjay Place, M.G.Road
Tel: 354462
Gulistan Tourist Complex (UPSTDC)
Fatehpur Sikri
Tel: 923-882490
For further information about budget hotels contact:
Government of India Tourist Office, Agra, Tel: 363959, 363377
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Eating Out
Agra has good restaurants that specialize in Mughlai food and other Indian and international cuisines. Some of the restaurants are:
Dasprakash (South Indian)
1, Gwalior Road,
Near Agra Ashok, Tel: 260269
Shivakash Restaurant (Indian, Mughalai, Continental, Chinese)
Fatehbad Road, Tel: 332727
Only Restaurant (Indian, Mughali, Continental, Chinese)
45 Taj Road
Tel: 364333, 266508
Taj
Near Western Gate of Taj Mahal,
Tel: 331344
Zorba the Buddha
Tel: 363757
Petals (Multi-cuisine)
Taj Road, Sadar Bazar
Tel: 363807, 367807
Satkar (Mughlai)
Kamla Nagar, Bypass Road
Gazebo (Indian, Mughlai and Chinese)
Tel: 250400
Sonam (Indian)
51, Taj Road, Tel : 368633
Golden Gate Restaurant
Bypass Road
Pizza Hut
Fatehabad Road,
Tel : 333049, 333051-53
Agra is noted for its sweets and savouries like petha and dal-moth.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Shopping
Agra is famous for its marble inlay work, leather goods, brassware, finely worked precious and semi-precious stone jewellery and ornate zardosi or zari embroidery. Much of this is available around the Taj complex. The main shopping areas are the Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar and Munro Road.
State Emporia
Gangotri (UP Govt.), Kairali (Kerala), Black Partridge (Haryana) and Kashmir Government Arts Emporium are all located at the Taj Mahal Shopping Arcade, Western Gate.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Festivals
Taj Mahostav (February)
Week-long fold arts and crafts fair with cultural performances.
A number of interesting local fairs includes the Sheetla Fair (July-Aug), Kailash Fair (Aug-Sept.), etc.
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Sports
Golf
Golf Course, at the Circuit House campus, Taj Road
Tel: 363738, 363579
Swimming
All five star hotels have swimming pools.
Fishing
At Sur Sarovar
Contact the Executive Engineer (Tower Division),
The Mall, Agra Cantt
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Information Offices
Government of India Tourist Office
191 The Mall
Telefax : 363959, 363377
Tourist Information Counter
Govt. of India, Kheria Airport
UP Tourism Reception Centre
Agra Cantt. Railway Station
Tel: 365898
UP Tourism Bureau
64 Taj Road, Tel: 360517
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Banks
Nationalized Banks, some of which offer foreign currency exchange:
State Bank of India
Chippitola, Tel: 364426, 364365
Punjab National Bank
Shahzadi Mandi, Tel: 363266
Canara Bank
Sadar Bazar, Tel: 363292, 254584
Bank of Baroda
MG Road, Tel: 364822, 364362
Central Bank of India
MG Road, Tel: 366788, 365424
Allahabad Bank
Hotel Clarks Shiraz, Tel: 368941
Andhra Bank
Sadar Bazar, Tel: 363833, 363962
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Post And Telegraph Offices
Head Post Office
The Mall
Tel: 361091, 363886
Head Post Office
(Opp. Power House Bus Station)
Tel: 361580
Agra Fort Post Office
Tel: 362867
Central Telegraph Office
The Mall, Tel: 267623, 267724
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Police Stations
Taj Ganj, Tel: 331015
Sadar Bazar, Tel: 363095
Hari Parvat, Tel : 354472
Rakabganj, Tel: 363720
Kotwali Control Room, Tel: 361120
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Hospitals
District Hospital
MG Road, Tel : 363139, 363043
S.N.Hospital
Hospital Road, Tel : 361318
Lady Lyall Hospital
Noori Gate Road, Tel: 267987
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Useful Address
Foreigner's Registration Office,
Police Lines, Tel: 269563
Antique Registration Office,
19 MIG, New Shah Ganj
District Information Centre
Near Idgah Bus Stand
Tel: 264510
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
General Information
Area
62 Sq. Kms
Altitude
169 Meters
Population
11,11,086 (1991 census)
Temperature
Max
Min
Summer
45 C
21.9 C
Winter
31.7 C
4.2 C
Rain Fall
66 Cms average yearly
Summer
Cottons
Winter
Woolens
Languages
Hindi, Urdu and English
STD Code
0565
Freeindia > Tourism > Agra - Mathura - Bharatpur > Agra
Agra Tourist Map
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