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Learn About Places Uttar Pradesh > Agra Uttar Pradesh

Agra Uttar Pradesh

Agra Uttar Pradesh India :: Having been the capital of the Mughals, Agra boasts of a rich culture and heritage which reflects in all its aspects, whether in the style of architecture or the current culture of the place. The language and lifestyle has obviously changed with time but the spirit of the place and its regality, which is the bequest of the Mughal era, still remains in essence.

Quick Facts
State: Uttar Pradesh

Location: Most of Agra lies on the western bank of the river Yamuna that cuts through Agra.

Climate: Agra falls in the tropical zone and experiences extreme temperature swings.

Altitude: 169 metres above sea level

Local languages: Hindi and English

Phone Code: 0562

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Agra is between September to November and March to April, when it is neither too hot nor cold.

Local Transport
Although the area around the Taj Mahal is best covered on foot, Agra is dusty and a wee bit dirty so walking is really not convenient. But there are cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws in plenty and they don't even cost much, so you can tour the whole of Agra enjoying a cycle rickshaw ride.

Tourist Office
UP Government State Tourist Office in Agra
64, Taj Road
Tel: 0562-2226431

UP Tourism in New Delhi
Chandralok Building,
36, Janpath
Tel: 011-23322251, 23711296

Getting There
Air: The nearest airport is Agra Civil Enclaves Airport, 7 km away

Rail: The city's main railway station, Agra Cantonment, is situated on the west of the Sadar Bazaar

Road: The biggest bus stand in Agra is at Idgah, which has buses leaving for all neighbouring, major tourist centers such as Delhi and Jaipur

Lodging :: Being one of India's most popular destinations, Agra promises a comfortable stay for all kinds of travellers. Fatehabad road, located within a 4 km radius from the Taj Mahal houses a plethora of hotels lined up on either side of the road. This long trail offers hotels ranging from budget to 3-star and even 5-star categories.

Eating :: A variety of international cuisines are offered at most hotels and restaurants but the markets around the Taj Mahal have on offer quite a range of Mughlai dishes cooked in sauces rich with the local flavor. Even though the food is a little spicy, a trip to Agra is incomplete without savoring its delicacies. Besides the wide range of Mughlai cuisine, one must not miss out on the very famous and highly delectable Agra-ka-petha. Also try out gazak and dalmoth and carry some of these back to relish and reminisce the flavor of Agra

Shopping :: Agra boasts of a lineage of great craftsmen of marble and soft stone inlay work that has been handed down through generations since the Mughal era. Items such as boxes, trays, platters and so on with intricate work on them are available in all varieties depending on the quality and price. Don't miss out on the tiny Taj Mahal replicas! Also known for its zardozi-embroidered fabrics, leather goods, brassware, carpets and finely carved jewelry, Agra is quite literally a shopper's delight! Pick up small specimen articles that are great as souvenirs as well as gifts. Markets like Sadar Bazar and Fatehabad Road near the Taj complex are good for shopping but watch out for touts and hawkers and do put up a good fight for bargains!

Sight Seeing of Agra :: Agra is a beautiful city inspite of the milling crowds because of all the beauty of the past that it still holds. There is just so much to see in Agra that it would probably be difficult to visit every monument if you are going for a day or two. So either go on a longer visit or try to cover the most important sites while you are there.

Agra Fort

The grand Delhi Gate which is the entrance to the Agra Fort is decorated with the much renowned inlay work in white marble that the city is famous for. Built during the years 1565 to 1574 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, on a bank of the river, Yamuna, this fort has a mighty wall made of red sandstone, which runs for 2 ½ Kilometers around the perimeter of the fort.

Even though the fort is partially closed to tourists, it offers a varied and long list of sites of immense architectural and historical importance. Do pay close attention to the exquisite Mughal carvings that are visible on most structures in the fort, especially the Diwan-i-Aam or Hall of Public Audience and Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience. The Khas Mahal and the Shish Mahal offer a chance to wonder at the ingenious systems that existed before the technological advancements of the 21st century. High ceilings, marble latticed screens and intricate water channels running through the rooms were used to create a cooling system like none other.

Also visit the mosques used by the royal family for prayer services, Nagina Masjid and Mina Masjid; the Meena Bazaar, where the ladies of the palace shopped; the Hauz-i-Jahangiri and the tower called Mussaman Burj which offers a view of the Taj Mahal and where reportedly, Shah Jahan spent his last days gazing at the mausoleum of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Entry only through Amar Singh Gate; Entry fee - Indians Rs 20, foreigners Rs 300; Camera photography free, video Rs 25; Timings - Sunrise to sunset * Son-et-lumiere show tickets Indians Rs 30, foreigners Rs 75; Timings - English 7.30 pm, Hindi - 8.30 pm.

Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula

A Persian garden and in its midst a tomb made of white marble, with intricate inlay of floral or geometric designs lining the walls and a minaret at each of the four corners. Sounds like a simpleton's description of the Taj Mahal. Instead, this magnificent monument is the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and his wife Asmat Begum, the parents of Empress Nur Jahan.

Located at 1.5 kilometers from the Taj Mahal, this tomb follows the charbagh pattern with a white marble structure surrounded by green lawns that posed a contrast to the existing architecture of the time which was dominated by red sandstone.

The tomb is an architectural jewel with exquisite design and finishing that reflects the taste and sophistication of the gifted queen Nur Jahan.

Entry fee - Indians Rs 15, foreigners Rs 110; Timings - Sunrise to sunset.

Taj Mahal - Truly a Wonder

What can one say about the Taj Mahal, for there are no words that can truly encapsulate the magnificence and beauty of this great monument that was built by the Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

This universally acclaimed symbol of love was built in a span of 22 years by 20,000 artisans and craftsmen, who apparently had their hands cut off on completion because the Emperor did not want this enigmatic structure to be recreated by anyone else. And Shah Jehan sure got his wish, for the Taj Mahal has found its place in the greatest wonders of the world and in turn immortalized him as the creator and visionary that he really was.

This effeminate structure (quite a contrast from the masculine architecture of that era) on the banks of the River Yamuna, lies at the end of a formal Persian garden with water courses, paved walkways and rows of dark cypresses that add to the regal character of the sparkling white monument standing on a red sandstone base, flanked by four perfectly symmetrical minarets.

The grandeur of the Taj lies not only in its majestic scale and perfect proportions but in detailed carvings that are visible on closer inspection. The Taj looks delicate and radiant when seen from afar but on getting closer, one is in awe of not only its looming presence but also of the intricately designed and beautifully carved detailing that cover every inch of marble on the interior and exterior. These intricately carved floral bouquets, part of the technique called pietra dura are inlaid with a variety of precious stones ranging from jasper, turquoise, tiger's eye, lapis lazuli...and lots more along with silver and gold and various shades of marble, slate and sandstone.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that within the greatest wonder of the world lay many other wonders. It is quite obvious that great effort was made to maintain perfect symmetry in all aspects. The beautiful calligraphy that adorns the tomb is increased in size as the eye moves higher, creating an illusion of perfectly balanced typography; and instead of the required single mosque near the tomb, two mosques were built in the interest of maintaining symmetry.

This is a place that needs to be visited in order to understand everything there is to it. The best time to visit is difficult to decide on since the Taj glows in different colors with the changing sunlight. Early morning is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds that pour in as the day progresses but one must not miss out on visiting the Taj Mahal at dusk either. As the sun sets, the reflection of light off the sparkling white marble gives rise to a pattern of changing colors and you can witness the Taj in hues of golden, pink, red and blue. And of course, there is no other monument in the world that looks better than the Taj in moonlight.

Whenever you decide to visit the Taj, be sure to spend at least a couple of hours absorbing its aura and do hire an official guide who will be able to point out the minute details surrounding the history and the legend that is the Taj Mahal.

Entry fee - Indians Rs 20, foreigners Rs 750; Cameras - Still cameras free, video Rs 25; Timings - Sunrise to sunset, closed on Fridays.

Happenings :: Agra is famous for the Taj Mahotsav. During this time, visitors to the city will be graced by cultural performances and get an insight into the arts and crafts of the region. Traditional music, poetic recitals, classical dances and rides on bedecked camels and elephants are other highlights. Other major religious festivals including Eid and the Kailash Fair, honouring Lord Shiva, are also celebrated here. Venue of Taj Mahostav is Shilpgram, Near Taj Mahal, Agra

Nearby Places :: Fatehpur Sikri
This city made of red sandstone was founded and built by the emperor Akbar in 1571 to honor the Sufi mystic Sheikh Salim Chishti who had predicted the birth of a son to the ruler. Once born, the son was named Salim in honor of the saint and Fatehpur Sikri was built to commemorate the moment.

Built 40 kilometers from Agra, this city boasts of magnificent architecture in the form of arches, courtyards and buildings that indicate a Persian ancestry and yet it is a synthesis of Hindu and Islamic architecture, giving credence to the religious tolerance of the emperor. Akbar also founded a religion called Din-i-Illahi, which inspired some of the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri. The walls, palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to the great visionary and builder inspite of the deserted air that looms large over this city.

The heart of the palace complex however comes alive when pilgrims come in thousands to offer flowers, tie a thread in the latticed screens, and to pray for the gift of a son, just like the erstwhile ruler had done, at the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a white marble canopy set in the great courtyard of the Royal Mosque. The city, abandoned shortly after Akbar's death, owing to the lack of water in the area, has now been declared a World Heritage Site because of the architectural beauty of its buildings.

The must-sees here include the highest gate in India, Buland Darwaza, the Panch Mahal, the Jama Masjid Mosque, the palace of Maryamuzzamani, Birbal Bhawan and the life-size chessboard where courtiers could play the roles of pieces!

Entry fee - Indians Rs 20, foreigners Rs 260; Cameras, Video Rs 25; Timings - Sunrise to sunset.

Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra
A short distance from Agra is the resting place of the most successful emperor that India ever had. Akbar's tomb at Sikandra is testimony to the simple lifestyle and masculine personality of the great ruler. Originally built with sandstone, the structure was later covered with marble by Akbar's son, Jehangir. The tomb said to have been designed and built by Akbar, boasts of a perfect symmetry and a vast scale. The gateway alone features more than 20 panels inlaid with intricate geometric patterns with relatively few floral designs keeping in sync with the ruler's personality. Its pyramidal shape and carved latticework screens add a certain charm to it.

Although this monument is not as magnificent or elegant as the other tombs in Agra, it has a quiet dignity befitting the regal emperor. There are beautiful calligraphic inscriptions on the white marble front of the gate. The lawns outside the impressive gateway are grazing grounds for hordes of deer and the trees are hubs for birds and monkeys. The serene location of Akbar's Tomb is a quiet retreat, where one can spend some time wondering about the life and times of the greatest of the Mughal Emperors.

Entry fee Indians Rs 15, foreigners Rs 110; Cameras: Still - free, Video - Rs 25; Timings - Sunrise to sunset.

Fairs and Festivals of Agra :: Agra district has many rural areas that are greatly influenced by the religious and sentimental attachment to the surrounding areas of Mathura and Vrindavan to Lord Krishna and Radha. Most of the fairs and festivals organized in the region are either temple festivals, religious festivals or cattle and village fairs based on Krishna's life such as Dauji ka mela, Kans lila, cattle fair Jat Devi, cattle fair Kund Mela, cattle fair Gwal Balba, Meta ki Puja Jat Devi, Holi Milap, Mata-ka-mela, Shitla Mela, Parikrama of Shivji, Kailash Mela, Janamashthmi, Dussehra, Kali-ka-mela, Ram lila, Urs Sufi Sahib and Bateshwar cattle fair. However, we have brought you the most famous of these fairs and festivals of the region.

Taj Mahotsav :: Much famous and beloved cultural festival of Agra, Taj Mahotsav is organized annually for ten days during February. Shilpgram (the Crafts Village), the chosen venue for this fair is close to Taj. Here, one can find extensive display of arts, crafts and culture of India along with classical dance and song performances. 'Mushairas' and 'Ghazal' programmes by the well-known Indian artists. Children love to ride on camels and elephants in the vene while one can taste traditional Indian delicacies at the luring stalls here. The colorful celebrations welcome the Spring with a fiesta of Indian cuisine, dance and music, cultural displays and exhibition of arts and crafts.

A brainchild of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Taj Mahotsav is an event to lure the tourists and acquaint them with the legendary skills of Indian master craftsmen and the finesse of Indian fine arts. It also showcases the rich heritage of India. It commences with a splendid Mughal-style procession highlighting bedecked elephants, richly adorned camels, drumbeaters and folk artists. Taj Mahotsav is best play to witness marble inlay work, wood carvings from Saharanpur, brass wares from Moradabad, handmade carpets of Badohi, the blue pottery of Khurja, the Chikan work of Lucknow and the silks of Banares, all at one place. The Crafts Fair and the Food Festival of Taj Mahotsav have their own charm. The folk dances such as Dundelkhand and 'Nautanki' of Uttar Pradesh, 'Sapera' dance of Rajasthan, the dance of snake charmers and Lavani of Maharashtra have always captured the attention of tourists.

Bateshwar Fair :: Bateshwar is just 70 km from Agra and is names so after the presiding deity of the region, Bateshwar Mahadeo. It is an important spiritual and cultural centre boasting of 108 temples of the various gods and goddesses of Hindus. Bateshwar Fair is organized here annually during the months of October or November in the honor of Lord Shiva for a month. Thousands of devotees visit the venue to take holy dips in River Yamuna and participate in the Livestock and Cattle Fair, which is famous in the nearby areas.

Ram Barat :: The special marriage procession of Sri Ram, held annually at Agra, is known as 'Rambarat' and precedes Dussehra. It is a part of 'Ramlila', the staging of life of Rama that ends with killing of Ravana, on the day of Dussehra. Its specialty lies in the beautiful 'jhankis' of the deities and the special set of the palace arranged at the chosen venue as 'Janakpuri', the palace of Raja Janak who was the father of Goddess Sita. A major fair is organized in the locality and thousands of people visit the venue to see the fair and attend the elaborate royal wedding of the divine deities. The procession starts from Lala Channomalji Ki Baradari for the Janakpuri venue and passes through different parts of the town. Special chariot covered with silver leaves is used as the mount of Ram while his brothers mount the elephants. The elaborate and heavy headgears look stunning. Teenaged boys play the female characters of the drama.

Kailash Fair :: Held at Kailash temple in the honor of Lord Shiva, 12 km from Agra, Kailash fair is celebrated to commemorate the appearance of Lord Shiva in the form of a stone lingam here in the monsoon months of August and September. The major fair attracts devotees from all the nearby areas.