The magic of Mughal Empire and the legacy they left behind is what defines Agra. Amid the hustle bustle of a modern busy city, it continues to live in the Mughal era and talk about Persian monuments they left behind.
City of Taj, as it is known, Agra can be sketched as an array of monuments, mausoleums, relishing cuisine, bustling chowks and local guides. Since ages, Taj Mahal has been an attraction for people from all over the world. But Agra is not just about Taj, like an onion, it has many layers that date back to the time of Mahabharata and so on. Let us decipher the beautiful city and know it from close quarters.
Taj Mahal – A Monument of Love and Passion
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal is the final resting place of Arjumand Bano Begum, better known as Mumtaz Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, the large structure is the ultimate showpiece of Persian and Mughal architecture.
Agra Fort
Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, and sprawling over 2 kms, the Agra fort walls house splendid palaces like Jahangir Palace and Khas Palace. Also, one will find ‘Diwan-i-Khas’ the grand hall of audiences.
Jama Masjid
Masjid Jahan Numa, built by Shah Jahan, is a magnificent mosque that can accommodate more than 25,000 namazis. One will find the verses of the Holy Quran, laid down on stone after reciting.
Fatehpur Sikri
Founded by Akbar, this historic city served as his capital for many years. The emperor commissioned its awe inspiring gardens, planned roads, harems, mosques, and other utility structures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort is home to the great saint Salim Chishti's Mazar (tomb), which nestles in the middle of the Emperor's Courtyard.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
Famous as Baby Taj, this red sandstone mausoluem designed by the talented Empress Nur Jahan. Inside, one would find the tomb of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, known as Itimad-ud-Daulah or the Pillar of the State. The buildings, architecture and gardens remind one of the Taj Mahal.
Akbar's Tomb in the Sikandra Fort
Final resting place of Emperor Akbar, this mausoleum was designed by Akbar himself and the construction began in 1600. It was later completed by Jehangir. The monument is four-tiered and pyramid shaped. The top of the tomb is made of marble. Sikandra Fort continues to be the most well-preserved forts in the city after Taj.
Moti Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan, between 1648 – 1654, the Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque shines like a pearl in the shining sun. Enthralling to the eye, inside is a sundial made of a marble pillar and beautiful carvings that is spellbinding. The complex has a separate prayer room for the women.
Jodha Bai ka Rauza
Also called the Marium Uz Zamani Palace, the palace of Emperor Akbar’s favourite Hindu Queen Jodhabai is a perfect combination of Rajasthani and Gujarati architecture. Unlike any other fort in Fatehpur Sikri, this palace has mural designs such as peacocks, elephants, lotus, and ghant mala.
Mehtab Bagh
Another creation of Emperor Shah Jahan, Mehtab bagh is a charbagh design. Each of the four spaces are measure 300 X 300 metres and has scores of plant species here. It also has pools that reflect the Taj Mahal during night.
Chini ka Rauza
A funerary monument, China Tomb was dedicated to Persian scholar and poet- Allama Afzal Khan Mullah. He served as the Prime Minister to the Mughal court. Built between 1628 and 1639, the monument is a fusion of the Indo-Persian style.
Other Attractions in Agra
Friends Gokulam Fun City Water Park: Second largest water park in Agra with slides, roller coasters and fun rides both for adults and kids.
Dolphin - The Water World: spread over an area of 14 acres and is replete with thrilling slides, roller coasters, water and regular rides etc.
Spend some time with the underpreviliged children of Mother Teresa in the Missionaries Of Charity.
Anguri Bagh: Another Charbagh, famous for thick creepers of grapes. Watch their cultivation and harvesting.
Taj Museum: Marvel at the blueprints, artefacts and materials used to build the Taj. The museums is located inside the Taj Mahal complex.
Agra, apart from its monuments, also boasts of many shopping places that are largely visited for unique crafts and collectible items. Being blessed with talented artisans, weavers and jewellers, markets of Agra are full of products that leave a shopper awestruck. Some of the most visited markets here are:
Fairs and Festivals in Agra
Agra is a beautiful city, full of colourful festivals that celebrate the culture and traditions of this land. Just like its monuments, festivals too are an attraction for visitors amass. Following are some of the most popular fairs and festivals in Agra:
Taj Mahotsav (February)
An annual event for 10 days, the festival is all about art, crafts, culture, traditional variety of food, and folk dances. Ghazal and Mushairas (poetry) are a special highlight.
Ram Barat (September)
The wedding procession of Lord Ram is taken out before the Dussehra to a venue created as Goddess Sita’s Janakpuri. The royal wedding is attended by thousands of devotees.
Kailash Fair (August-September)
A homage to Lord Shiva, the festival celebrates the appearance of the Lord in form of a Lingam at Kailash Temple (12 km away from Agra).
Bateshwar Fair (October/November)
Dedicated to the presiding deity, Bateshwar Mahadeo or Lord Shiva, highlight of this fair livestock and cattle. During this month-long event, people visit 108 temples of several Hindu gods and goddess and also take a dip in the holy waters of River Yamuna.
Winter (October to March)
Best time to visit the City of Taj. Average temperature during this time might drop as low as 2 degrees Celsius. It is the best time to visit the monuments and bargain at the markets.
Summer (April to July)
The maximum temperature during this time goes upto 40 degree Celsius. So it is advisable to carry light cotton clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen. While going for sightseeing one must carry a water bottle.
Monsoons (August to October)
Enjoy the rain washed splendour of Taj Mahal during monsons. One must carry a raincoat or umbrella during this time.
By Air:
Agra’s Kheria airport is 13 kilometres away from Agra city. It is also a military base. It receives daily flights from Delhi. One can easily hire a taxi from the airport or even board a bus.
By Rail:
Agra receives regular trains from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. The city has five railway stations :- Agra Cantt Station (the main station), Agra Fort Railway Station, Raja ki Mandi, Agra City and Idgah Railway Station. One can hire a pre-paid taxi, auto rickshaw or even a cycle rickshaw to get to the city.
By Road
Agra is well connected by bus with major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior. The city has Idgah Bus Stand, Taj Depot, Ford depot and Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) which connect Agra with other major cities of the country. Taxi/cab can also be hired easily from the operators all over the city.
