Agra Travel Guide
The beautiful city of Agra is located at a distance of 200 km from Delhi. It is 169 meters above sea level and spread over an area of 82 sq km. This former capital of India is situated right on the banks of river Yamuna. It is the 19th most populous state in India. Tourists are magnetized by this city, and it stands as one of the major tourist destinations of India.
Comprising numerous historical monuments, Agra is one important feather in the cap of “Incredible India”. The Jewel in the crown being the Taj Mahal. Also located in the city is Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri. UNESCO declared all the 3 as World Heritage Sites. Agra is located in India’s Golden Triangle of Tourism along with Delhi and Jaipur. Vivacious is the local culture of the town teamed with the architectural marvels that adorn the city which never fails to awe anyone who passes by.
Agrevana, or the border of the forest, is what the Mahabharata termed it. A Shikarwar Rajput king, Raja Badal Singh is said to be the founder of the city. He had a fort called the Badalgarh Fort which stood very near to where the present fort stands today. It is mentioned; in the 11th Century th effort faced a huge assault, bu Mahmud of Ghazni on the fort when it was under the reign of Shahi King Jayapala.
In 1506 Sikander Lodhi, the then Sultan moved his capital to Agra. The next rulers of Agra were respectively his son Ibrahim Lodhi who was defeated by the Afghans in the Battle of Panipat in 1526. Leading to this event Agra fell into the hands of the Afghans who then continued to rule it till 1556. From 1556 to it was the Capital of the Mughal Empire.
Brijbhoomi,or the land where Lord Krishna, is also said to be associated with Agra. The city hosts 5 Shiva Temples that exemplify the rich culture the city once marvelled on.
The second ruler of the Lodhi dynasty, Sikander Lodhi declared Agra the capital of his empire. Babur, in 1526 AD defeated the Lodhi’s and thus took over the empire. Agra was also declared his capital. It is in the hand of Babur that the first monument of Agra, Aaram Baugh or Gul-e-Afghan saw its foundation stone. Agra was also the capital state of Sher Shah Soori.
Agra was declared, one of the most dazzling cities of Medial India under the rule of Akbar. Back then it was also a gigantic city. Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort were all constructed in the reign of Akbar, who also went on to create many other forts in the city. Agra was also the capital of British India till 1857.
How to Reach Agra
- Air – There are 2 airports that are accessible from Agra. They are Agra and Delhi. Delhi is the major airport which is connected to all the other big airports of India and rest of the world.
- Rail – Agra is well connected via railways with Delhi and other major cities of India.
- Road – Agra is connected with Delhi and other parts of North India through some of the best quality highways.
Distance of Agra from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Delhi |
203 |
|
Khajuraho |
393 |
|
Jaipur |
237 |
|
Gwalior |
118 |
|
Varanasi |
657 |
|
Kolkata |
1287 |
Weather
Agra Temperature
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are moderate and range between (16°C) to (41°C)
- Monsoon – (Jul to Sep) – With heavy rainfall happening at regular basis, this is not a good season for tourists, though you can plan a trip if you would like to see the Taj during rains
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are lower and range between (5°C) to (27°C)
- Best Time to Visit – Though you can visit Agra all through the year including the monsoon, Oct to Mar is the best season for tourism as the temperature remains low and sky is clear
What to See In Agra
In Taj Mahal lies the proof to Emperor Shah Jahan’s dedicated love to his wife Mumtaz. Finished in 1653 AD, Taj Mahal is the final resting place of his wife Mumtaz. This wonder created completely out of Marble had taken 22 years to be completed. 20,000 jewellers, masons and workers were incorporated to the project which is also a masterpiece of symmetry.
One of the seven wonders of the world, it has also been declared a world heritage site. It is located on the South Bank of river Yamuna. ‘A tear in the face of eternity’ is how Rabindranath Tagore chooses to describe it. The best of this monument is witnessed either at dawn or in the evening.
On a raised square marble platform stands the Taj, beneath it a sandstone platform. An unequal hexagon is formed as its four sides are curtailed. Each element in the mausoleum stands on its own completely assimilating with the main structure. Twenty-small domes are situated on the top of the gate wherein the verses of the Koran are inscribed. The tomb under which lies Mumtaz, has a height of 80 feet and has a diameter of 60 meters. Semi-precious stones and exquisite veneer incorporate the interiors
Agra Fort is another World Heritage Site of Agra. Built in 1565 it is said to have been renovated by Akbar. It was in Shah Jahan’s time that the fort was rebuilt that the red sandstone fort was converted into a palace. Rework was done on it extensively with pietra dura and sandstone. Jahangir’ Palace, Diwan-e-aam, diwan-e khas, Kahas mahal, Shish Mahal, Moti Maasjid lays in the interiors of the fort.
2.4 km is the diameter of the fort, which is crescent, placate on the east with a great virtually straight line facing the river. The vetoed exteriors of the fort bury the paradisaical interiors. The Mughal architecture is deeply reflected in this fort
This fort was built to commemorate Emperor Akbar’s Victory over Rana Sanga in the land of Sikri, about 40 km from Agra. A world Heritage site, this was once the Capital of The Mughal Empire. Though, he later had to shift to Agra Fort because of shortage of water.
Buland Darwaza, also known as the Gate of Magnificence, was built in 1601 A.D. at Fatehpur Sikri by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar. Approached by 52 steps; 53.63 m high and 35 meters wide The Buland Darwāza is built of red and buff sandstone; carvings of black and white marble decorate its inlays
An ornate monument standing just opposite the Agra Fort and overlooking the Agra Fort Railway Station. Popularly known as the Friday Mosque this is said to be one of the largest mosques of India.
Built in 1648 after the memory of Shah Jahan’s daughter, Jahanara Begum – 5000 workers came to complete the building in about 6 years’ time. Built out of red sandstones and white marbles the architecture of this temple is world famous.
Comprising a beautiful fountain in the center, the structure is supported by 4 kiosks, and the interiors script Persian phrases in praise of Jahanara. The mosque is open for tourists all day long
40 km from Agra, the Tomb of Salim Chisti was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in honor of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. Emperor Akbar came to the saint to ask for his sons life, when all else had failed. Akbar’s son Jahangir was named after the saint as Salim and is even said to have been raised by him.
Over 400 years old, the beautiful square marble tomb is located near the Zanana Rauza and faces South towards the Buland Darwaza during 1580-81. Pearls, Lapis Lazuli and Topaz adorn the insides of the mosque. Typical of the Sufi order, a green cloth covers the tombstone which rests in a canopy explicitly and intuitively carved out of ebony and decorated with brass and pearls.
Hordes of people visit the place every day, with the site being very popular and wish-fulfilling for barren women
Emperor’s Akbar’s Hall of public audience is yet another example of his intense love for marble. Located within the Rad Fort this hall is the place used by the emperor to address the common people of his nation through a balcony. Adorned by carved marble jharokas or the imperial throne, it is said the inauguration of the throne also took place in this hall.
Originally covered with coats of burnished white shell lime plaster the ceilings of the dome were adorned with gold. The halls boasted of a gold plated railing, and three silver plated railings located on three sides. Built out of red sandstone, in a rectangular pattern, it has a rectangular plan and measures 61.77 m by 20.12 m. The hall is supported by a brilliant structure of 48 pillars which support the arches on the flat stone roof. This delicate example of craftsmanship can be visible all the way from the Amber Fort
This was the Emperor’s Hall of Private Audiences. It was in the Red Fort of Delhi, that the Mughal Emperor also received his state guests as well as courtiers. Located on the Northeast Corner of the royal complex, it boasts of a huge and richly carved pillar in the center.
Dating back to the 1635, the hall has an ornate wooden roof with silver and gold leaves that resemble the rays of the sun. It consists of two halls, the interior one called the Tambi Khana. The Diwan-i-khas boasts of an arched opening supported on double columns, and is open on all three sides. It has Persian encryption on its walls in black stone comparing the emperor to the sun and the room to the highest heaven.
The chambers exhibit brilliant manifestations of highly refined inlay work in floral patterns on the borders of the dados, together with exquisite carvings in the middle of the relief
Itimad-Ud Daulah
Baby Taj was built by Empress Noor Jahan, in memory of her father, who was the then Chief of Army of Emperor Jahangir. On the left bank of the Yamuna river is situated the Itimad-Ud-Daulah. A hefty cruciform garden, braided by water courses and walkways sets the way to the mausoleum. Spread over 250 sq ft, built on 540 sq ft it is about one meter in height. Nearly thirteen meters tall hexagonal towers are set on each corner of the tower. It is also named Jewel Box by Some.
Swami Bagh Samadhi
Founder of the Radhaswami faith, this is a monument to hold the ashes of Swamiji Maharaj. The construction to this fort continues till date which began as early as 1904. This is one of the most unique structures in India, as the marble that has been used is colored, lifelike and not seen anywhere else in India
Mankameshwar Temple
Located on the four corners of the city of Agra are 4 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Mankameshwar Temple is one of them. Surrounding the temple are markets, dating back to the Mughal era
Ram Bagh
The Ram Bagh is one of the first built structures by the Mughals. Also known as Aram Bagh, or the place of relaxation, this is the place where the Emperor spent his leisure time. The positioning and built of the bagh is such that even in the most humid climate it is kept cool and comfy. This is also the place where Emperor Akbar died and his body was kept before finally being sent to Kabul
Sikandra
In 1605, Akbar started building the Sikandra which was completed by Jahangir. An elegant southern gateway welcomes tourists to the tomb that again leads into a huge enclosed garden. Floral and geometrical arabesque adorn the gateway. The mausoleum has five storey. This is also the final resting place of Emperor Akbar, in the basement. An atrium covered with glorious stucco paintings in gold, blue, and green floral arabesque, of Persian inscriptions, takes the tourists to the final resting place of the emperor
Other Details
What to Do
Tourists visiting Agra must not miss the Petha and Dalmoth. Petha is a sweet that is made of mainly besan, flour and sugar. With centuries there has been many experiments regarding Petha, and thus the ingredients and the variants have also changed. Dalmoth on the other hand is a snack. The taste of both tingles everyone’s taste buds and leaves them wanting for more. One must also not forget to have Agra’s delicious chaat
Where to Eat
- H jai hind and H jaiwal on TAj road.
- Laxmi Vilas on Taj Road
- Prakash Restaurant and Kwality Restaurant on Taj Road
What to Buy
Leather, marble, soft stones are filled and found in every store. The main market is in the Cantonment area of Agra and shopping is recommended only in this part of the city. Taj Complex at Kinnari Bazar is also a good option. There are also State Emporiums, the biggest one being Silpagram 1 km East of the gate of Taj. Shoes are something that everyone in Agra buys. Do not miss them out in your shopping list
Get Around
Tongas, tempos and buses are the means to travel in the city. One can take taxis to any part of the city. A tempo, an auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw can also be hitched. Prepaid transport is also available. There are Battery-Operated buses, rickshaws, horse-driven tongas, and other pollution- free vehicles around Taj area
Top Destinations - Uttar Pradesh
– Agra
Popular Tour Plans - Uttar Pradesh
4-6 Days
1. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Udaipur (8N/9D)
2. Delhi-Agra-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (9N/10D)
> 10 Days
1. Delhi-Corbett National Park-Agra-Bharatpur-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (12N/13D)