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A thorough Agra travel guide will lead you through a set of information, valuable for a trip to the city on your tour to India. Situated on the banks of the lovely Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a city that exudes long history and rich cultural traditions. The Agra Travel Guide gives the know-how about certain factors. Owing to the hot and humid tropical climate, the city of Agra is best visited during the winters.
Agra - Fact File
| Area: |
120.57 sq. km |
| Altitude: |
169 metres above sea level |
| Population: |
(1991) 1,259,979 |
| Languages: |
Hindi and Urdu |
| STD Code: |
0562 |
Agra - Local Sightseeing
One of the choicest tourist destinations in India, Agra offers a host of monuments, historical structures, mausoleums, etc that deserve a visit or two and demand due appreciation as well.
Taj Mahal -
The Taj Mahal is commended as one of the greatest tourist attractions in India, drawing people from all over the world. The impressive structure was masterminded by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan who built it in loving remembrance of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Considered as one of the three World Heritage Sites, the Taj is glory incarnate in dazzling white marble and the rarest of gems and jewels including the red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Turquoise from Tibet, Jasper from Punjab, Coal and Cornelian from Arabia, Jade and Crystal from China, and diamonds from Panna.
Agra Fort -
A proper Agra travel guide will take you to one of the finest tourist destinations in India - the Agra Fort on the banks of the river Yamuna. Originally constructed by Akbar in 1565, it was altered in his own style by Emperor Shah Jahan. It actually is composed of the major structures, such as, the Delhi Gate, Amar Singh Gate, Akbari Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal. The red sandstone, with which it was built, was eventually replaced by marble pietra dura inlay in certain sections. Constructed in a semi circular plan, it boasts of towers, ramparts, bastions, and gateways.
Fatehpur Sikri -
A city constructed by Akbar during 1571 and 1585, Fatehpur Sikri, is another of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Exuding thorough planning and sharp intelligence, this city is chiefly built in red sandstone. Set at about 37 km from Agra, it presents a healthy combination of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, focusing on the religious tolerance of Akbar.
Jama Masjid -
Created by Jehanara Begum, Shahjahan's daughter, in 1648 AD, in remembrance of Sheikh Salim Chisthi and his grandson Islam Khan, the masjid (mosque) exudes an interesting influence of Iranian architecture. The structure with its rectangular open courtyard has no minarets but the sandstone domes have a remarkable marble patterning.
Sikandra -
Enclosed by the tranquil gardens at Sikandra, at 4 km north-west of Agra, is located the tomb of Akbar made of sandstone and marble. The mausoleum symbolizes Akbar's philosophy and secularism respecting the motifs and styles of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Christians alike.
Agra - How to Reach
Agra is well linked to and from Delhi, Varanasi and Khajuraho by regular air services. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station and regular train services connect to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan. www.touristplacesinindia.com provides you with all India tourist permit means of transportation.
Agra - Shopping
Leather products, jewelry, rug weaving and marble work are the best buys in Agra. The Sadar Bazaar area and the area in the south of Taj Ganj, is home to several emporia and shops.
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