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AGRA ATTRACTIONS |
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| CITY ATTRACTIONS |
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| AGRA EXCURSIONS |
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| RELIGIOUS PLACES |
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AGRA CITY ATTRACTIONS |
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| Taj Mahal |
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The Taj Mahal, a monument which has been described as 'poetry in marble' was constructed by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He erected this mausoleum in the memory of his beloved second wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal, who died in A.D. 1630. She died while accompanying her husband in Burhanpur in a campaign to crush a rebellion after giving birth to their 14th child. The Taj stands on the banks of the river Yamuna, which otherwise serves as a wide moat defending the Great Red Fort of Agra, the center of the Mughal emperors until they moved their capital to Delhi in 1637. A study of the history of Taj Mahal reveals that it was started in A.D. 1631 and completed at the end of 1648 A.D. It is believed that the Taj Mahal is a result of twenty thousand workmen toiling day and night for twenty two whole years. Red sandstone was brought from Fatehpur Sikri, Jasper from Punjab, Jade and Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Coal and Cornelian from Arabia and diamonds from Panna. In all 28 kind of rare, semi precious and precious stones were used for inlay work in the Taj Mahal. The chief building material, the white marble was brought from the quarries of Makrana, in Rajasthan.
Click to know more about Taj Mahal location, timings, legends and other interesting infomation. |
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| Fatehpur Sikri |
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This historic site was founded by Akbar the great, who at 26 years did not have a heir. He went to a saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti who lived in a city called Sikri. His blessing gave Akbar 3 sons. As a gesture, Akbar built a whole new city in Sikri. It was built between 1569 and 1585 and was intended to be the joint capital with Agra, but was soon deserted because the water system could not support any residents. It remained untouched for over 400 years now and its palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the Mughals. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. |
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| Red Fort |
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The heyday of Agra came with the reign of Humayun's son, Akbar The Great. During his reign, the main part of the Agra Fort was built. Construction of the fort started in 1156 and was finished in 1605. Shah Jahan, who built the Taj, erected most of the buildings inside the fortress. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort. The colossal walls are 20 feet high and the whole fort is encircled by a fetid moat. Amar Singh gate towards the south is the only entry point in the fort. The building and structures inside the fort gives an impression of a city within the city. Many of the building inside the fort is now closed for the public. The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is one of the most stunningly beautiful mosques in India. After going through the gate you walk over a ramp and enter the Great Courtyard. On the right hand sight, there's the many pillared Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience). Further there is the Royal Pavilions. It contains beautiful mosques Nagina Masjid & Mina Masjid), palaces (Macchi Bhavan, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal, Shah Jahani Mahal) and the Zenana Mina Bazaar. It is interesting to note that Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in this fort, from where he had a view of the Taj, which he erected for his deceased wife. Shah Jahan is said to have died in the Musamman Burj, a tower with a beautiful marble balcony. |
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| Chini Ka Rauza |
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One of the lesser-known monuments of Agra is the tomb known as the Chini ka Rauza, which is situated 1 kilometer north of Itimad ud Daulah's Tomb. Mulla Shukrullah Shirazi was the Prime Minister of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and also a famous poet. He composed poetry under the pseudonym of 'Allami'. He took fancy to building his own mausoleum in 1639 with elaborate ornamentation. He chose glazed tiles as his medium to create the masterpiece that would enshrine his tomb forever. Every portion of this unique monument is profusely adorned with bright color schemes, known as 'Chini ka Rauza'. Parts of the walls are still covered with the coloured enamel tiles (chini) that once enhanced the whole of the exterior and gave the tomb its name, while traces of paintings and Islamic calligraphy can still be made out on the high domed ceiling. |
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| Sikandara |
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Akbar started building his own mausoleum, near Agra, that was to be a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain designs and motifs, bespeaking of his religious tolerance and secular views. The mausoleum was completed by his son, the next Mughal Emperor, Jahangir, who added more decorative elements to the design of Akbar's tomb in Sikandra. The entrance to Akbar's tomb in Sikandra is under a huge arched gateway, similar to the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri. There are beautiful calligraphic inscriptions on the white marble front of the gate. As you enter the gate you will see a formal garden in the charbagh tradition, and the tomb of Akbar situated at the center. Within the same complex is another sober tomb made of red sandstone, which contains the grave of Akbar's wife Mariam, the mother of Jahangir. |
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| Gwalior |
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One of the favorite Agra excursions is the city of Gwalior. Located in the Gird region of North India, the city offers some of the finest places of interest, like, Gwalior Fort, Gujari Mahal, Man Mandir Palace, Jai Vilas Palace and Museum and Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod. Ruled by the Tomars, Marwahs and the Marathas the city shares its contribution to the affluent historical, cultural and architectural background of Indian Kingdoms and Dynasties. The presence of major air base at Maharajpura marks its strategic location in the country. The city with its fortress serves as a centre of several North India’s historical kingdoms. The city also holds an unparalleled reputation in music. The legendary court musician of Akbar, Tansen also owes his origin to the city. The distance from Agra to Gwalior is 122 kilometres from the southern part of the city. |
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| Bharatpur |
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The main attraction of Bharatpur is the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, also called the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Located between Agra and Jaipur, this north Indian sanctuary is one of the greatest tourist destinations on your tour to India. Bharatpur is home to more than 380 species of beautiful feathered birds, and this is the reason why visitors want to visit this place time and again. The best season to visit is October to February. Here, mainly Hindi and English are spoken. Distance from Agra is 56 km. Brij Festival is the most colorful festival of Bharatpur. It is celebrated prior to the festival of Holi, which marks the beginning of the spring season and end of winters and thus, falls mostly in March. |
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| Mathura |
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The city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 58 km north-west of Agra. The city is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, a playful god worshipped by Hindus in India. Mathura is a holy city for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains since the deities of all three religions are believed to have lived in Mathura. It has often been said that it is easier to count the number of dust particles on the surface of the earth than to count the number of holy places in Mathura. Each of the Ghats, for instance, has its own Krishna myth. Here He rested after killing his evil and tyrannical uncle, King Kansa; This is where His mother tied him after he stole butter; This is the sacred grove where Krishna and Radha spent lazy, love-filled times - the list is endless. In Mathura-Vrindavan, it is difficult to know the dividing line between reality and myth. Mathura is also famous for the Mathura School of Art, which is known for its beautiful sculptures and clay idols. The Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura is the most visited holy place in Mathura. |
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| Sariska |
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Sariska is mainly known for the Sariska Wildlife sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. This small town in Rajasthan is a fascinating place, where one can visit the rich heritage sites and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you are an animal lover and a sincere admirer of Nature, then come and spend an exciting holiday in Sariska. The best time to visit Sariska is between November and March. During this time the weather is tolerable and usually it is quite pleasant. Here, you can also catch a glimpse of the elusive tigers. The tiger population in the reserve is in twenties. The best time to see them is during summers because then they can be seen reclining near water holes. There are also other animals like the panthers, jungle cat, wild boars, chinkara, and porcupine. Hundred of birds can be spotted at the Kalighati waterhole. The Nilgai can be spotted at Salupka waterhole and Chowsinghas can be seen around the Pandu Pol Nallah. |
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| Vrindavan |
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Around 60 km from Agra is located the sacred site of Vrindavan. Believed to have been the place of Lord Krishna's growing up years, it offers several temples, shrines, memorial stones, and hermitages of saints, disciples and followers of Krishna and offers itself as one of the finest excursions from Agra. Govind Dev Temple and Rangaji Temple are some of the significant spots to visit in Vrindavan. The Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat which was built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest existent temple in Vrindavan today. The temple is closely associated with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safe keeping, during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the image is worshipped at the temple. |
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RELIGIOUS PLACES IN AGRA |
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| Jama Masjid |
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Opposite the fort and overlooking Agra Fort railway station, the Jami Masjid or "Friday Mosque" was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and dedicated to his favourite daughter, Jahanara Begum. Standing on a high plinth approached by stairs, and with five arched entrances to the courtyard, the mosque is crowned by three large sandstone domes distinguished by their zigzag bands of marble.Within the mosque complex you will find the shrine of the Sufi religious leader Sheikh Salim Chisti. The lattice marble screens of the tomb are amazing in their workmanship. The tomb was earlier built in red sandstone and parts of the original structure can also be seen. The Jama Masjid is exquisitely decorated with inscriptions, inlaid geometric designs and colored tiles. The building is symmetrically proportioned and has an austere beauty, befitting its religious purpose. The main entrance to the Jama Masjid mosque in Agra, is through the grand gateway known as the Buland Darwaza. Another entrance is though the Badshahi Darwaza. The Jama Masjid Agra is the center of the city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was built around it. |
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| Moti Masjid |
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Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque was built by the emperor who built Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan. The mosque got its name because it shines like a pearl at night. The mosque was built by Shahjahan for his members of the royal court. The three marble domes of the mosque rest over the red sandstone walls and seen in totality the structure is inviting. The structure is built taking a good care of its symmetry. It is grounded to the right of the structure hall Diwan-E-Aam of the Agra Fort. The three rising domes of Moti Masjid are delightful. A look at the structure cultivates the feelings like the one after seeing St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow. The domes which are built in egg white marble reflects a velvet like appearance - smooth and striking. |
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| Dayal Bagh |
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Dayal Bagh area is located towards the north of Agra city. The place constitutes an extension of the city. The place lies at a distance of about 13 kms from the city center. Although it forms the peripheral regions of the city but the place has a good influence of the city. The place is one of the many tourist destinations in Agra. The place is sacred to the followers of Radha Swami faith. It holds the place where the last rites of Swamiji Maharaj were performed. Swamiji Maharaj is the most revered spiritual teacher among Hindus. The prime attraction of the region is the memorial of Swamiji Maharaj. The structure is a blend of mosque, temple and gurudwara architecture. Built in white marble the construction of the lofty structure started on 1904 A.D. and is believed never to be ended. An institute named Radha Swami Institute also has been erected. Every year hundreds of devotes come to the place and pay homage to Swami Maharaj. |
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| Mangleshwar Temple |
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Mangleshwar Temple, Agra is one of the prominent temples of Agra. It is situated towards the western part of the Agra city center in the Gokal Pura area. This temple is very lavishly bedecked during festivities and exemplifies the religious diversity in Agra. Truly speaking, a visit during Hindu festivities will bring in spotlight the Hindu style of worship. The entire ambience of the temple acquires a gorgeous, animated and colorful look.
Several pilgrims and tourists visit the Mangleshwar Temple in Agra every year. The festive days in Agra see the Mangleshwar Temple, Agra decked up in ornate embellishments. This temple stands as a testimony to the religious diversity of the city. |
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| Bageshwarnath Temple |
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There are a good number of holy places in Agra, among which Bageshwarnath Temple in Agra enjoys a special significance. Situated in the posh locale off the Ramratan Road in the northern region of Agra, the temple is not more than two kilometres away from the heart of the city. The temple is well-connected by a good network of roads and is easily accessible. St. John’s College and the Sales Tax Office are situated very near to this temple. Bageshwarnath Temple in Agra is very popular in the neighborhood of Raja ki Mundi. The temple is venerated by both the locals and the foreign tourists. The temple registers the footfall of a large number of devotees all round the year. The temple, apart from being significant from the religious point of view, also acts as a distinguishing landmark of the place. During the Hindu festivals, Bageshwarnath Temple, Agra takes on a festive spirit. |
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