The sight of a white marble mausoleum, raised on a platform and graced by 4 minarets on each corner, reflected in the watercourse that runs through the ornamental gardens is an unrivaled tourist attraction in Agra. Taj Mahal, a symbol of undying love, has been summed up by Ghalib, the famous Urdu poet, as a rebuff of an ordinary man's love for his beloved, in whose memory he cannot build a monument of such magnificence.
Today, Taj Mahal is a major tourist attraction in Agra, and is open to all even on full moon nights, so that you can take your beloved by the hand and walk down the gardens as moon and its entourage of stars light your path on your tour to Agra under the Golden Triangle Tours package arranged by Adventure Tours of India. Besides Taj Mahal, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Agra that will keep your hands full on your tour to Agra.
Built in massive red sandstones on the bank of Yamuna, The Agra Fort is another major tourist attraction in Agra. It is popular with tourists as a towering fort as well as for the many palaces and mosques build within its premises by Jahangir and Shah Jahan, after Emperor Akbar began its construction in 1565. Some of the prominent mosques within Agra's Red Fort include the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque). Upgraded as a palace under Shah Jahan's reign, Agra Fort is famous for Jahangir's Palace, Khas Mahaland Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace). Other places to see at this tourist attraction Agra include Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Am, Ladies' Bazaar, Amar Singh Gate and Musamman Burj.
Agra Fort
The fort is built alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone and several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. You can only enter the fort via the Amar Singh Gate.
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).
It was built by Shah Janan in 1628.
Further you find 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.
Several of the buildings are made of pure marble with beautiful carvings. To cool off the rooms in the marble pavilions, the walls were hollow and filled with running water.
From the balconies in the pavilions, you have a nice view on the Yamuna river and the Taj Mahal....
It was built by Shah Janan in 1628.
Further you find 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.
Several of the buildings are made of pure marble with beautiful carvings. To cool off the rooms in the marble pavilions, the walls were hollow and filled with running water.
From the balconies in the pavilions, you have a nice view on the Yamuna river and the Taj Mahal....
Jahangir Mahal
Undoubtedly, the most noteworthy building inside Agra Fort is the Jahangir Mahal (Jahangir's Palace), which was the principal zenana palace (palace for women belonging to the royal household), used mainly by the Rajput wives of Akbar. A splendid gateway leads to an interior courtyard surrounded by grand halls covered with profuse carvings on stone, heavily fashioned brackets, piers, and crossbeams. One can still spot remnants of decoration in gold and blue done in the prevalent Persian style. Jahangiri Mahal mixes Transoxanian (Central Asian) features, such as the verandah on the east front with its high slender columns (a translation into stone of the timber iwan of vernacular Transoxanian architecture), with courtyard halls styled in the broader Gujarat-Malwa-Rajasthan tradition as it had been passed onto the Mughals by the early 16th-century architecture of Raja Man Singh of Gwalior. This exotic medley and adventurous eclecticism suggests a daring approach in architecture. The typically Gujarati brackets-fabulously carved animal and floral motifs-register a dominating effect on the few Islamic features such as the verandah on the eastern front with exquisitely slender pillars facing the riverfront. Jahangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbari period in the Agra Fort.
Buland Darwaza
The monumental gateway facing south was built by Akbar as the main entrance to the mosque to commemorate his conquest over Deccan in 1601, according to the Persian inscriptions on the archway. Known as Buland Darwaza, it stands to this day eloquently expressing the grandeur of Akbar's empire. Standing on the highest point of the ridge, it is 40.84 m high and was built on a platform that was 13.52 m high. A fine example of Islamic architecture, it is semi octagonal in plan and two smaller triple-storeyed wings on either side.
The central archway is richly ornamented with a broad band of yellow buff sandstone, bordered by red sandstone panels and two square panels on its bottom on either side with white and black marble inlay work. The arch resembles the pattern of Jami Masjid. It has three kiosks on its top surrounded by thirteen smaller domed kiosks. The smaller turrets surrounding the gateway greatly increase its magnificence. The arch has three actual openings bordered by decorative panels and superimposed by three other arched openings crowned by a semi-dome.
Kanch Mahal
Kanch Mahal is set near Akbar's Tomb at Sikandara. The beautiful square monument showcases Mughal domestic architecture at its best. One can still see the remnants of the Charbagh with its causeways, water channels and tanks, where it was situated. According to the belief, it was used formerly as a Mahal or Rpyal Ladies' Resort and then as the royal Shikargah (Hunting Lodge) by Jehangir. Built sometime between 1605 -19, it is now in ruins. Previously, it was under the Church Missionary Society but now Department of Archaeology looks after it. The two storeyed mansion has a central square hall roofed by a vaulted soffit. Four square rooms with two openings for ventilation are situated in the four corners of the building. These rooms also have opening on two sides for the purpose of ventilation. The octagonal double pillars on the raised plinth on two sides of the hall serve the purpose of a pedestal for the piers on the second storey.
The use of jharokhas and gaukhs (balconies) are not merely adornments of the various rooms but make the floor airy and open. There were two identical facades to the north and south of the building. Only northern façade with a massive central portal about the height of the building has now survived. It has elaborately carved lotus bud and fringes. Similarly facades to the east and west were identical. Brick masonry was used in the building, which was plastered and then painted inside while finely carved red sandstone was used outside. Carving has been extensively used throughout the building; chief patterns being sunkniches containing wine-vases, circular niche containing a full-blown lotus, floral creepers, arabesque work and geometrical designs. The inlaid mosaic work and glazed blue, green and orange tiles on the friezes and roofs have also been used gracefully to beautify the building. It was this tile work that lend the name of Kanch Mahal to the place.
The use of jharokhas and gaukhs (balconies) are not merely adornments of the various rooms but make the floor airy and open. There were two identical facades to the north and south of the building. Only northern façade with a massive central portal about the height of the building has now survived. It has elaborately carved lotus bud and fringes. Similarly facades to the east and west were identical. Brick masonry was used in the building, which was plastered and then painted inside while finely carved red sandstone was used outside. Carving has been extensively used throughout the building; chief patterns being sunkniches containing wine-vases, circular niche containing a full-blown lotus, floral creepers, arabesque work and geometrical designs. The inlaid mosaic work and glazed blue, green and orange tiles on the friezes and roofs have also been used gracefully to beautify the building. It was this tile work that lend the name of Kanch Mahal to the place.
Ram Bagh
The first Mughal gardens laid by Babur in 1558, half a km from Chini Ka Rauza, were planned carefully in Persian style. They were then named as Bagh-i-Gul Afshan. Later, Jehangir renovated them and named them as Bagh-i-Nur Afshan. Neglected for centuries, these gardens have now turned into wilderness and are known as Ram Bagh. Set to the south of Sarai of Nur Jehan, Babur introduced three-terraced garden here for the first time. The river-drawn water was made to look like a spring, as it artificially descended from one terrace to another through a network of canals, tanks and water chutes that had stairs on both sides ended in a red sandstone pond. The gardens were beautified using 'Chhatris', platforms, pathways and a conglomeration of plants that were cultivated in a landscaped manner. Jehangir had also built two beautiful suites on the two sides of the main terrace and a Mahtab or island platform in the centre, which was connected with the main water system. Ram Bagh symbolizes the erstwhile Mughal pleasure garden that hasn't aged gracefully unlike other legacies of that time.
Dayal Bagh Temple
Swami Bagh Temple at Dayal Bagh is 10 km to the north of Agra. Started in 1904, it is still under construction even after 100 years! The white marble Samadhi of the Radha Swami, the founder of a unique religion that seeks to being all religions under one umbrella and preaches unity of mankind, the construction of this temple is not expected to be completed until sometime next century. If you want to witness the Pietra Dura inlaid marble work, you must visit the temple and walk to its sides to see the artisans at work. The aim of this structure is to build a temple for Hindus, a church for Christians, a gurudwara for Sikhs and a mosque for Muslims, each on a separate floor, in the same building, to symbolize brotherhood and unity in mankind. The artistic work here is wonderful and has an outstanding visual appeal. However, locals believe that perfect harmony between all the religions at once is impossible, so the building symbolizing it would never be complete and will be damaged anytime, it is close to being complete.
Fairs and festivals in 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.
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.
Cuisine of agra
Agra saw the peak of its development during the Mughal era and it was the Mughals who had the maximum influence on its culture and heritage. Similarly, one can also taste this influence in the famous Mughlai cuisine of Agra, which is relished since years. The Mughlai cuisine mostly includes sumptuous non-vegetarian dishes like Kababs, Kormas and curries which involve abundant use of curd, cream, nuts, almond sauce and an amalgam of carefully selected spices.
Apart from the Mughlai, Agra is also popular all over India for its Pethas, a rose water flavored sweet made from pumpkin and glucose. Almost every visitor to Agra takes a few packets of Pethas back home. Dal moth, a kind of snack, is also one of the specialties of the city. In the winter season, you can also buy Gajjaks, sweet biscuits made from sesame seeds and jaggery.
If you want to taste these delectable delights, you can come to the Taj Ganj area, where you will find no dearth of good restaurants, especially the ones specializing in Agra cuisine. These restaurants serve almost the same kind of food and is quite affordable too. One of the popular food joints of Agra is Shankara Vegis Restaurant, which is a rooftop restaurant serving vegetarian food. Here you can also enjoy indoor games such as carom.
Other reputed restaurants include Stuff Makers in Hotel Kamal, which gives an experience of eating in a thatched hut and a terrace view of the Taj Mahal. This restaurant also provides packed stuff like pancakes, sauces and honey. Shanti Lodge is another food joint famous for its Taj views. For laid back evenings you can move into Yash Cafe, that along with its mouth watering savoring, also gives you an experience of the bygone era. You can have a shower here and enjoy a movie with a meal.
Apart from the Mughlai, Agra is also popular all over India for its Pethas, a rose water flavored sweet made from pumpkin and glucose. Almost every visitor to Agra takes a few packets of Pethas back home. Dal moth, a kind of snack, is also one of the specialties of the city. In the winter season, you can also buy Gajjaks, sweet biscuits made from sesame seeds and jaggery.
If you want to taste these delectable delights, you can come to the Taj Ganj area, where you will find no dearth of good restaurants, especially the ones specializing in Agra cuisine. These restaurants serve almost the same kind of food and is quite affordable too. One of the popular food joints of Agra is Shankara Vegis Restaurant, which is a rooftop restaurant serving vegetarian food. Here you can also enjoy indoor games such as carom.
Other reputed restaurants include Stuff Makers in Hotel Kamal, which gives an experience of eating in a thatched hut and a terrace view of the Taj Mahal. This restaurant also provides packed stuff like pancakes, sauces and honey. Shanti Lodge is another food joint famous for its Taj views. For laid back evenings you can move into Yash Cafe, that along with its mouth watering savoring, also gives you an experience of the bygone era. You can have a shower here and enjoy a movie with a meal.
The city of Agra houses restaurants, food corners that serve the best Mughlai cuisine in India. The baked meat, bread and chicken are the best in the menu. Kababs which are made by baking meat in an earthen oven called tandoor is one of the most delicious things offered in Agra. Tandoori Chicken and Tandoori Fish are other specialities. The recipes watering recipes prepared with milk sauces, curd, cream and crushed nuts are served by most of the restaurants in Agra. Dalmoth and Petha are popular sweets of the region.
In Agra Pethas Are World Wide Famous...
Contact me for further queries
Mr. Karant Agrawal, Asiaguide Tours,108 Ambika Puri Extension, Airport Road, Indore- 452005
E: Karant2.ag@gmail.com
For Further Queries Contact:
Ms Sonia Malhotra, Satguru Tours, E-32, 1st Floor, Patparganj, Mayur Vihar Ph-1, Delhi-110091
T:- +91-11-43038646 M:- +91-9818316876/9718570707 E:-sonia@satgurutours.com
Mr Rajesh Tiwari Shripad, India Tours & Travels, B-110, Dindayal Complex,Near Ved Nagar, Nanakheda, Ujjain, India,
T : 456010, 9406841345, 9893264726, 07344041397, E : shripadtravels@yahoo.co.in,www.shripadtravels.com
Mr Ronak Agrawal, AsiaGuide Tours & Travels, B-19, Upper Ground Floor, Stadium Complex, Jalgaon 425001 MS India, Tel: 91 257-2239636 Mobile :- 91- 9960222656
http://jobsinairline.com/pilottraining/http://jobsinairline.com/pilottraining/
An Indo - Canada Aviation Joint Venture
Stop Dreaming ......
... Start Flying
Lets Make Mission Possible
tourist places agra,
shopping in agra,
museums in agra,
gardens in agra,
monuments in agra,
more attractions in uttar pradesh,
agra fort,
buland darwaza in agra,
Taj Agra
taj mahal agra
taj agra reviews
taj agra dickson menu
taj agra restaurant
We request you to provide maximum information related to your travel plan in the "Requirements" field This will help us to process your information quickly and accurately.
