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Agra
Contents
[ Edit ] Overview
Agra, situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, 200 kms south east of Delhi, was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th century. Agra is on the "must see" list for any Indian or foreign tourists given the number of architectural and historical gems that are housed in this city.
While the city finds mention in the Mahabharata as "Agrevaṇ", or "border of the forest", Agra flourished during the reign of the Mughals - notably under Emperor Akbar and subsequently under Emperor Shah Jahan - from 1526 to 1658.
Famous for the Taj Mahal, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Agra also boasts of the Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort - both of which are included in the list of World Heritage Site (UNESCO). In addition, Agra is home to several other monuments including the Tomb of Akbar, Jama Masjid (Agra), I'timād-Ud-Daulah Tomb, also referred to as the 'Baby Tāj' - given its modest resemblance to the Taj Mahal.
[ Edit ] History
Agra was first mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as Agrevan (translates as "The Border of the Forest").
In 1501 Sikander Lodhi of the Delhi Sultanate made it his capital. In 1526 Babur defeated the Lodhi’s and Agra came under the Mughal rule. Babur introduced Mughal gardens to Agra.
Agra flourished during Akbar’s rule and became a centre for art, culture and learning. He laid the foundation for a city here and named it Akbarabad. Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri were built during Akbar’s reign. When Shah Jahan, who had a passion for architecture, came into power he built the Taj Mahal, most of the palce buildings inside the Agra Fort and the Jama Masjid.
Shah Jahan's son, Aurangazeb, moved moved his capital from Agra to Delhi and that began the slow decline of Agra as well as the Mughal Empire. The Jats then came into power beginning the years of destruction to the city and its monuments, followed by the Maratas and then the British.
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
Uttar Pradesh, India
[ Edit ] Location
On the banks of the Yamuna River in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, India.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
Since much of what there is to see in Agra is outdoors, October through March are the best time to visit Agra when the weather is cooler. Summers are hot!!
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
[ Edit ] STD Code
0562
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Agra Fort
The Agra Fort is a monument that is included in the World Heritage List (UNESCO). Situated on the west bank for the Yamuna River, construction of the Agra fort was started by Emperor Akbar in 1565. It functioned primarily as a military structure. Alterations and additions were made to it by Shah Jahan making part of the fort into a palace, and later by Aurangazeb who added the outer ramparts.
Part of the fort is unfortunately closed for visitors these days as it is occupied by the army. Of the buildings that are open to visitors, some of the important ones are:
''Diwan-i-am'', the hall of public audience;
''Diwan-i-khas'', the hall of private audience;
''Musamman Burj'' or Octaganol Tower, where Shah Jahan spent the last days of his life when he was imprisoned by his son Aurangazeb;
''Jehangir’s Palace'', the largest private residence built by Akbar for his son;
Shah Jahan’s ''Khas Mahal'', Shah Jahan’s private palace built entirely of marble;
''Sheesh Mahal'', the mirror palace which is said to be the royal dressing room;
''Moti Mahal'' or the Pearl Mosque, Shah Jahan’s private mosque;
''Nagina Mosque'', the Jewel Mosque for the ladies of the court.
- Entry for visitors is through the Amar Singh gate on the southern end.
- Open 7am-6pm. Entry fees are applicable.
[ Edit ] Akbar’s Mausoleum
10km north of Agra is the village of Sikandra. Akbar is said to have started to construction of his mausoleum and later his son Jehangir modified and completed the structure in 1613. The tomb is located in the centre of a large walled garden designed in the char bagh style. The structure made of red sandstone inlaid with white marble is a blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.
- Open daily. Entry fees apply.
[ Edit ] Aram Bagh (Ram Bagh)
Aram Bagh meaning ‘garden of rest’ is believed to be the first Mughal garden in India. The garden was laid out by Babur, the first Mughal emperor, in 1526. It is said that Babur was buried here for a short time before his body was taken to Kabul.
- Open daily.
[ Edit ] Chini ka Rauza
1km north of Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, is Chini ka Rauza, literally meaning China tomb after its brightly colored enameled tiles. The tomb was constructed by Afsal Khan, a poet-scholar from Persia who was Shah Jahan’s finance minister.
- Open daily.
[ Edit ] Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a monument that is included in the World Heritage List. Fatehpur Sikri is 35km from Agra and is commonly visited by tourists coming to Agra. Built during Akbars reign (1570–1586), Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a short period. It was abandoned because of the serious water shortage problems. The architecture of this walled city is a blend of Mughal and Hindu styles.
Some of the attractions at Fatehpur Sikri are:
The mosque which is said to be a replica of the mosque at Mecca;
The ''palace of Jodh Bai'';
''Birbal Bhavan'', a small palace with beautiful carvings;
''Karawan Serai'', used by visiting merchants;
''Hiran Minar'', a memorial to Akbar’s favorite elephant;
''Panch Mahal'', used by Akbar’s queens and attendants;
''Ankh Micholi'', which was possibly the treasury;
''Diwan-i-khas'', the hall of private audience, and
''Diwan-i-am'', the hall of public audiences.
The official entrance to Fatehpur Sikhri is through the Shahi Darwaza.
- Open from sunrise to sunset. Entry fees are applicable.
[ Edit ] Firoz Khan Khwajasara’s Tomb
South of Agra on the Gwalior Road is the 17th century octagonal structure which is the tomb of Firoz Khan Khwajasara. Firoz Khan Khwajasara was a natural born eunuch and the custodian of Shah Jahan’s harem.
[ Edit ] Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
Built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jehangir, for her father, this 17th century small garden tomb is located on the east bank of the Yamuna River, about 4km upstream from the Taj Mahal. Also described as ‘Baby Taj’ or ‘jewel box’, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s is said to be the first Mughal structure that was entirely built of marble and which made extensive use the pietra dura style of inlay work on marble.
- Open daily. Entrance fees apply.
[ Edit ] Jami Masjid (Agra)
Jami Masjid of Agra was built in 1648 and was commissioned by Shah Jahan’s favourite daughter Jahanara Begum. The mosque is still in use today and is located across the Delhi gate of Agra Fort.
- Open daily. Non Muslims are not allowed inside during the prayer hours.
[ Edit ] Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is the most famous Mughal monument constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of the Taj began in 1631 and was completed in 1648 with 20,000 workers brought in from various parts of the world to work in the construction.
The Mughal style of architecture of the Taj Mahal combines the styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. Built from precious white marble with beautiful mosaic created with precious stones inlaid in the marble, the Taj Mahal has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. The mosaic designs are based on calligraphy, abstract geometric designs and floral motifs.
The main attractions at the Taj are:
'''Darwaza''', the main entrance;
'''Bageecha''', the ornamental garden designed according to the principles of Char Bagh; masjid, the mosque;
'''Rauza''', the mausoleum and
'''Naqqar khana''', the rest house.
The main entrance to the Taj Mahal is in the west but there are two more entrances in the south and east.
- Open from 6am-7:30pm; closed on Mondays.
- Entry Charges: Indian Nationals: Rs20; Foreign Nationals: Rs750
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Agra is well connected from Delhi. Agra Airport is 7 km from the city.
[ Edit ] Rail
The Agra Cantonment Railway Station is the main rail head and is serviced by several trains connecting to all parts of the country.
[ Edit ] Road
The city has good road connections to Delhi and also to other major destinations around it.
Driving distances from:
- Gwalior: 118 kms
- Delhi: 203 kms
- Jaipur: 232 kms
- Lucknow: 363 kms
- Sariska National Park: 189 kms
[ Edit ] Getting Around
The best way to see the city is to hire a private taxi or car for the day. Cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws are easily available and work very well for short distances but they don’t run on meter and a lot of haggling is required to get reasonable rate.
[ Edit ] Other Information
[ Edit ] Shopping
Agra is well known for its leather, jewellery and marble items. However precious stones are much cheaper in Jaipur. Also very often shop keepers may say that certain items are made of marble when in reality they are made of alabaster.
[ Edit ] Food
Restaurants in Agra mainly serve traditional Mughlai food. There are a few restaurants, mostly in 5 star hotels that serve international cuisines. One of the city’s specialties is the famous ‘Agra Petha’, a candied pumpkin sweet available in various flavors.
Some good local places to eat are:
- Ram Babu Paratha Bhandar, Belanganj: Has been serving fried and crispy parathas since the Independence. Ram Babu's specials are Methi Matar Paratha, Ghotwaan Gobhi and Curd infused Jhol. Urban legend has it that Ram Babu used to run a contest where anyone who could eat more than 3 parathas would eat for free, and very few people could ever win this contest.
- Chiman Lal Puri Wallah, Chimman Chauraha: Located opposite the Jami Masjid, this tiny cafe serves us one of the best Thaali meals in Agra. Puris, 2 vegetarian curries, and Mughlai Kheer, all for Rs. 25.
[ Edit ] Did You Know?
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My Advice
I personally would not reccomend a day trip (i.e. leave in the morning and come back that same evening). You will be exhausted and will find yourself flying through the sites instead of really enjoying them.
- On: 05 May 2009
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Advice for visitors from Delhi
It is possible to do Agra / Fatehpur Sikri in a comfortable 24 hrs from Delhi. To do this, get to Agra the night before, see Taj at sunrise, have a heavy breakfast, then see Agra Fort and head to Fatehpur Sikri from there. Have lunch along the way and you are back in Delhi by dinner time. I personally would not reccomend a day trip (i.e. leave in the morning and come back that same evening). You will be exhausted and will find yourself flying through the sites instead of really enjoying them.
- On: 20 Mar 2009
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