Agra is the city of the inimitable Taj Mahal, the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal Emperor to his beloved. 169 meters above sea level, it is situated on the bank of Yamuna river. Agra citys economy is based on its Small Scale Industries, Commerce and Trade. Agra city is famous for the Leather Goods, Handicrafts, Zari, Zardozi, Marble and Stone carving & inlay work. Agra is also well known for eats. sweets (PETHA) and Snacks (DALMOTH AND GAJAK) are famous here.

History

It finds mention in the epic Mahabharata, where it was called Agrabana or Paradise. Tradition and legend ascribe the present city to that of Raja Badal Singh (around 1475 A.D.) whose Fort, Badalgarh, stood on or near the site of the present Fort. Agra came into limelight during the rule of Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi - who had made it the capital of his empire,later in 1526 A.D. It was the Mughals who finally nurtured Agra with the finest monuments, architects could design, for example, The Taj Mahal of Shah Jahan and the Agra Fort of Akbar.

Agra Attractions

Tajmahal, Agra Fort, Sikandra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri

Taj Mahal : Taj Mahal means "Crown Palace" and is in fact the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world.. Taj Mahal stands on the bank of River Yamuna, It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 1631 in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying her husband in Burhanpur in a campaign to crush a rebellion after giving birth to their 14th child. The death so crushed the emperor that all his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months. When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises The Taj rises on a high red sandstone base topped by a huge white marble terrace on which rests the famous dome flanked by four tapering minarets. Within the dome lies the jewel-inlaid cenotaph of the queen. So exquisite is the workmanship that the Taj has been described as "having been designed by giants and finished by jewellers". The dome is made of white marble, but the tomb is set against the plain across the river and it is this background that works its magic of colours that, through their reflection, change the view of the Taj. The colours change at different hours of the day and during different season. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines. These changes, they say, depict the different moods of woman.

Agra Fort : Less than 2 kilometers from the Taj Mahal, on the same river bank, you'll find the impressive Agra Fort. Humayun's son, Akbar The Great.built the main part of the Agra fort. Construction of the fort started in 1156 and was finished in 1605. Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, erected most of the buildings inside the fortress.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. Part of the fort is still in use by the Indian Army and are not accessible to the public After going through the Amar Singh Gate you walk over a ramp and enter the Great Courtyard. On the right hand side, there's the many pillared Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience). It was built by Shah Jahan in 1628. Furthermore 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.

As a matter of fact, the emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj, was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in the Agra Fort where he had a view on the building erected for his deceased wife. Shah Jahan is said to have died in the Musamman Burj, a tower with a beautiful marble balcony. From there you probably have the best view on the Taj. Between the many pavilions, you find small well maintained gardens.

Itmad - Ud Daula : Known as the "Baby Taj", it is the first tomb in India built entirely in white marble. It was built in 1628 by Nurjahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, an Imperial Officer who had received the title of Itmad-ud-Daula (Pillar of Government). The mausoleum rests in a walled garden close to the Yamuna river, approximately one and a half kilometers upstream of the Taj Mahal. Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb is a highly ornate edifice, which is looked upon as an imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built before its construction. Itmad-ud-Daulah was buried in a tomb that resembles a jewel box and set in a garden The tomb is also justly famous for the glorious pietra dura (stone inlay) decoration depicting cypresses, wine glasses, and an amazing variety of geometrical arabesque. The jali screens set in arched recesses are splendid. Four small minarets rise at the four corners of the small tomb structure. The whole structure gives the impression of an enlarged precious object.

Chini ka Rauza :This tomb is a memorial dedicated to Allama Afzel Khan Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz, who was a Persian poet-scholar and later the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. It is decorated with glazed tiles on the facade and depicts the Persian influence on Mughal architecture. Built in 1635, Chini-ka-rauza is situated at a distance of less than one kilometer north of Itmad-ud-daulah on the same side of the Yamuna. Topped with an Afghan-style bulbous dome, the dull earth-coloured tomb is distinctive as Agra's sole Persian construction. 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. It is a rectangular structure, having beautiful tile work in glazing colours On the top of the chamber some Quranic texts are inscribed. Although it is in a dilapidated condition, its craftsmanship is worth seeing.

Sikandra Fort : The mausoleum of emperor Akbar represent his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved monuments. This is the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

A visit to Akbar's monument opens before one, the completeness of Akbar's personality as completely as the Taj Mahal does of Mumtaz Mahal's. Akbar's vast, beautifully carved, red-ochre sandstone tomb is set amidst a lush garden. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suitable site for it. To construct a tomb in one's lifetime was a tartary custom which the Mughals followed religiously. Akbar's son Jahangir completed the construction of this pyramidal tomb in 1613.

Radhaswamy Satsang, Dayalbagh : The main attraction of Dayal Bagh is the samadhi of the 'Sat Guru Maharaj' in white marble, with in lay work of semi-precious stones. It is under construction since 1915 A.D. but the construction work is a bit slow. The mini model of the actual 'Samadhi' is kept in a room in 'Swami Bagh', which can be seen after the permission of the Secretary. Above this platform will be constructed a two-storied building, with four minarets at each corner and a big dome in the center. Previously its estimated cost was about 50 lakhs, which has increased now. It is a piece of marvelous artistic work on the pattern of the Taj in white marble with floral designs in other coloured stones. Whatever work has been completed so far, is of immense artistic value and worth visiting. Near the Samadhi, there is a good colony, meant for the followers of Radha Swami faith. Dayal Bagh or Radha Swami's Samadhi worship, has its own Municipal system, own banks, own agricultural land, industry and a deemed university of its own with colleges of Education and Engineering College. Dayal Bagh is famous for its textiles, Durri-works, leather goods and artistic small marble items or products. Now a days, this religious sect has got a division-having three branches. Dayal Bagh, Swami Bagh and Hazuri Bhawan, (Pipal Mandi) branch, having all separate 'Gurus' as their religious heads. But some of their functions are common (like Bhandara of Radha Swami Maharaj), having common ideologies of religion.

Fatehpur Sikri : 37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone and is called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. 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.

Mariyam Tomb : This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbar's Goan Christian wife-Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional carvings. and is on the Delhi- Agra highway

Aram Bagh : Unable to bear the intense heat of Agra, Babar created one of his first gardens, Aram Bagh, on the banks of the Yamuna. It was designed in the classical Persian style and the pavilions he built on the banks of the river were his favourite haunts. There, amid wafts of cool breeze from the river, Babar would rest and enjoy the fragrance of the blossoming fruit trees and listen to poetry or music.Aram Bagh, had traditional waterways running through the middle with the gardens laid out symmetrically on either side and fountains in the middle. Raised platforms were laid out with water running all around. Two pavilions with inner and outer chambers were built on the banks of the river. The paintings on the roof of the inner chambers and in some of the outer chambers are still discernible. An interesting feature is the drawing of a fairy in one of the corners giving credence to the statement that the Mughals built their gardens on the Gardens of Paradise'' theme. Babar died in 1530, after being Emperor of Hindustan for barely four years. Aram Bagh, the garden that was so dear to his heart, was also his resting place after his death, where his body was temporarily buried before being taken to Kabul, in accordance with his will. The garden is not maintained well and today at Aram Bagh, there are only two massive tamarind trees that appear to be at least 200 years old.

Agra Festivals

Eid ul Fitr : Celebrated to mark the end of Ramzan - the month of prayers and fasting according to the Muslim calendar. It is an occasion for feasting and rejoicing. The faithful gather in mosques to pray; friends and relatives meet to exchange greetings. The Id is celebrated according to the first sighting of the moon after the arduous month-long fasting period.

This day marks a very beautiful significance. A certain percentage of earnings is donated to the less fortunate in terms of food, clothes and money. Fitr is derived from the word fatar meaning 'breaking'. Another connotation suggests that it is derived from fitrah or 'alms'Celebrated on the first day of the new moon in Shawwal, it marks the end of Ramzan. In the morning everyone bathes, wears new or clean clothes, applies perfume, eats dates or some other sweet before walking to the mosque for Eid prayers. Men wear white clothes because white symbolizes purity and austerity. On this day, according to the Quran, Allah has ordained a dole for every Muslim who is free and is in possession of alms worthy capital. This charitable gift, called Sadaqah Fitr, is a dole to break the fast. It is to be given to a needy person as thanksgiving.

The Eid prayers are said between the early morning and the noon prayers. Once the prayer is over they greet each other: Eid Mubarak! This festival is particularly the favorite of children. They are given special money called "Eidee" by their parents for buying toys and balloons on this day. Women prepare sweets at home. Sevian, or vermicelli cooked in sweetened milk, is popular. People then go for Id milans. Some people visit cemeteries and stay there for many hours, often even camping out overnight. This is perhaps to honor their ancestors and to be with their spirits. To a devout Muslim, Id is a time to forget all past grievances. Fasting is one of the unique moral and spiritual characteristics of Islam.

In Agra these festivals are celebrated with ample vivacity and amusement supported by assemblage and prayers. During the festivity time city processions are taken out in form of Tazias and kaleidoscopic Id Melas are also organized in the entire city.

Eid-ul-Adha : Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice) is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for God. Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Zul-Hijja, when the Haj celebrations at Mecca are rounded off by the sacrifice of goats or camels. In India, too, goats and sheep are sacrificed all over the country and prayers are offered. The day of Eid ul Adha is the day of forgiveness of one's sins.

Muharram : Muharram is a day of mourning for the Shia Muslims, and is better called an observance than a festival. The first Muslim month is Muharram and Muharram is observed on the tenth day of this month. Muharram is a day of mourning as it commemorates , what is considered the greatest tragedy in the history of Islam-the martyrdom of the Prophet's grandson Hussein. The long processions with their Taziahs which are the gorgeous replicas of the martyr's tomb, the masked dancers and the colorful crowds, give Muharram the appearance of a gay festival but in reality it is an expression of grief and distress.

Diwali : It falls in between October and November according to English calendar and exactly twenty days after Dussehra. According to the beliefs of the people in north India, the festival is celebrated the return of Ram back to his kingdom, Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years in the forests. According to the epic Ramayana, all the nooks and corners of the city of Ayodhya were lighted with diyas on the return of Ram with his brother Lakshman and wife Sita. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood and light over darkness.

The people clean their household and dispose away with all the trash and unwanted things. It is also the time to get their houses white-washed and painted. Diwali is also associated with the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. There is a belief among the general population of India that Lakshmi make visits into the houses of people on the night of Diwali. alpana, or floral patterns were made on the floor, with colored powders, rice, and flour. This was considered very auspicious, and a diya would be burning all night for the Goddess Lakshmi to enter by." so the doors and windows should be kept open the whole night long. But the goddess does not enter into a dirty household. It is symbolic of the fact that prosperity lies in cleanliness. Along with goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha is also worshipped on Diwali.

Two days prior to Diwali is celebrated as Dhanteras, when people generally buy some utensils for their household. On this day, devotees buy token amounts of gold or silver to ensure continued prosperity, In the bazaars, you would be surrounded by myriad of clay gods and goddesses, shining metal utensils, and earthen lamps. The next day is celebrated as chhoti Diwali or small Diwali. It is celebrate just like Diwali but on a small scale. Diwali is celebrated with Lakshmi Puja on a specified muharat followed by exchange of gifts and sweets with friends, relatives and neighbors. The day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. It is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna. On this day, Lord Krishna had lifted the Mount Govardhan to protect the people and cattle from heavy storm and rainfall.

The final day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj mostly in northern India. On this day, sisters apply sandalwood tikka on the forehead of their brothers and pray for their long life. In return, the brother presents the sister with some gift. According to the ancient Vedic texts, Diwali is essentially the festival of the Vaishyas, the third in order of varna or classes. In today's time, vaishyas are associated with business or trading community. Diwali has a special significance for them because the new accounting year begins with this festival. and new accounting ledgers are opened on this day.

The Taj Mahotsav : The Taj Mahotsav is a non-stop 10 day carnival held annually at Shilpgram, near Tajmahal. With the wondrous Taj Mahal serving as the backdrop for the annual festival, the Taj Mahotsav is celebrated in the month of February. The Taj festival is a culturally vibrant platform that brings together the finest Indian crafts and cultural nuances. The impressive festival commences with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendor. Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and master craftsmen together recreate the glorious past of the Mughals.

From folk music, shayari (poetry), classical dance performances, elephant and camel rides to games and a food festival, the event is a celebration of traditional Indian art forms and crafts. The main events of Taj Mahal festival include classical dance performances by leading dance exponents and musical recitals by maestros, apart from display of various craft products and cultural shows.

It is a great opportunity for legendary artisans to display their exquisite works of art. Marble of course rules the festivities each year for obvious reasons. crafts include wood carvings from Saharanpur, brass and other metal ware from Moradabad, handmade carpets of Badohi, the pottery of Khurja, chickan-work of Lucknow, the silk of Banares and much more.

Indian festivities can never be complete without the preparation of exotic cuisine. Some of the best and richest foods are available during this time. Add to this the soul-stirring performances from folk artists of various states casting a spell on the visitors. Throughout the Taj Mahotsav, one can experience a profusion of folk music and dances of Dundelkhand, 'Nautanki' (Drama), 'Sapera' dance of Rajasthan, Lavani of Maharashtra... performed just the way they used to be centuries ago. Visitors join in with the folk dancers enjoying swinging to a different tune and dance style.

Getting there

By Air : Kheria airport is 6 km from Agra. Indian Airlines connect Agra with Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi.

By Air : Agra Cantt. Railway Station, Agra is connected to the major cities of India. Agra is in between Delhi and Mumbai broad-gauge railway line.

By Road : Agra is well-connected to the following cities by road : Mathura, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Lucknow

Best time to visit : October to March

Airports Nearby : Kheria Airport

Also in Uttar Pradesh

Agra, Allahabad, Ayodhya, Bithoor, Sravasti, Chitrakoot, Deogarh, Kalinjar, Jaunpur, Jhansi, Dudhwa, Kanpur, Kapilvastu, Kushinagar, Lucknow, Mahoba, Sarnath,Varanasi, Fatehpur Sikri