Holiday Destination: Agra

Agra is the city of the inimitable TAJ MAHAL.The story of Agra begins much earlier than the taj,it finds merntion in the mahabharata when it was called the Agrabana or paradise. It was the mughals who finally nurtured Agra with the finest monuments architects could design. The TAJ MAHAL of Saha Jahan, AGRA FORT of Akbar, Itmad-ud-daula and neighbouring SIKANDRA are but few of the many that spangle the city, each of which stands in mute testimony to the city's grandurover the ages. AGRA, an educational and buisness centre too, is known for it's craftsmen and handicrafts. Marble and softstone inlay work, Zari work, carpet and leather goods are some important crafts of the city.

Climate

Agra weather is warmest during the month of July (average temperature: 38 degrees centigrade) and coolest during the month of December (average temperature: 6 degrees centigrade). The wettest month of the year is May

Tourist Season

October to March

Accommodation

Hotel, Bungalows and Private Cottages are available which suit all budgets.

General Information of Agra

Area: 188.40 km (73 sq mi)

Population: 1,686,976

Languages: Hibdi and English

Temperature: 38°C in Summer,6°C in Winter

Tourist Attraction in or Near by Agra

Taj Mahal

The symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died at a young age of 38 while giving birth to their 14th child. Situated on the bank of Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal represents a fine blend of Mughal, Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture.

Agra Fort

The Mughal Emperor Akbar laid the foundation of the Agra Fort in 1565 AD. It took eight years to complete this massive fort at a cost of 3.5 million rupees at that time. After Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan also added some new features to the fort. The fort is known for its magnificent architectural styles reflected in its various features. Some of the main attractions in the fort include the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), the Nagina Masjid and the Palace of Mirrors.

Jama Masjid or Jami Masjid

Built by Jahan Ara Begum -- the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan who was also imprisoned with him -- in 1648, the mosque has a unique shaped dome with no minarets.

Fatehpur Sikri

Located at a distance of about 37 Km from Agra, the Red Sandstone town of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar as his capital during 1571 and 1585. The city represents a fine blend of Indo- Mughal architecture. The main attractions at Fatehpur Sikri are the Buland Darwaza (54m high) - the largest gateway in the world and the tomb of famous Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti.

Accessibility

Road Distance from Agra to (in kms)

Delhi to Agra: 203 km

Lucknow to Agra: 363 km

Kanpur to Agra: 287 km

Moradabad to Agra: 267 km

Nearest Airport

For Agra is Agra Airforce station distance by 6 km.

Nearest Railway Station

For Agra is Agra Cantonment station.