INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Agra Attractions

Taj Mahal, Agra Uttar Pradesh

The city of Agra surprises every time with its bouquet of offering. The alluring beauty of Taj Mahal is legend now and has been beckoning tourists to cross borders. But if you think, Agra is all about Taj Mahal only, then you are mistaken and we are sure that the grandeur of Agra Fort, Jami Masjid and Sikandra will tempt you alike.

Itmad-ud-daulah

The Itmad-ud-daulah tomb stands in the centre of a grand Persian garden, an architectural gem of its times. It is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Emperor Jehangir`s wazir, or Chief Minister, and also his father- in- law. The structure was built by Empress Noorjehan, between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, near Lahore in Pakistan. This splendid garden tomb is believed to be the precursor of the magnificent Taj Mahal, and was the first Mughal structure to be built entirely of marble, and the first, again, to make use of pietra dura, the inlay marble work that came to be typical of the Taj. Near the Agra Fort, is Jami Masjid, built by Shahjahan in 1648. An inscription over its main entrance indicates that it was built in the name of Jahanara, the emperor`s daughter, who was imprisoned with the hapless emperor by Aurangzeb.

Sikandara - The Final Abode of Akbar

Situated at 8 km North-East of Agra, Sikandra is the place where the divine soul of great Mughal Emperor Akbar rests. Founded by Sikandar Lodi in 1492, Sikandra was re-constructed by Akbar as a site for his mausoleum, but before it could be completed, he died and was buried in a catacomb. You will find the tomb glorifying the centre of a large garden which is accessible by four excellent red sandstone gates designed by Jehangir, the son of Akbar. Flaunting a combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture, the tomb is a four storey high building with first three storeys built in red sandstone while the fourth one is entirely of marble. The crypt inside the tomb is decorated with dark blue plaster and gold leaf making it the appropriate place where royalty could rest finally. Four small windows high on the walls admit a dim light and you may find a torch useful here.

Shopping - The Multi Hued Experience

Tourists coming to Agra make it a definite point to shop till they drop as the alluring marble souvenirs exhibiting an unique craftsmanship of Indian architecture are something that should not be missed. The Government emporia are the most authentic shops from where you can have the world famous marble miniature of the Taj in different sizes or even order for the marble furniture which are delivered at your desired destination in due time. Dazzling precious and semi-precious jewellery, exquisite Persian carpets and leather items are amongst the other popular buys in Agra. Shilpgram is a crafts village and an open-air emporium, stocking handicrafts from all over the country and is the ideal destination for lovers of Art. Also Sadar Bazar. Tajganj, Kinari Bazar, Munro Road, Pratap Pura, Gwalior Road which brush each other are the main bazaars of Agra towards the south. Take with you some sweets which are rare in taste like the Petha (sweet made of pumpkin) and Gazak (sweet made of sesame, jaggery and condensed milk) or something spicy snack like Dalmoth.

Tourists coming to Agra make it a definite point to shop till they drop as the alluring marble souvenirs exhibiting an unique craftsmanship of Indian architecture are something that should not be missed. The Government emporia are the most authentic shops from where you can have the world famous marble miniature of the Taj in different sizes or even order for the marble furniture which are delivered at your desired destination in due time. Dazzling precious and semi-precious jewellery, exquisite Persian carpets and leather items are amongst the other popular buys in Agra. Shilpgram is a crafts village and an open-air emporium, stocking handicrafts from all over the country and is the ideal destination for lovers of Art. Also Sadar Bazar. Tajganj, Kinari Bazar, Munro Road, Pratap Pura, Gwalior Road which brush each other are the main bazaars of Agra towards the south. Take with you some sweets which are rare in taste like the Petha (sweet made of pumpkin) and Gazak (sweet made of sesame, jaggery and condensed milk) or something spicy snack like Dalmoth.

After a tour in Agra, you may not find your life very same again. With handful of exquisite handicraft items and a miniature Taj on your desk, the colourful memories of Agra tour will always accompany you.