About Agra

Travel to India specially the city of architectural beauty to see the spellbinding Taj Mahal. This beautiful marble monument, located on the bank of river Yamuna in Agra, has inspired poets and lovers throughout the world. You can see the beautiful Taj Mahal on your visit to Agra . Agra was the capital of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his beautiful Queen Mumtaz Mahal. After she passed away in 1631, Shah Jahan created a mausoleum that is now known as a symbol of eternal love.

How to reach Agra
Agra is very easily accessible by Air, Rail and road transportation. From Agra the distances to the following places are mentioned below :

Delhi 225 kms

Jaipur 250 kms

Khajuraho 425kms

Varanasi 650 kms

By Rail

Delhi 2 - 3 hours

Jaipur 5 hrs

Varanasi - 12 hrs

Khajuraho via Jhansi by rail and road - 9 hrs Agra is very well connected with all major cities by rail

Monuments in Agra

Taj Mahal
Sheer poetry in marble, majesty and magnificence, unrivalled. Taj Mahal the one and only of it's kind in the world. The ultimate realization of emperor Shahjahan's dream. One of the wonders of the world this enchanting mausoleum, on the bank of river Yamuna took 22 year (1631 to 1652 A.D.) to complete with the help of nearly 20,000 workers.

Taj Nature Walk
A Beautful Natural forest cover spread over 70 hectares of area just 500 mtrs. away from the eastern gate of Taj Mahal. An excellent view can be found from the different mounts of the park. Flora and Fauna of different species are also found here. An ideal place to enjoy the sunset.

Agra Fort
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565. A.D. although addision were made till the time of his grand son Shah Jahan . The forbidding exteriors of the fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite builidings like the Moti Masjid- a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Dewan-e-Aam. Diwan- e-Khas, Jehangir palace; Khas mahal; Sheesh mahal and Musamman or Samman Burz-where shahjehan was held captive in 1666.

Fatehpur Sikri
An epic in red sandstone. A city of yesteryears. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar during 1564A. D. A son- less Akbar had gone to Sikri to seek blessing of a muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. When his son was born, he in gratiude. constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to shortage of water and unrest in north-west, Akbar had to abandon this city. The beautiful marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti still attract thousands who seek blessing of the revered saint.

Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake)
A scenic lake, located within the Surdas Reserved forest, the Sur surovar is a tranquil spot, ideal for a relaxed outing. A wide variety of fish and water-birds add to the lakes natural charm and beauty .

Sikandara
The Mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represent his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and muslim architectures in a superlative fashion. Completed in 1613 A.D., it is one of the well preserved monuments in Agra.

Itmad-ud-daulah (Baby Taj)
This exquisite marble tomb was made by Emperor Jehangir's queen. Noorjehan, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Baig during 1622-1628 A.D. The craftsmanship at Itmad-ud-daulah foreshadows the Taj Mahal. It was here that pietra Dura'- the inlay work on marble-so characteristic of the Taj was first used.

Radha Soami Samadhi Dayalbagh
The head quarter of the Radha Soami sect. On the sprawing lawns here, is a beautiful marble temple with beautiful carving of fruits, flowers, leaves and plants which have been reduced in to stone true to nature, and are distinctive specimens of the plastic art ( Under constructions for almost 150 years).

Ram Bagh
One of the earliest Mughal gardens, laid out by Emperor Babar.

Festivals in Agra
Kailash Fair (Aug-Sep) - Held at Kailash 12 kms from Agra it is a majour fair celebrated in honour of Bhagawan Shiva who is believed to have appeared here in the form of a stone lingam.

Sheetla Fair ( Jul-Aug) - It is held near Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Mau road National Highway No. 2.

Bateshwar Fair - A month long festival of cattle fare is held annually during the month of November at the place called Bateshwar, which is situated at a distance of 65 kms from Agra.

Urs ( Fatehpur Sikri) - This fair is organised at Sheikh Salim Chisti's Dargah during the month of Ramzan.

Taj Mahotsav - A festival of art, craft, culture and cuisine . It is held every year between 18-27 February.

Ram Barat - Royal weddiing procession of Shri Ram ( Hindu God) Oct-Nov.

Excursion
Shoripur Jain Temple (65 kms.) - Birthplace of Jain Tirthankar Neminath and Karna of Mahabharata.

Patna Bird sanctuary (54kms.) - Emerging like an oasis in Jalesar sub. Div. of the Etah district, is the Patna bird sanctuary having nearly more than 300 different species of exotic birds with multicolour plumes are clusturing here for roasting and breeding during the peak season of winter months.

Chambal Safari (Oct-Mar) - An opportunity to experience the natural and historical heritage of the Chambal valley.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park ( Bharatpur) (60kms.) - The highlight of this important bird sanctuary in India is the annual visit of the siberian cranes which comes here during the winter months. Besides, it gives sanctuary a great variety of resident species and has gained acclaim as an ornithologist's paradise. It is 60 kms. from Agra on the Jaipur Highway.

Mathura and Vrindavan (65 kms.) - The birth place of Lord Krishna. We have about 10 major temples in Vrindavan.