Agra Vacation

Agra Fort-An opulent signature : Constructed by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, Agra fort is a magnum opus, known to the world for its outstanding design and architecture. Within the fort are a number of majestic buildings, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-E-Am, Diwani-E-Khaas and Musanman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died while in imprisonment. The fort is crescent-shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. An imposing 22mt. high inner wall imparts a feeling of invincible defensive construction. The route through the Amar Singh gate is dog-legged. The layout of the fort was determined by the course of the river, which in those days flowed alongside. The main axis is parallel to the river and the walls bridge out towards the city.

Jahangiri Mahal: As one enters through the Amar Singh Gate, the first notable building that the visitor sees on his right hand is Jahangiri Mahal. It was built by Akbar as women's quarters and is the only building that survives among his original palace buildings. This elegant, double storied palace reflects a strong Hindu influence with protruding balconies and domed chhatries.

Anguri Bagh: These formal, 85m square, geometric gardens lie to the left of the fort. During Shah Jahan's time the beauty of the gardens was considerably enhanced by decorative flower beds.

Fatehpur Sikri: No town like Fateh Pur Sikri was ever erected before or can be erected again. This magnificent town once the capital of Mughal Empire still stands majestically, almost untouched by the passage of time.

Jama Masjid: In the close proximity of the Royal Palace is the Jami Masjid, the sacred section of the Fatehpur Sikri. Built in 1572 AD, this is one of the largest mosques of India. Inside the mosque is the vast congregational courtyard.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb: It is called as Baby Taj as Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb was built by Empress Nur Jehan or her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg. Many designs and elements that lay here presages the Taj Mahal.

Chini Ka Rauza : A marvellous tomb remarked for its glazed tiles dedicated to the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan, Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz.

Soami Bagh Samadh : The Soami Bagh Samadh is the mausoleum of Huzur Soamiji Maharaj (Shri Shiv Dayal Singh) in the Dayalbagh section in the outskirts of Agra and interestingly it is also seen as a architecture with an unmatched brilliance. The samadh is carved with various stone colour and is under construction from 1908.

Sikandra (Akbar's tomb) : A shrine that holds Akbar's soul it lies at a distance of 13 kms from Agra. A behemothic wonderfully carved red-ochre sand stone structure sprawls across the lush green garden. Akbar planned his tomb himself and also pointed out site for his graveyard.

Essential Facts

• The city of Taj Mahal Agra is well accessible by all means of transport like air, rail and road. On the air circuit Agra is connected to other parts of India through Agra Airport and has its rail head at Agra Cantonment. The Idgah Bus Stand is the right place that you have arrived at if you plan to see Agra on bus.
• Tourist Office- UP tourist office, 64 Taj Road Agra, Uttar Pradesh
• No season is deterrent in touring Agra but the best time and season to catch a glimpse of shining Taj is during October to March.