History - India travel

Places to visit in Agra

Agra is one of the oldest city in India which is known for cultural heritage. Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonder of the world and Agra is well known for this humongous historical monuments. The Mughals reigned Agra and the city has a strong historical background. Here are few places to visit in Agra tour.

Taj Mahal:


A white marble mousoleum blessed with history, love and romance of  a bereaved Mughal emperor and  his adorable empress, Taj Mahal attracts more than 2 million visitors every year. The mausoleum is built entirely of white marble, set on a high base or plinth which includes four tall minarets, one on each corner. Known as the “crown of palaces”, the riverfront part of Taj Mahal also gives a view of the Yamuna river which is often referred as the river of paradise. The Taj mahal  is also graced with a beautiful garden that stretches from the gateway till the  plinth of the tomb. The garden is separated in four equal halves as number four is considered holy in Quran. This Persian styled garden is also enriched with marble canals, fountain and cypress trees.
 

Entry fee: Entry fee for Indians: Rs. 40 Entry fee for Children: No entry fee for children below the age of 15 years. (Both Domestic and Foreigner). Entry fee for Foreigners : Rs. 1,000 Entry fee for others : Rs. 530 (Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries) .
Visiting Hours – Sunrise to Sunset
Days when closed: Friday

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Fatehpur Sikri:


Known as the “city of victory” , the magnificent fort Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of Mughal emperor, Akbar. The structure of the city is designed with Hindu, Jain and Islamic architecture using red sandstone which is also called “sikri sandstone”. However, it took fifteen years for the completion of the city which includes royal palaces, private quarters, harems, different utility buildings, court and mosques. The Persian principles are highly manifested in the complex as Akbar wished to revive the flamboyancy of Persian court ceremonial. At the same time, the main attraction of the city are Diwan-i-am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, Ibadat Khana, Anup Talao, Hujra-i-Anup Talao,Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace, Pachisi Court , Birbal House, Naubat Khana , Jodha Bai ka Rauza , lotus throne
Entry fee for Indians and citizen of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries : Rs. 20
Entry fee for Foreigners :  Rs. 260
No Entry fee for Children upto 15 years.
Visiting Hours – 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM


Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah:


The tomb is a highly embellished white marble eddifice and is one of the finest illustration of architecture. Constructed by empress Noor jahan, the tomb is not quite big and built in char bagh style which is quite different from Mughal architecture. This tomb is also engraved with  semi precious stones tucked in white marbles. The theme of wine flask with snakes as handles is a recurring one on the engraved walls of one of the chamber. The marbles also throw gentle light due to its geometric pattern.
Entry fee: Rs. 20 for Indian tourist, Rs. 210 for foreign tourist
Visitng hours:  Everyday 8 AM -12 AM


Jama Masjid:


Known as the “friday mosque”, the mosque is a gift from Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to his loving daughter Jahanara Begum. Jama Masjid is also the largest mosque in India and a holy pilgrimage site for many devotees. The mosque has three domes with carved inverted lotus and kalash finials on top with   inscriptions engraved on the walls praising Shah Jahan and his daughter.   The mosque can also accommodate 10000 people in the prayer section.
Entry Fee: No
Visiting hours: Open all days. Winter 8:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m  Summer – 7.00 a.m – 600 p.m.


Akbar Tomb:


Akbar tomb is the mouseleum of the greatest Mughal king, Akbar . Engineered with beautiful melange of white marbles and red stones, Akbar tomb is also the masterpiece of Mughal architecture. In addition, the sand stones and marbles are embellished with floral and geometrical arabesque along with splendid adorned calligraphy. The tomb is similar to Taj Mahal with four chhatri topped minarets and ornate lentils.  The entry point is also enriched with  charming gardens on either side where antelopes and monkeys are found.
Entrance fee:

  • Rs. 5.00 per head for:
  • Indian citizens
  • Citizens of SAARC countries (Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan Bangladesh and Bhutan)
  • Citizens of BIMSTEC countries (Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Myanmar)

Others:

  • US$ 2 or Rs. 100 per head.
  • Free entry on Fridays.
  • Free entry for children up to 15 years.

Visit time: Sunrise to sunset


Mangaleshwar temple


For many years Agra was ruled by Mughals but that didnot cease building of temples. There are various temples  from the Mughal era and  Mangalesthwar temple is contrived in the end of Mughal reign. The temple is also famous for the beautiful architecture and deity of Shiva. The temple is wreathed heavily during festivals and illustrates the richness of cultural diversity in Agra. People of all religion are allowed inside the temple.
Opening hours: Everyday 8AM-12PM, 6PM-8PM


Chini Ka Rauza:


Located in the bank of Yamuna river, Chini Ka Rauza is the mausoleum of Allama Afzal Khan who was the Prime Minister and poet during the times of Shah Jahan. Chini ka Rauza is known for the glazed-tile ornamentation tiles that is retrieved from China. The tomb has great significance in architecture as it has inlay works of different colors like green, orange, turqoise, yellow which is lacking in other Mughal era edifice. The inscriptions of Holy Quran are also engraved on the interior walls of the Indo-Persian styled mausoleum.

Entrance Fee: no entry fee

Visiting Time: All days of the week 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Visit Duration: Around 2 hours

Jahangir palace:

Hailing from 16th century , jahanagir palace is built by Mughal emperor Akbar . The site is a perfect citation of Indo-Islamic architecture fabricated with red sandstone. The palace is also used mainly by Rajput wives of Akbar and an interpretation of epitome of luxury and comfort. The part of the palace, Khas Mahal  is  paved with expensive white marbles to keep the room cool while Shis Mahal is fabricated with tiny mirrors all around the walls and served as a dressing room for royal ladies.

Entry Fee: Entry fee for Indians- Rs.20 Entry fee for Foreigners – Rs.300

Visiting hours – 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Agra Fort:

Agra Fort is a massive fort ornated with red sandstone and white marble. The fort is constructed by Akbar in 16th century. The major attraction of the fort is the moti masjid which is also known as pearl mosque for its exquisite white marbles. At the edge of the fort, there is a octagonal tower in which Shah Jahan was held as a prisoner by his son. The courtyard is basically a large garden with many underground rooms. The last attraction is Jehangir’s palace and you can find a lot of interesting items there including a black stone bowl that was used for bathing by the king.

Top buildings to visit inside the fort are

  • Sheesh Mahal – Glass palace with a dressing room made with mirror walls
  • Diwan I Am
  • Diwan I Khas – audience hall to welcome guests and kings
  • Anguri Bagh – lush gardens
  • Khas Mahal – white marble palace
  • Mina Masjid – tiny mosque. Entry is prohibited.
  • Nagina Masjid – Gem mosque used by ladies of the court
  • Musamman Burj – balcony facing Taj Mahal

 Nearby attraction: Shah Jahan Park, spiritual museum,, guru ka tal, mehetab bagh, bageshwarnath temple.

Entry Fee: Entry fee for Indians: 20 Rs. Entry fee for Foreigners : 300 Rs. No Entry fee for children below the age of 15 years.

Visiting Hours – 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM

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