G.B. International ::- Agra
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Agra
Agra - the first impression is of a chaotic, overcrowded, polluted mess that can offer nothing of interest.But wait, hold your breath, for hiding behind the heat and the chaos is the stunning monument of cool white marble, the wonder that is called the Taj Mahal.In Agra layers of history are peeled away to reveal an amazing tapestry of life - of wars waged, of great architectural magnificence and above all a testimony of the undying love of a king for his queen.
That Agra is unparalleled as a travel destination is an established fact. Even Bill Clinton testified to as much when he declared the world was divided into two: those who have seen the Taj and those who have not! Besides the Taj Mahal though, there are a lot of other important sights in and around Agra. The Agra Fort, Moti Masjid and innumerable other attractions make the city feature on every travellers must-do-sightseeing list.
Travel a little outside Agra and you'll come to Fatehpur Sikri, a site for monuments that are historically as important as the Taj Mahal. Every tour guide who does Agra ensures that Fatehpur Sikri is also visited. There development in architectural style from Akbar's Sikri to Shah Jahan's Agra is important, and only if you see the monuments at both will you have begun to explore Mughal architecture. Fatehpur Sikri's sights include monuments from the times of Akbar: the Buland Darwaza and the Dargah of Salim Chishti.
The first time you travel to Agra, the city can be a bit overwhelming with its noise and big crowds. There are government run and private tourist information centres galore and you should take advantage of them. Most of them offer tour guide services, which is useful if you're stuck in a chaotic Indian city, particularly if you're low on knowledge about its premier attraction. There are also nearly as many touts as tourists! Beware of them and stay with registered guides. However, no matter how many times you've done Agra and the Taj Mahal, their attraction never fades. If you're an old Agra hand of course, you'll be quite at home in this crazy bustling town.
Excursions
Taj Mahal
Emperor Shah Jahan built this white marble mausoleum for his queen Arjumand Bano Begum or Mumtaz Mahal. The building aside, the Taj Mahal is one of the most glorious symbols of love. Great builder that he was, the Emperor commissioned a building that has lasted centuries to remain a thing of rare breathtaking beauty. The building was commissioned in 1631 and decorated with the landmark technique of intricate marble inlay work.
Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal stands at the northern end of formal gardens. The white marble came from Makrana in Rajasthan and the red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri.
Precious stones like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, jade, coral and diamonds were brought from far-flung places in Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, Persia and Afghanistan. It is believed that a fleet of 1000 elephants was used to transport the material.
The gardens enclosed by high walls are divided into four parts or the charbagh, which symbolises the Gardens of Paradise in Islam. There are fountains and water channels flowing through the garden, representing the rivers of water, milk, wine and honey. The monument itself stands on a raised platform with four minarets in the corners. The minarets have a slightly outward incline, to prevent them from falling on the monument during an earthquake. You have to remove your shoes before getting on to the platform. Socks, or cloth shoes available at the base, should be kept on since the marble gets very hot during the day.
A huge dome, rising 44 feet high with a brass spire on top crowns the Taj Mahal. Inside is a central chamber with high ceilings that houses the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. A delicately carved trelliswork marble screen encloses them. The empress’ tomb, which is directly under the dome, has the 99 names of Allah inscribed on it. Shah Jahan’s cenotaph is higher and to the left. It has a pen box inscribed on it, which symbolises a male ruler. Just below these cenotaphs are the real graves, in a dark and humid crypt filled with incense. If you donate a few coins to the attendant, he will lay them as offerings on the graves.
Agra Fort
Akbar, the greatest empire-builder of the Mughals, commissioned the Agra Fort in 1565. Shah Jahan made alterations by pulling down many of the original buildings and replacing them with marble ones.
His son Aurangzeb, who was in constant conflict with local chieftains and neighbouring principalities, added the outer ramparts.The tourist entry is through the Amar Singh Gate, which was used by General Lake and his army to capture the fort. The main entrance, the Delhi Gate, is now closed. Much of the fort is occupied by the army and is out of bounds for visitors. However, the buildings open to the public have some superb architectural sights.
The Diwan-I-Am or the Hall of audience is a pillared hall whose centrepiece is the throne alcove. This marble structure was inlaid with precious stones in floral motifs, and was built to house the Peacock Throne. The exquisitely crafted throne was taken to Delhi by Shah Jahan and was looted by Nadir Shah and carried away to Persia.
The Diwan-I-Khas, where the emperor held audience with visiting dignitaries, was built in 1635. It had two thrones on the terrace, one in white marble and one in black slate. Emperor Shah Jahan is believed to have used the marble throne for repose, and the slate throne to watch elephant fights in the courtyard.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's capital for approximately 12 years. Akbar selected Sikri as the seat of his government believing it to be auspicious for himself. He experimented both with architecture and art and built a city expressing his ideals and vision. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, and the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques In India).
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's tomb, 6 km from the mall, was built by empress Noor Jahan, in memory of her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg in 1622-25 A.D. This ornate tomb is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal.
Dayalbagh(Radhaswamy Samadhi)
This highly ornate memorial to the founder of the Radhaswamy sect has been in the making for several years and is still being worked upon. It is entirely in marble, upon which every manner of ornamentation has been applied.
Sikandra: 12 km from Agra
The tomb of Akbar, begun by the Emperor himself and completed by his son, Jehangir. This richly decorated structure is a quaint mixture of styles.
How to Reach
By AirAirport is 6 km from Agra
By Rail
Agra is connected with important cities by rail.
By Road
By road Agra are: 204 km Delhi, Bharatpur-57km, Mathura-54 km, Jaipur-232 km, Gwalior-119 km & Khajuraho-400 km, Ranthambore.