Tourist Attraction in Agra
» Taj Mahal : Agra is popular for beholding one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The architectural brilliance of the mansion, the fort and the palaces is a clear remainder of the mausoleums of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Taj Mahal is one of the World Heritage Monuments and attracts maximum number of tourists from all over the world.
» Agra Red Fort : The fort was originally built by Emperor Akbar and was later expanded by Aurangzeb. The fort's huge double walls rise over 20 m (65 ft) in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference. They are enclosed by a fetid moat and contain a maze of superb halls, mosques, chambers and gardens which form a small city within a city.
» Jama Masjid : The masjid was erected in the memory of Sheikh Salim Chisthi and his grandson Islam Khan by Jahanara Begum, Shahjahan's daughter, who was imprisoned with Shah Jahan by Aurangzeb,in the year 1648 A.D. The masjid exhibits a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. The building with its rectangular open forecourt, has no minarets but its sandstone domes have a striking marble patterning.
» Fatehpur Sikri : Between 1570 and 1586, this was the temporary capital of the Emperor Akbar, of the Moghul Empire. This impregnable city houses impressive gateways and ornamented palaces built in red sandstone. Among these architectural game are the palaces of Akbar's queen - Jodha Bai, Mariyam and his Turkish sultana, built in varying styles, each perfect in itself. It is 40 km west of Agra.
Excursion From Agra
» Mathura : 47 km from Agra, Mathura is a important pilgrim place of the Hindus since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura is also an important crafts centre.
» Vrindavan : Vrindavan is linked with the childhood of Lord Krishna. It has scores of temples, shrines, and memorial stones and is famous for Krishna's followers. Govind Dev Temple, the 150-year-old Ranganathan Temple and many other interesting monuments are located here.
» Varanasi : Popularly known as Cultural capital of India, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities of the world. The city has a past that dates back to 3500 hundred years, during which it has continuously been populated. Varanasi is a restoration of an ancient name meaning the city between two rivers - the Varuna and Asi. There are supposed to be 2,000 temples in Varanasi.
