Holiday Maker Tours & Travel

Places to visit in Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Akbar's Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Bharatpur, Mathura, Vrindavan

Introduction: Agra known as 'Taj City' the symbol of eternal love. Once the capital of India under the Mughal, Agra is full of magnificent monuments dating back to the 16th and 17th century. The crowning glory of the city is obviously the Taj, a monument of love and imaginations that represents India to the world.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Taj Mahal: By the banks of the river Yamuna, Taj Mahal a poignant poetry in marble, the most extravagant monuments ever built for lover is a tribute to the timelessness of art and love. Built by Shahjahan in 1652 in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the lady of the Taj.The main architect, Isa Khan, came all the way from Shiraz in Iran..

Its pure white marble shimmers silver in the soft moonlight, exudes a shell pink glow at dawn and at the close of the day, takes on the tawny fiery hue of the majestic sun. The Taj serves as a symbol of eternal love where the heart broken Shahjahan was finally buried and reunited with his beloved Mumtaz.

Agra Fort: Built by three generations of Moghul Emperors, this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar. This luxurious palace armed with massive double walls, punctuated by four gateways, the fort house palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions within its premises.

'Jehangiri Mahal' built by Akbar made up of red stone for his Hindu Queen Jodhabai. It is blending of Hindu and central Asian architecture styles. The Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas, Khas Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors, the Pearl Mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Garden of Grapes and the Fish Pavilion are the other things in the Fort Complex. 'Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb stands in the centre of a grand Persian garden and architectural gem of its times. It is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Emperor Jehangiri's wazir or Chief Minister and also his father-in-law. Near the Agra Fort, is Jami Masjid, built by Shahjahan in 1648. An inscription over its main entrance indicates that it was built in the name of Jahanara, the Emperor's daughter, who was imprisoned with the Emperor by Aurangzeb.

AROUND AGRA:

Akbar's Tomb: Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. Akbar's mausoleum lies here. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

It is a combination of Hindu, Muslim and Persian architecture. Akbar began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime.

Fatehpur Sikri: 40 km west of Agra is Fatehpur Sikri - The City served as the capital of Mughal empire during Akbar's reign. The Dargah or tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, the renowed saint, set in the courtyard of the Royal Mosque draws hordes of pilgrims who come to have their wishes fulfilled.

Bharatpur: 55 km from Agra, Bharatpur - known for one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. Early in 18th century it was Rajput Fort. Once private hunting & shooting preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur is now a bird sanctuary called Keoladeo Ghana. Home to migratory birds especially the Siberian Crane and the protected breeding ground of hundreds of species of birds.

Mathura: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Situated on the west bank of the river Yamuna 'Mathura' the birth place of Lord Krishna. Kanishka made it the capital of his eastern empire and the city became an important centre of trade, learning, arts and structure. The 'Janmashtami' celebrated here is very famous throughout the country. The Raslila is regarded as one of the most popular dramatic performance in India.

Places to visit in Mathura: Dwarkadeesh Temple, Gita Mandir, Jama Masjid, Kans Quila, Sati Burj, Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi, Vishram Ghat and Govt. Museum.

Vrindavan: Vrindaban is one of the most sacred places for Hindus and has several temples closely connected with the life of Lord Krishna.

Vrindavan Temple

The twin city to Mathura is synonymous with the devotees of Lord Krishna and people from all over the world congregate at Vrindavan. Some unique festivals such as colorful Holi and Janamashtami are celebrated at Vrindavan.

Places to visit in Vrindavan : Baldeo, Barsana, Radhakund, Bharatpur, Deeg, Gokul, Govardhan, Nandgaon and Sonkh.