Agra

Geography

Agra is situated 27.18° N 78.02° E[1], on the bank of Yamuna river. It has an average elevation of 171 metres (561 feet). Agra is the third biggest city in Uttar Pradesh. On the north it is bounded by Mathura, on the south by Dhaulpur, on the east by Firozabad, on the south-east by Fatehabad and on the west by Bharatpur.

History

Agra is a historic city, which is mentioned in the early Indian epic the Mahabharata. It was originally known as Agrabana and was a part of the region known as Brij Bhumi where Lord Krishna, the playful Hindu God, lived among the cowherds of Vrindavan. In 1475 A.D, the city of Agra became the center of the region ruled by Raja Badal Shah. The Lodi ruler, Sikander Lodi established his new capital called Sikandra near Agra in 1492 A.D.

Agra Attraction

Taj Mahal : TAJ MAHAL is a feeling that caresses one's heart like a pure melody of love. Mesmerizing, majestic, scintillating -

the Taj Mahal in Agra India is a wondrous gift to the world that depicts love in all its grandeur.

Taj Mahal India - Located at Agra in Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is one of the most splendid masterpieces of architecture in the world. 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.

The architectural complex of the Taj Mahal comprises of five main elements: the Darwaza or main gateway, the Bageecha or garden, the Masjid or mosque, the Naqqar Khana or rest house, and the Rauza or the Taj Mahal mausoleum. The actual Tomb of Mumtaz is situated inside the Taj. The unique moghal style architecture combines elements & styles of Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. Most striking are the black and white chessboard marble floor, the four tall minarets (40 m high) at the corners of the structure, and the majestic grand dome in the middle. On closer inspection, the lettering of the Holy Quran verses around the archways appear to be uniform. The lettering spacing and density has been customized to give this impression to the viewer. The impressive pietra dura artwork includes geometric elements & style, plants & flowers, which are common in Islamic architecture. The level of sophistication in artwork includes a 3 cm decorative element containing more than 50 inlaid gemstones.

Agra Fort : Among the other monuments that Agra takes pride in is the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565, under Akbar, and continued till the time of his grandson, Shahjahan. Armed with massive double walls, punctuated by four gateways, the fort houses palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions within its premises. Among the fascinating structures that are to be found within the fort is the red sandstone Jehangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his Hindu queen, Jodhabai, was one of the earliest constructions illustrating the fort's change from a military structure to a palace. The palace is also notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. The Diwan - i - Am, the Diwan - i - Khas, the Khas Mahal, The Palace of Mirrors, The Pearl mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Garden of Grapes, and the Fish Pavilion are the other monuments in the fort complex.

Fatehpur Sikri : The beautiful monuments at Fatehpur Sikri are a synthesis of Islamic and Hindu architecture reflecting the religious tolerance of Akbar. Akbar also founded a syncretic

religion called Din-i-Illahi, which inspired some of the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri. Situated 40 km from Agra, the city of Fatehpur Sikri is an imperial city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1584. Dedicated by Emperor Akbar to his patron saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, Fatehpur Sikri was also Akbar's imperial capital for fifteen years.

The buildings within Fatehpur Sikri are a unique blend of different architectural traditions. Though the general layout and concept of the buildings conform to the Islamic style of architecture, the actual buildings (mainly palaces), their ornate columns, arches, carving style, etc., show a strong Hindu style in general and that of Gujarat and Rajasthan in particular.

Agra Climate

In summer, between March and June, the temperature soars up to 45°C during the day. Dry, searing winds heat up the ground and make it difficult to venture outdoors. Light cottons are the best clothing, except in winter, when light woollens are required. The temperature is around 28°C during the day, but can go down to 4°C at night.

How To Reach Agra

Flight : Agra has an airport where domestic flights from major cities land. Both government and private airways operate to Agra. The Delhi Agra flight is a short flight of 40 minutes. There are daily round trip flights from Delhi to Agra, Khajuraho and Varanasi, with a return to Delhi. Agra airport is located 7 Km from the center of the city.

Train : Agra is conveniently connected to Delhi by railway lines. Many trains connect Delhi and Agra, including luxury trains such as the Palace on Wheels. Agra Station is known as Agra Cantonment Station.

Road : Agra is near Delhi, it is 204 Km from the capital of India. There is an excellent national highway connecting Delhi and Agra. You can drive down from Delhi in luxury taxi's, coaches or buses and arrive in Agra in a about 4 hours.

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