Agra Tour Operator boasts of having one of the seven wonders of the world and three UNESCO world heritage sites, the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri nearby. Agra is a delight for history and architecture lovers. The medieval city located on the banks of the river Yamuna, it is one of the most visited cities by tourists in India.
Strategically located at the heart of India in the mundane plains between the Ganga and Yamuna, Agra had been a religious and commercial centre for centuries, but it matured and perfected itself only when the Mughals made it their home. Agra is not only famous for its Mughal art and culture but is also known for its food, chat, and the famous Panchi ka Petha. The city even after being one of the hottest cities of the country, is visited in high numbers every day.
Taj Mahal: It has been described as 'A tender elegy in marble'. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is the finest example of symmetry and balance in architecture and is now on the World Heritage list. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as the final resting place for his beloved Queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Done in white marble, it took 22 years and over 20,000 workers and craftsmen to complete this rhapsody in stone (1630-52 AD). The main structure is set amidst landscaped gardens. While on three sides it is surrounded by high walls, the rear is bound by the river Yamuna.
Agra Fort: Few forts in the world have a more fascinating story to tell than the Great Fort of Agra. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Situated 1 km upstream of the Taj Mahal, on the right bank of the Yamuna, the Agra fort was built under the direction of Akbar, by Mohammed Quasim Khan, his commander-in-Chief and Governor of Kabul. It took eight years to complete and entailed an expenditure of three and a half million rupees.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah: About 4 km North of the Taj, on the left bank of the Yamuna, is the perfectly proportioned marble mausoleum Itmad-ud-Daulah. Noor Jehan constructed this splendid marble monument in her father's memory. This double storied marble tomb is replete with mosaic, inlaid with semi-precious stones.
Jama Masjid: This building, with a rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648 AD by Shahjahan's daughter, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh Salim Chishti and his grandson Islam Khan. Of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.
Ram Bagh: One of the earliest Mughal gardens, it was laid out by Emperor Babar - the founder of the Mughal dynasty. It is said that Babar was temporarily buried here before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan.
Mariyam's Tomb: This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbar's Goan-Christian wife - Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional carvings.
