Agra Trip

During our trip to Agra, we visited the following places : 

• Darwaza-i-rauza – It is one of the components of the Taj Mahal complex along with the mausoleum, mosque and guest pavilion. It is the gateway to the gardens, which symbolically represent paradise. It is also called the "Great Gate". 

• Sidhi Darwaza – The South Gate or Sidhi Darwaza of the Taj Mahal complex is directly opposite the imposing Great Gate and is exactly opposite the East Gate and West Gate. Situated at a slightly higher level than the Jiloukhana, it is aligned in perfect symmetry with the Great Gate as well as the Taj Mahal. Its elevated position and the four decorative pillars on its sides are some of the elements that distinguish it from other gateways. Just beyond the gates is Taj Ganji, a bustling market that has been in existence since the time of the monument's construction.

• Taj Mahal – The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum majestically located on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is a symbol of grandeur and splendor. The Taj Mahal is known as a monument of love built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It also contains the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. This monument is taller than Qutub Minar of New Delhi. 

• Taj Museum – Located inside the Taj Mahal complex, the Taj Museum was established in 1982 at the western end of the Taj Gardens. As the name suggests, the museum is all about telling the story of the Taj. 

• Agra Fort – Agra Fort is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also known as the Red Fort, Fort Rouge or Qila-e-Akbari, the Agra Fort is the symbol of Agra and is so vast that it is often called the Walled City. It is a perfect example of Mughal art and architecture, built entirely of red sandstone. 

• Jahangir Palace – Counted among the most popular tourist attractions of Agra, it was built by Akbar as his personal residence for his son Jahangir. It was the principal zenana (palace for the women of the royal household), and was used by Akbar's Rajput wives.

• Hauz-i-Jahangiri – A bathing basin in front of Jahangir Mahal. This circular bath bowl is made from a single block of granite. It was used as a container for scented rose water.

• Anguri Bagh – A huge charbagh (four intricate compartments) style garden located in the Khas Mahal complex in Agra Fort. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1637 as an excellent place of his leisure and relaxation. As the name suggests, this garden was known for harvesting the best grapes and flowers throughout the year.

• Diwan-i-Am – A great hall of the Mughal period, built by Shah Jahan in the 1630s. Its majestic aura continues to amaze visitors even today. This hall is famous as the place where Shah Jahan held his public meetings and heard his grievances. Thus, Diwan-i-Am is also called the Hall of Public Audience.  

• Diwan-i-Khas – Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience was built by Shah Jahan in the year 1635 AD. It was used by the emperor to attend cultural events and privately meet important guests such as kings, ambassadors and nobles, and to deal with important matters of state. 

• Sheesh Mahal – A mesmerizing piece of architectural brilliance from the Mughal era. It’s considered to be one of the most exquisite constructions in Agra. 

ABOUT AGRA  

Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a popular tourist destination as it is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. It is a glimpse of the architectural history and heritage of the Mughal Empire along with two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. History, architecture, romance all together create the magic of Agra, and hence, it is a must-see for anyone living in or visiting India.

Agra is one of the most populous cities of Uttar Pradesh and the 24th most populous city of India. With its long and rich history, it is no surprise that Agra is part of the popular Golden Triangle circuit for tourists, along with Delhi and Jaipur. It is also part of the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc including Varanasi and Lucknow. History fanatics and architecture buffs are sure to love the vast expanse of Mughal art and culture here.

Apart from its monuments, Agra has some exciting things to do for foodies. It is famous for its petha (a sweet made from pumpkin and seasoned with rose water and saffron) as it is for the Taj Mahal. Agra is also known for its marble artefacts, which are most commonly purchased in the Sadar Bazaar or Kinari Bazaar area.

Agra is mostly visited on one day trip from New Delhi or other nearby cities of Uttar Pradesh, but it is totally worth it. Prepare to be amazed, amazed, inspired and thrilled. However, be a little wary of unofficial tour guides and swindlers in the guise of fake handicrafts.