Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th ceturies. While its significance as a political centre ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. a pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapsttone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who workded under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold theread embroidery and leathe shoes.

CITY SIGHTS:

Taj Mahal: This monument is the mausoleum built by Shah Jehan for his empress, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction is believed to have taken 22 years to complete with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once the construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori's hands cut off and his eyes gourged out, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure.

Of special interest here are: The Jilo Khana on the main entrance, built of red sandstone-204 yards long and 150 yard wide. Previously, it had 128 rooms of which about 52 have disapeared. The Museum, housed in the rooms to the left of the central chamber, which reveals some details regarding the construction of the Taj; The Taj Gardens, with greenery and fountains (an aswinspiring spectacle, specially in the evenings) and the twin tombs of Shah Jehan and Mumtaz Mahal (one situated above and the other underground)

Agra Fort: It is on the banks of the River Yamuna, is situated in the centre of the town. Various styles of architecture are evident within the fort and demonstrate the boldness of akbar's period, the refinement of Jehangir's times, and the subtleness of Shah Jehan's rule. The other attractions here include the Diwan-i-Am, Diwani-i-Khaas and Jodhabai's Palace.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb: Itmad-Ud-Daulah's tomb, 6 km from the mall, was built by empress Noor Jahan, in memory of her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg in 1622-25 A.D. This ornate tomb is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal.

Dayalbagh(Radhaswamy Samadhi):This highly ornate memorial to the founder of the Radhaswamy sect has been in the making for several years and is still being worked upon. It is entirely in marble, upon which every manner of ornamentation has been applied.

Sikandra: 12 km from Agra. The tomb of Akbar, begun by the Emperor himself and completed by his son, Jehangir. This richly decorated structure is a quaint mixture of styles.

EXCURSION:

Fatehpur Sikri Perched atop a rocky ridge 37 km west of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri came into being four centuries ago when the Emperor Akbar, not yet 28 years old, created the first planned city in Indo-Islamic architecture. The city is the concept of one man; it was actualized with great energy while the impulse lasted, and completely abandoned a little more than a decade later. In 1568, Akbar was secure and powerful but he had no son and heir. His search for blessings for the birth of a successor brought him to the Sufi mystic Shaikh Chisti, who lived in Sikri village. The saint prophecied the birth of three sons and soon after was born Prince Salim, later to become Emperor Jehangir. In gratitude for the blessing Akbar decided to create imperial residences in Sikri, which would function as a joint capital with Agra. As a mark of his faith and his recent victories, he named his new city Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar was a keen builder and the plan of Fatehpur Sikri reveals an architectural mastermind at work.

The "Ghost city" of Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone, and is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements. The sandstone is richly ornamented with carving and fretwork. Places of Interest inside the Fatehpur Sikri: Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Pachisi Court, Private Living Quarter, Mariam's Palace, Jodhabai's Palace, Hawa Mahal, Birbal's Palace, Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid, Salim Chisti's Tomb, Buland Darwaza.


Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: 60 km from Agra. Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India's most renowned waterbird sanctuary lying in the neighbouring state of Rajasthan, is the winter home of the rare siberian Crane. Approachable from Agra by road, a variety of accommodation is available, within and outside the National park. (season: October to February)

Mathura-Vrindavan:62 km from Agra. Mathura is traditionally recognised as the capital of Braj Bhoomi, the land which gave birth to Lord Krishna. The region is richly interwoven with the legend of Krishna, kept alive today by millions of devotees who look upon him as the most endearing incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and by specific locations associated with the legend.

Mathura's history dated back to at least 600 BC and archaeological remains have testified its importance. It was of significance during the Mauryan era and received great stimulus under Emperor Ashoka. Later, under the Kushans it became a centre of trade and learning, and was practically their southern capital during the first two centuries AD.

The twin city of Vrindavan, 15 km away is also integral to the legend of Krishna played his flute and sported with gopis. The town was later immortalized in the poems of Mirabai, a princess of medieval India who became an ardent devotee of Krishna. Vrindavan is one of the most important religious centres of Braj Bhoomi.

PLACES OF INTEREST:
Shri Krishan Janm Bhoomi: This temple marks the birth place of lord krishna. Located at Katra Keshav Deo, it is revered by his devotees.

Bankey Bihari Temple, Vrindavan: One of the oldest temples of Vridavan, it was rebuilt in 1921 by the desciples of Haridas Swami.

Radha Ballabh Temple,Vrindavan: Built in 1626 AD. this temple in Vrindavan is of architectural intereof.

FESTIVALS:
Taj Mahotsav (18-27th Feb), Sheetal Fair, Kailash Fair (Aug-Sep), Bateshwar Fair (Nov), Urs Fatehpur Sikri (Ramzan).

TEMPERATURE:

	Max.	Min
Summer	38	27
Winter	20	7

Clothings:
Summer: Light cottons.
Winter: Woollens

Language: Hindi, Urdu & English

Access:
By Air: Airport is 6 km from Agra.
By Rail: Agra is connected with important cities by rail.
By Road: By road Agra are: 204 km Delhi, Bharatpur-57km, Mathura-54 km, Jaipur-232 km, Gwalior-119 km & Khajuraho-400 km, Ranthambore.

SUGGETED ITENARIES
Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Delhi ( Golden Tringle): Same day tour to Agra.
Delhi-Agra-Delhi ( 2nights / 3days)