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Day
Visit Taj Mahal Tour
Destination Covered: Delhi - Agra
Tour Detail: (Same Day Return)
Day Activity :
Morning leave by private car for Agra at around 0700 hrs.
On arrival in Agra around 1100 hrs. Proceed for a guided
tour of Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the World, Majestic
Agra Fort & city. Later return for Delhi.
Agra-The City of Taj
Agra - The city known for the famous monument of love - the
Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal was constructed by the Mughal Emperor,
Shah Jehan. It is said he built this monument in the memory
of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is ethereal
at any part of the day - blushing in the rosy glow of dawn
or sunset , appearing like a pearly mirage in the moonlight
or reflected in the pools of the garden . Perhaps the most
moving view of the Taj is from an octagonal tower in the
Agra Fort further along the river Yamuna .
There are very few cities in the world that can match the
history and heritage of Agra. Located at a distance of 204
km south of Delhi, Agra is the single most famous tourist
destination of India. Situated on the west bank of River
Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Northern Indian plains.
The architectural splendor of the city is reflected in the
glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals
who ruled India for more than 300 years.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra
witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during
this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The
buildings made during this era were purely in the
contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is
still reflected in what ever monuments remain in Agra.
History of Agra
Agra, the city of Taj was established in 1475 by Badal
Singh. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharata as Agraban.
Agra city in those days was considered to be the sister city
of Mathura which was more prominent than Agraban. Agra came
into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside
the Yamuna to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi made
Agra his capital but Babar defeated the Lodhis to capture
not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal
empire.
The coming of Babar heralded a new era which was to see Agra
at its zenith during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah
Jahan. It was during Akbar's period that Agra became the
center of art, culture and commerce and learning. This trend
reached its height when Shah Jahan became the ruler.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra
witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during
this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The
buildings made during this era were purely in the
contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is
still reflected in what ever monuments remain in Agra. The
narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai cuisine,
the craftsman who are busy in crating master pieces with
their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city
had once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a
major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again to the
heights of glory but this time as a major tourist
destination of India.
Shopping in Agra
Agra is not only a famous tourist destination but is a
shoppers paradise too. There are plenty of shopping areas
and shopping malls where one can buy the specialties of the
place. Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal made out of Marble,
the markets are bound to have replica of the Taj in marble
being sold as decorative, gift item or as souvenirs. But the
all that looks is not marble. There is one stone called
Talk. This stone is cheap and looks like marble only
difference being that marble is opaque and talk is not. So,
while purchasing any marble item make sure that you are
buying the original thing.
Agra is also famous for the leather items. Agra is the hub of hand made leather items. Particularly
the Agra jail inmates are make these items which are sold to
give them a decent earning. The local artisans are also good
at making leather chappals (sandals), purses, bags,
decorative items and many more such leather product which
instantaneously attracts your attention. In the handicraft
craft emporiums and shops there are sandal and rose wood
items even though there are no rose or sandal wood forest
nearby. The shops also have brass decorative pieces and
stone carved images. Agra is also famous for the Zari and
embroidery work, Stone inlay work and durries.
The main shopping areas in Agra include Taj Mahal complex,
Kinari Bazaar, Raja Mandi, Sadar Bazaar. the Gangotri at Taj
Mahal Complex and the Up Handlooms, UPICA at the Sanjay
place are two UP Government emporiums.
How to get there
Air
Agra is one of the hottest tourist destinations in India and
all facilities have been provided for the easy access to
this place. It has its own airport which connects Agra with
all the major places in India. The Agra airport or the
Kheria airport has all the major domestic airlines having
their services to this place of the Taj.
Rail
Agra is a major railway station with almost all the trains
to south India, Mumbai and many trains to Calcutta stopping
here. Agra city is visited by the "Palace on Wheels" .The
Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains have also their stoppage in
Agra. The city is well connected by trains to almost every
corner of the nation.
Road
Agra has the National Highway Numbers 2, 3, 11 passing
through it. So the premier tourist destination of India,
Agra is also well linked by bus services to other places in
the State as well as outside the state. The state transports
have deluxe as well as ordinary bus services for the place.
There are conducted tours which take tourist not only to
Agra, but the near by tourist spots too.
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