Agra, or the city of the Taj, as it is known all over the world, is the goal of a pilgrimage to the creative best. Craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals know Agra for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone. Though its political significance ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, it's architectural wealth has definitely secured international fame for carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes

Attraction In and Around

Akbar Mausoleum
Situated about 10 km from Agra, in the small town of Sikandra (4 KM from Agra), this mausoleum is a fusion of Muslim Hindu architectural style. It was started by Akbar but completed by his son Jehangir in 1605.

Mariyam 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.

Jehangir Palace
Jehangir palace is the largest private residence in the Agra Fort built by Akbar for his son. The palace displays an interesting blend of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles - a contrast to the unique Moghul style which had developed by the time of Shah jahan.

The Octagonal Tower
Shah Jahan built octagonal tower of Musamman Burj inside the Agra fort for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was here that Shah Jahan spent last seven years of his life imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The tower is considered to provide one of the best views of the Taj.

Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal located on the banks of the Yamuna River is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial built this marble tomb to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah
This tomb was erected by Nur Jahan- one of the Mughal empresses, in memory of her father Ghiasud-Din-Beg between 1622-1628 A.D. After Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, this mausoleum is the most important monument in Agra. This tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is considered as the imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort
Located on the banks of the Yamuna 2 kms. Northwest of the Taj Mahal, designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid.

Chini-Ka-Rauza
Chini-ka-rauza is located on the east bank of Yamuna river less than 1 km north of Itmad-ud-daulah. Afzal Khan, a Persian poet and Shah Jahan prime minister built it in 1635. It depicts the Persian influence on Mughal architecture.

Dayal Bagh Temple
15 kms. from Agra, Dayal Bagh (Soamibagh) houses the samadhi of the founder of Radha Swami faith, 'Swamiji Maharaj'. The main structure is a majestic building, 110 feet in height, built of pure white marble. The belief here is that construction work should never end, making it into a living monument, hence it is under construction for almost 100 years.

Ram bagh
It is one of the earliest Mughal gardens, created by Emperor Babar in 1528, a couple of kilometres north of Chini-ka-rauza. It is said that Babar was temporarily buried here before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan. Its original name was Aram Bagh (Garden of Rest).