Tuesday 6 March, 2007

Agra, The City Of Taj

Quick Facts about the City:
Location: Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, one of the most powerful cities in the medieval world. Agra is a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of river the Yamuna. Agra is 204 km south of Delhi., 118km from Gwalior, 363 km from Lucknow and 232 km from Jaipur
STD Code: The internatioal code is +91 whereas the city STD code is 0562.

State
Agra is situated in Uttar Pradesh, a state in North India. Aryans occupied this area and laid the foundation of a Hindu civilization here in 2000 BC. It was during the Aryan inhabitation that the epics of Mahabharata, Ramayana, the Brahamanas and Puranas were written. The rule of the Magadha empire brought Buddhism and Jainism into this region. The Ganga Ma (Mother Ganga), the sacred river whose water is believed to have a purifying effect on the soul flows through this state. The holy city Varanasi is on the banks of this sacred river. It is India's fourth largest state.

General Info & History
Perhaps no other historical monument has evoked as much awareness and admiration from tourists and travellers alike, as the magnificent Taj Mahal - fondly called by people as the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal Emperor to his beloved.So overwhelming is the exquisite beauty and presence of this marble mausoleum that centuries later today, even the very land where it has been located - Agra - has been immortalised as the City of the Taj. Yet, it doesn’t take much for the roving eye to discover that there's more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal. The city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery… a freeze-frame from a resplendant era that's long since gone by. In the great epic 'Mahabharat' the region of Agra is described as 'Agraban' (an integral part of the Brij Bhumi or the land of Lord Krishna). The latter part of Indian history outlines the origins of Agra to 1475 A.D., when the reign of Raja Badal Singh.However, Agra came into limelight during the rule of Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi - who had made it the capital of his empire.Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task for rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own. The visionary that he was and a great patron of the arts, Emperor Babar brought in a change in the culture and life-style among the people of Agra, which then brought forth some of the finest craftsmen, artists, statesmen, warriors and nobility, this part of India had ever withnessed. The golden age of Agra's history, thus began to set in.
The next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs - Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and ShahJahan - all of whom lavished on this fabled city, their love and riches immeasurable to transform the land into one of the great centers of art, culture, learning and commerce.
Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even today, in the hunting presence inside the monuments, the majesty of the buildings, the exquisite arts and crafts and not to forget, the lure of an exceptional cuisine… all, cherished as priceless legacies of a nostalgic past. The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history… captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home. Today, luxury and modern convenience also exist adjacent to tradition - luxury hotels, shopping malls and plazas, wide avenues and a superb choice of venues for recreation, business, sports, pleasure, education and the arts.

Best Season to Visit:
The most suitable time to visit Agra is in winters from October to March. Agra can be visited throughout the year, but one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June) and the rainy season (July-Sept).

Climate
The climate of Agra is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and the maximum temperature can be as high as 45 degree Celsius, while winters are cold and foggy. Heavy rains and high humidity mark the monsoon season. Agra can be visited throughout the year, but one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June) and rainy season (July-Sept). The most suitable time to visit Agra is in winters.

Temperature
Summer - Max.45°C, Min.27°C
Winter - Max.25.5°C, Min.6°C
Monsoon - Max.35°C, Min.27°C
Rainfall - Average 66 cm

Local Language
Located in northern plains in the Hindi speaking belt, the people here are well versed in Hindi , besides knowledge of workable English .

How to get there
Agra is, of course, well connected via road, rail and air being located in the Golden Triangle of India. Besides, Agra is well connected by air to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi. Trains from the other parts of the country connect Agra. The city is also well connected by rail to different places in India. The main railhead is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra is connected with most of the Indian cities by road.

Air: There are regular flights and trains from other cities of India especially Delhi its closest metropolis and an International gateway.
Rail: There are numerous trains from Delhi that connects Agra with a total journey time of three hours.
Road: We can arrange for you AC or Non AC coaches and cars for your tour to the city of Taj with helpful guides.
Travel Within Agra :
For local transport, taxis, tempo and auto-rickshaws are your best bets. Cycle rickshaws are also available. Prepaid taxis and autos from the railway station are available. Prepaid transport is also available for excursions in and around the city limits. Bicycles can be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city. It is to be remembered that no diesel or petrol vehicle are allowed to ply in the Taj Mahal area. Battery-operated buses, horse-driven tongas, rickshaws and other pollution-free vehicles are allowed to conserve the beauty of this great monument.

Accomodations in Agra:-
Akbar Hotel
Amar Agra Hotel
Anjuman Hotel
Amba Inn Hotel
Amar Yatri Niwas
Atithi Agra Hotel
Ashok Tourist Lodge
Calcutta Hotel
Chanakaya Hotel
Clarks Shiraz Hotel
Bengal Lodge N Re Hotel
Deedar E Taj Hotel
Ellora Lodge
Essar Hotel
Deluxe Plaza Hotel
Dharmlok Hotel
Holiday Inn Agra
Ganga Ratan Hotel
Grand Hotel Agra
Howard Park Plaza
Jaypee Palace Hotel
Kanbal Hotel
Kant Agra Hotel
Kamal Hotel
Kohinoor Hotel
Madhuvan Hotel
Mansingh Palace Hotel
Lauries Hotel
Marina Hotel
Mayur Tourist Complex Hotel
Neelkanth Palace Hotel
Metro Hotel
Pall Hotel Restaurant
Pawan Hotel
Prem Sagar Hotel
Oasis Hotel
Panch Ratan Hotel
Ranjit Hotel
Taj View Hotel
Trident Hilton Agra
Safari Hotel
Salimar Hotel
Savoy Hotel
Surya Hotel
Rahi Tourist Bunglow
Razia Hotel
Royale Residency Hotel
Usha Kiran Palace Hotel Towers
The Oberois Amarvilas
Udupi Inn Hotel
Hotel Mughal Sheraton

Paying-Guest Accommodation
The city also has paying-guest accommodation, the details of which can be obtained from the local Tourist Office.

Festivals
Taj mahotsav
organized every year by UP tourism between 18th and 27th February. It is basically an arts and crafts fair held at the Shilpgram, the crafts village near the Taj Mahal.

Sharadotsav
is a grand cultural show organized on the month of October wherein renowned dancers and musicians perform at historical location in the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri (40kms).
The other fairs include the Kailash Fair ( August/ September) and the month-long Bateshwar Fair ( November).

Religious Places
Radha Swami Samadhi
Dayal Bagh, 2 km north of Agra
This is the head quarters of the Radhaswami religion, here the holy ashes of the founder of the faith have been preserved. On the sprawling lawns here, is a beautiful marvel temple, built since 100 years. You can see pietra dura inlaid marblework actually being worked on. Dayal Bagh can be reached by bus or cycle.
Open 9 A.M. to 5.30 P.M

Jama Masjid
Fatepur Sikri, 57 kms from Agra
This building, with a rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648 A.D., by Shah Jahan's daughter, Jehanera Begum in memory of the famous Shiekh Salim Chistti and his grand son Islam Khan. Of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture

ISKCON Temple
Vrindavan, 57 kms from Agra
The ISKCON Temple is an impressive new construction by ISKCON International Society of Krishna Consciousness, built with funds from devotees who are overseas. The temple is actually a group of buildings, made of marble, with intricate carvings on them. This temple owes its existence to Swami Prabhupada, a Hindu devotee born in Bengal in 1896.

Attractions
A Glorious Heritage
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal. Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled. The Taj Mahal, the one and only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shahjahan's dream. One of the wonders of the world. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in the making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtaking beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, see it by moonlight.
Open : 6 days a week (Closed on Friday's), Sunrise - 7.30 p.m.
Tel: 2330498

The Agra Fort
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shahjahan.The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal.
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Tel: 2364512

Itmad-Ud-Daulah
The monument in white marble standing across the river was built by empress Noorjahan for her father Mirza Giyas Beg. Pietra dura inlay on marble was first used here and the monument is believed to be a model for Taj Mahal.
Open sunrise to sunset.
Tel: 2080030

Sikandara
Tel: 2641230
The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar on the outskirts of the city (towards Delhi) manifests his philosophy, piety and secular character.
Open Sunrise to sunset

Chini Ka Rauza
This was constructed by Afzal Khan - a high official in the court of Shahjahan. Decorated by glazed tiles on the fa�ade, the structure clearly depicts the Persian influence in architecture.
Open sunrise to sunset.

Shopping/Clothing
Agra is also known for its fabulous handicrafts, made of marble and softstone inlay work. The Mughals were great patrons of arts and crafts. Empress Nur Jahan took personal interest and was an accomplished artist herself in zari embroidery work. Agra's major handicraft products besides inlay work are : leatherware, brassware, carpets, jewellery and embroidery work. Agra is also well known for its sweets 'petha' and 'Gazak' and saltish snack 'Dalmoth. The main shopping areas of the city are Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal Complex. Shopping is recommended at the Govt. Emporia or Souvenir Shops approved by U.P Tourism.

Government Emporia
• Gangotri, U.P. Govt. Handicrafts Emporium, Taj Mahal Complex Tel : 2360172
• U.P. Handloom, Sanjay Place, Hari Parbat, M.G. Road,
• Kairali - arts and crafts of Kerala, Taj Mahal Complex, Tel : 2360893
• Rajasthali - Rajasthan Handicrafts. Taj Mahal Complex, Tel : 2360017.
• Black Patridge - Haryana Handicraft Emporium. Taj Mahal Complex, Tel : 2360992.
• Kashmir Government Arts Emporium - Taj Mahal Complex
• UPICA, Sanjay Place, Hari Parbat, M.G. Road,
• Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhavan, Raja-ki-Mandi, Tel : 273281.
• U.P. Handicraft Palace, Fatehabad Road, Tel : 264840, 268214.

Souvenir Shops
The city has a number of Souvenir Shops approved by U.P. Tourism details of which can be had from the local Tourist Office:
  • M/s Ram Babu & Sons,Near Hotel Mugal Sheretan, Fatehabad Road, Agra. Tel. No-2331046, 2330178.
  • M/s U.P. Handicrafts Industries, Taj View Tiraha, Agra. Tel. - 2330047, 2330192.
  • M/s Marble Main Emporium, 18/160-C, Fatehabad Road, Tajganj, Agra. Tel. 2330065, 2330448.
  • M/s Handicraft In Emporium, 18/160-C, Fatehabad Road, Tajganj, Agra. Tel. 2330065, 2330448.
  • M/s Kanu Carpet Factory, 18/160/I-A, Purani Mandi, Tajganj, Agra. Tel. 2330167, 2331307.
  • M/s Virgo International, Paschimi Gate, Taj Mahal, Agra. Tel. 2330119.
  • M/s Handicraft Gailari, 18-A/54, Jasodia Enclave, Agra. Tel. 2330188.
  • M/s Sanjai Sports, Near Mayur Tourist Complex, Fatehabad Road, Agra. Tel. 2331504
  • M/s Jem Art, 18-A/8-C/2, Fatehabad Road, Agra. Tel. 2330304, 2330201.
  • M/s U. P. Handicraft Palaces, Near Ganga ratan Hotel, Fatehabad Road, Agra. Tel. 2330329
  • M/s U. P. Craft Palace, Near Ratan Hotel, Fatehabad Road, Agra. Tel. 2330329
  • M/s U. P. Handicraft Development, Handicraft Nagar, Agra. Tel. 2333167
  • M/s U. P. Handicraft Emporium, Sadan Bazar, Agra. Tel. 2225921
  • M/s Mughal Marbles, Hotel Mughal Sheretan, Agra. Tel. 2331448
  • M/s Craft Palace, Pratappur Chauraha, Agra. Tel. 2362342, 2364103
  • M/s Oswal Export, 30 Munro Road, Shahjadi Mandi, Agra. Tel. 2363519, 2363411
  • M/s Oswal Emporium, 30 Munro Road, Shahjadi Mandi, Agra. Tel. 2363519, 2363411
  • M/s Subhash Emporium, 18/1, Near Tar Chauraha, Shahjadi Mandi, Agra. Tel. 2225829, 2226006
  • M/s Marble Emporium, 18/1, Near Tar Chauraha, Shahjadi Mandi, Agra. Tel. 2225829, 2226006
  • M/s Chandra Craft Palace, 159, Garden Road, Balu Ganj, Agra. Tel. 2363263
  • M/s Jewel Palace, Pratap Pur, Chauraha, Agra. Tel. 2364024
  • M/s Kohinoor Jewellers, 41, M. G. Road, Agra. tel. 2364156
  • M/s Teiveni Emporium, 41, M. G. Road, Agra. tel. 2364156
  • M/s Harish Carpet, 18/16 A/1/A, Vibhava Nagar Road, Agra. Tel. 2330398

Activity for Kids
There are no particular attractions for kids in Agra. But walks through the popular gardens and kite flying can be of interest.
Ram Bagh
Laid out in 1528 by Babur the first of the Mughal emperors this is the earliest Mughal garden. The Ram Bagh is 2 to 3 km further north of the Chini Ka rauza on the riverside and is open from sunrise to sunset
Taj nature Walk
A beautiful forest spread over 70 hectares of land has been developed to the east of the Taj Mahal. Besides preserving many varieties of flora and fauna, the park provides fascinating views from various points.
Shilpgram
A multi-faceted centre developed to promote arts, crafts, culture and cuisine of the region.
Sound and light show
Agra Fort,
Tel: 2111009
A sound and light programme conducted at Agra Fort every evening gives details of the history that had important connections with the monument

Important Getaways
Agra offers a number of excursion sites nearby.
Mathura: 47 km from Agra, Mathura is a famous and important pilgrim place of the Hindus since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura is also an important crafts centre.
Vrindavan: Vrindavan is associated with the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna. It has scores of temples, shrines, and memorial stones and hermitages of the saints and Krishna’s followers. Govind Dev Temple, the 150-year-old Ranganathan Temple, the ISKCON Temple etc are located here.
Gokul: Lord Krishna is believed to have been raised secretly in Gokul. One of the most notable structures here is the Chaurasi Khamba (84 pillars), also known as Nand Maharaja’s house. Most of the temples and structures here are built around the legends.
Fatehpur Sikri: The Mughal Emperor Akbar built the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri in AD 1564. Some of the major attractions of this city are the marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Jodha Bai’s Palace and Birbal Bhavan. Govardhan Hill, Bhandirvan, Keetham Lake are all associated with Lord Krishna. The industrial city of Ferozabad famous for its glassware, and Aligarh, famous for the Aligarh Muslim University and for its locks, lie close by.

Nightlife/Entertainment :
Nightlife
The nights are usually very peaceful in Agra. Despite heavy tourist inflow , metropolis culture is yet to invade Agra. But amidst peaceful and serene environ, hot and happening spots can be located. The Tequila at Mansingh Palace on Fathabad Road (Contact No: 2331771 (8 Lines) Fax: 2330202) is mecca for those who are addicted to nightlife. A quite evening or late night walk around Taj Mahal complex is the most preferred option. The great mausoleum looks beautiful in the nighttime and sure leaves an impression. For a good night out the city provides cinemas, coffee shops, restaurants and bars. Downtown Club is one of best known bars in Agra.

Entertainment
The city of Mughals has everything that makes the adrenalin pumping! The city has many avenues of amusement and recreation, one need to be just perfect in planning and time management. Known for its architectural brilliance the city also provides popular entertainment amenities. Some popular entertainment avenues include cinemas, clubs, sports and recreation.

Golf course at Circuit House Campus and angling at Sur Sarovar (on M G Road Contact No: 2154498) are good sources of entertainment. City has good quality cinema halls dotted all over and it goes without saying that after tiring day of exploring the historical legacy, watching a movie is an ideal way to relax. Apart from the monumental gardens the city has gardens which are welcoming haven during the evening. These include Subhah Park, Sardar Patel Park and Paliwal Park.

Taj By Moonlight
Viewing Taj Mahal by moonlight will be a lifetime memory. The Taj Mahal remains open to visitors for five days -two days before and two days after the full moon night from 8.30 pm to 12.30 am.
Reservations have to be made atleast a day in advance at:
The Archaeological Survey of India, 22, The Mall, Agra Cantt, Tel: 2227261/2/3 between 10.00am and 6.00 pm. Fee Rs 510 for Indians and Rs 750 for foreigners.

Travel Tips
  • While shopping for marble in Agra be careful about the quality of the stone. Genuine marble is opaque and does not allow light to pass through.
  • Sunscreen, loose comfortable cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential equipment while traveling in Agra in summer. While traveling in winter, woolen clothing or warm clothing is essential at nighttime.
  • Women travellers are expected to be modestly dressed - tight fitting or revealing clothes are best avoided - especially when traveling alone.
  • Gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera or jaundice may be acquired from unhygienic water or contaminated food, therefore avoid consumption of tap water.
  • A camera is a must to capture on film one of the wonders of the world!

Dining out
Agra is also famous for its Mughlai cuisine, a sweet called petha and a snack called dalmoth. The myriad of restaurants in the city are known to maintain high quality standards of the food, service and general hygiene. The streets of the market are filled with the aromatic spices, the clatter of pots and pans on the smaller roadside diners and the countless vaddai and thosai vendors riding on make-shift carts. You can enjoy trying the culinary delights of Agra, while shopping.

Emergency Contact No
TOURIST OFFICES.
  • Tourist Information Centers(Govt) Government of India Tourist Office, Mall Road, Agra Contact No: (0562)2363377
  • UPTDC, Near Clarks Shiraz, 64, Taj Road, Agra Contact No: (0562) 2360517
  • Tourist Information Counter - Agra Cantonment Railway Station, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India Contact No: 0562 – 2368598
  • Antique Registration Office, 19, MIG, New Shah Ganj.
  • Foreigners Regional Registration Office, 16 Idgah Colony, Tel : (0562)2367563
  • District Information Centre, Near Idgah Bus Stand Contact No: (0562)2372346

Hospitals
  • District Hospital, M.G. Road. Tel : (0562)2363043, 2363139
  • Lady Lyall Hospital, Noori Gate Road, Tel : (0562)2262538
  • S.N. Medical College, Hospital Road, Tel : (0562)2361314, 2361318
  • Cantonment Hospital, Agra Cantt. Tel : (0562)2363307.

Banks/Money Changers
  • Allahabad Bank, Hotel Clarks Shiraz, Taj Road, Tel : (0562)2226179
  • Andhra Bank, Taj Road, Sadar Bazar, Tel : (0562)2363962
  • Bank of Baroda, M.G. Road, Tel : (0562)2364362;
  • Central Bank of India, M.G. Road
  • Indian Overseas Bank, Fatehabad Road, Ph : (0562)2331057
  • Punjab National Bank, Shahjadi Mandi, Tel : (0562)2363266
  • State Bank of India Main Branch, Chhipitola, Tel : (0562)2252078-79
  • State Bank of India, Sadar Bazar (Evening Branch). Tel : (0562)2363642
  • Canara Bank, Sadar Bazar, Tel : (0562)2363292
  • Canara Bank, Sanjay Place, Tel : (0562)2363197, 2363295

Post Offices
  • General Post Office, The Mall Tel : (0562)2226437
  • Head Post Office, Opposite Power House Bus Station, Tel : (0562)2361580, 2361272, 2366425
  • Central Telegraph Office, The Mall, Tel : (0562)2225111, 2225999
  • Foreign Postal Enquiry service Ph: (0562)2355774
  • RMS Agra Cant. (24 hours), Ph: (0562)2364227

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

TAJ....It is something India has always been proud of!!!! Why not?it had been one of the seven wonders of the world...But now this is the history the deteriorating quality of this monument is proving to be a threat not only for the govt. but also for the country's pride....If this continues i doubt India will b left with any of the historic onuments it can be proud of!!!!!