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Places to See
Tour
Taj Mahal
An
architectural hallmark in the world, Taj Mahal is known as the eighth wonder
in the world. The ceaseless labour of 20,000 workers led to the construction
of this geometrical miracle in India. An exceptional exhibit of Piedra Dura
(stone inlay work), the Taj Mahal displays three major elements of the Muslim
decorative arts and architecture - the Ayatein (sayings) from the Q'uran, use
of various geometrical shapes and a variety of plant forms and flowers dominant
in the borders.
Dayal Bagh Situated 12 km from the hotel, this is the
headquarter of the Radhasoami religious sect, founded in 1861 by Shri Shiv Dayal
Singh, also known as Swamiji Maharaj. Being built to commemorate the Supreme Creator,
this tall, unfinished facade of marble, lined with exquisitely carved pillars
and panels, was estimated to cost about five million rupees when it was conceived.
Today, the cost of work finished and work still to be done will run into ten million.
About 500 devotees stay in the colony adjoining the samadhi. It is claimed
that it may rival the Taj Mahal in splendour when it is completed.
Agra
Fort
The construction of the imposing Agra fort, built of blocks of red sandstone,
began in 1156 during the reign of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort was
completed in 1605 during the reign of his
grandson
Shah Jahan in 1605. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, which
was the hallmark of the Mughal period, this sprawling fort stretches 2.5 km
along the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, in the north Indian state of Uttar
Pradesh.
Chini Ka Roza The tomb of Afzal Khan, the persian poet
and minister at Shah Jehan's court gets its name from the brightly coloured glazed
tiles that decorate it . Lies just 1km beyond itmad -ud -daula.
Jama
Masjid Opposite the fort and overlooking Agra Fort railway station,
the Jami Masjid or "Friday Mosque" was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and
dedicated to his favourite daughter, Jahanara Begum. Standing on a high plinth
approached by stairs, and with five arched entrances to the courtyard, the mosque
is crowned by three large sandstone domes distinguished by their zigzag bands
of marble.
Sikandra
Sikandra is 8 km north-east on the Agra-Delhi road. It is on the same side of
the river Yamuna as the Taj. Sikandra was built in 1492 by Sikander Lodhi, a ruler
of one of the last dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate.Akbar, in his time, ordered
the construction of Sikandra again, this time as a site for his mausoleum, but
he died before it could be completed. The work was completed by his son Jehangir
in 1613. The tomb is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. The
building of red sandstone is four storeys tall, approximately 31 metres in height.
The first three storeys are of red sandstone, while the fourth is entirely of
marble.
Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb The Itmad-ud-daulah
tomb stands in the centre of a grand Persian garden, an architectural gem of its
times. It is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Emperor Jahangir's father - in- law.
The structure was built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father, between
1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband,
near Lahore in Pakistan. This splendid garden tomb is believed to be the precursor
of the magnificent Taj Mahal, and was the first Mughal structure to be built entirely
of marble, and the first, again, to make use of pietra dura, the inlay marble
work that came to be typical of the Taj.
Festivals of Agra Kailash Fair
(Aug./Sep.) Held at Kailash, 12 km. It is a major fair celebrated
in honour of Lord Shiva who is believed to have appeared here in the form of a
stone lingam.
Sheetia Fair (July/Aug.)
It is held near Delhi Gate.
Bateshwar Fair Situated
at a distance of 70 km. from Agra on the banks of river Yamuna, Bateshwar is an
important spiritual and cultural centre. The place is named after the presiding
deity of the region, Bateshwar Mahadeo and has 108 temples, dedicated to the gods
and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.
During the months of October &
November, a large fair is organised from Shashthi of Kartik month to Panchami
of Agrahayan month. The fair holds a lot of importance for the Hindus. Devotees
congregate here in large numbers to worship Lord Shiva and take holy dips in river
Yamuna. A Livestock Fair is also organised and owners and buyers conduct serious
business combined with the gaiety of a market place.
Urs (Fatehpur
Sikri) This fair is organised at Sheikh Salim Chisti's Dargah during
the month of Ramzan.
Taj Mahotsav The Taj Mahotsav,
held in the February, at Agra is an apt introduction to the majesty of the country
and the state. A vibrant mosaic that brings together the cream of Indian arts,
crafts and cultural nuances.
