Jama Masjid Agra

Beautiful view of Jama Masjid in Agra

Corridor in Jama Masjid Agra

Biggest Mosque of Agra

History of Jama Masjid, Agra

Jama Masjid in Agra is also known as Jami Masjid. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and he dedicated it to his favorite daughter Jahanara Begum. There used to be spacious, octagonal Tripolia Chowk between Jama Masjid and the Delhi gate of the Agra Fort which was destroyed later to build Agra Fort Railway Station.

Structure of Jama Masjid, Agra

Jama Masjid is a huge mosque located in the center of Agra and surrounded by a great market. Jama Masjid is not adorned with semi-precious stones unlike other big historical monuments rather it can be said that it is not considered as historical monument because it is still used by the local people to offer prayer. It is a very simple mosque made up of red sandstone. A little amount of white marble has been used for decoration purpose, walls and ceilings have been painted blue. Jami Masjid is beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. There are stairs to approach the mosque and five arched entrances to the courtyard. Jama Masjid has three large sandstone domes which can be distinguished by the zigzag bands of marble. There is a prayer chamber on its western side. There is a prayer chamber on its western side and a courtyard surrounded by cloisters on three of its sides. The bulbous domes are adorned in finials of lotus and kalash on the top and alternate bands of white marble and red sandstone make them appealing. A fountain makes it royal, existing in the center of the courtyard. This fountain looks very beautiful with four kiosks in its corners. The mosque is still being used by the people to offer prayer and that’s why it is one of the city's main landmarks. Jama Masjid in Agra comprises of pillared Dalan, the 'Chhatri' on the roof and a beautiful 'Chhajja'. The main attraction of the building is its geometrical designs and its simplicity.

Entry Fee

Entry to Jama Masjid is absolutely free.

Five Star Hotels in Agra

Hotel Taj View, Agra

A Guest Viewing Taj Mahal from Hotel Taj View, Agra

Beautiful Lobby in Hotel Taj View, Agra

Hotel Taj View, Agra

Location
Taj Ganj, Fatehabad Road
Agra - 282001,Uttar Pradesh, India
6 kms from Agra Cantt Railway
Station
Rooms
5 luxury suites, Superior, Deluxe,
Superior Taj View Rooms,
Deluxe Taj View Rooms and Suites
Group
Taj Group of Hotels

Hotel Taj View Agra is one of the renowned five star hotels in Agra. The hotel is facilitated with modern amenities like-
Attached Bath
Multi - channel Music
Tea / Coffee maker
Minibar
Television
Direct dial telephones
Internet
Round the clock room service

Dining facility is Hotel Taj View Agra includes Aashiyana -24 hours coffee shop, Jhankar - serves Indian and Chinese dishes, Saqui is the well stocked bar etc. Business facilities and recreational facilities are also available in the Hotel Taj View Agra.

Hotel Trident Hilton, Agra

A well Furnished Luxurious Room in Hotel Trident Hilton Agra

Location
Tajnagri Scheme, Fatehabad Road,
Agra - 282 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
Rooms
138
Group
Trident Hilton Hotels

Hotel Trident Hilton Agra is also situated near Taj Mahal. All the rooms in this hotel are facilitated with
Individual safe
Attached Bath
Tea / Coffee maker
Television
Hair Dryer
Mini Bar
Direct dial telephones
Round the clock room service

All the Continental and Indian cuisines are available in dining facility in Hotel Trident Hilton Agra. Business facilities and recreational facilities are also available in the Hotel Trident Hilton Agra.

Hotel Mughal Sheraton, Agra

Entrance of Mughal Sheraton, Agra

Well Furnished Interior of Mughal Sheraton, Agra

A Luxurious Room in Hotel Mughal Sheraton, Agra

A Beautiful Terrace Surrounding by Greenery

Location
Taj Ganj,Agra 282 001,
Uttar Pradesh, India
10 km from the airport, 6 km from the railway station and
3 km from the city centre.
Rooms
Deluxe Suites, Presidential Suites
Group
ITC-Welcom Group

Mughal Sheraton Agra has received 'Aga Khan' Award for Excellence in Architecture and British Safety Council’s Sword of Honour Award. A great look of Taj Mahal is available from 11 rooms out of 285 rooms of the hotel. All the rooms of hotel are facilitated with-
Attached Bath
Multi - channel Music
Tea / Coffee maker
Television
Direct dial telephones
Round the clock room service

Dining facility in Mughal Sheraton Agra includes Peshawari serves authentic flavours of the North West Frontier
Bagh-E-Bahar – The Multi cuisine restaurant
Taj Bano
Mahjong Room - offers Chinese and Oriental cuisine from Pan-Asian region
Maikhana - The elegant lobby bar and also serves snacks and special coffees and cold beverages mocktails and cocktails. Business facilities and recreational facilities are also available in the Mughal Sheraton Agra.

Five Star Hotels in Agra

Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Center, Agra

Rooms and Gardens of Jaypee Hotel, Agra

Location
Fatehabad Road.
Agra,Uttar Pradesh, India
Rooms
Suites, Executive rooms
Group
Jaypee Hotels

Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Center Agra makes a feeling of living in palace in the Mughal period with modern amenities and facilities. 350 luxury rooms are facilitated with Electronic door lock, Individual safe, Attached Bath, Multi - channel Music, Tea / Coffee maker, Minibar, Television, Direct dial telephones, Internet, Round the clock room service etc. In Jaypee Palace Hotel guests are offered with numerous kinds of dining facility at its different restaurant and coffee shop like-
Pavilion Café - 24 hours coffee shop

Grand Buffet - buffet arrangements and the wide option of delicacies
The Spice Pavilion offers exotic Awadhi cuisine to its guests
On the Rocks is the well stocked bar
The Pool Side Barbeque offers snacks and alcoholic beverages
The “Deccan Pavilion” serves south Indian food.
Leisure Mall and the Tea Lounge offers light snacks and beverages to its guests.

Business facilities and recreational facilities are also available in the Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Center Agra.





The Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel Agra

Reception in Hotel Amar Villas, Agra

Beautiful Garden in Hotel Amar Villas, Agra

Swimming Pool in Hotel Amar Villas, Agra

Side View of Amar Villas Hotel, Agra

Location
The Oberoi Amarvilâs,
Taj East Gate Road,
Agra - 282001,
Uttar Pradesh, India.
Rooms
Premier Rooms, Premier rooms with Balcony,
Deluxe Suites, Luxury Suites,
Kohinoor Suite
Group
Oberoi Hotels and Resorts

The Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel Agra is just 600 meters away from Taj Mahal. A great view of Taj Mahal is available from most of the rooms of this hotel. It has been built in Moorish and Mughal architectural style to give the feeling of Mughal time. It has terraced lawns, fountains, pools and pavilions.

Walk-in closet with electronic safe, Colour satellite TV, DVD/CD player, Minibar, Tea and coffee maker, Ensuite bathrooms with a bathtub and a separate shower cubicle, Study, 24 hours room service etc. facilities are available in every room of the hotel. Along with this Dining facilities of both international cuisine and authentic Indian cuisines is available. Business facilities and recreational facilities are also available in the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel Agra.

Hotel Clarks Shiraz, Agra

Room in Hotel Clarks Shiraz Agra

A Conference Hall in Hotel Clarks Shiraz Agra

A Lavish Room in Hotel Clarks Shiraz Agra

Location
54, Taj Road,Agra - 282 001
Uttar Pradesh, India
Rooms
237
Hotel Clarks Shiraz Agra has 237 rooms out of these 27 rooms faces the Taj Mahal. All the rooms are facilitated with Direct dial telephones, Tea / Coffee maker, En-Suite Bathroom, Hair Dryer, Television, Round the clock room service etc. Multi-cuisine restaurant and coffee shops are available as dining facility like Buffet Dining Hall
Tea Lounge
Coffee Shop
Mughal Room
Bansuri : The Coffee Shop
Cakes & Bakes
Mughal Bar
Khayyam Bar
Poolside Bar-be-que

Business facilities and recreational facilities are also available in the Hotel Clarks Shiraz Agra.

Mariam’s Tomb

Mariam’s Tomb was built for the wife of great Mughal Emperor Akbar and the mother of his eldest son Salim, later was known as Jahangir. She was the daughter of Raja Bharmal Kachhwaha of Ambar or Amer. This Rajput queen was known in Mughal History as 'Mariam Zamani' meaning 'Compassionate to the World'. She was so named by Akbar on the eve of the birth of his son in 1569 at Fatehpur Sikri. Mariam’s Tomb was built after her death in 1623 at Agra by Jehangir. He built a stylish tomb for his mother close to the tomb of Akbar within the compound of Christian Missionary Society.

Originally, this structure was a barahdari when The Mughal Queen Mariam Zamani was interred into the tomb later, stylized into the tomb by Mughals by reconstructing the four facades of buildings in the Mughal architectural style of that time. Mariam’s Tomb was constructed in such a way that sun rays directly reach the tomb. In the central chamber, a cenotaph was placed in just above the real tomb that was protected by red stone 'jalied' balustrade on all sides.

Chini Ka Rauza

Chini ka Rauza, the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz as well as the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan

Chini Ka Rauza is situated on the eastern bank of river Yamuna in Agra. It is 1 kilometer north of Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb. Chini ka Rauza is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz. He was the renowned scholar and poet as well as the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Chini Ka Rauza is the first building in Agra, which has been exclusively adorned by glazed tile works and therefore, is considered a milestone in Indo-Persian architecture. The tomb was named Chini Ka Rauza because of the colorful tiles also known as chini. The tomb was constructed mainly of brown stone. Chini Ka Rauza is rectangular in shape. Central chamber of Chini Ka Rauza has octagonal shape and 8 curved recesses. There are 4 square chambers that are linked with the halls in the corner and outside porches.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah

An Outclass example of Art in Mughal Period

Front View of Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Beautiful Cupola on Minerates of Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Inlay Depicting Cypress Trees, Wine Bottles, Cut Fruit or Vases Containing Bouquets

Marvellous Design and Architecture of Minerates

Oblique View Showing beautiful Carving on Walls

Itmad-Ud-Daulah, often described as ‘Jewel Box’ was built by Jhahangir’s wife Noor Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who had been given the title of Itimâd-ud-Daulâh (pillar of the state) between 1622 and 1628. Itmad-Ud-Daulah is also known as ‘Baby Taj’ because of representing the transition between the first and second phase of monumental Mughal architecture. First phase consists of buildings primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations, which can be seen in Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra in Agra. Its second phase is based on white marble and pietra dura inlay as in Taj Mahal.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah is situated on the left bank of river Yamuna. Mausoleum is set on a base about 1 meter high and 50 meters in area surrounded by large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways. The walls are made up of white marble brought from Rajasthan adorned with semi-precious stones like cornelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz. Beautiful images are made with these stones on walls like Cypress trees, wine bottles, cut fruit or vases containing bouquets. Light enters through delicate jail into the interior of the Itmad-Ud-Daulah mausoleum. Not only Noor Jahan’s father, many of her relatives are interred in the Itmad-Ud-Daulah mausoleum.

Interaction with People of Agra and Their Life

Agra has its own tradition and culture. Languages spoken in Agra as well as complete Uttar Pradesh are Hindi and Urdu. Some people associated with the field of tourism are able to speak English up to some level. Some professional guides speak other foreign languages also. In hotels visitors can find staff communicating guests in English. People are simple in Agra and most of them are associated with business and farming. Agra being a tourist place having a lot of people involved in tourism. Number of hotels can be found in near Taj Mahal. If visitors want to communicate with people of Agra in their own language they would have to learn some phrases which are most frequently used like-

Hello
namaste

How are you doing?
Aap kaise hain

I am doing well
Main theek Hoon

I do not understand
Main nahi samajhata hoon.

Where can I find?
Kahan Milega…

How to reach?
Kaise Pahuchoon

Thank You
Dhanyawaad/Shukriya

Excuse Me
Kshama Karen

Please write it down
Zara likh deejiye

Can you help me?
Kya aap meri madad kar sakte hain?


Turn Right
Dahine Mudo

Turn Left
Bayen Mudo

What Place is this?
Yeh kounsi jagah hai?

What is this?
Yeh kya hai?

How do you find it?
Kaisa Laga?

How much is it for?
Kitne ka hai?

Offices to Be Known By Visitors in Agra

Visitors arriving Agra need to known about some offices which can help them in need. They can avail the help which they seek in Agra from government authorities. List of some offices is given below-

Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office

Address: Fatehpur Sikri Road, Agra
Tel: +91 0562 226 9563
Timings: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00

India Tourism Office

Address: 191 The Mall, Agra
Tel: +91 0562 222 6378
Timings: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:30, Saturday - 09:00 to 14:00
A range of brochures about attractions all over India are available here. This is a good place to get knowledge about the city as well as country. An official guide can also be found from here.


UP Tourism Office

Address: Agra Cantonment Train Station, Agra
Tel: +91 0562 242 1204
Timings: 7 days and 24 hours
This office is good place for contacting the local tourist police. You can find help easily here if, you are in problem.
One more branch of the UP Tourism Office is located at 64 Taj Road
Timings: Monday to Saturday - 10:00am to 5:00pm


Main Post Office

Address: The Mall, Agra
Tel: +91 0562 222 6437
The 'post restate' service at the post office is not recommended.
Timings: Monday to Saturday - 10:00am to 6:00pm

Video of Taj Mahal

Here is a Video of Taj Mahal with its story and things related with Agra and Taj Mahal.
Here We Go......

Sikandra - Tomb of The Great Mughal Emperor Akbar

Monkey's Playing in Tomb of Akbar

Main Building of Akbar's Tomb with Natural Beauty

Main Entrance of Akbar's Tomb from Inside Showing Minerates from Inner Side are High

Deers enjoying in the gardens of Tomb

Main Entrance of Akbar's Tomb from Outside with Queue of Cars Showing Minerates at Outer Side are High

Entrance to the Akbar's Tomb

Sikandra Building is the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. Akbar was the greatest Emperor of Mughal Dynasty. It was completed in 1613 A. D. It is one of the well preserved monuments. Akbar started the construction of his mausoleum before his death according to Tartary tradition. Tartary tradition means to construct one’s tomb during his life time. He himself selected the place for tomb and started its construction. He wanted all his family members to be buried at same place in this mausoleum but unfortunately he died before it could get completed. Then, his son Jahangir completed this and he made number of alterations in the mausoleum. The complete building is made up of deep red sandstone as well as marble. A false tomb is made above original tomb so that if somebody goes up then he or she cannot disrespect the grave of The Great Mughal Emperor Akbar by putting his or her feet above the grave.

Akbar’s dream for his family to be buried at same place could not be completed. Only two daughters of Akbar named Shakrul Nisha Begum and Aram Bano could be buried their. Later, people from his family were buried where they died. He made different rooms according to the number of his family members. A very small entrance is made right in front of the Akbar’s grave outside main building so that everybody has to bow his head before Akbar’s grave to show respect to the emperor. Akbar’s Tomb represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim Architectures in a superlative fusion. Akbar had three wives from three different religions i.e. Hindu, Muslim and Christian. Signs of all three religions can be seen in this building. After understanding that all the religions comprise same teachings, Akbar started a new religion named Din-e-Ilahi. This religion had the essence of all three religions.

The main building is surrounded by peaceful, green gardens. “Langurs” (black faced monkeys) and deers add to the beauty of the gardens. Visitors often enjoy with them by offering them parched grams, bananas etc. Langurs hold hand then have grams one by one which is different fun. An elaborately decorated entrance occupies the centre of the southern side, highlighted by exquisite carvings, artistic paintings and inlay work in geometric and floral designs enshrining the tombstone of Akbar. Three storied four minarets of equal size look big and small from both sides. The complete peaceful environment of The Tomb of Akbar gets peace of mind to the visitors.

Fatehpur Sikri

Dargah of Muslim Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti

Raja Birbal's Palace


Jodhabai's Palace

Diwan-e-Khas

A Beautiful Pillar Inside Diwan-e-Khas

Diwan-e-Aam

The Greatest Buland Darwaaza

Panch Mahal in Fatehpur Sikri

Place Where Akbar Used to Meet With His Nine Gems

Fatehpur Sikri is 39 km. far from Agra Cantt Railway Station. It is one of the most important historical monuments of Mughal Dynasty made by Mughal Emperor Akbar. This world heritage was built during 1564 AD. Akbar built this as gratitude towards Muslim Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.

Sonless Akbar went Sikri for blessings of Muslim Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti and then Akbar got a son. On the name if the saint he named his Salim. He as gratitude built this monument and also made it his capital. He named it Fatehpur Sikri.

Akbar built a beautiful marble tomb of saint and thousands of people come to seek blessings of the revered saint. People tie threads there to get their wish fulfilled. Akbar also built palaces for saint’s complete family. Since Akbar made Fatehpur Sikri his capital therefore, there are some other renowned places in his palace including Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Aam, Bulad Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodhabai’s Palace and Birbal’s House.

The most important characteristic of Fatehpur Sikri is Buland Darwaza. The gateway is approached by 42 steps. The Buland Darwaza is 53.63m high and 35 meters wide. Buland Darwaza is the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. It is built of red sandstone and inlaying of white marble.

Tour Operators and Travel Agents in Agra

Elephants at Agra Fort


A Tour Operator

Sikandra

Agra Fort

Taj MahalMany travel agents are present in Agra to operate Tours for Agra and the places surrounding Agra. Below is the list of some Tour Operators and Travel Agents –

• Ashok Travels and Tours, Hotel Agra Ashok, The Mall, Tel.: 0562 - 361223-31

• Rainbow Travels, Hotel Mansingh Palace, Fatehabad Road, Tel.: 0562 - 360605.

• Mercury Travels, Hotel Clarks Shiraj, 54 Taj Road, Tel.: 0562 – 360282


• Royal Holidays Inc., Sanjay Place, Tel.: 0562 – 352367, 350537.
  


• Sita World Travels, Sadar Bazar, Tel.: 0562 – 363922, 363181.
  


• Travel Corporation (India), Hotel Clarks Shiraj, Tel.: 0562 – 361121, 361122, 361123.
  


• Travel House, Welcomgroup Mughal Sheraton, Tel.: 0562 – 361701-62

Access To Agra

Inside Agra Cantt Railway Station

Agra Cantt Railway Station

Travelling Agra in Volvo Bus

Plane At Kheria In Agra

A Foreigner In Luxury Bus

Location Kheria Airport In Agra

Air IndiaAgra is accessible by three means i.e. Air, Rail and Road. Visitors desiring to come to Agra can choose any one of them according to their suitability. There is one Airport, three Railway Stations and three Bus Stands. The Airport named Kheria in Agra is situated 9 Km. away form the city.

Three Railway Stations named Agra Cant, Agra Fort and Raja Mandi are main Railway Stations in Agra. All these are situated in three directions of Agra. Agra Cant Railway Station is the nearest one of Taj Mahal. Number of Trains run everyday form these railway Stations.

People who like to travel in bus to have a good view if side scenes can enjoy visiting Agra through bus. There are three Bus Stands in Agra named Transport Nagar, Bijli Ghar, and Idgaah. Local Transport is always available at these Bus Stands to reach at the destination.