Agra Tour Package by Rishi India Travels

1. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is a showpiece architecture being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Undoubtedly one of Agra’s most popular attractions, the Taj Mahal is not just famous in India but is a monument renowned across the world. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his deceased wife Mumtaz, it is emblematic of the emperor’s deep love for his wife and the grief he experienced at her passing. A landmark monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is one of the most admired Mughal masterpieces in the world and is nothing short of poetry crafted in marble. The architect of the Taj Mahal was Ustad Ahmed Lahauri and the design is representative of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles of architecture. It took 21 years for the Taj Mahal to be constructed (from 1632 to 1652) with over 20,000 labourers working night and day.

Described as a “teardrop on the face of eternity” by legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore, the Taj Mahal never fails to impress visitors. Take a relaxed stroll through the grounds or just sit and admire the beautiful, reflective pools and exquisite gardens on the premises. To truly experience its ethereal beauty, visit the Taj Mahal early in the morning when it’s relatively quieter and less crowded or on a full moon night when the white marble glows against the backdrop of the dark, night sky.

Visitor Information

• Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography, Monument Landmark.
• Tickets: Rs. 20 (Indians), Rs.750 (foreigners)
• Opening Timings: 6 am to 6:30 pm (sunset), every day except Friday when the Taj Mahal is closed
• Duration: 3-4 hours.
• Movie Connect: Some parts of Shaad Ali’s popular film Bunty aur Babli were shot at the Taj Mahal.

Things to Do at Taj Mahal

• Go across the Yamuna River to the Mehtab Bagh or the Moonlit Gardens (open daily from sunrise to sunset) to capture a different angle of the Taj Mahal

2. Agra Fort (Red Fort)

Agra Fort is also known as the Red Fort. Spread over a sprawling 94 acres, this massive red sandstone fort lies parallel to the Yamuna River and is situated 2 kilometres northwest of the Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort was originally occupied by Sikarwar Rajputs and was later captured by Lodi rulers of Delhi. In 1526, after the Lodis were defeated in the Battle of Panipat, the victor Emperor Babur took over the fort. After losing the fort briefly to the Suri rulers, it was eventually reclaimed by Akbar who made Agra his capital. Akbar carried out extensive renovation of the dilapidated fort using red sandstone, which took over 4,000 workers and eight years to complete. Agra Fort is known for its majestic gates with the most impressive being the Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate. Another majestic gate is the Elephant Gate, which is situated between two red sandstone towers. Despite the magnificence of these gates, currently only the Amar Singh Gate is open to visitors.

Visitors must note that there is no provision to buy water and other bottled drinks inside the fort and it is advised to carry water along since exploring the fort can prove to be a long and tiring experience.

Visitor Information

• Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography, Monument Landmark.
• Tickets:Rs. 20 (Indians), Rs. 300 (foreigners - a discount of Rs. 50 can be availed if they are holding a Taj Mahal ticket for the same day)
• Opening Timings: Sunrise to sunset (Daily)
• Duration: 2-3 hours.
• Movie Connect: A few scenes of the Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan starrer Mere Brother ki Dulhan were shot at the Agra Fort.

Things to Do at Agra Fort

• Capture a different angle of the Agra Fort

3. Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

The most important feature of Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tombis the monumental architecture. The structure is built by red sandstone. It is commonly called Baby Taj. Three kilometres north of Agra Fort on the east bank of the Yamuna sits the ethereal tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. Also known as Mirza Ghiyas Beg, he was the chief treasurer of his son-in-law Emperor Jahangir’s empire. It was Jahangir who bestowed upon him the title of Itimad-ud-Daula, which means Pillar of the State.

The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is also popularly known as the Jewel Box or Baby Taj as it looks like a smaller version of the Taj Mahal. It is believed that this tomb was the inspiration behind the construction of the Taj Mahal. The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah was commissioned by Nur Jehan, wife of Jahangir and daughter of Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Instead of a dome, the tomb has a small rooftop canopy and has squat minarets attached to all four corners of the building. Situated in the middle of the Charbagh style gardens, the tomb was one of the first Mughal buildings in Agra to be made entirely out of marble and is famous for its extravagant inlay work. Elegant Persian motifs such as wine vases, trees and flowers adorn the monument and add to its charm.

Visitor Information

• Famous for: History, Architecture, Monument Landmark.
• Tickets: Rs. 15 (Indians) Rs. 110 (foreigners)
• Opening Timings: Sunrise to sunset (Daily)
• Duration: 30-60 minutes.
• Location: Agra (3 kilometers north of the Agra Fort)

Things to Do at Itimad-ud-Daulah

• Explore the things and Visit nearby locations.

4. Jama Masjid Agra

Situated opposite the Agra Fort is the grand Jama Masjid, Agra’s most important and largest mosque. Commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1648, the mosque topped with red sandstone domes, is known for its beautiful architecture. Five large arches lead to the main prayer hall inside the Jama Masjid, which are skimmed by a beautiful bolster of sandstone adorned with floral motifs.

Inside the mosque, the mihrab is flanked by graceful strokes of verses from the Quran. Constructed using sandstone and marble, the Jama Masjid has airy courtyards and fountains. Beautiful floral patterns along with Persian inscriptions adorn the marble walls of the Masjid. These inscriptions are in praise of Shah Jahan and his favourite daughter, Jahanara Begum to whom the mosque is dedicated.

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Mosque, Architecture, History, Serenity, Religious
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: 5 am to 9 pm (Daily)
• Duration: up to 1 hour.
• Location:Agra (opposite the Agra Fort)

Things to Do Near Jama Masjid

• Visit the near by market.
• Go to the old city.

5. Moti Masjid

Situated on the premises of the Agra Fort, Moti Masjid was built by Shah Jahan and earned its name from its brilliant pearl like shine. The courtyard of the mosque comprises side arcades and curved recessions. Circular domes built in white marble top the building and stand on red sandstone walls. Moti Masjid possesses an extensive white marble finishing, an architectural style which gained popularity during the rule of Shah Jahan. Hindu architectural styles have also been used in constructing the mosque and Hindu style domes can be seen lining the protective walls of the mosque.

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Mosque, Architecture, History, Serenity, Religious
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Sunrise to sunset (Daily)
• Duration: up to 1 hour.
• Location:Agra (opposite the Agra Fort)

Things to Do Near Moti Masjid

• Visit the near by market.
• Go to the old city.

6. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri was previously the capital of the Mughal empire. There are various planned roads, gardens, mosques, harems and various other utility structures. After being the capital for many years, it was replaced by Agra. Akbar discovered this city after several years. It is a very popular historic city in Agra.

Visitor Information

• Famous for: History, Architecture, Monument Landmark.
• Tickets: Rs. 35 (Indians) Rs. 550 (foreigners)
• Opening Timings: Sunrise to sunset (Daily)
• Duration: 2-3 Hours.
• Location: 40 kilometres from Agra

Things to Do at Fatehpur Sikri

• Explore the things and Visit nearby locations.
• There are various planned roads, gardens, mosques, harems and various other utility structures.

7. Akbar Tomb

Akbar’s tomb is the resting place of Akbar, Mughal Emperor. Akbar’s Tomb is situated on the grounds of Sikandra and spreads upto 119 acres of land. The entire place is surrounded by high walls and has used red sandstone in its construction. Akbar started the construction but it was completed by Jahangir, his son. There are four white minarets that have a unique texture. There are geometric shapes in the panels of the intricate design and water courses in the Charbagh area with the Behistan concept.

Visitor Information

• Famous for: History, Architecture, Monument Landmark.
• Tickets: Rs. 20 (Indians) Rs. 200 (foreigners)
• Opening Timings: Sunrise to sunset (Daily)
• Duration: 30-60 minutes.
• Location: It is located at Sikandra, in the suburbs of Agra, on the Mathura road (NH2), 8 km west-northwest of the city center.

Things to Do at Akbar Tomb

• Once you enter into the gateway, you will find Mughal styled gardens. In the garden, you can find antelope and monkeys. You can rarely spot peacocks here. There is a water canal on both the sides of the garden.
• Explore the things and Visit nearby locations.

8. Mehtab Bagh

Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, MehtabBagh is a gorgeous garden complex. It is located very close to the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal. It is a picturesque garden which has various separations. There are various pavilions, pools, andwalkways that are covered with white plaster. It has now been converted to a great horticulture delight. This garden is the perfect extension of the gardens of Taj Mahal.

Visitor Information

• Famous for: History, Photography, Nature Lover.
• Tickets: Rs. 30 (Indians) Rs. 200 (foreigners)
• Opening Timings: 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
• Duration: 30-60 minutes.
• Location:It is located very close to the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal

Things to Do at Mehtab Bagh

• Explore the things and Visit nearby locations.
• capture a different angle of the Taj Mahal

Other attractions include Wildlife SOS, Anguri Bagh, Taj Museum, Mother Teresa's Missionaries Of Charity, Chini ka Rauza, Dolphin Water Park, Friends Gokulam Fun City Water Park, Taj Mahotsav and Ram Barat .