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Uttar
Pradesh ( Agra )
Agra
is essentially the city of Taj. Immortal love
between Emperor
Shahjahan and Mumtaj begum in whose memory it
stands gloriously in India and one of the best
monument of the immirtal Taj Mahal, Agra is the
most widely known city of Uttar Pradesh and India.
Agra is believed to have derived its name from
"Agrabana", a forest region of antiquity
mentioned is the epic of Mahabharata.
Though,
the founding of the present city is ascribed to
Raja Badal Singh, its promience today is projection
of Mughal patronage, who despite having favoured
Delhi as their capital in later years, a city that
had ruled the destinies of India from the earliest
times, reserved their best destinies of India from
the earliest times, reserved their best
architectural times, reserved their best
architectural marvels for Agra.
Under
the Mughals Agra flowered not only as a city of
fine monuments but also as a centre of handiworks
and crafts that survive even to this day.
PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
TAJ MAHAL
The
immitable poem in white marble is the finest
expression of love of the emperor for his queen. It
was completed in 1653 AD. The Taj derives much of
its charm from the sprawling garden laid out in the
Persian Char Bagh Style. The fountains and canals
provide a grand reflection of the Taj,
accen-tuating the Paradise imagery. The Quran is
regarded as the mirror image of a tablet is heaven
: the tree of life grows upside down in the
paradisiacal garden. The water image thus receated
a divine inspiration. In this death inspired
monument rows of cypresses lead the eye to the tomb
in white marble standing at the extreme end of the
garden, rather than in the centre as at other
Mughal tombs.
RED FORT
The imposing
fort on the banks of the river Yamuna is repute with priceless
examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including the
beautiful Pearl Mosque. It was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in
1665 AD.
ITMAD-UP-DAULAH'S TOMB
Built between
1622 and 1628 AD by Emperor Nur Jahan, in memory of her father,
Ghias-ud-Din Beg, this white marble tomb is an impressive structure
predating even the Taj. Though much smaller than the latter, the
inaly work is often considered of an equal if not of a better
standard.
CHINI-KA-ROZA
Finished in
glazed titles, the tomb is a memorial to poet-scholar, and later
the prime minister to Shah Jahan. Allama Afzel Khal Mullah
Shukrullah of Shiraz.
RAM BAGH
11 Km. The
earliest example of a Mughal garden. Laid out by Emperor Babar in
1526 AD.
SIKANDRA
12 Km.
Completed in 1613 AD, the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar is a fine
example of fusion of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture.
MARIYAM'S TOMB
Situated on the
Delhi-Agra Highway. Built in 1611 AD in memory of Emperor Akbar's
Rajpur wife, Mariyam-us Zamani, it is noted for the carvings on red
sandstone.
MARBLE TEMPLE AT
SOAMIBAGH
10 Km. A
beautiful temple (SAMADHI) of marble is under construction at
Soambagh, the head quarters of Radhaswami Satsang. Soamibagh
meaning "The Garden of the supreme Lord" was laid out by
Soamiji Maharaj, the revered founder.
The
construction response. In this white and pink marble , Green,
Yellow, varied-ated mosaic stone is used. The lotus, the plantian,
the papaya, the ashoka, the grapevine & host of flowers are
depicted into stone in natural form. It is a complete art, with
harmonious blend-ing, which appeals to heart & eyes.
FATEHPUR SIKRI
37 Km. from
Agra, Fatehpur Sikri as we see it today, comprise the remains of
the new capital that Akbar built in 1569 AD, but later on
abandoned. This former capital of the Mughal Empire still retains
its magnificence. Predominately red sandstone buildings sprawl over
a huge area. The architectural style is very much in true with the
emperor's dreams and includes both Hindu and Muslim styles.
The shortage of
water at the site was one of the main reasons for it being
deserted.
JAMA MASJID
Built by
Jehanara Begum in 1648 AD. The absence of minarets and the shape of
the dome give it a distinguished character.
SHILP GRAM
Handicrafts
village, in the eastern gate of Taj Mahal is the place of Taj
Mahotsav be held at 18 to 25 February every year.
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EXCURSION
FIROZABAD
The City of
Glass. 44 Km. an important handicrafts and industrial centre
renowned for glassware, especially glass bangles used through out
India by women, and cut glass the Decorative lights. The city is
famous for Bangles and Temple of Jains & Hindus.
KEOLADEO GHANA
NATIONAL PARK, BHARATPUR
60 Km. India's
most renowned water-bid sanctuary and winter home of rare Siberian
Crane. Approachable from Agra by road with taxi or by, various
accommodation choices available, within and without the National
park. It is 60 Km. from Agra on the Agra-Jaipur highways.
VAN VIHAR WILDLIFE
SANCTURY
60 Km. 52 sq.
Km. Wildlife preserve harbours many species of animals and birds.
Approachable from Agra by bus or taxi or by train upto Dholpur and
thereafter by road.
GWALIOR
120 Km. from
Agra located the beautiful Scindia City. The New city of Gwalior
became, over the centuries, the cradle of great dynasties and with
each, the city gained new dimension from the warrior-kings, poets,
musicians and saints who contributed to making it a capital
renowned throughout the country and today, a modern Indian city,
vibrant and bustling.
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