Visiting Agri: The Home of Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is a very famous tourist attraction that embodies a perfect symmetrical structure. Visit Agri to see this wonderful monument plus other wonderful attractions.

Agra is an Indian city in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh. It is located around 201 kilometers from New Delhi, the country's capital city. The world famous Taj Mahal is located here. This monument is considered as the most visited and most famous tourist spot in the world. There are also other attractions to see in the city, like the two UNESCO World Heritage destinations. These are Fatehpur Sikri and the Agra Fort.

Famous Tourist Spots in Agra

Sikadra
This site is also called Akbar's Tomb. It is situated 10 kilometers on the northern part of Agra. In addition, this site lies along the highway of Agra Delhi. The tomb is on the center of a large garden. Akbar had started constructing this tomb though his son named Jehangir was the one who finished it. He modified the plans of the tomb to make it look like bunched architectural lines. There are 4 red sandstones that mark as gates leading to the tomb written in Muslim, Christian, Hindu and the patent mixture of Akbar. This site is open from 6 am up to 6 pm everyday.

Mariam's Tomb
This site is located on the western part of the Akbar's Tomb along the Agra and Delhi Highway. Jahangir built this tomb for his mother, Mariam Zammani, a title that was given to her. The tomb itself is made out of white marble. The site is near a church and the Christian Mission School though the tomb is currently under bad and ruined conditions. Others say that Akbar had made it in memory of his wife.

Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah
Empress Nur Jehan established this tomb. It is also called Baby Taj sometimes because Empress Nur Jehan's father named Ghias-ud-Din Beg is the Chief Minister for the Emperor Jahangir. The site has a small resemblance to other Mughal tombs. Some visitors call it a jewelry box. The tomb has a lot of elements also used in the construction of the Taj Mahal namely the garden layout, white marble and inlay designs as well as pietra dura.

Chini Ka Roza
This is a memorial dedicated to Shah Jahan, the county's Prime Minister. It is likewise dedicated to Shiraz' Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah. The site is famous for its dome with blue-glazed tiles.

Jama Masjid
This is a big mosque credited to Princess Jahanara Begum. It was built during the mid-17th century during the reign of Shah Jahan, Prince Jahanara Begum's father. It is popular because it has no minarets and because of the magnificent dome structure.

Hotels in Agra

Hotel Mandakini Villas
This affordable hotel is located along Fatehabad Road in Purani Mandi, Agri. It is near Taj Mahal's Western gate. For more information, you can contact +91-5626453854. The hotel has air-conditioned guest rooms with television sets and cable, Internet connection, direct-dial telephone line as well as private bathrooms with cold and hot water. Room rates cost around 2,190 INR per night.

Dayal Lodge
This hotel is situated at 25 New Agra, Dayalbah Rd., Agra India. For inquiries about hotel facilities, room amenities and room rates, feel free to call +91-219606365 or +91-5652524560. You can also fax them at +91-5622524560. Room rates cost 450 up to 750 INR. In addition, the hotel is near tourist sites, shopping centers and the airport.