Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

Hotels & Resorts in Agra

The greater significance of a monument like Taj Mahal to the world is much more than being a part of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taj Mahal has become a symbol of endless love and devotion. Taj has been a visual delight for viewers over the ages.

History Of The Taj Mahal
Set against the backdrop of Yamuna River, this tribute of love was built by the third Mughal emperor of India, Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. Although it is not known for sure who planned the Taj Mahal, the name of an Indian architect of Persian descent, Ustad Ahmad Lahori, has been cited in many sources. As soon as construction began in 1630, masons, craftsmen, sculptors, and calligraphers were summoned from Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe to work on the masterpiece.

It took 12 years of hard labour and 20,000 labourers to build the mausoleum. The architectural complex is comprised of five main elements: the 'Darwaza' or main gateway, the 'Bageecha' or garden, the Masjid or mosque, the 'Naqqar Khana' or rest house, and the 'Rauza' or the Taj Mahal mausoleum. The actual Tomb is situated inside the Taj.

The marble stature memorial has got embellishments of beautiful marble inlay work known as "Pietra Dura" that is a very integral part of Agra's art culture and traditions. But the most fascinating feature in this wonder is the garden with its water channels, lotus pools and colourful flowerbeds and trees.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Summer- Max.45, Min.21.9
• Winter- Max.31.7, Min.4.2 
• Rainfall: 66 cms (June to September) 
• Best Season: October to March 
• STD Code: 0562

HOW TO GET THERE?

Air: Indian Airlines connect Agra with Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi. 

Rail: Agra is connected by rail with major cities, like Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Jaipur, Madras, Secunderabad and Trivandrum. 

Road: Agra is connected by good motorable roads to Delhi- 204 km, Jaipur-237 km, Khajuraho- 395 kms, Mathura- 54 kms, Gwalior- 110 kms, Lucknow- 257 kms, Bharatpur 54 kms etc. 

Local Transport: City bus services, tempo/scooter/cycle rickshaws and tongas. Regular bus services from Mathura, Delhi, Khajuraho, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Gwalior, Haridwar, Lucknow, Brindavan etc.