| PLACES OF
INTEREST (KM FROM MALL) Taj Mahal (3 Km): The inimitable poem in white marble is the
finest expression of love of an emperor for his queen situated on the banks of the river
Yamuna. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal, in 1632.
Agra Fort: Built by
the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is a masterpiece of design and
construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including the Moti
Masjid, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in
imprisonment, besides Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb(6 Km): The
tomb was built by Empress Noor Jahan, in memory of her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg in
1622-25A.D. This ornate tomb is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal, this small garden
tomb reflects the taste and sophistication of the gifted queen. The warm yellow marble is
highlighted with white and black marble inlay, and the lacey pierced marble screens and
rich, jewel-inlaid mosaics have a delicate, feminine quality that is pure enchantment.

Sikandara(12 Km): The
tomb of Akbar, begun by the Emperor himself and completed by his son, Jehangir. This
richly decorated structure is a quaint mixture of styles. The emperor began to build his
own garden mausoleum during his lifetime, a red sandstone monument in a chahar-bagh or 4
square-formal garden. A magnificent marble-inlaid gateway leads up to the open, airy,
four-tiered structure which is topped by a white marble cenotaph and screen on the fifth
storey. This was added by Shahjehan who completed the mausoleum after his father's death.
Radhaswamy Samadhi, Dayalbagh:This
highly ornate memorial to the founder of the Radhaswamy sect has been in the making for
several years and is still being worked upon. It is entirely in marble, upon which every
manner of ornamentation has been applied.
Jama Masjid: Of
specific importance due to its assimilation of Iranian architectural elements, it was
built in 1648 A.D. by Emperor Shah Hahan's daughter, Jahanara Begum.
Mariyam's Tomb(13 Km):
Built for Emperors Akbar's Goan Wife Mariyam in 1611 A.D., the tomb has exceptional
carvings. Finished in red sandstone.
Chini-Ka-Roza(7 Km): The
tomb of Allama Afzel Khal Mullah of Shiraz is a memorial to the poet-scholar, who later
become the Prime Minister of Emperor Shah Jahan. The surface of the tomb is decorated with
glazed tiles.
Ram Bagh(8 Km):The
earliest example of a Mughal garden, was created by the founder of the dynasty, Emperor
Babur.

EXCURSIONS:
Fatehpur Sikri( 37 Km):
The founding of Fatehpur Sikri reads like a fairy tale. When all
else had failed, Emperor Akbar came here in search of the renowned Sufi mystic, Sheikh
Salim Chishti, to ask the blessing of a son. His prayer was heard, and soon a son was
born. In honour of the saint, Akbar named the prince Salim and vowed to found a new city.
And so Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent new city rose on the craggy hills 40 Kms from Agra.
Today Fatehpur Sikri is a
deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. Its walls,
palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to great
visionary and builder.
Bhartpur Bird Sanctuary(60 Km):Also
known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India's most renowned waterbird sanctuary lying in
the neighbouring state of Rajasthan, is the winter home of the rare Siberian Crane.
Approachable from Agra by road, a variety of accommodation is available, within and
outside the National Park. (Season - October to February)

Sur Surover (Keeetham Lake)(23
Km): This 2.5 sq.km lake, surrounded by the Surdas Reserve Forest, harbours a
variety of fish and waterbirds and is popular picnic spot. Bus services are available upto
Runkata 3 Km away.
Firozabad(44 Km):An
important handicrafts and industrial center renowned for glass ware, especially glass
bangles.
Aligarh(83 Km):A
famous university town and age-old centre of learning, specially for Islamic studies.
Aligarh is also an important centre for handicrafts and metalware, especially locks.
Bateshwar(70 Km):A
temple town, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva. A huge
cattle fair is organized from mid-October to mid-November. It is also a pilgrimage center
for Jains.
Mathura-Vrindavan:Mathura,
on the banks of the River Yamuna, is celebrated as the birth place of Krishna, and the
groves and ghats of nearby Brindaban with its thousands of shrines and temples still echo
with stories and songs that recount the exploits of this charming god
|