Agra is an ancient city, mentioned in the Mahabharata and came into the limelight during the reign of the Mughals. It is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World-the Taj Mahal. The Taj is a monument of such incredible elegance that it is considered synonymous with beauty itself.

Sights to See

Chini-Ka-Roza:
Memorial to Allama Afzel Khal Shukrullah of Shiraz, a well known poet scholar, of Emperor Jehangir’s reign. Open: Sunrise to Sunset.

Radhasoami Samadhi:
Headquarters of the Radhasoami sect, the holy ashes of the founder of the faith have been preserved here. Timings: 0800 hrs. to 1700 hrs.

Sikandra:
The last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, it lies on the outskirts of the Agra city. The Emperor had completed the tomb and laid out a beautiful garden, in his lifetime itself. However the topmost portion of the mausoleum was completed by his son Jehangir. Open from Sunrise to Sunset.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb:
An impressive tomb in white marble, built by Nur Jahan, in memory of her father Ghias-ud-Din Beg, who was conferred the title ‘Itimad-ud-Daulah’ meaning ‘Pillar of the Government’. Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

Jama Masjid:
Constructed in 1648 AD by Shahjahan’s daughter, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh Salim Chisti and his grandson Islam Khan.

Mariyam’s Tomb:
It is located on the left side of Agra-mathura Road, to the west of Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra and houses the mortal remains of Mariam Zamani, a Rajput princess of Amber (Jaipur), wife of Emperor Akbar and the mother of Jehangir. Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

Mehtab Bagh:
The garden complex, situated on the opposite bank of the Taj Mahal, is known as Mehtab Bagh or the moonlight garden. Open from Sunrise to Sunset.

Mohabbat-the-Taj:
A series of plays depicting the saga of love presented by Sanskriti Natyashala. The true and immortal love of Shajahan for Mumtaj Mahal- his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of mughal era; emaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship.

Motilal Nehru Park:
It is located on the approach road to the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal:

(World Heritage Site) India’s most fascinating and beautiful monument, the Taj Mahal was completed in 1653 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his favourite Queen Mumtaz. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewellers to build and is set amidst landscaped gardens. It was built by the Persian architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Timings: 0600 to 1900 hrs. (Closed on Fridays) open for offering prayer in the mosque between 1200-1400 hrs on Fridays. Night viewing on Full moon day and two days before and after it, excluding Fridays and in the month of Ramzan. Tickets are available 24 hrs before. ASI Tel: 2227261. (Rs. 500/- ticket of Agra Development Authority purchased at Taj Mahal is valid for the monuments of Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-daula, Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra & Fatehpur Sikri.)

Taj Musuem:

Established in 1982 in the ground floor in western Naubat Khana also known as Jal Mahal, within the Taj Mahal Complex. The museum comprises of 3 galleries in addition to the main hall. It has on display various exhibits relating mostly to the construction of the Taj Mahal and to the period of its builders. Timings: 1000-1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays. Entry Fee: Rs. 5/- per person.

Ram Bagh:

One of the earliest Mughal gardens, built by Emperor Babar for his daughter Zahra, from where Aram Bagh gets its original name Zahra/Dahra Bagh. Originally called the Aram Bagh, the name was later corrupted to Ram Bagh under the Marathas when they occupied Agra from 1775-1803 AD. Open from Sunrise to Sunset.