Agra is a great architectural heritage in India, a charmed city can boast of the most splendid monuments in the world, including three world heritage monuments.
Agra is a part of Brijbhoomi the land associated with the birth and legendry activities of lord Krishna. In Agra City there are five Shiva temples, which are the symbols of ancient culture. Agra was the capital city of Sikander Lodhi, the second ruler of the Lodhi dynasty, who defeated by the persian King Babur in 1526 A.D. Babur too made Agra his capital city and so began the great Mughal rule. It was Babur who build the first monument in Agra, a planned garden called Gul-e-Afgaan or the
Aaram Baugh.After Babar in (1530 AD) HUMAUN took over the thrown of Agra. Sher Shah Soori also continued Agra as his Capital.
During the rule of Akbar (1556 to 1605 A.D.) Agra earned fame all over the world and was counted one of the great and beautiful cities of Medinal India. Emperor Akbar constructed many beautiful buildings. In the premises of famous Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort. During his rule people of all caste and religion living friendly upon which Akbar declared the concept of "Sulah Kul" in making the personality of Akbar the great his "NAVARATANS" Raja Man Singh, Raja Toder Mal Hakeem Lukman, Raja Birbal, Mullah-Do-Pyaza, Abdul-Fazal-Feuzi, Abdul Rahim Khana Khan and Miyan Tan Sen Played an important role. For developing feeling of harmony and brotherhood among the people of various religions, Akbar started new religion named Deen-E-Elahi.
Sikandra and Etmad-Ud-Dowla are the famous buildings of Jahangiri period.
World famous Taj Mahal was constructed by Shahjahan in the sweet memory of his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal. Agra earned the world fame due to Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan's period was remembered as a golden period for construction of good buildings and for their beautifications. During the British period Agra was made a District in 1805 A.D. and a Collector was posted Agra presidency was founded in 1833 A.D. During Agra presidency in 1835 A.D. Weatern - North border Province, which is known as United province was formed of which Agra remained Capital up to 1857 A.D. After 1857 A.D. mutiny the capital of United Province was shifted from Agra to Allahabad. After this Agra remained only Commissionary which is still continuing.
Massive monuments, majestic buildings and still flourishing arts and crafts including leatherwork and marble-inlay work along with delicious Mughal cuisine have now become the identity of the city. Besides Taj, many other magnificent monuments are a testimony to the zenith and golden period of the Mughal architecture.
Taj Mahal
Built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, the monument is made of white marble
and is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Apart from its fine symmetry and
balance of design the Taj Mahal has some of the best example of inlay work. Taj Mahal is just 5km from
the Grand Hotel.
Agra Fort
Built by the famous Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. It houses the beautiful pearl mosque and many
other noteworthy structures. Agra Fort is just 4.5km from the Grand Hotel.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb
Built between 1622-28 A.D. by Nurjahan in memory of her father Ghilas-Ud-Din-Beg. This white marble
tomb is an impressive structure predating the Taj itself. Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb is just 7.5km from the
Grand Hotel.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri as we see it today are the remains of the new capital that akbar built. Predominantly a red
sand stone construction sprawling over huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with the
Emperor's dreams and partakes of both Hindu and Muslim style. Fatehpur Sikri is 42km from Grand Hotel.
Sikandra
The noteworthy monument here is the tomb of Akbar which shows an interesting fusion of Hindu and
Muslim art and architecture reflecting the spirit of Emperor himself. Sikandra is 10km from Grand Hotel.
Radha Soami, Dayal Bagh
The head quarter of Radha Soami Sect is a beautiful marble temple under construction since 1904.
Radha Soami, Dayal Bagh is 10km from Grand Hotel.
Rambagh
Rambagh is one of the earliest garden laid by the Mughals and dates back to the era of Babar in the
early 16th century. Rambagh is 11km from Grand Hotel.
Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is located on the left bank of river Yamuna opposite to the Taj Mahal. The garden complex
is a huge square measuring approx. 300m x 300m and is in straight alignment with the Taj Mahal.
Chini-Ka-Rauza
This is a memorial dedicated to the well-known poet and scholar of Jehangir's reign- Allama Afzel Khan
Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz. Chini-Ka-Rauza is 9km from Grand Hotel.
Jama Masjid
A Mosque dating back to 1648 A.D. built by Jahanara Begum, the absence of minarets and the shape of
the dome give it a distinguished character. Jama Masjid is just 4.5km from Grand Hotel.
Mariyam's Tomb
Situated on the Delhi-Agra Highway, this red sandstone tomb is dedicated to the Rajput wife of Akbar
and is said to have been built around 1611 A.D. Mariyam's Tomb is 11km from Grand Hotel.
Bharatpur
The highlight of this important bird sanctuary in India is the annual visit of the Siberina Cranes, which
come here during the winter months. It is 60km from Grand Hotel.
Mathura
Mathura (or Brajbhoomi) is famous as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, an important deity in the Hindu
religious pantheon. It is an important pilgrim place of the Hindus and one of the seven sacred cities in
India. The main pilgrim center in Mathura is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. Mathura is also an
important craft center. Mathura is 141 km south of Delhi and 47 km northwest of Agra.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, around 15 km from Mathura, is a major place of pilgrimage, on the banks of Yamuna.
Attracting about 5 lakhs pilgrims every year, it is noted for its numerous temples- both old and modern.
Vrindavan is synonymous with the innocent mirth and child like playfulness of Shri Krishna. Vrindavan, the
little town known for the temples, big and small, famous and remote strewn all over the place.
Bateshwar
The place draws its present name 'Bateshwar' from the presiding deity of the region, Bateshwar
Mahadeo. Temples, temples and temples. That's what greets you, spellbinds you and blesses you in
Bateshwar. Just 70 kms from Agra Bateshwar is a heavenly constellations of temples sprinkled on the
ghats of river Yamuna.
Gwalior
The fort city of Gwalior is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Held in succession by the
Mughals, Jats, Marathas and the British, Gwalior was finally handed over to Jiyaji Rao Scindia at a formal
durbar in 1885. Today, the city is also famous for the educational institutions attracting students from
every nook and corner of the country.
Special Event:
Taj Mahotsav
Every year from 18th to 27th February the Taj Mahotsav (Festival) is held in Agra. It is a festival of art, craft,
culture and celebrations. The festival features live performances of music and dance too. Taj Mahotsav is
held at Shilpgram, which is about 4.5km from Grand Hotel.
