Tourism in Agra District comprises visits to several popular monuments that are renowned throughout the world. Tourism in Agra District means the opportunity to explore the glorious past and history associated with this district. The various tourist spots of the district attract travellers not only from India but also from other countries.
Some of the main attractions of this district are as follows -
Leisure Tourism in Agra District -
Taj Mahal: Completed in 1653 AD, Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is one of the finest monuments of the country. This beautiful monument is considered as the symbol of love. It took 22 years of hard labour to complete this magnificent monument.
Agra Fort: The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 AD. It is difficult to describe the beauty of this beautiful monument.
Sikandara: The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 AD by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved monuments.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah: Itmad-Ud-Daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, a Persian who had obtained service in Akbar Court. The Marvel tomb was made by Noorjahan, for his father Mirza Ghyas Beg during 1622-1628 AD.
Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 AD.
Radha Swami Samadhi: This is the head quarter of Radha Swami Religion; here the holy ashes of its founder of the faith have been preserved.
Mariyam`s Tomb: This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 AD by Emperor Akbar. The tomb has some exceptional carvings.
Chinni Ka Roja: This was constructed by Afzal Khan, a high official in the court of Shah Jahan.
Nature Tourism in Agra District -
Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary: It is situated approximately 15 kms from Agra, on Agra-Mathura highway. This is the only representative "Protected area" in Uttar Pradesh under "Punjab Plains" biotic province. This wetland sanctuary situated near Agra supports nearly 50000 water birds. The sanctuary also supports a sizable number of Rock Python.
Taj Mahotsava: The spring season of the year is the time when Agra bursts into colourful celebrations. For 10 days there is sheer celebration of Uttar Pradesh`s rich heritage of arts, crafts, culture, cuisine, dance and music. It is known as the Taj Mahotsava. There are festivities all around and Agra truly puts on the colours of joy and gets transformed into one non-stop carnival. It is organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism department. The Taj Mahotsava is indeed a tribute to the legendary skills of master craftsmen and other exponents of art, music and cuisine.
Not only this, it is also a gentle peep into the rich heritage and extraordinary legacies of this wonderful land. The festivities commence with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendour.
Some of the religious places to be visited in Agra District are Kailash temple, Mankameshwar temple, Balkeshwar temple, Prithvinath temple, Rajeshwar temple, Baptist church, Catholic Church and more. Another popular pilgrimage attraction is Jama Masjid, (This building, with a rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648 AD, by Shah Jahan`s daughter, Jehanera Begum in memory of the famous Shiekh Salim Chistti and his grand son Islam Khan. Of particular important is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture). All these places of interest are worth exploring.
