ASICON 2024

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is not just a beautiful art and fine architecture but also a memorial of love and faith. One of the most beautiful monuments in world, it is a sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told and has been a visual delight for viewers over the ages, it look 22000 workers 22 years to complete this architectural marvel in 1653.

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Agra Fort

On the banks of river Yamuna rises the crescent like Agra Fort. Earlier known as Badalgarh fort, extended and fortified by Akbar in 1565 A. D., the fort is surrounded by a 70-feet-high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Aam and Shish Mahal.

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Fatehpur Sikri

A sand-stone city, which was the royal capital of Akbar. Later abandoned due to shortage of water, the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance. A World Heritage Site, it houses ‘Buland Darwaja’ which is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height and Sheikh Salim Chishti Dargah.

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Jhangir Mahal

The residential palace of Jahangir Mahal, stands tall in the Agra Fort complex. Built by Akbar, in the 17th Century, this Red Sandstone marvel is a multi-storeyed palace with a series of courtyards running from north to south, along the eastern fort wall. The palace is located north of Akbari Mahal, another important Mughal marvel that now breathes in its ruins and faces the river Jamuna. One of the most popular tourist places in Agra, the Jahangir Mahal served as a private residence to Akbar’s son and successor, Jahangir. The Jahangir Mahal is one of the first buildings you would come across when you enter Agra through the Amar Singh Gate.

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Akbar’s Tomb

Sikandra, the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, was planned by Akbar himself and completed by his son Jahangir in 1613 AD. This vast, beautifully carved, red-ochre sandstone tomb is set amidst a lush garden. It has been the tomb of Akbar and his family.

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Chini Ka Rauza

Another popular tomb of a minister is Chini Ka Rauza. It’s the tomb of Afzal Khan Shirazi, a scholar and poet who was the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. The monument is known for its intricate glazed tile work (also called ‘chini’ work, from which it derives its name). Chini Ka Rauza distinguishes itself from other Mughal monuments through its distinct Persian architectural style. It’s believed to be the only building in India in Persian architecture. The interiors of the shrine are adorned with intricate paintings and design unique to the Persian art style. They’re well-preserved compared to the exterior. Its colourful tiles were once a vivid mosaic of turquoise, yellow and green.

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Mariam’s Tomb

Mariam’s Tomb is another of Agra’s special places. It’s the mausoleum of Mariam-uz-Zamani, commonly known as Jodha Bai. She was the favourite wife of Akbar. And she is the only wife of Akbar, buried close to him. The tomb is about 1 km away from Akbar’s tomb. Erected by Jahangir, Mariam-uz-Zamani’s tomb boasts an impressive fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. A visit to this ornately designed tomb will transport you back to the era of Mughal grandeur. It’s built of red sandstone, in the middle of a garden. It’s a calm tourist destination that’s an integral part of Agra’s historical legacy, making it an unmissable part of your journey. It’s a sight to behold.

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Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah

The exquisite tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah on the left bank of Yamuna River is a small but elegant structure built entirely in white marble and was an inspiration for Taj Mahal. It is also known as ‘Baby Taj’.

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RADHA SWAMI SAMADHI

Headquarters of the Radha Swami religion. The holy ashes of founder of the faith have been preserved and the Samadhi is sacred to its followers. The exquisite carvings on stone are life-like and not seen anywhere else in India It is often seen as the next Taj Mahal.

Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is a Mughal garden in the traditional Charbagh style of the Mughal era. It’s just opposite the Taj Mahal on the other bank of River Yamuna. It’s one of the last Mughal gardens in Agra. It’s believed that Shah Jahan had it designed for his personal interests. He came up here to admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal. On clear nights, the water of the park offered a clear reflection of the monument. It perfectly aligns with the Taj and provides an unmatched vantage point to savour its beauty. Because of that, it’s a popular sunset spot among photography fanatics. The garden is a tranquil haven away from the city’s bustle. Its lawns and walkways mirror that of the Taj Mahal. You’ll find several vibrant flowering plants and bushes here. And from the backdrop, the marble mausoleum rises majestically, reflecting the soft glow of the setting sun.

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Ram Bagh

Ram Bagh is another garden nestled on the banks of River Yamuna. It's one of the oldest Mughal gardens in India. It was built by Emperor Babur and re-shaped by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir. The garden has been mentioned as Aaram Bagh (Garden of Rest) and Bagh-e-Gul Afshan in the historical texts. But with time, it has come to be referred to as Ram Bagh. Its serenity offers a respite from the bustling crowd of Agra. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history enthusiast, a visit to Ram Bagh is a refreshing journey. Ram Bagh follows the style of the Charbagh concept, with geometrically arranged flower beds, water channels and pathways. It’s a showcase of the love of the Mughals for nature. You can even see a distant silhouette of the Taj Mahal from the garden.

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CHAMBAL SAFARI

80kms away from Agra. A worthwhile visit to Chambal safari will make your day full of life. Treasure your heart and soul by witnessing the birds, and marine species like Gangetic Gharials the largest population in India, 8 species of turtles, Gangetic dolphins and etc in Chambal river. Adventurous Jeep Safari in Chambal Ravines is worth experiencing

MATHURA

Just an hour’s drive from Agra and on the banks of the river Yamuna is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Sri Krishna Janmbhoomi Temple is the most sought-after devout center in Mathura. Its predominance over the other holy spots is due to the belief that the temple stands on the same place where Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev. Other famous temples in Mathura are Dwarikadhish Temple and Gita Temple (Birla Mandir).

KEOLADEO GHANA NATIONAL PARK

Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, just 55 km west of Agra, is a famous avifauna sanctuary that hosts thousands of domestic and migratory birds with Siberian Cranes especially during the winter season. It is a man-made and man-managed wetland which was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a World Heritage Site.

VRINDAVAN

The sacred city of Vrindavan, adjacent to Mathura is dotted with magnificent temples all over, dedicated to various aspects of life of Lord Krishna. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, where he was born and where he grew up, still resound to the sound of his laughter, antics and his magical flute. Bankey Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple, Prem Mandir, Govind Dev Temple and Sri Rangji Temple are most sacred temples in Vrindavan. The World’s largest temple ‘Chandrodaya’ is under construction

BATESHWAR

70kms away from Agra, it is an important spiritual and cultural centre for Hindus and Jains. It is known for the 101 Shiv Temple Complex. The beauty of this pilgrim town is its long line of Ghats dotted with a series of temples. Some of the temples’ ceilings still retain their beautiful original frescos painted with traditional vegetable paints. The pilgrim town finds references in old scriptures like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Matsya Puran etc. Bateshwar is also famous for its annual Cattle Fair, which is now almost four centuries old. It is the biggest and the most spectacular Cattle Fair of northern India.

FIROZABAD

37kms from Agra, it is the center of India's glassmaking industry and is known for the quality of the bangles and other glass wares produced there. It has become a major hub of manufacturing different glass based items including jars, candle stands, glasses, flower vases, decorative lights, chandelier etc.. These articles are painted with vivid colors and innovative patterns. Etching is also done on some products to enhance their beauty.

CHAND BAORI

158kms from Agra, the Chand Baori was built by King Chanda in the 9th century. It is the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones. It has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect geometrical symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well (13 floors). The steps form a magical maze and the consequent play of light and shadow on the structure gives it a captivating look. The stairs encircle the water on the three sides while the fourth side boasts of a pavillion with three storeys with beautiful carved jharokhas, galleries supported on pillars and two projecting balconies enshrining beautiful sculptures.

ORCHHA

250kms from Agra, travel via Jhansi to Orchha. An early morning Shatabadi Express from Agra Cantt takes you to Jhansi in 2 hours and 30 minutes by the time you finish your breakfast. From here take a cab which takes you to Orchha in another 30 minutes. The historic town of Orchha, nestled on the banks of river Betwa, was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap. This town is popularly known as Raja Ram's kingdom, may be the only place in Country were Lord Rama is revered as a beloved king and not just a God. Here you will find some of the most fascinating temples and palaces.

SONAGIR

208kms from Agra, Sonagir is a famous pilgrimage of the Jains. There are more than One Hundred temples. Sonagir is located at 15 Km. from Datia (Shri Pitambra Peeth).

SHRI MAHAVEER JI TEMPLE

167kms from Agra, Atishaya Kshetra Shri Mahavir Ji is an important and prominent Jain temple and is considered one of the miraculous pilgrimages of Jains.

ETAWAH LION SAFARI

122 kms from Agra, it is a drive-through wildlife safari park and Lion breeding center in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh.

GWALIOR FORT

120kms from Agra, Built in 10th century, a steep road winds up words to the fort, flanked by statues of Jain Tirthankars, it has seen momentous events, imprisonment, battles and jauhars. It hosts many palaces, temples and the famous Scindia School.

Places to Visit