Would you like to extend your India Taj Mahal tour packages? If yes, then come out of your cosy comforts and do the heritage walk of the old city of Agra or rather a tour by cycle rickshaw. It is about 90 to 110 minutes.
You can follow the heritage track suggested by Luch Peck in her book ‘Agra: The Architectural Heritage’. Vide this walk, expect to see five hundred years of Agra laid out before you. A living heritage rather than just stones and buildings.
Agra showcases the Mughal period, the British period and the post independence period too.
Start from Hathi Ghat Gurdwara on the Yamuna Kinara road. First halt is the old Chungi, the library of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s son Dara Shikoh. Do take time to notice the arrangement made in design of the building for getting both sunlight and fresh air.
Next is Huzuri Bhavan, the headquarters of a sect of the Radhasoamis.
Have a glimpse of the haveli in the Kala Mahal area where Mirza Ghalib, the celebrated Urdu poet was born. You will get a glimpse of the ‘mohalla’ culture, the life around the busy jam packed shops.
Look at Mankameshwar temple complex, continue towards Jama Masjid and Johri Bazar reaching Seth Gali, a famous lane filled with halwais. This used to be the centre of city once. Chemical and spice markets in the bylanes with exquisitely carved high balconies – all add to an old world charm.
Further through Lohar Gali, the cosmetics market, reach Agra Fort station, which is close to both Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Then comes the red light area of Agra, Mal Ka Bazar. You have to pass through this to reach the Panni ki Gali. Then comes Noori Darwaza and Gur ki Mandi.
The walk ends at Akbar’s church in St Peter’s College complex. The oldest convent in Asia at St Patrick’s Junior College is located nearby as well.
You will enjoy this Agra travel.