Introduction
Chini Ka Rauza is a burial site found in Agra, India. It is known for its special design and history. Made in 1635, it acts as the grave of Afzal Khan Shirazi, an Iranian learner, writer, and the main advisor during the rule of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This place stands about 1 kilometer from I’tmad-Ud-Daulah’s grave and near the famous Taj Mahal on eastern side of Yamuna River.
History and Architecture
Afzal Khan Shirazi, a Persian writer in time of Emperor Jahangir, became͏ well-known as the Grand Vizier under Emperor Shah Jahan. After he died in Lahore in 1639 his body went to Agra for burial. The Chini Ka Rauza was built facing Mecca and showed Islamic traditions. Over years, the place has faced damage from weather that made its bright enamel tiles fade away.
The Chini Ka Rauza is known for its unique building style, mixing Persian touches with Indian design features. The shape has a square base topped by a square dome, typical of Sultanate buildings. Its outside was first decorated with shiny tiles called ‘chini,’ brought in from China, which is how the monument got its name. These tiles showed many bright colors, but many have lost their brightness over time because of weather. Skillfully, the builders used clay pots in the walls to make the concrete lighter, like ancient Roman and Egyptian ways of building. Inside the tomb there are graves of Afzal Khan and his wife, on all sides are walls and roofs that used to have bright paintings. The monument stands in the middle of a Charbagh-style garden, giving a calm view looking over the Yamuna River.
Even with the harm from time, Chini Ka Rauza still shows the rich culture and building skill of Mughal time; it shows the mix of Persian art and Indian craft.
To know more: Agra: A 3-Day Escape
Address
Katra Wazir Khan, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006
Facilities and Accessibility
Food stalls: Food stalls are not available inside the monument area.
Kids Friendly: Yes, the open areas make it good for kids with watch.
Wheelchair Friendly: Hard to get around because of old building parts.
Place to Sit: No special place for sitting; visitors often relax in the nearby gardens.
Drinking water: Not available, it is advisable to take your own water.
Public Toilets: Not available on-site.
Buggies: Not available.
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Photo Friendly: Yes, photography is allowed.
Shoe counter: No need, guests usually open their shoes when going into some places.
History & Key Facts
Building: Made in 1635 during a Mughal Emperor Sha͏h Jahan’s rule.
Devotion serves as a grave for Afzal Khan Sirazi, an Iranian scholar and poet.
Architectural Style: Shows a mix of Persian and Mughal style building.
Unique feature: Famous for its wide use of shiny tiles called ‘chini’ showing detailed flower and shape patterns.
How to Reach Chini Ka Rauza
Situated roughly 1 kilometre from I’tmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb and about 7 kilometres from the Taj Mahal by road. Guests can get local taxis, auto-rickshaws, or cycle rickshaws from many places in Agra to arrive at the site. Agra also has option of covering small distances in tongas you can avail that! If you are a bit far away, you can rent taxi cab or take buses going from everywhere to everywhere around city!
Parking
The parking is ͏available with free of cost.
The parking lot is wheelchair accessible.
Key Places to Visit inside Chini Ka Rauza
Main Tomb: This place holds the tomb of Afzal Khan Shirazi, a Persian teacher and writer who worked as the Grand Vizier under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Shiny Tile Fronts: Look at the detailed tile craft that decorates the outside walls.
Nearby Gardens: The Charbagh-style gardens give a calm place for visitors.
Ticket/Entry Timing Details
Entry Fee: No entry cost visitors can look around the monument for free.
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit Tomb of Chini Ka Rauza
October to March is good time to visit.
Go early in the morning or late evening to skip crowds and bright sun light.
First light and end of day give the finest sights.
Avoid:
April to June (Summer) – Very hot, it makes outdoor seeing hard.
July to September (Rainy season) – Damp with medium to large rain, making travel hard.
Duration to Explore Tomb of Chini Ka Rauza
People usually take around an hour looking at the monument and its area.
Suggested Itinerary:
Main Tomb Room: Spend about 30 min exploring the inside.
Exterior: 15 mins to see and take pics of t͏he shiny tile work.
Gardens: Relax and walk in the garden for about 15 minute.
Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Chini Ka Rauza
Outside Food: Not permitted within the premises.
Animals: Sometimes, you can see monkeys; keep a safe space and look after your stuff.
Infants: Because of bumpy ground, using stroller can be hard.
Nearby Places to Visit After Chini Ka Rauza
Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb: Approximately 1 kilometer away from Chini Ka Rauza.
Taj Mahal: 7 kilometers away from Chini Ka Rauza.
Agra Fort: 5 kilometers away from Chini Ka Rauza.
Restaurants & Local Markets
Restaurants
Pinch of Spice (Multi-cuisine): 5 km away from Chini Ka Rauza.
Dasaprakash (South Indian): 9 km away from Chini Ka Rauza.
Joney’s Place (Korean, Japanese & North Indian specialties in a basic restaurant): 7 km from Chini Ka Rauza.
Taj Bano, by ITC Mughal (An elegant and spacious multi-cuisine buffet restaurant): 7.3 km away from Chini Ka Rauza.
Local Market
Shilpgram (Variety of handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and woodwork): 10 km away from Chini Ka Rauza.
The Warehouse of Gifts & Souvenirs (Govt. approved): 6 km away from Chini Ka Rauza.
Agra Market (Leather items available): 4.5 km away from Chini Ka Rauza.
Emergency Contacts
Director General
Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Purushottam Das Tandon Paryatan Bhavan C-13, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, For Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Email: dg-upt@up.gov.in
For Booking / Tour Packages Related Query Contact: 0522- 4004402, 2612659
For Tourism Policy Related Query Contact on this Email id:
uptourismpolicy@gmail.com
investment.uptourism@gmail.com
Public Dealing Timing
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Working Days: Monday to Friday.
To know more visit here
Hospitals In Agra
KPIMS Hospital
Raghunath Medical Complex, 11/60A, near st george’s school unit II, Bagh Muzaffar Khan, khatikpada, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282002.
4.7 km from Chini Ka Rauza.
To know more details, visit KPIMS Hospital
Pushpanjali Hospital & Research Centre
Pushpanjali Palace, Delhi Gate Rd, Hariparwat, Harparvat, Civil Lines, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282002.
6.6 km from Chini Ka Rauza.
To know more details, visit Pushpanjali Hospital & Research Centre
FAQs about Chini Ka Rauza
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is free for all visitors.
Are guided tours available?
Though there are no formal guides on place local helpers can be hired from Agra for detailed info. You may also avail Pathbeat Audio guides available here. It covers all major monuments in Agra along with the story of the city.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, visitors are permitted to take photographs.
What are the visiting hours?
The monument is open each day from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM,
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Because of the old buildings, accessibility may not be very good.
