
Firozabad was earlier popular as “Chandwar Nagar” but it got its recent name when one of the generals of Emperor Akbar named Faraz Shah came here and ruled the place during 16th century. Firozabad was an important seat during Freedom Movement in India and was visited by eminent leaders of that time including Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Simanta Gandhi and Netaji etc.
Tourist Places in Firozabad
Like any other city of Uttar Pradesh, Firozabad has long association with Indian history and it was ruled by different dynasties. Each ruler has left some architectural marvel in the city of Firozabad and all of them have become important tourist places of the city. They are Ashokan Pillars, Kali Masjid, Begumpur Mosque, Bijai Mandal, Bara Khamba, Khikri Masjid and others. Most of these were built during the reign of Firoz Shah Tuglaq during his reign.
Firozabad has many temples, mosques and tombs that attract visitors. There are some famous markets as well. Raj Rajeswari Jai Kela Devi Temple, Gopal Ashram, Mata Wala Bagh Temple, Vishal Jain Mandir, Mahavir Jain Mandir, etc are some important places in Firozabad.
Sandstone Pillars
The two sandstone pillars having inscriptions of the great Ashoka are the most popular tourist attraction of Firozabad. These pillars were brought from the cities of Meerut and Ambala by the great Tuglaqi ruler Firoz Shah Tuglaq.
The Kalan Mosque
This famous mosque of Firozabad was built during the period of 1368 AD to 1387 AD by Khan-I Jahan Junan Shah who used to work under Firoz Shah Tuglaq. As the mosque has got dark appearance, it is also known as Kali Mosque. The mosque has the architecture resembling a citadel so that worshippers are always protected from any attackers from outside. Near the entrance of the mosque, there are two tall towers. The mosque is about 62-ft-high and can be reached after climbing 32 stairs. The mosque is located near Firozabad Railway Station. There are 15 donned bays present in the prayer hall of the mosque and they are arranged in 5 rows and 3 aisles. The inner surface of the mosque dome is green colored and plastered.
Marsalganj Jain Temple
This Jain Temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Rishabh Dev and is considered as a holy place for all Jains. The place was visited by Baba Rishabhdas of south India. The sage Baba Rishabhdas from south India visited this place during 15th century. The Shri Marsalganj Digambara Jain Teerth Kshetra located in UP is also known as “Places of Miracles” or Atishaya Kshetra and is located about 21 km from Firozabad. A magnificent temple got built under the supervision of Baba Rishabhdas in the place of the old Jain Temple. It is believed that no money was collected to by the sage for the temple yet every evening workers were paid their wages. After the temple got built, the “Pratishtha Mahostsav” function of the temple was done. The sage was known for his miraculous power and had excelled in Tantra. Many devotees come here to offer their prayers and have their desires fulfilled.
The temple is an architectural marvel and is built over a vast area. The idol of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev that is installed here is about 1000-year-old and is white in color. The idol is sitting in the posture of Padmasana.
There are two beautiful altars in the temple with the images of Lord Neminath and Lord Shantinath. Both the idols have beautiful carving. There are five gateways surrounding the temple along with a boundary wall. The five gates are - Dualat Dwar, Manik Dwar, Abhaya Dwar, Vijay Dwar and Rishabh Dwar.
There is a huge memorial of Acharaya Shantisagarji in this temple. Every year many gatherings are organished here. During the month of Chaitra, Bhagwan Rishabhdev Jayati gets organized and during the month of Magha, Bhagwan Rishabh Dev Nirvana Mahotsava is also celebrated.
Tourist Places around Firozabad
Agra, Vrindavan, Delhi, Jaipur, etc are some of the important cities that visitors could go from Firozabd. Agra has famous monument The Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Fatehpur Sikri, The Akbar’s Tomb, Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid, etc.
Vrindavan is an important religious place near Firozabad and is visited by devotees to offer prayers to Lord Krishna.
Shopping in Firozabad
When tourists come to any place, shopping is a must part of it. The same hold true for the visitors of Firozabad. Firozabad is famous for its glasswork. Glass beads used in jewellery items as well as in clothes make them look gorgeous. There are some famous markets in Firozabad named Shastri Market, Sadar Market and Azad Market. Excellent glass products like candle stand, Christmas trees, bird images, fruits, mini trees, gods and goddesses, famous personalities as well as domestic glassware like drinking glass, dinner sets are must to buy from here. Bangles and other jewellery items made of glass are also famous collectibles from Firozabad.
Click Here for details on Shopping in Firozabad
How to Reach Firozabad
Firozabad is well connected to the important cities of Uttar Pradesh as well as surrounding states and the Capital Delhi. Road as well as rail and air can be used to travel to Firozabad city.
By Road
Firozabad being 40 km from Agra and having located on the National Highway 2 is well connected to other parts of Uttar Pradesh. Delhi and other adjoining areas have many bus services to reach Firozabad. Intra and inter-state bus services are there too. There are private buses as well as state buses running to Firozabad.
Within the city, there are various means of transportations like rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and bus services.
By Air
Agra Airport is the nearest airport of Firozabad. People can easily come to Firozabad from Agra Airport. To take international flights, tourists have to reach Delhi International airport so Firozabad could be easily reached by overseas tourists. Regular flights from the rest of the India connect Firozabad City.
By Rail
Firozabad Railway Station is part of the Delhi-Howrah route of Indian Railways. Many important trains run through this railway station and connect it to important places of India. Places like Howrah, Patna, Jamshedpur, Delhi, Agra, Tundla, Jaipur Mumbai, Kanpur, Jammu Tawi, Lucknow, etc. have regular trains to Firozabad. Tundla, another important junction station, is located only 20 km away from Firozabad. People could get down at Tundla Station and reach Firozabad.
Best Time to Visit Firozabad
The weather of Firozabad during the summer months is extreme and the highest temperature reaches about 45 degrees. The best time to visit Firozabad is during the winter months of October to March when weather becomes pleasant.
Tourism Information of Firozabad
Director General
Directorate of Tourism Uttar Pradesh
Rajarshi Purshottam Das Tandon Paryatan Bhavan
C-13 Vipin Khand Gomti Nagar
Mobile: 09415 609 453
Phone: 0522 230 7037
Fax: 0522 239 8937
Email- [email protected] / [email protected]