About
Agra
Agra, the royal Mughal city is prominently known as the city of Taj Mahal.
Agra is the single most famous tourist destination of India, situated on the
west bank of River Yamuna in Uttar Pardesh. In addition to one and only Taj
Mahal, Agra has many beautiful monuments that symbolise the exclusive
position of Mughal architecture. Agra was the capital of India in the 16th
and 17th centuries, the Mughal period. Agra reached the celestial point
under the rule of Akbar,Shah Jehan and Jehangir, but it was under the rule
of Akbar that Agra become a leading centre of art, science, commerce and
culture.
When to travel
Throughout the year.
How to reach There
Agra is well connected by Daily Flights from Delhi, Varanasi and Khajuraho.
Agra is also well connected by railroad. Agra lies on the Delhi to Mumbai
broad-gauge railway line. Express trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, and
Chennai halt at Agra. The main railway station to reach agra through
railways is the Agra cantonment station. Agra is connected by rail to Delhi,
Varanasi and major cities of Rajasthan. Agra is connected to Delhi,
Rajasthan and other cities of Uttar Pradesh by excellent bus service.
Where to Stay
Agra tourism offers wide array of accommodation for its lovers and
visitors. The accommodation includes - heritage, luxurious, deluxe and
budget hotels. Some of the hotels are : 5 star deluxe - Mughal Sheraton ,
Howard Park Plaza International; 5 star - Taj View, Clark Shiraz , Agra
Ashok; 4 star - Trident, Man Singh Palace; 3 star - Atithi and lots more.
Tourist Attractions
There are very few cities in the world that can match the history and
heritage of Agra. the city of Taj Mahal. Agra, with its immense wealth of
architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, is amongst the most spectacular
cities of the world. In terms of feel & flavour it is still linked to
the Mughal period led by Babur, who arrived in 1526.
Taj Mahal :
Considered to be the 'Love of a man epitomise d in stone', Taj Mahal is one
of the most favoured and photographed tourist attraction of the world.
Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is an epitome of
love. Its pure white marble reflects beaming silver in the soft moonlight,
releases a shell - pink glow at dawn, and at the end of the day, takes on
the chromatic hue of the majestic sun. Built by Shahjahan in the memory of
his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal proves the timelessness of art and
love. It took almost 22 years, from 1631 to 1653 to complete the
construction of the Taj, the most extravagant monument ever built for the
sake of love. The Taj continues to be the symbol of eternal love where the
heart-broken Shahjahan was subsequently buried, finally re-united with his
beloved Mumtaz.
Agra
Fort :
Agra Fort is amongst the other main monuments that Agra takes pride of.
Agra Fort was built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors - starting by
Akbar in 1565 and continued by Jehangir and Shahjahan. The fine blend of
Hindu and central Asian architectural styles in the palace is noteworthy.
Build with massive double walls, the fort has four gateways. The Agra fort
houses palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions
within its premises. The Diwan - i - Am, the Diwan - i - Khas, the Khas
Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors, the Pearl mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the
Garden of Grapes, and the Fish Pavilion are the other monuments encompassed
within the fort complex.
Other places of visit :
Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, Sikandra Dayal Bagh,
Shopping Delights
One can find has both traditional and modern shopping areas in Agra, the
city famous for leather products, jewelry, rug weaving, brass ware, carpets,
jewellery, embroidery work and marble work. Known for its fascinating
handicrafts, made of marble and softs tone, the most desire able of which is
the miniature marble replica of the Taj. But a visit to India or Agra is
meaningless without the purchase of sweets - 'petha' and 'Gazak'.
The main shopping areas of the city are :
Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal
Complex. Govt. Emporiums or Souvenir Shops approved by U.P Tourism are the
recommended shopping centres at Agra. One can buy good quality craft items
from Shilpgram or crafts village.
