Known as the City of the Taj, Agra is home to one of the world’s most beautiful wonders. The Taj Mahal is the prime attraction here along with other Mughal era splendid monuments, and that is why Agra is one of the most visited places in India. It is a city that is long looked upon as the cultural center in the country. Every year, a lot of research is carried out on the magnificent Taj Mahal, its history and its making. To know its beauty, you have to see it to believe it.
Agra was ruled by the Mughals in 15th and 16th centuries. During this time, the place was studded with royal luxury. Lots of Mughal Emperors constructed certain architectural wonders during their reign. One such marvel in stone was the Taj Mahal. Almost every year documentaries are made and research is conducted to find out the real intent behind which the Taj Mahal was made and it is not only one of the most beautiful monuments in the world but also the most controversial. The city was founded in 1506 on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is home to other beautiful forts and monuments. Agra finds its mention in the famous Indian epics of Mahabharata and even in Plotemy’s maps.
The maximum temperature here is around 30 Degrees C and the minimum drops to 8 Degrees C. The best time to be here is between November and March. The state tourism department hosts an annual fest in February. December and January are usually cooler months.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
By Train: Agra is an important railway station and is on the main train line between Delhi and Mumbai and between Delhi and Chennai and many trains connect Agra with these cities every day. Some east-bound trains from Delhi also travel via Agra, so direct connections to points in Eastern India (including Kolkata) are also available. There are close to 20 trains to Delhi every day, and at least three or four to both Mumbai and Chennai. There are three stations in Agra: and regular trains connect Amritsar, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Karnataka, Pune and Thiruvanthapuram to Agra.
By Road: Agra is well connected by roads to the major states through National Highway Number 11 (Bharatpur), 2 (Mathura) and 93 (Aligarh). There are regular state run and private buses from Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jaipur and Gwalior to Agra.
By Air: Agra has a domestic airport, and is connected to major destinations in the country.
International Flight: The nearest international airport is Delhi[200 kms approx.].
Taj Mahal: This is, by far, the most beautiful attraction in the entire city of Agra. Tourists from all across the globe come to see this wonder of the world. Lots of controversies surround this monument of love, built by Emperor Shahjahan. This breathtaking structure is situated on the bank of river Yamuna. The construction started in 1631 and it took 22 years to complete with the skill and expertise of about 20000 workers.
The Agra Fort: The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565, A.D. The fort has some exquisite structures inside like the Moti Masjid , Diwan-Aam, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj, Jahangir's Palace, and Shish Mahal.
Taj Natural Walk: This is a sprawling natural forest cover spread over 70 hectares from Taj Mahal. An excellent view of the Taj can be seen from various angles across this park.
Sikandra: This place is the mausoleum of the great Mugal Emperor Akbar. It represents his philosophy and secular outlook, and a spectacular mélange of the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures, and style.
Jama Masjid: This glorious piece of architecture is an ode to the flawless Mugal architecture in the sixteenth century. It was constructed by Shahajahan’s daughter, Jahanara in memory of the famous Shaikh Salim Chisti and his grandson Islam Khan of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.
Shopping: One can find a lot of shops in the local areas and streets of Agra. Agra is known for its miniature Taj Mahal, handicrafts, rich textiles, and fabrics
Where To Eat:
One can enjoy the North Indian cuisine at various local stalls and restaurants. Agra is a popular destination with tourists all over the world and therefore one can see a lot of restaurants and food joints all across the city.
Where To Stay:
You can stay in the state owned guesthouses, luxury hotels and local accommodations.
Agra is a fascinating place. Lots of people come here every year to see the Taj Mahal, which is often considered as the ultimate tribute to love. Other structures, forts and temples speak of the glory and elegance that India once had under the reign of the mighty Mughal Empire. The exquisite carvings, the Persian architecture, bejeweled ornaments in the marbles, and the beauty of the stones go on tell a story of a rich culture. This is India’s true heritage.
