Introduction
:
Agra has become popular worldwide as it nestles the monument of love and
one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal. Agra is one of the most
important historical and ancient cities of India.

A
small city of Uttar Pradesh, Agra was built on the West Bank of the River
Yamuna. The city was established in the year 1475 by Raja Badal Singh. Agra
became an important city only after the Lodhi king Sikander Lodhi set up his
capital in this ancient city. Later the Mughal ruler Babar took over the
Agra city and set base for the establishment of the Mughal rule. It was
during the Mughal rule, especially under Babar, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah
Jahan that Agra, in North India, located on the West Bank of Yamuna,
developed as a great center of architecture, art and Mughal culture. A
number of forts, buildings and tombs were constructed during the 16th
century, which was the peak period of Mughal glory in Agra, India.
The massive monuments, majestic buildings and still flourishing arts and
crafts including leather work and Pietra dura marble-inlay work along with
delicious Mughal cuisine have now become an inseparable part or more, the
identity of the city. Agra in India is a great place to visit during your
tours and vacations. You can visit the ancient monuments during your tours
that are spread all over Agra and are an example of Mughal architecture and
art.
Attractions :
» Taj Mahal - Reflecting the passions of Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal in Agra was built in the mid-1600s as a
tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later he was buried beside her. The beauty,
balance and peace of this symmetrical, marble masterpiece, from the detail
of colored stone inlay arranged into intricate patterns of flowers and
Arabic prayer to the perfect symmetry on every tower, make it a stunning and
unforgettable monument. Flanking the Taj are two red sandstone mosques,
which are also beautifully decorated. Only the western one functions as a
mosque - the other faces the wrong way and is there purely for symmetry.
The crowning glory of the Agra is obviously the Taj, (Taj Mahal) a monument
of love and imagination, that represents India to the world. Visit at
sunrise and sunset and watch the colors and the mood change. The pool that
so famously mirrors the image of the Taj Mahal is a favorite for Indian
family photographers.

The Taj Mahal looks astounding from across the river (where the exquisite "Baby
Taj" is), from Agra rooftops and from every angle. Up close the details
continue to amaze - marble screens, minarets... the list goes on. In the
middle of his dream lies the Emperor himself, next to the woman who inspired
his masterpiece.
» Agra Fort - The 16th century old magnificent
Mughal monument... the Red Fort of Agra is a powerful fortress of red
sandstone encompasses, within its 1.5 mile-long (2.5km) enclosure walls, the
imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairytale palaces such
as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience
halls such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and Sheesh Mahal (The Glass Palace), which,
inlaid with thousands of mirrors was once the harem dressing room. There are
also two beautiful mosques including Shah Jahans Pearl Mosque (sadly
currently out-of-bounds).
The Octagonal Tower is an exquisitely carved tower where Shah Jahan spent
the last seven years of his life. The tower was considered to provide one of
the best views of the Taj but today the pollution has reduced the
visibility. The tower, and much of the Agra Fort, is in bad shape but blank
spaces and the empty inlay works give an idea of how this building must have
looked in its prime.
»
Fatehpur Sikri - The deserted city Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the
Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1585. It was built under the personal
supervision of the Emperor Akbar; he was childless and, having tried all
sorts of solutions to his plight, visited a Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim
Chishti, for help. Soon a son was born and, impressed and overjoyed, he
started building on the site where he had met the saint. However due to a
severe shortage of water the city was abandoned after only fifteen years and
the capital was relocated back to Agra. As a result Fatehpur Sikri stands
untouched and perfectly preserved; a complete medieval fortress of red
sandstone, with vast central squares, exquisitely carved multi-tiered
pavilions, cool terraces and formal gardens. Fatehpur Sikri is a 25 miles
(40km) west of Agra, on the way to Jaipur.
» Taj Mahostav - Held each February in Agra, this
festival is a wonderful cultural mosaic that brings together the cream of
Indian arts, crafts and culture. The mahostav was organized by UP Tourism
and held as an annual event in and around Shilpgram (next door to the Taj
Mahal), this is a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of master
craftsmen and other exponents of art, music and cuisine. It kicks off with a
spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendor - caparisoned elephants,
camels and drum beaters included.
Shopping :
Agra is not only a famous tourist destination but is a shoppers paradise
too. There are plenty of shopping areas and shopping malls where one can buy
the specialties of the place . Agra is also famous for the leather items.
Agra is the hub of hand made leather items. Particularly the Agra jail
inmates are make these items which are sold to give them a decent earning.
The local artisans are also good at making leather chappals (sandals),
purses, bags, decorative items and many more such leather product which
instantaneously attracts your attention. In the handicraft craft emporiums
and shops there are sandal and rose wood items even though there are no rose
or sandal wood forest nearby. The shops also have brass decorative pieces
and stone carved images. Agra is also famous for the Zari and embroidery
work, Stone inlay work and durries.
The main shopping areas include Taj Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar, Raja
Mandi, Sadar Bazaar, the Gangotri at Taj Mahal Complex and the Up Handlooms,
UPICA at the Sanjay place are two UP Government emporiums.
How To Get There?
» By Air - Agra is only 30 minutes from Delhi by
flight. 'Kheria' airport, the nearest airport is 6 km from the city center.
» By Train - Agra Cantonment has excellent train
services from New Delhi. Shatabdi Express, Taj Express and Inter-city
Express from Delhi take 2-3 hours to reach Agra and are good options.
» By Road - 'Idgah' is the main bus terminal in
Agra. Many National Highways connect Agra to all major Indian cities and
express and air-conditioned bus services are available to and from Delhi,
Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior and Jhansi.