Agra

Agra A city brimming with rich history and culture, showcasing elegant forts and mausoleums; Agra ensures you a great time.

Introduction

Located on the banks of River Yamuna, the notable city of Agra carries a rich cultural and historical heritage. Various historical monuments in Agra speak of their grandeur. Once it had been the capital of the Mughal Empire. This prominent city of Uttar Pradesh is world famous for the great Taj Mahal. Agra is believed to be founded by Sikandar Lodi, the ruler of the Lodi Dynasty, who shifted his capital from Delhi to here in the 16th century. It was later designed by the Mughals. A visit to Agra introduces you to its architectural splendour present in the form of mausoleums, forts and palaces belonging to the legendary Mughal Empire. Golden Triangle, the most popular tourist circuit (comprising Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), is one of the best ways to know the city.

Attractions

Agra is full of many famous sites offering a wonderful time to the tourists.

Taj Mahal

Built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the mausoleum is dedicated to Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan’s beloved wife. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Standing proudly for centuries, the massive structure is made of white marble with exquisite stone inlay work on its interiors. Extremely popular among tourists, the number of people visiting this grand monument increases manifold on a moonlit night when the beauty of Taj reaches its peak.

 

Agra Fort

The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built by third Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Located on the right bank of the river Yamuna, the fort is semicircular in design with a high fortification wall of 21.4 meters. It has been ranked as one of the top ten forts in India. The fort, built in red sandstone, houses major structures - Moti Masjid, Jahangir's Palace, Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences), Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj and Khaas Mahal. Fatehpur Sikri: It is a fine example of versatile Indo-Muslim composite style. Founded by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century. It has prime attractions like Diwan-e-Khas, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chisti and Buland Darwaza.

 

Sikandara

Emperor Akbar got it built during his lifetime where he was later laid to rest. The mausoleum is a beautiful amalgamation of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain themes. Located on the outskirts of Agra, the tomb was completed by Akbar’s son Jehangir in 1613 A.D. A beautiful garden surrounds the tomb of Akbar. Close to it, there is the tomb of Jehangir’s mother Mariam Zamani. Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb: The tomb was built on the orders of Empress Noor Jehan, the wife of Emperor Jehangir. He gave the title of Itmad-ud-Daula to Mirza Ghiyas Beg who was the father of Noor Jahan and a wazir during Jehangir’s reign. It was completed in 1628 A.D. nearly 7 years after Beg’s death. The double-storied tomb is decked with intricate carvings and other inlay works and is surrounded with a vast garden. It is notable for being the first marble tomb marking the shift from the red sandstone buildings of Mughal architecture.

 

Luxury hotels

Agra has many five star and luxury hotels increasing the pleasure of sightseeing in the city.

The Oberoi Amarvilas:

At just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, the five star hotel offers you the perfect view of the Taj Mahal from its rooms. It has rooms in the categories of deluxe, superior deluxe, executive suites, luxury suites and kohinoor suite. The interiors of the hotel are strikingly beautiful, and a stay here is a complete pleasure soaked in luxury and comfort. Equipped with all contemporary facilities, the hotel is a brand known for quality services and unparalleled hospitality.

Jaypee Palace Hotel

Sprawling in an area of 25 acres, this hotel is contemporary in design fused with artistic Mughal architecture. Embellished with stunning interiors, it is a leading name providing all modern amenities laced with flawless services. The 341 rooms of the majestic hotel are well-furnished to offer a luxuriant stay. The Gateway Hotel: This luxury hotel by the Taj Group of Hotels boasts of its smart rooms equipped with up-to-date technology. The hotel is spread in six acres of land where your comfort is taken care of by its dedicated and efficient staff. The rooms facing the Taj Mahal come in standard, superior, executive and executive suite categories.

Other remarkable hotels known for providing sumptuous services and impressive courteousness in Agra are Trident, Radisson Blu, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and ITC Mughal.

Luxury trains

The joy of visiting the beauty and grandeur of Agra enhances many times with a ride on luxury trains. A reminiscent of bygone imperial era, these trains offer you a chance to relish the lifestyles of regal personalities while on board. Trains like - Palace on wheels, Indian Maharaja Express, Maharaja Express and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels - cover various cities, including Agra, under their itineraries. Don’t miss this lifetime experience of true Indian royalty.

Shopping: For tourists shopping is a fun-filled activity in Agra. Marble works, zardozi (gold thread embroidery), footwear, leather bags and shoes, handicraft items, jewellery and carpets are popular among tourists. Agra is also famous for its sweets, especially Petha and Gajak.

Best time to go: Enjoy the beauty of Agra with cool and favourable weather between October to March.

Getting there

By Air: Agra Airport is 8 km from the main city.

By Rail: The main railway station is Agra Cantonment.

By Road: Buses for all key cities are available from ISBT and Idgah Bus Stand, the two major bus terminals.

Agra - a land of dynamic history

The architectural and cultural superiority of Agra depicts its rich historical background.