| North India Tours -› Favorite Destinations -› Agra |
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| Agra |
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| Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna River in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Ptolemy, the famous 2nd century geographer, marked it on his map of the world as Agra. It achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
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| Main attractions |
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| The Taj |
Agra's Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, the mausoleum of Shah Jahan's favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the world. It is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Indian and Islamic architectural styles, especially those of Persia and Turkey. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." |
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| Agra fort |
| It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. |
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| Fatehpur Sikri |
Fatehpur is a city and a municipal board in Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. It is located in what is now Uttar Pradesh, India. The Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri about 35 km from Agra, and moved his capital there. Later abandoned, the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance. Buland Darwaza or the loft gateway was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. The Buland Darwaza is approached by 42 steps. The Buland Darwaza is 53.63 m high and 35 meters wide. Buland Darwaza is the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. |
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| Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb |
Empress Nur Jehan built Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, sometimes called the Baby Taj, for her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg, the Chief Minister of Emperor Jahangir. Located on the left bank of the Yamuna River, the mausoleum is set in a large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways. The mausoleum itself is set on a base about 50 meters square and about 1 meter high. |
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| Best Time to visit |
| Agra is best visited in the months of October, November, February and March, when the average temperatures are between 16-25°C (60-75°F). |
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| Stay/ Accommodation |
| Agra has some of the finest Hotels & Spa's in India. Agra is home to Asia’s largest spa called Kaya Kalp — The Royal Spa, at Hotel Mughal in Agra |
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| My Favorite Hotel |
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| My Favorite restaurants |
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| Shopping |
| Agra has a good number of apparel and garment manufacturers and exporters. Agra city is famous for the Leather Goods, Handicrafts, Zari Zardozi, Marvel and Stone carving & inlay work. Agra is also well known for its sweets (Petha & Gajak) and Snacks (Dalmoth). |
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| Distance from the major cities |
Agra – Delhi – 220 kms
Agra – Jaipur – 240 kms
Agra – Ranthambore - 290 kms
Agra – Bharatpur – 50 Kms |
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| Special comment |
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