Visiting Agra
Sited on the banks of River Yamuna, and housing one of the Seven Wonders of the World namely the Taj Mahal, is Agra, a popular tourist destination in Northern India. The city is in southwestern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and is located at a distance of 205 kilometers from the Indian Capital City, Delhi.
The Taj Mahal has put Agra on the World Map but one must know that Agra is home not only to the Taj but also to many historical monuments that form the bedrock of the Mughal Dynasty, which ruled the most of India from A.D.1526 until the emergence of the British as a military power in India (1747).
Though no particular date can be prescribed to the founding of the City, Agra is mentioned as Agraban in Ancient Hindu Epic, Mahabharata. In Medieval Times, Badalgarh Fort once existed in place of the Red Fort at Agra (facts placed at c.1475 AD). Under the rule of Akbar, the most prolific Mughal Emperor, Agra became the capital of the Mughal Empire and was renamed Akbarabad. Emperor Akbar also built Fatehpur Sikri on the fringes of the city. Both Cities are important tourist destinations in India.
Notable places to visit in Agra include the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, The Fatehpur Sikri Fort, The Dargah of Salim Chishti in Fatehpur Sikri and the Buland Durwza. The Bird Sanctuary at nearby Bharatpur is enroute to Jaipur. Agra is actually a part of a tourist circuit commonly known as the Golden Triangle (comprising of Jaipur and Delhi alongside Agra)
The Taj Mahal in Agra is also located on the banks of River Yamuna and is the embodiment of eternal love, perhaps the biggest act, a tomb dedicated to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, by Shah Jahan, The Mughal Emperor and grandson of Emperor Akbar. The Taj Mahal looks its splendid best at Midnight. So plan your trip to Agra when you could view the Taj in Moonlight. There could be no bigger romantic moment in life. It is a place where many propose and many come for their anniversary. The intricate monument is only shut to public viewing on Fridays.
Agra is also a preferred weekend location for those living in and around Delhi and the National Capital Region. Lodging accommodations in Agra are available for all budgets. From Budget Inns to the super luxurious Amar Vilas are all there in Agra. Some other popular hotels include the Mughal Sheraton, Taj View, and Jaypee Palace. For foreign tourists, Agra offers food of all kinds and one can find all fast food chains present in the City, including McDonalads and Pizza Hut. For sweet lovers, Agra is popular for Petha a North Indian sweet delicacy. One can savor the culinary treats available at fancy and swanky restaurants or can taste the flavors of the Indian street food.
One can reach Agra by train or car from Delhi. It is a four and half hour drive or a three-hour train ride aboard the superfast Shatabdi Trains.
The Taj Mahal has put Agra on the World Map but one must know that Agra is home not only to the Taj but also to many historical monuments that form the bedrock of the Mughal Dynasty, which ruled the most of India from A.D.1526 until the emergence of the British as a military power in India (1747).
Though no particular date can be prescribed to the founding of the City, Agra is mentioned as Agraban in Ancient Hindu Epic, Mahabharata. In Medieval Times, Badalgarh Fort once existed in place of the Red Fort at Agra (facts placed at c.1475 AD). Under the rule of Akbar, the most prolific Mughal Emperor, Agra became the capital of the Mughal Empire and was renamed Akbarabad. Emperor Akbar also built Fatehpur Sikri on the fringes of the city. Both Cities are important tourist destinations in India.
Notable places to visit in Agra include the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, The Fatehpur Sikri Fort, The Dargah of Salim Chishti in Fatehpur Sikri and the Buland Durwza. The Bird Sanctuary at nearby Bharatpur is enroute to Jaipur. Agra is actually a part of a tourist circuit commonly known as the Golden Triangle (comprising of Jaipur and Delhi alongside Agra)
The Taj Mahal in Agra is also located on the banks of River Yamuna and is the embodiment of eternal love, perhaps the biggest act, a tomb dedicated to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, by Shah Jahan, The Mughal Emperor and grandson of Emperor Akbar. The Taj Mahal looks its splendid best at Midnight. So plan your trip to Agra when you could view the Taj in Moonlight. There could be no bigger romantic moment in life. It is a place where many propose and many come for their anniversary. The intricate monument is only shut to public viewing on Fridays.
Agra is also a preferred weekend location for those living in and around Delhi and the National Capital Region. Lodging accommodations in Agra are available for all budgets. From Budget Inns to the super luxurious Amar Vilas are all there in Agra. Some other popular hotels include the Mughal Sheraton, Taj View, and Jaypee Palace. For foreign tourists, Agra offers food of all kinds and one can find all fast food chains present in the City, including McDonalads and Pizza Hut. For sweet lovers, Agra is popular for Petha a North Indian sweet delicacy. One can savor the culinary treats available at fancy and swanky restaurants or can taste the flavors of the Indian street food.
One can reach Agra by train or car from Delhi. It is a four and half hour drive or a three-hour train ride aboard the superfast Shatabdi Trains.
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