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Introduction

Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture and culture. In the 16th and 17th centuries, when the Mughal dynasty reigned the Indian soil, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the royalty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shahajahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble which are still immortal with their glory and will be so in the future. The crowning glory of the city is obviously the Taj, a monument of love and imagination, that represents India to the world. 

But as you enter in the city you will discover some more hues of the city whose flavour reminds the glorious heritage of the Mughals in every step you take. Be it the sweet delicacy of 'Petha' (a sweet made of pumpkin) or the spicy Mughlai dishes, Agra is still dipped into the heritage. Agra shopping is something which seems to be a never ending affair where you can't help but having the exquisite miniature marble replica of the Taj or stylish Persian Carpets that too give Agra a world wide fame. The Government handicraft emporia in Agra are the best places to have these items.

Jama Masjid

This mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1648. At the main gate of this mosque one can find inscription written on it that it was built by Jahanara Begum, the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan and was imprisoned with him. Due to the absence of minarets and the shape of the dome, it gets a distinguished character.

Agra Red Fort

The Agra fort was built for military purpose by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principle structure was built by Akbar many more additions were made by his grandsons.

Agra places of interest

Sikandra

Sikandra is situated 4 km from Agra. It is the beautiful mausoleum of Akbar, construction of which was started by Akbar himself . This structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian , Islamic, Buddhist and Jain motifs.

Mariyam Tomb

The Mariyam tomb is dedicated to the wife of Akbar. It is located on the Delhi- Agra highway and was built in 1611. This red sand stone tomb of Mariyam-us-Zamani has lovely carvings, which are worth giving a closer look.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is built 37 kms from Agra, predominantly in Red Sandstone. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. This town was planned and built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city and within 20 years the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore.

Ram Bagh

Ram Bagh is one of the first Mughal gardens laid by Babar when he came to India. It is located around 500 m North of the Chini Ka Rauza. These well laid gardens have now lost their actual form. One needs to imagine a lot to picture how these gardens must have looked in 1558.

Mathura / Mughal

Mathura is the place where Krishna, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu was born. It is one of the major pilgrimage for the Hindus, located 58 Kms from Agra

How to reach

Air

Agra airport or the Kheria airport, connects Agra with all the major places in India. All the major domestic airlines have their services to this place of the Taj.

Rail

Agra railway station connects Agra to almost every corner of the nation.

Road

Agra has the National Highway Numbers 2, 3, 11 passing through it, which connects it to the other places in the State as well as outside the state. The state transports have deluxe as well as ordinary bus services for the place.