CITY OF THE TAJ The city of Agra is world famous for the Taj Mahal and millions of tourists from all over the world come here every year to savor the different moods of this magnificent edifice. As Agra was the seat of the great Mughal rulers for many years, it also has a number of historical monuments in and around the city, dating back to the 16th and 17th century. Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful city of red sandstone, near Agra. Agra is also known for its handicraft products. | |||||||||||
Agra is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of river the Yamuna. Agra is 204 km south of Delhi. The climate of Agra is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and the maximum temperature can be as high as 45 degree Celsius, while winters are cold and foggy. Heavy rains and high humidity mark the monsoon season.
VISITING TIME
Agra can be visited throughout the year, but one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June) and rainy season (July-Sept). The most suitable time to visit Agra is in winters.
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THE PAST Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort; Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city. TOURIST SPOTS The main tourist attraction of Agra is the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Agra fort is another tourist attraction of this historic city. The fort complex houses palaces, gardens and mosques within its large precincts. The Jami Masjid of Agra (Mosque) is an important tourist spot, as is Itmad-Ud-Daulah's tomb, both of which are near the fort. |
There are a number of important tourist spots and historical towns near Agra. One can visit Akbar's tomb situated in the town of Sikandra, which is 4 km northwest of Agra. Forty km west of Agra lies Fatehpur Sikri, the perfectly preserved but deserted city of red sandstone built by Akbar. The tomb of Saint Khwaja Salim Chisti is built within the Fatehpur Sikri complex. The city of Mathura lies 47 km northwest of Agra. It is famous for its temples and is an important pilgrimage center along with the town of Vrindavan, which is 10 km from Mathura.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Agra city is known for its Taj Mahotsav (Taj Festival). This cultural festival is held every year in the month of February. The Taj Mahotsav brings traditional Indian music and dance on a single platform for the tourist to relish.
SHOPPING
Agra has both traditional and modern shopping areas. It is known for leather products, jewelry, rug weaving and marble work. The Sadar Bazaar area, and the area south of Taj Ganj, boasts of many emporia and shops. Shilpgram or crafts village is located 1 km from the eastern side of the Taj, from where one can buy good quality craft items. Of special importance is the miniature marble replica of the Taj.
HOW TO REACH
Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. Indian airlines operates daily tourist shuttle flights to Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back. It only takes 40 minutes from Delhi to Agra. Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra, from where one can catch buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc. Buses for Mathura also leave from Agra Fort bus stand. Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra is well connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan.
One can travel to different parts of the city using different modes of transport like Taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw. Prepaid taxis and autos from the railway station are available. Prepaid transport is also available for excursions in and around the city limits. Bicycles can also be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city.
PLACES TO STAY
Agra offers different categories of boarding and lodging facilities suited for every pocket. The Taj Ganj area near the Taj has a number of low-budget hotels and lodges. One can find such accommodation in the Sadar Bazaar area. Agra boasts of some of the best five-star hotels in the country.
PLACES TO EAT
Agra is known for its traditional Mughlai cuisine. A traveler can find a number of eating-places across the city, depending on his budget. One can choose from makeshift restaurants in the Taj Ganj area to luxury hotels, which are famous for their Mughlai dishes. Agra is famous for its local specialty, the peitha, which is sweet candied pumpkin.
INFORMATION
Travelers can get information and guidance from the Government of India Tourist Office. Travelers should be careful about food and pickpockets. It is brought to notice that in certain hotels and lodges, travelers are served with adulterated foodstuff, which leads them to chemists and doctors, who are themselves a part of this racket along with the hotel staff. Beware of taxi, auto-rickshaw and cycle-rickshaw drivers who can take you for a real ride.
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