Agra City Guide

Agra Introduction :-

If you ask anyone on a visit to India, as to what place he or she  would like to visit the most, chances are that majority of them will come up with the name of Agra. Well, it's not surprising, because Agra is not only one of the most historically rich cities of India, but also home to the magnificent Taj Mahal. This ultimate symbol of everlasting love and major facet of Agra tourism has never failed to mesmerize people both young and old. Even die-hard skeptics are also forced to admit that this ultimate tribute to love is really something to be admired. In fact, the Taj Mahal alone can be said to provide the major boost to Agra tourism, which has grown by leaps and bounds. Agra is one of the most important historical and ancient cities of India.It is a small city of Uttar Pradesh, built on the West Bank of the River Yamuna. Agra developed as a great center of architecture, art and Mughal culture during the Mughal rule, especially under Babar, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan . It is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments - The Taj Mahal, Red Fort & Fatehpur Sikri. The Numerous forts, majestic monuments, breathtaking buildings, continuously prospering arts and crafts including leather work and Pietra dura marble-inlay work accompanied with enticing Mughal cuisine have now become synonymous with the city.

Tourist Attraction In Agra :-

Taj Mahal Agra
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is a dream in white marble with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. On a trip to this magnificent monument, it is better not to rush into seeing things, but to linger in the gardens, admire the scenic beauty, and take your time.

Itmad-ud-daulah’s Tomb Agra
Built in memory of Mirza Ghiyas this tomb is also known as the ‘baby Taj’, it was the first Mughal structure completely built from marble and first to make extensive use of pietra dura.

Agra Fort
Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna, the Agra Fort dominates the centre of the city. The crescent-shaped fort has a 20-metre high and 2.4-km long outer wall that contains a maze of buildings that form a small city within a city. The Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience), the octagonal tower known as Musamman Burj, Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden) are the other places to see within the fort.

Jama Masjid Agra
The Jama Masjid is a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. It has a rectangular open forecourt and no minarets. Its sandstone domes have a striking marble patterning.

Sikandra in Agra
The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar represents Akbar’s philosophy and secular outlook, by blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles.

Dayal Bagh in Agra
Dayal Bagh is the headquarters of the Radhaswami sect and a beautiful white pietra dura marble inlay temple is being built here. The temple has been under construction for almost 100 years now.

Rambagh in Agra
Ram Bagh is one of the earliest Mughal Gardens in the country and was laid out by Emperor Babar.

Shopping in Agra :-

We all know Agra to be the most sought after tourist destination in India, which boasts of the magnificent Taj Mahal. But apart from its beautiful monuments, Agra is also considered to be a great shopping experience. It is in fact a shopper's paradise, especially for international tourists who just don't tire of browsing through the numerous shops and markets in Agra. The famous leather industry in Agra churns out some of the most amazing leather products. So, if you want to replenish your leather wardrobe, there is no better place than Agra. The best places to shop in Agra include the Sadar Bazar, Kinaari Bazaar and Munroe Road. The UP State Emporium Gangotri is also a great place to buy some authentic souvenirs. Agra is also known for some of its sweet delicacies especially the 'petha' and the 'gazak'. Don't forget to try some of this delicious stuff during your Agra tour.

How to Reach There :-

Air: Agra is one of the hottest tourist destinations in India and all facilities have been provided for the easy access to this place. It has its own airport which connects Agra with all the major places in India. The Agra airport or the Kheria airport has all the major domestic airlines having their services to this place.

Rail: Agra is a major railway station by having stoppage for almost all the trains to south India, Mumbai and many trains to Kolkata.. Agra city is visited by the "Palace on Wheels" .The Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains have also their stoppage in Agra. Agra is connected by rail with all major cities of the country.

Road: Agra, on cross-roads of National Highways 2, 3. and 11, is excellently connected to all parts of the country.So it is the premier tourist destination of India. The state transports have ordinary as well as deluxe bus services for this place of the Taj.

Agra Cuisine :-

City of Agra produces some excellent Multicuisine menus. Some of the famous things at Agra are its local sweets like petha and gazak, and saltish snack called dalmoth.
The superb Mughlai cuisine with its luscious sauces of milk, curd, cream and crushed nuts is available in major restaurants in the big cities.
There are rich, creamy kormas; tender, steak like pasandas in an almond sauce; nargisi kofta, mince (usually mutton) moulded.