Agra - The city of Mughals

Agra is the another city comes under golden triangle, after Delhi. The ancient city is situated on the bank of river Yamuna. Agra is known all over the world for housing World Heritage Sites like Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Agra city is considered hopelessly romantic due to the presence of massive monument of Taj Mahal. The city of Agra is surrounded by various places of historical significance. The forts and palaces built in Mughal era speaks of Mughal grandeur. Apart from the monuments the city is famous for its variety of cuisines, prominent among them is the Mughlai cuisine. The city also offers a variety of eating out options, which are available on a reasonable charge.

The History of Agra

The history of Agra is as variant as the people of the city. The city become of one of the principal cities of the Mughal Empire during 1526 to 1658. Agra got its best recognition, when the city was under the rule of great Mughal Emperor Akbar. After the death of Ibrahim Lodi in the war of Panipat in 1526, emperor Akbar choose Agra as his capital.

Taj Mahotsav

The10 day festival held every year between 18 th - 27 th February. The festival brings together the finest arts, crafts and culture of the state. Taj Mahotsav is conducted by the Uttar Pradesh tourism department, in which the glorious past of the Mughals is recreated by bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artist and master craftsmen. The dance festival is also organized during the festival, in which the artists present different kinds of dances. The food festival is another attraction of Taj Mahotsav.

Attractions in and around Agra

Taj Mahal

The principal landmark of the city is famous for its beautiful look. Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983, the monument is one of the seven wonders of the world. The mausoleum was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It houses the graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra Fort

The dominating structure of Agra city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made of red sandstone, the fort is also called as the Red Fort of Agra. Emperor Akabr started the construction work of the fort in 1565, later on Shah Jahan renovated and converted the fort into a palace. The famous buildings inside the fort complex are Jehangir's Palace, Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas, Pearl Mosque, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (Mirrored Palace) and Musamman Burj etc.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb

The tomb was built by empress Nur Jehan for her father Ghiyasuddin Beg, the Chief Minister of Emperor Taj. Small in comparison to other tombs of Mughal era, the tomb is sometimes called as the Baby Taj. Described as th jewel box the tomb has known for its garden layout ans use of white marble, Pietra dura, inlay designs and lattice work.

Sikandra

The small town of Sikandra is located at a distance of 4 Kms from Agra. Akbar's tomb is the main attraction here. Akbar started the construction of the tomb while he was alive and his son Jehangir completed it. Similar to the Taj Mahal in some of its design, the tomb has a large arched entrance and green lawns. The entrance has been decorated with marble inlay work around the arch. The inner surface of the tomb's dome is decorated with figures of flowers, geometric designs and Islamic calligraphy.

Fatehpur Sikri

Located at a distance of 35 Kms from Agra this is yet another World Heritage Site. Built predominantly in red Sandstone the city was developed between 1571 and 1585. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best examples of Mughal architectural style. Though the city is mostly in ruins but it presents the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fathehpur Sikri houses the famous monuments like Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-khana-I-khaas, Turkish Sultana's House,The Treasury.

Vrindavan

Located very close to Agra, Vrindavan is a sacred place of the Hindus. Vrindavan has its connection with life of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan houses around 4,000 temples most of them dedicated to Lord

Palace of Jodha Bai, Hawa Mahal and Nagina Masjid etc.

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