Agra
In India, Agra is one of the captivating cities that become most popular spot across the world by having Taj Mahal. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World which is renowned historical monument globally from its beautiful architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of marbles. It is situated at the banks of River Yamuna.
Agra is a magical city which is built in 1475 in the epic Mahabharatha as Agraban and well-known as the capital of many eras encompassing Lodhi and Mughals. Today, this city has a potential to become foremost tourist spot all over India. Agra is a multi colored illumination that has been equipped with all kinds of infrastructure facilities for tourists. It has a wide range of resorts and hotels for a vacation or picnic enjoyment. Among wonderful taj mahal, this city has other three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Agra forts, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal. It is the haven of Mughal art, culture and architecture.
History
It has two phases which has been started from the ancient time- in the great epic the Mahabharata and the modern period reference is by Ptolemy. The present Agra city was established by the King of the Lodhi Dynasty, Sikander Lodhi in 16th century.
Agra is spotted with present massive and imposing structural monuments during the Mughal Rule from 1526 AD to 1658. As far as Mughal Kingdom concerned, Agra flourished with many activities and was liberally bestowed with many contemporary facilities and Royal architecture.
Meanwhile Mughal period, there were plenty of extolling gardens, many architectural marvel palaces and artificial lakes. The Rajput rulers have built the Agra fort which were restructured and renovated by Mughal emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan. The constructions of all the historical monuments during the Mughal period were the perfect blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.
During the period of Shah Jahan, the city reached greatest height and later he himself was responsible for the decline of the Agra city. Even after independence, Agra has continued in the second level of cities, even with the World Wonder Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Culture
Agra is a cultural hub of culture and arts. The great Agra city has many ancient temples, mosques, forts, several mausoleums, tombs and historical monuments which reflect only impressive but are also the mirrors of the cultural and artistic talents of the Indian populace during the grandeur past.
In addition to the well maintained majesty monuments, Agra is world famous for many art performances such as wonderful traditional paintings, folk dances, folk music, embroideries, unparallel cloth designing and stitching are the reminiscences of the past glory.
Balkeshwar Temple in Agra is situated on the banks of River Yamuna, Kailash Temple placed at Sikandra, Mankameshwar Temple at Rawatpara, Prithvinath Temple situated at Rajpur Chungi and Mahakali Temple located at Sikandra are some of the important temples in Agra. These temples are the mirrors which reflect religious and cultural activities.
Travel within city
Touring in Agra is very simple through a multitude of ways, including electric buses, Tongas, tempos, cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws. The reason behind it is its popularity is taj mahal and some other ancient monuments and temples which make it most popular destination in the world.
Cycle Rickshaw
Cycles rickshaws are one of the simple ways of traveling that are available a plenty in the town of Agra. Traveling through a cycle rickshaw can be quite cheap mode with charges hovering around Rs 5 to 10.
Tonga
Traveling through tangas can be a time consuming, still it is a faster than a cycle rickshaw ride. The charges of tangras are around Rs 5 to 15. It is quite an easy way to ride and travel around the city.
Bus
There are so many electric buses in Agra covering all the major areas in the town. Therefore, getting buses is quite a very good option which has very low charges ranging from Rs 3 to 6.
Tempo
Tempos are another way of traveling which also has low charges starts from Rs 5 to 10. This is also a perfect option for the night time.
Apart from all, hire a taxi can be a best way to travel entire day and driving around the little narrow alleys rich in Mughal architecture.
Nightlife
The beautiful Agra has come up with number of facilities that are night life visibility in Agra significantly. The majestic monument looks marvelous with all kinds of multi colored illuminations, the grandeur reflection in the serene Yamuna water. Watching it for five days during moonlight would be the best days of your life. At the same time, the street vendors selling art crafts and fast food are really enjoyable.
The outskirts of Taj Mahal complex house have various movie theaters, pubs, cafeterias, Internet cafes and bar parlors which mostly open up to midnight 12’o clock. Agra Fort is another splendor of India which appears gorgeous by viewing the splendid light and sound show portraying the rich stories and glorious past of Agra.
Shopping
The market of Agra is very famous in the world for impressive monuments, mostly renowned for traditional arts, paintings and handicrafts. Enthusiast travelers around the world visit here and enjoy the shopping in Agra very much. One can get all kinds of metal wares and fine carfts from the street stalls to super malls in Agra. Agra is a beloved spot for Mughulai cuisines as well. Munro Road, KInari Bazar and Sadar Bazar are the main shopping centres in Agra. These main markets are located in and around the Taj Mahal having marvelous collections of marbles, leather items, brassware items and textile items.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders in the world which is situated colonially in Agra. It is acclaimed as one of the three World Heritage Sites in Agra representing the true romantic love life of Shah Jahan and his favorite beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is located at the bank of majestic River Yamuna. It is adorned with finest architectural designs and brilliance in finishing. Ustad Isa, the famous Persian Architect, led the construction.
Among all others, it is the most beautiful and fascinating monument all over India, completed the construction in 1653 AD. It was built by Mughal King Sha Jahan as the final resting place for the queen Mumtaz. There are 22 small domes over the Taj Mahal, denoting the 22 years and the verses of holy Koran are inscribed on the domes.
It is surrounded by picturesque landscaped gardens, the epitome of structural beauty that gives you a unique experience lifetime. It is open all days of the week from 6 am to 7.30 pm except Fridays.
Maryam Uz Zamani Palace
Maryam Uz Zamani Palace is a one of the fascinating palaces which is located in the fort complex of Fatehpur Sikri. This was the palace of Queen Maryamuzzammani, the Goan Wife of the Emperor Akbar and the mother of Jehangir.
This is one of the most capturing palaces in Agra that has been constructed on the most attractive scenic location in Fatehpur sikri. It is spotted with garden surrounding this sandstone palace looks very attractive. This is one of the eye catching palaces among the numerous palaces in Agra that was made with all luxuries and with marvelous architectural style.
Mariyam's Tomb
Mariyam's Tomb is an exquisite milestone construction of 1611 AD which is located at Sikandra in the Christian Missionary Society compound about 13 km from Agra. Mariyam, Mughal emperor Akbar’s was built the tomb. Presently, it has been a great attraction due to its well-designed paintings on the walls. The marvelous beauty of red sandstone structure portrays the real talent of that person who led this construction.
Agra fort
Amongst Agra fort is one of the world heritage sites which is designed with marvelous architectural beauty in red sandstones. It is such a beautiful fort not to be missed by any tourists.
Diwan-i-Khas
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was built Diwan-i-Khas in 1635 and was acclaimed as most entertaining foreign ambassadors and important dignitaries. This was the real power citadel of the Mughal rule which was located in the area encircled by Agra Fort. The walls of this fort are adorned with precious stones, silver and solid gold marvelously alluring each visitor visit to Agra.
Fatehpur Sikri
Another immerse Fatehpur Sikri is a town located about 40 km away from Agra and is one of the renowned World Heritage site by UNESCO. The city was built during the period 1571 to 1585 by great Mughal emperor Akbar. The city in red sandstone was built to celebrate the birth of his son Salim and also to honor the Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.
Fatehpur Sikri has a gorgeous architecture which portrays is the mixture of Islamic and Hindu styles of constructions. It was acclaimed the capital of Mughal Kingdom for few years, when the city reached at the pinnacle of its developments.
There are some other popular tourist attraction which is enriched with many historical monuments such as Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Jama Masjid, and the Sheikh Salim Chisti tomb.
How to Reach Agra
Agra by AirTravelling to Agra is quite easy through Air. The airport is situated 8 km away from the heart of the city.
Agra by Train
You can opt for train that would be the most convenient option to reach Agra. There are four railway stations in Agra - Agra Cantt, Raja-ki-Mandi, Agra Fort, and Idgah Agra Junction in this city.
Agra Weather
Agra has varying temperatures in all the seasons.
- ummers (April to June) - During it, the climate are hot and not considered to be ideal for visit.
- Monsoons (June to October) - In these days, showers are expected, with heavy rains in July, one can see the beauty of Taj Mahal looks in the rain drops.
- Winters (November to March) - During winter season, the climate sometimes is very cool and temperature can touch as low as 2°C, thus, flights can be delayed.
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