Agra

Overview
Agra: The City of Love

Love is in the air! Ever thought of what these words actually mean? Is it just an expression or has some in-depth meaning?
Agra, the City of Love, is perhaps what you are looking for. This historical destination in Uttar Pradesh is praised for Taj Mahal- the epitome of an eternal love. It is an important honeymoon destination, sought after by romantic couples to feel the nostalgic ambiance of ethereal love and devotion. It is fondly also called the ‘Land of Palaces’ due to its impressive architecture and Mughal era monuments. But more than anything, love can surely be felt in the air when taking the Agra Trip.
Agra Tourism involves the sightseeing of the best of Indian architectures, tasting the lip-smacking snacks and sweets and experiencing the aura of love. It is the perfect spot for lovers and students of architecture. The city is incorporated into the circuit of famous and widely chosen Golden Triangle Tour in India.

Mythological inferences refer to it as 'Agraban', part of Brij Bhoomi which is the homeland of Lord Krishna. Believed to be established in 1475 by a local ruler, the city shot into prominence under the rule of Delhi Sultan Sikandar Lodi, who shifted his capital here from Delhi in 1504.
Agra Travel is a self-customised tour that promises to entertain people of all age groups. Be it pilgrimage, historical, amusement or honeymoon, this one destination caters to all. So try and experience the true magic of love dissolved in the air.

Following are the main travel attractions of Agra:

Taj Mahal
The words Taj Mahal mean the 'Crown Palace'. It is a true love story brought to life as a cenotaph. During the Mughal Rule, Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his beloved spouse, Mumtaz Mahal. She died after the birth of her fourteenth child. This white domed building is a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal. Her body was placed in the subordinate room and later Shah Jahan was laid to rest there.
It is said that nearly 20,000 workers had built this monument which took 22 years to complete. The mausoleum has a pool in its front that reflects the resplendence of the majestic Taj.
The entire monument is built of white marble. It shines like a gem in the night. In the morning light the colour of the Taj reflects pinkish hue. In the evening, it reflects milky white and golden hues. It is a magical to witness these changing colours of Taj Mahal and get mesmerised by its charm.

Agra Fort
The beauty of this Mughal masterpiece is well showcased in the 2008 Bollywood hit movie, Jodha Akbar. Built during the rule of Emperor Akbar for military purpose, the fort turned into a royal residence during the days of Emperor Shah Jahan.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been rated as one of the top ten forts in India. Few other eminent constructions in the fort that deserve a mention are the Moti Mahal, Jahangir's Palace, Diwan-i-Am(Hall of Audience), Diwan-i-Khas(Hall of Private Audiences), Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj and the Khas Mahal. It is built in red sandstone and thus, is also called as Lal Quila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra.

Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah
Nicknamed as the 'Baby Taj' or the 'Jewel Box', the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg is one of the major tourist attractions in Agra. He was a gentle Persian man, entitled as the Chief Minister of Emperor Jahangir. History remembers him as the father of Empress Nur Jahan and the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal who was the wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
This mausoleum was constructed by Empress Nur Jahan for her father during 1622-1628. She chose white shiny marbles for her father's tomb. The architecture can be noted as a paradigm shift from the architectural age that favoured mostly red sandstones.
Adorned with beautiful semi-precious stones, the building mirrors a strong influence of Persian architecture. It is interesting to know that this was the first tomb to be built on the banks of Yamuna River.

Mehtab Bagh
Or also called as the 'Moonlight Garden', Mehtab Bagh is the garden complex situated on the opposite bank of the Taj Mahal. The majestic look of the garden explains the fact that it was built by none other than the Mughals.
This was the last of eleven Mughal gardens built along the Yamuna opposite the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, the first being the Ram Bagh. The recent excavations by Archaeological Survey of India have unearthed a large octagonal tank with 25 fountains and a garden.

Excursions from Agra
Fatehpur Sikri (37km) and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (56km) are some of the interesting getaways to explore while indulging in Agra Trip.

Shopping in Agra
Shoppers can have a really good time here, buying some elegantly made leather items and beautiful marble statues. Sadar Market can be seen thronged by numerous tourist busy buying clothes, souvenirs and many other items from here.
Also Travel to Agra is incomplete without savouring the lip-smacking spicy chaat, crunchy dal biji and sweet tasting pethas. So try them.

When to Reach
Avoid summer! Try planning the trip during November to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the various travel attractions. Taj Mahotsav, a ten days long fiesta held every February-March is also a prominent time when you can plan your trip to Agra tours from Delhi.

How to Reach

Air: The closes airport is in Delhi (204km) linked to almost all the major cities both nationally and internationally.

Rail: Apart from the luxurious trains like the Palace on Wheels, Agra Cantonment railway station receives trains from almost all the major Indian cities in west.

Road: Buses are available from Delhi, Mathura, Gwalior, Jaipur and other major cities for Agra.

Agra Tourism guaranties to bring a big smile on your face and a feeling of contentment in your heart. So come and fall in love with this city which homes the epitome of love in its heart!