It is always fun to embark a visit to a place where both history
and modernity share the same level and when it comes to places of this sort,
India has them in plenty. Agra is one such city that reflects the picture
perfect synergy between India's hoary heritage and culture. The arresting
ambience of Agra is what makes this city, located in the northern state of
Uttar Pradesh, so very special.
The city was originally famous as Agrabana and has also got its name
mention in the epic of Mahabharata. Agra has been strong witness of the
changing times. It has seen the many generation of kings and toppling down
of many empires. Agra since a long time was a hot seat of the Mughals. The
Mughal empire has been instrumental in making Agra the city of architectural
wonder. The historic monuments in Agra are many.
Chief Draws
Taj Mahal 
-
Taj Mahal one of the new seven wonders of the world is the most pride
possession of India. This epitome of love in white marble was built by
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved better half in 1648.
The monument is a great example of the finery of Mughal architecture. It
took 20 long years in the completion of this stupendous monument and hard
labour of around 20,000 workers. Taj looks stunning by thew moonlight and
offers such romantic ambience that would leave couples intoxicated.
Agra Fort - Among many impressive monuments in Agra,
Agra Fort is also one. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, this monument
was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The walls of this massive structure
has been made of sandstone. Agra Fort is partially occupied by the Indian
Army. Some sections of the fort is restricted for the tourists. Diwan-i-Am
(Hall of public audience) and Diwan-i-khas (Hall of private audience) are
located inside the fort and showcase the exquisite Mughal carvings on their
many pillars. Apart from these there are a number of great built buildings
inside the Agra Fort they are:
- Jami Masjid
- Northern Tower
- Delhi Gate
- Elephant Gate
- Ladies' Bazaar
- Moti Masjid
- Nagina Masjid
- Grape Garden
- Octagonal Tower
- Khas Mahal
- Jehangir's Palace
- Shish Mahal
- Amar Singh's Gate
Rambagh Gardens - The Rambagh Gardens in Agra
are synonymous with beauty of a class built by the Mughals. In Islam gardens
are considered to be paradise. Therefore kings of earlier times regarded the
construction of gardens as an important task to do. The garden has been
inspired by the Persian style.
Chini Ka Rauza - The Chini Ka Rauza is not a very
famous piece of architecture. It was built in 1635 and is the tomb of Allama
Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz, a scholar and poet who was the Prime Minister
of Emperor Shah Jahan.
Itmad-ud-daulah's Tomb - Built by Empress Noor Jehan
in the memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb was
the first Mughal structure totally constructed of marble and the first to
make extensive use of the pietra dura inlay work of marble which is so much
a part of the Taj. The mausoleum is small and squat compared to the soaring
Taj. There are also extremely fine marble lattice-work passages admitting
light to the interior.
Welcome Shopaholics
When a woman is not in a parlour or she is not bugging her husband that
means she is busy shopping. The shopping fever has always been closely
associated with women. Shopping in Agra is a great thing to do. The city is
not only famous for its great architectural wonders but also for its rich
handicrafts and fine art traditions. You can take away replicas of Taj Mahal
in marble and several decorative items. Agra Marble, Agra Brass Wares, Agra
Rugs and Agra Leather are very famous all over. The major shopping areas in
Agra include:
- Tajgunj
- Rakabganj
- Loha Mandi
- Sadar Bazzar
- Kinari Bazaar
Make it to Agra
Flights - Agra has an airport from where many
government and private airways operate to Agra. The airport links well, the
nearby popular destinations like Khajuraho, Delhi and Varanasi.
Trains - Agra is well connected to Delhi by railways
lines. The Agra station is known as Agra Cantonment Station. Even the luxury
train like Palace On Wheels, connect Delhi to Agra.
Road - The city of Agra is near Delhi and is
connected by an excellent national highway. Agra is also easily accessible
by roads.
