The Taj Mahal rises above the banks of the river like a solitary tear suspended on the cheek of time – Rabindra Nath Tagore

Agra is a beautiful city in the state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of River Yamuna. The city got recognition with the rise of Mughal Empire. Babar won the city from Ibrahim Lodi in the battle of Panipat. Since then the golden period of Agra began. It remained capital of India during the period of Akbar, Jahan Gir & Shah Jahan. Taj Mahal is one of the eight wonders of the world and needs no introduction. Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri Including Taj Mahal is UNCESCO world heritage sites. The city can is just 200 kms. Away from our national capital and it can be reached easily from any part of the India. Agra is included in golden tourist Triangle along with Jaipur & Delhi.

Hmmmmmm…. Seems that you have seen enough of monuments in Agra. Now it’s time to do some shopping. Main markets in the city are Sadar bazaar, Taj Mahal complex and Sanjay place.

Agra is famous for its marble handicrafts and soft stone work. Other than marble work Agra is also famous for its brassware, carpets, jewellary work. Zardozi is a form of 3d hand work on the clothes and it is an excellent form of art. Floor carpets and dhurries have been made in Agra since the Mughal era and is easily available in the local markets. Petha & Dalomoth of Agra is famous worldwide and tourists get it packed to their native places. Petha is a form of sweet which is prepared from fresh pumpkins and Dalmoth is a salty snack made from gram flour, sugar, chillie powder etc. Panchi petha store is the most well known sweet store and it is situated at Noori Gate area of the city.

Taj Mahal is one of the most popular historical monument of India. It was built in 1653 by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is built on a marble platform on a sandstone one. Tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz mahal are inside Taj Mahal. It took 22 years and 20000 approx. Years to erect the monument. It is regarded as the most beautiful monument of India.

Agra fort is a monument which comprises of several segments. It was built by Akbar in 1565. Later Shah Jahan converted the red sandstone fort into the palace and use of the marble was extensively used in its renovation. Moti Masjid, Shish Mahal. Jahangir’s Palace are the few notable buildings of the Fort.

Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri about 35km.away from the city. It is a World Heritage site and is a must visit for the tourists. Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri but later he moved back to Agra fort. World famous Buland Darwaza was built by Akbar in Fatehpur Sikri to remark his victory over Gujarat. Buland Darwaza is 53 m high and 35m wide monument which dignifies the art of Mughal Era.

Small distance away from Agra Fort there is Akbar’s tomb, the last resting place of Mughal Emperor Akbar. A lush green garden full of deers, rabbits, beautifully carved building truly depicts the legacy of the biggest Mughal ruler.

It is the oldest Mughal garden in India and was built by Babur. He used it as a rest place during his leisure time and his also occurred at the same place. Mariam Tomb, Jama masjid, Mankameshwar temple are also few other places which can be visited.