Agra is world famous for its magnificent, majestic and marvelous Taj Mahal, perhaps the finest architectural monument in the world. The city of Agra has a rich political and cultural past of more than 500 years. But, it was the Mughal period during which the city reached its zenith. Akbar, one of the greatest emperors of India, made Agra his capital city in 1565 AD. In the following years he started the construction of the Agra Fort on the banks of the river Yamuna. During his period Agra emerged as the India's most famous center of art, culture and commerce and learning. The trend continued during the Mughal rule and reached its zenith during the Shah Jehan's period. Various wonderful architectural masterpieces such as the magnificent Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, Bulund Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah etc. represent the glorious past of the Mughal period (when Agra was the capital city of India) .
Places to Visit
Taj Mahal: One of the seven wonders in the world, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan as a symbol of love to his beloved wife Mumtaz, who died at an early age of 32. Built entirely of white marble, it's the greatest masterpiece of Indo- Islamic Architecture. The stunning beauty of the Taj can't be described in words.
Agra Fort: Built by Akbar in the year 1565, this magnificent red sandstone fort was the seat of the Mughal Empire during the reigns of three Mughal emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan. Within the Fort you can view the Diwan-e-Am, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Pearl Mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Palace of Mirrors to name a few, which reflect the richness of Mughal architectural styles.
Other attractions in and around Agra are the Tomb of Itimad-ud - Daulah, which is famous as baby Taj and known to have interiors and inlay work more beautiful than of Taj. Fatehpur Sikri, known as the ghost town, is famous for Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world, and the tomb of famous Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti.
Besides magnificent monuments, the city of Agra is a shopper's paradise too. You can shop for the small replicas of Taj carved out of white Marble, which can be used as a decorative, gift item or as souvenirs. Agra is also famous for the leather items including leather sandals and shoes, purses, bags, decorative items and many more such leather product that instantaneously attracts your attention. The shops also sell brass decorative pieces and stone carved images. Agra is also famous for the Zari and embroidery work.
How to Reach
By Air: There is a well-maintained airport at Kheria located 7 km from the city center Agra, which has all the major domestic airlines having their services to the city of Taj.
By Rail: Agra has many small and big railway stations and well connected by trains to almost all the major cities and towns in India. The most luxurious trains of India including the world famous 'Palace On Wheels' have Agra on top of their itineraries.
By Road: Agra has a very good network of roads. All the premier towns and cities of India are well linked by bus services to the city. The national highway numbers 2, 3, and 11 pass through the city making it easily accessible by road.
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