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Agra

Location

Northern India, 203 km from Delhi, West Central Uttar Pradesh.

General Overview

Agra is a City in the state Uttar Pradesh in India. Known mostly for the beautiful Taj Mahal, the city has its own charm. Agra is a beautiful city located by the river Yamuna and is a remnant of the rich historical periods of the Mughals. The City houses three World Heritages and the Grenduer on marble, The Taj Mahal. The City is also known for the Muslim heritage-monuments such as the Jami Masjid and the Red Fort and the blending of Muslim cultural subjects to those with the Hindu are quite prevalent in the City.

Agra was known as Agraban during the times of Mahabharata, and has been mentioned by Ptolemy, in a 3rd century map of the world. The City gained prominence firstly during the time of Badal Singh and later on, due to the Lodi Dynasty.

Lodis were defeated by Babar and Agra was taken up as the Capital of the Mughal Empire. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, an architectural grandeur in this City in the loving memory of Mumtaj which still remains a major attraction for the tourists.

The Taj Mahal - Taj Mahal can never be described in the words, its a story described on the marbles. The Memorial was started in 1631 by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor and was completed in 22 Years, by twenty Thousand workers. Though it did cost a huge amount of money to Shah Jahan, and was a major reason for the economic strains of the Mughals, the monument has returned significant revenues to the Indian government, due to its popularity as fantastic tourist destination.

The Agra Fort - The Fort was built by Akbar and later on it served as a millitary bastion as well as the Royal Residence. The monument is built in Red sandstone and is massive, represents a mix of Persian and Hindu architectural styles. The fort was later on fortified by Jehangir and Shah Jahan.

Other ttraction either in the close proximity or at a little distance, include the Fatehpue Sikri, Itmad Ud Daula tomb and the Jami Masjid.

Bazaars - In Agra, shopping can be pursued at the Kinari Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar or on the Munro Road. Marvel, Footwork, Brassware, Carpets, Jari and Embroidery works are famous . The City is also famous for mouth watering food items such as the meats cooked in the Mughal (Mughlai Chicken etc.) or Indian Style ( tandoori Chickens etc ) and the salted items. To have an experience of the state government emporiums of Uttar Pardesh, Haryana and Kerala visit to the Taj Mahal Shopping arcade is enough.

Things to Do

Rooftop Restaurants - Rooftop restaurants with a splendid view of the Taj has been the flavour of most of the tourists, visiting this city. Not only due to the beauty, the ambience in Itself can excite newer feelings in the Mind, especially during the beginning of the evenings.

Taste the local items - Have a taste of the Mughlai and Indian special dishes, that are mouth watering. The Mughlai and Tandoori chickens are really worth a mouthful, here. But be sure to select a good restaurant.

How to reach

Air - The Agra Airport has direct Daily flights from Delhi. Besides, there are many other flights from important cities such as Jaipur, Ahmedabad etc.

Rail - The Agra Junction lies in the Delhi Mumbai route and hence is a well admired railway station. Many express and special trains connect the station.

Roads - Good Roads exists from Delhi. Mathura, Khajuraho, Jaipur etc. Buses, Auto Rickshaws and Taxis are readily available from Delhi and other nearby cities.

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