Agra India Travel Guide

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Agra History

The Sikander Lodi, the head of the clan at the time, was so impressed by the city that he established Agra as his capital in the year 1504. Sikander Lodhi was later defeated by the Mughal emperor Babur, which lead to an era of Mughal rule that lasted for several generations. Slowly but surely, Agra grew as a cultural and commercial center under the Mughal. It was under Babur’s grandson Akbar that the city reached its peak. By the 17th century, Shah Jahan shifted the capital to Delhi. But he created in Agra India’s most beautiful structure and the mankind’s biggest symbol of love – the Taj Mahal.

Agra Attractions and Things To Do

Former US President Bill Clinton had rightly said that the world is divided into two parts – people who have seen the Agra Taj Mahal, and people who have not. Such is the impact on the minds of the people who see it. The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Both Shah Jahan and his wife’s tombs are in the Taj Mahal. The monument is a large walled garden in between two “mini Tajs”, with a long reflective pond. Inside the double dome are precious stones and verses of the Koran, which are inlaid in the marble. The Taj Mahal epitomizes the symbol of peace and love. It is not only a popular destination of Agra, but is also one the wonders of the world.

Another of the popular Agra things to do is the Agra Fort. This red sandstone fort is protected by it walls, which stretch over a staggering distance of 2.5 kilometers. Inside the Agra Fort are lots of buildings, including Jahangir’s Palace and the mind boggling Sheesh Mahal, or the Glass Palace. Inside the fort you can also see the octagonal tower, where it is presumed that Shah Jahan was held captive for 7 years by his ruthless son Aurangzeb

Agra Excursions

You can travel 58 kms from the city towards the city of Mathura. Also known as the birth place of Lord Krishna, it is one of the major pilgrimage cities of India. 37 kms from Agra is the city Fatehpur Sikri. An ex-capital of the Mughal regime, this city is mostly made of the red sandstone. The city is a popular tourist destination and has a lot to explore. About 4 kms from the city is the crypt of Emperor Akbar. You can see the structures modelled after Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and Mughal architecture. Agra, [[Delhi] and Jaipur are known as the Golden Triangle of India. You can travel 200 kms from the city into the country’s capital Delhi or 230 kms into Jaipur, known as the Pink City.

Agra Shopping

Agra has its share of malls where you get the usual stuff, but it is the upbeat markets like the Sadar Bazaar and Kinni Bazzar that tempt the locals and tourists alike. You can buy souvenirs and replicas of the Taj Mahal made from real marble. The city is a major hub of leather goods, so you can get quality leather for reasonable prices. You can get also get high quality carpets and brass decoratives at reasonable rates in Raja Mandi and the Gangotri.

Agra Cuisine

The city, being a major tourist market, has lots of multi-cuisine restaurants. Do not forget to try the salty snack Dal Moth, which is a local delicacy. And after completing your meal, try yummy sweet dishes like the Petha or Gazak.

Agra Nightlife

Not much to write home about for Agra nightlife, but there are decent bars in the 5-Star Agra hotels.

Agra Climate

The city becomes really hot during the summers, so the best time to come is during the winters. Avoid coming during the rainy season, as the city becomes a bit dirty during that time. With all the three mode of transport, the city is very easily accessible.

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