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About Taj Mahal » About Palace on Wheels » About Agra
About Agra
Welcome to the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra. Located about 204 km south of Delhi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is one of the most famous tourist destinations of India. The city, situated on the west bank of Yamuna River, is historical as it is ancient.
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra Fort; Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj Mahal. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city.
Agra Sightseeing
The main tourist attraction of Agra is the majestic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum in white by the banks of the River Yumana. Agra Fort is another tourist attraction of this historic city. The fort complex houses palaces, gardens and mosques within its large precincts. The Jami Masjid of Agra (Mosque) is an important tourist spot, as is Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, both of which are near the fort.
Agra Excursions
There are a number of important tourist spots and historical towns near the city of the Taj, Agra. One can visit Akbar's Tomb situated in the town of Sikandra, which is 4 km northwest of Agra. Forty km west of Agra lies Fatehpur Sikri, the perfectly preserved but deserted city of red sandstone built by Akbar. The Tomb of Saint Khwaja Salim Chisti is built within the Fatehpur Sikri complex. The ancient city of Mathura lies 47 km northwest of Agra. It is famous for its temples and is an important pilgrimage center in India, along with the town of Vrindavan, which is 10 km from Mathura.
Fairs & Festivals in Agra
Agra city is known for its Taj Mahotsav (Taj Festival). This cultural festival is held every year in the month of February. The Taj Mahotsav brings traditional Indian music and dance on a single platform for the tourist to relish.
Shopping in Agra
Apart from the magnificent monuments, a delightful shopping experience awaits tourists when they travel to Agra. The city of the Taj has both traditional and modern shopping areas. It is known for leather products, jewelry, rug weaving and marble work. The Sadar Bazaar area, and the area south of Taj Ganj, boasts of many emporiums and shops. Shilpgram or crafts village is located 1 km from the eastern side of the Taj Mahal, from where one can buy good quality craft items. Of special importance is the miniature marble replica of the Taj Mahal.
Traveling in Agra
One can travel to different parts of the city using different modes of transport like Taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw. Prepaid taxis and autos from the railway station are available. Prepaid transport is also available for excursions in and around the city limits. Bicycles can also be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city.
Accommodation in Agra
Agra offers different categories of boarding and lodging facilities suited for every pocket. The Taj Ganj area near the Taj has a number of low-budget hotels and lodges. One can find such accommodation in the Sadar Bazaar area. Agra boasts of some of the best five-star hotels in India.
Places to Eat in Agra
Agra is known for its traditional Mughlai cuisine. A traveler can find a number of eating-places across the city, depending on his budget. One can choose from makeshift restaurants in the Taj Ganj area to the luxury hotels in Agra, which are famous for their Mughlai dishes. Agra is famous for its local specialty, the peitha, which is sweet candied pumpkin.
Click on the following links to know more about Taj Mahal Agra.
Taj Mahal | Agra - The City of the Taj | Taj Mahal Architecture | Charbagh - The Taj Garden |Legends of the Taj Mahal |Taj Mahaotsav - Taj Festival |Hindu symbols in Taj Mahal | Attractions near Taj Mahal |Palace on Wheels |City Map of Agra | Tourist Map of Agra | Shopping in Taj City |Hotels in Agra - the City of Taj |Location & Climate of Taj City |How to reach the City of Taj
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