Agra City - once the capital of ancient India, close to holy river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh province, is approx. 200 kms from New Delhi. Agra's historical importance is recognized by Mughal Empire, though it's existence was founded much before during Mahabharat Period. The first ruler and who founded Agra in 1504, was Sultan Sikandar Lodi was also the ruler of Delhi Sultanate. After his death, his son Sultan Ibrahim Lodi ruled Agra till he lost fight to Babar in First battle of Panipat in 1526.
Although the golden era of Agra started with the rule of Mughal Emperors Akbar, Shah Jehan and Jahangir. During the rule of Akbar it was known as Akbarabad.
It was the most important city of India during the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Emperor Babur who was also the founder of Mughal Dynasty had made first Persian garden on the Yamuna River Bank and garden known as Aram Bagh or Garden for relaxation. Later Akbar who was the grandson of Babur, made the red fort or Agra Fort. It was during Akbar rule when Agra became the centre for Art, business, commerce and also the learning center. Fatehpur Sikri which is on the way to Jaipur and hardly 40 kms from Agra, was also constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Later his son Jahangir, who liked flora and Fauna, constructed many beautiful gardens inside red fort. And Later on Shah Jehan, whose interest was in Architecture, had constructed the unimaginable constructions of history, was the Taj Mahal. He was inspired to built this in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and was completed in 1653.
Please note that Red Fort or Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri are all UNESCO world heritage sites.
What to See In Agra / Agra Tourist attractions / Agra Sightseeing :
The main tourist attraction of Agra is Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jehan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula (the replica of Taj Mahal also known as Mini Taj), Sikandra Tomb of Akbar, Dayal Bagh Garden of Agra.
Although the golden era of Agra started with the rule of Mughal Emperors Akbar, Shah Jehan and Jahangir. During the rule of Akbar it was known as Akbarabad.
It was the most important city of India during the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Emperor Babur who was also the founder of Mughal Dynasty had made first Persian garden on the Yamuna River Bank and garden known as Aram Bagh or Garden for relaxation. Later Akbar who was the grandson of Babur, made the red fort or Agra Fort. It was during Akbar rule when Agra became the centre for Art, business, commerce and also the learning center. Fatehpur Sikri which is on the way to Jaipur and hardly 40 kms from Agra, was also constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Later his son Jahangir, who liked flora and Fauna, constructed many beautiful gardens inside red fort. And Later on Shah Jehan, whose interest was in Architecture, had constructed the unimaginable constructions of history, was the Taj Mahal. He was inspired to built this in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and was completed in 1653.
Please note that Red Fort or Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri are all UNESCO world heritage sites.
What to See In Agra / Agra Tourist attractions / Agra Sightseeing :
The main tourist attraction of Agra is Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jehan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula (the replica of Taj Mahal also known as Mini Taj), Sikandra Tomb of Akbar, Dayal Bagh Garden of Agra.
Activities in Agra :
Camel Cart Ride / Horse Cart Ride : Tourist can enjoy the Camel Cart ride or Horse Cart Ride aka Tonga Ride from Parking till Main Entrance. (kindly do not ride the sick or injured horses/camels & request the local authority to stop it).
Mohabbat The Taj Night Show : Its an amazing daily live show organize at Kalakriti Auditorium Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and history of Taj Mahal existance.
Visit to Taj Mahal on Full Moon: Taj Mahal is opened in the night on Full Moon day, for which tourists has to book the tickets one day in advance. The Ticket Counters Closed by 6 PM.
Temperature in Agra :
Summers : 25 to 46°C
Winters : Winter 1 to 23°C
Longitude & Latitude of Agra: latitude of 27.1 N and longitude of 78.05 E.
Best to Time to Visit Agra: Mid September till Mid April
How to Reach Agra Delhi or how to Agra from Mumbai
By Air - Though Agra has airport known as Kheria Air Force station both for Military Airbase and Public airport for Agra. As it is very near to Delhi, therefore is no flight at present service for Agra. The Nearest airport to Agra is Delhi Airport; Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, which is just 220 kms or 4 hours drive away to Agra.
By Road - There are many buses are operating from Delhi. Both Public and Private Sector buses. The latest development in Road route to Agra from Delhi is Taj Expressway, which has shortened the time travel between Agra & Delhi by little more than one hour. One can hire the commercial car rentals for visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra. From Mumbai it will be very long drive to Agra and thus is not advisable to do.
By Train - Train is another option for traveling to Agra from Delhi & Mumbai, which have direct trains. All is needed to book in Advance train tickets.
Where to eat in Agra: The Good place to Eat in Agra, for budgeted tourists is Joney's Place Restaurant, for South Indian try Dasaprakash (1, Gwalior Road Behind Ashok Hotel) serves good South Indian Thalis and Dosas, Zorba the Buddha, Lucky Restaurant, Shankara Vegis Restaurant, Mughal Room in Clarks Shiraz hotel, Bellevue in Oberoi Amar Vilas for non guests and Yash Cafe which offers a variety of Veg & Non Veg food.
Where to stay in Agra: Good hotels to stay in Agra are Oberoi Amar Vilas, Triden Agra, JayPee Palace Hotel and Convention Center Agra, Radisson Blu hotel Taj East Gate, The Gateway Hotel Fatehabad, Crystal Inn, Hotel Kamal, Siris 18, Raj Mahal, Hotel Safari, Sai Home Stay, Wyndham Grand etc.
Shopping in Agra : While traveling in Agra, you will have many options to buy. The right things to buy from Agra which be prized possession of yours house are Marble Inlay Tables, Mughal Carpets or Prayer Rugs, Jewellery, Handicrafts items, Marble souvenirs, footwear, traditional clothing, gems both precious and Semi Precious.
Where to Shop in Agra: Going for Shopping in Sadar Bazar of Agra is suitable option as this place popular shopping place and is close to Agra cantt. Railway station, Taj and Agra Fort. The Shopping Complex in Sadar Bazar is Closed on Tuesdays. Other place for Shopping is Kinari Bazar of Agra, located north west of Agra Fort and famous for finest Jewellary and is closed on Sundays; other days open between 1100 hrs to 1800 hrs. Taj Ganj market and Munro Road Market are also convenient places to shop for good handicraft and marble work.
Do's & Don't for Shopping in Agra
- Explore much before buying
- Hard bargaining is Advisable
- Avoid being convinced by anyone who saying to bring you to cheaper and best shops
- Being a famous tourist spot, there are more chances to be engaged with frauds
Tour References:
a) Agra with Jaipur Tour
b) Agra Jaipur with Tiger Tour
Website Reference for Travel in India: Famous India Travel Itineraries
