Experience Agra
Agra is and will always be known for being home to the monument of love –
come what may. Now that doesn't mean that Agra doesn't have other monuments
to show off. It's just that these have been overshadowed by the magnificence
of the Taj Mahal. Very few cities of the world can match the historical and
cultural significance of Agra. Located in the northern plains of India on
the banks of the river Yamuna, Agra promises to give you an experience of
the lifetime that will leave you hypnotized.
Visiting Agra
» Taj Mahal : Built by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in the memory
of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful structure has won itself numerous
admirers all of whom agree that it is the most wonderful man made symbol of
love on earth.
» Chini Ka Rauza : This building was built by Afzal
Khan, a high ranking official in the court of Shahjahan. It has been
constructed in the Persian style of architecture.
» Sikandra : It is the tomb of Emperor Akbar which
has been built in the style which is a beautiful blend of the Hindu and
Muslim styles of architecture.
» Ram Bagh : Laid by the orders of Emperor Babar,
these extremely beautiful Mughal Gardens are open to the public from morning
till evening.
» Itmad-ud-Daulah : It is a marble tomb that was
built by Noorjehan in the memory of her father Mirza Ghayaas Beg. The inlay
work on marble that can be seen here is in fact inspired by similar work in
the Taj Mahal.
» Fatehpur Sikri : Located only 37 km away from Agra, Fatehpur
Sikri is a complete city built in the red sandstone. The place is a good
example of how an eclectic mix of the Hindu and Muslim architectural styles
can create wonderful structures.
Staying in Agra
Since Agra is a city that is already filled with many wonders, it is no
wonder that the place is dotted with a wide variety of hotels that satisfy
an equally wide variety of needs. Complete with all the modern day
facilities, these hotels provide you with efficient service and an
experience that is exclusive in itself. Tourists mostly prefer to stay in a
hotel located near Taj Mahal whereas the business tourists like to stay at
those hotels where the facility of business centres and meeting rooms are
provided. Some of the famous hotels in Agra are Welcomegroup Mughal
Sheraton, Clarks Shiraz, Hotel Agra Ashok and Hotel Amar Vilas.
Shopping in Agra
Apart from the monuments, Agra is also known for its fine arts traditions
and the handicrafts. The important markets in Agra are located near the Taj
Mahal complex which include the Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar and Munro Road.
The U P State Emporium is a good place to look for quality handicrafts. Agra
is also famous for marble, leather, rugs and brassware products.
Reaching Agra
There is a domestic airport at Agra which is connected with most of the
major cities in India. The airport is situated at the distance of 7 km from
the city centre. Agra is easily accessible from Delhi by trains as well.
There are many trains that operate between these cities daily. The place
also falls on the route of the luxury train Palace on Wheels. Delhi and Agra
are connected to each other by a national highway as well so you can even
drive to Agra if you so desire. Many government and private buses operate
between Delhi and Agra which offer you a very comfortable and smooth
journey.
