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 Agra, the city of Taj, is located at about 203 km from Delhi, the capital city of India. The privileged city of Agra is world famous for its magnificent, majestic, marvelous and beautiful Taj Mahal, the finest architectural wonder of the world. The city of Agra has a rich political and cultural past of more than 500 years. But, it was the Mughal period during which the city reached its zenith.
Akbar, the most famous Mughal emperor, made Agra his capital in the year 1565 AD and started the construction of the Agra Fort on the banks of the river Yamuna. During his period Agra emerged as the India's most famous center of art, culture and commerce and learning. The trend continued fro many centuries and reached its zenith during the Shah Jehan's period. The glory of the Mughal period can be seen in its various wonderful architectural masterpieces such as the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, Bulund Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah also known as Baby Taj.
Places to Visit
Taj Mahal: The most beautiful monument of the world, the Taj Mahal, is the symbol of love and romance of Shah Jehan and his wife Mumtaz, the most romantic royal couple of India. This marvelous Indo-Islamic architectural masterpiece was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Built entirely of white marble, the stunning architectural beauty of the Taj can't be described in words. The moonlight glowing sight of the Taj and its clear reflection in the waters of river Yamuna mesmerizes everyone and make you spellbound.
Agra Fort: Built by Akbar in the year 1565, this magnificent red sandstone fort was the seat of the Mughal Empire during the reigns of three Mughal emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan. Within the Fort you can view the Diwan-e-Am, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Pearl Mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Palace of Mirrors to name a few, which reflect the richness of Mughal architectural styles.
Other major attractions in and around Agra are the Tomb of Itimad-ud - Daulah, which is famous as baby Taj and which's interiors are believed to be more beautiful than Taj. The Jama Masjid and various monuments at Fatehpur Sikri, the historical town built by Akbar, including Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world, and the tomb of famous Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti. Another major attraction at Agra is its annual Taj festival known as 'The Taj Mahotsav', a fabulous cultural event showcasing the folk culture of the region. The festival is organized from February 18 to 27 every year.
Besides magnificent monuments, the city of Agra is a shopper's paradise too. You can shop for the small replicas of Taj carved out of white Marble, which can be used as a decorative, gift item or as souvenirs. Agra is also famous for the leather items including leather sandals and shoes, purses, bags, decorative items and many more such leather product that instantaneously attracts your attention. The shops also sell brass decorative pieces and stone carved images. Agra is also famous for the Zari and embroidery work.
How to Reach
By Air: There is a well-maintained airport at Kheria located 7 km from the city center Agra, which has all the major domestic airlines having their services to the city of Taj.
By Rail: Agra has many small and big railway stations and well connected by trains to almost all the major cities and towns in India. The most luxurious trains of India including the world famous 'Palace On Wheels' have Agra on top of their itineraries.
By Road: Agra has a very good network of roads. All the premier towns and cities of India are well linked by bus services to the city. The national highway numbers 2, 3, and 11 pass through the city making it easily accessible by road.
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