Strategically located in the fertile Ganga- Yamuna plains in Western UP, the city of Agra is the witness of an era that showcased an entire range of human emotions - the love and passion for which one could kill and be killed. Agra matured and perfected itself during the reign of Mughals. The architectural splendour of the forts, palaces and the mausoleums are the very reminders of the rich cultural heritage of the Mughals.

Among the legacies the Mughals bestowed, one emerged as India's most enduring icon - the Taj Mahal, an ultimate requiem of love from a great Mughal emperor to his beloved. Perhaps no other historical monument has been able to evoke such awareness and admiration from the tourists and travellers from all across the globe.

See & Do

Agra is no doubt a diamond embedded in the crown called India which holds many attractions in its arms. This city makes us aware of our great history which has become an ideal for the people from all over the world.

Taj Mahal - The Taj Mahal is the most famous monument constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the finest expressions of love, situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. It stands on a raised marble platform with tall white minarets at each corner of the platform.

Agra Fort - The Agra Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. In Akbar's time the fort was principally a military structure but later during Shah Jehan times the emphasis shifted and the fort was partially converted into a palace. There are a number of exquisite buildings inside the Agra Fort like-

Jami Masjid Northern Tower Delhi Gate Elephant Gate Ladies' Bazaar Moti Masjid Diwani -i-Am Nagina Masjid

Mina Mosque Grape Garden Octagonal Tower Khas Mahal Jehangir's Palace Diwan- i- Khas Shish Mahal Amar Singh's Gate

Itmad-ud-daulah's Tomb - This tomb was built by Empress Noor Jehan in the memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. This was the first Mughal structure totally constructed of marble and the first to make extensive use of the pietra dura inlay work of marble which is so much a part of the Taj. The mausoleum is small and squat compared to the soaring Taj. There are also extremely fine marble lattice-work passages admitting light to the interior.

Ram Bagh - The Ram Bagh was laid out by the first Mughal Emperor, Babur in 1528. It is said that Babur was temporarily buried here before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan.

Jama Masjid - The Jami Masjid was built by Shah Jehan's daughter Jehanara Begum in 1648. One can witness a spark of Iranian architecture in the structure of this monument.

China-Ka- Rauza - This tomb is surmounted by a single huge dome and was constructed in his own life by Afzal Khan, who died in Lahore in 1639. He was a high official in the court of Shah Jehan. The tomb reflects a bit of Persian influence.

Akbar's Mausoleum - At Sikandara, 10 km north of Agra, is the tomb of Akbar. The tomb is situated in the centre of a large garden and four identical red sandstone gates lead to the tomb complex. The tomb is a blend of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles.

Shopping Fever

Agra has the privilege of being a shopper's paradise. The city is flooded with shopping malls and areas where one can buy the specialities of the place. Mostly the markets are ornamented with the replicas of Taj in marble. Agra is very famous for its leather items. Leather purses, bags, sandals and other decorative items become the wannabe things for the tourists visiting Agra. Take back home sandal and rose wood items, brass decorative pieces and stone carved images from the handicraft emporiums and shops. The city is also famous for its sweets 'petha' and 'Gazak' and saltish snack 'Dalmoth. However it is the soft stone inlay work and durries, the zari embroidery work that capture the attention of many.

Major shopping areas include -
Tajgunj - It is a region around Taj Mahal and has developed into a popular commercial centre. This place is flourished by overwhelming tourists and business enterprises. The Tourist Shopping Arcade is the best place for shopping in Agra. The Shopping Arcade has renowned stores that merchandise leather goods, carpets, rugs, jewellery, arts and antiques, glass ware etc.

Accessibility
» The Tajgunj area is connected by roads to the rest of Agra. Fatehabad Road and Taj Road connects the place with the city centre. There is a local bus stand situated west of Taj Mahal less than a kilometer away.

» The nearest railway station to Tajgunj is the Agra Fort Railway Station which is about 4 kms from the place.

Rakabganj - It lies towards the centre of the Agra city and is well connected to the rest of the city. Rakabganj serves as a great commercial centre and holds teeming markets, lodges, restaurants, health clinics and educational institutes. The Sabzi Mandi is an shopping centre in the region.

Accessibility
» Mahatma Gandhi Road runs from north to south of the Rakabganj area and connects it with rest of the areas of Agra city.

» The nearest railway station to the place is Idgah Railway Station. Idgah Railway Station is located towards the west of Rakabganj and a couple of kilometres from it.

» Agra Airport is located further west and about 5 kms from Rakabganj.

Loha Mandi - This shopping centre falls in the west of the Agra city and has derived its name from the market selling iron goods. Today Loha Mandi is blessed with some of the lavish markets. Leather and marble works are very famous in this region.

Accessibility
» Loha Mandi is about 7 kms from the city center and about 5 kms from Idgah Bus Stand. The roadways provide an easy access into the township.

» Raja Ki Mandi is the nearest railway station and is about 3kms from the place. It is situated towards the east of Loha Mandi.

» Agra Airport lies south of Loha Mandi. The airport is about 7 kms far from the place.

Shopping Malls in Agra -
Government Emporia
Black Patridge- Haryana Handicraft Emporium, Taj Mahal Complex
Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhavan, Raja-Ki-Mandi
Gangotri, Taj Mahal Complex
Kairali- arts and crafts of Kerala, Taj Mahal Complex
Rajasthali- Rajasthan Handicrafts, Taj Mahal Complex
U.P Handicraft Palace, Fatehbad Road

Souvenir Shops
M/s Craft Palace, Pratappur Chauraha
M/s Jem Art, Fatehabad Road
M/s Kanu Carpet Factory, Purani Mandir, Tajkanj
M/s Oswal Emporium, Shahjadi Mandi

Palate's Delight

Once the aroma of the popular food of Agra travels in the thin air, the taste buds of all the food lovers get stimulated. The food served in Agra hold the impression of the Mughal kings. The city of Agra houses restaurants, food corners that offer best Mughlai cuisine in India. Kababs, Tandoori Chicken, Kormas and Tandoori fish are the specialities of the restaurants here. Dalmoth and Petha are the important sweet dishes of the region. However the people of Agra have a great liking towards non- veg dishes.

The city offers a wide range of eating-out experiences from 5-star restaurants to street food. The Mughal Sheraton buffet lunch is popular with the tour groups, while the Clarks Shiraz offers traditional Indian food. Chiman near the Jami Masjid is famous for its delicious thalis. Other fine restaurants in Agra are -

Dasaprakash - Located in Gwalior Road, Agra Cantonment, this restaurant is specialist in South Indian food.

Nauratna Restaurant - Located in Fatehbad Road, Taj Ganj is specialist in Mughlai food.

Park Restaurant - Lying in Sadar Bazaar, this restaurant is famous for its well prepared veg and non- veg dishes and chilled bear.

Capri Restaurant - Placed in Hari Parbat, Agra, the Capri Restaurant is popular for the Mughlai Dishes.

Olive Garden - Located in M.G Road, the Olive Garden offers multi-cuisine facility to the food lovers.

Some other food centres of Agra-
- Gazebo Restaurant in M.G Road
- Kwality Restaurant in Sadar Bazar
- Hot Bites in Sadar Bazar
- Avadh Restaurant

Climate Wonder

Agra experiences Tropical and extreme climate. Summers are extremely hot and humid with the temperature rising as high as 45 degree Celsius. Winters on the other hand are very cold and foggy. Heavy rains and high humidity mark the monsoon season in Agra.