Agra Travel Guide
Travel to Agra - City of the Taj Mahal
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Agra is famous as being home to the Taj Mahal, the spectacular memorial to the wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. Whilst it is true that the Taj is a stunning example of Mughal splendour the city has many other attractions besides and a visit should encompass more than just a visit to what is known as ‘the teardrop on the face of humanity’.
The architectural splendour of the city’s mausoleums, its spectacular fort and the palaces are all a vivid remainder that Agra was the Mughal’s capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political centre ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map.
Attractions in Agra
Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble by craftsmen said to be the descendants of those who worked under the Mughals on the Taj when Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal emperors with their passion for building endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world.
It is very easy to slip away here through the centuries into the grandeur and intrigues of the Mughal court.
Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodhi made it his capital city in 1501. The Lodi rule was to end very soon and Agra passed into the possession of the Mughals. It was during the time of the third emperor Akbar that Agra came into its own. He embarked on the construction of the massive Agra Fort in 1565, though was diverted into building a new capital at Fatehpur Sikri not far away.
Agra continued to retain its importance and Shah Jehan, Akbar's grandson, ornamented the city with that masterpiece of Mughal architecture - the Taj Mahal and built several other beautiful buildings within the Agra fort. Further investigation around Agra reveals many other impressive sights, from the Taj’s precursor, Itmud ud Daula to the Persian-influenced Chini ka Rauza and the city’s Jama Masjid there is much to see.
Outside the city lies the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, a red sandstone marvel that is in as good a condition now as it was when Akbar abandoned it after only 17 years.
Activities in Agra
A city sightseeing tour is a must and provides the best overview for those with only a day or so in the city; 3 days is ideal, allowing enough time to visit the Taj Mahal at different times of the day and to see the city’s other sites. As anywhere a guide will help bring the history to life.
Relaxing
The Taj Ganj area has many cheap eateries (some with great views of the Taj Mahal) whilst the 5* hotels provide dining at the other end of the scale.
Getting Around
A car and driver allows for easy access to Fatehpur Sikri whish lies some miles out of town. The remainder of the site can be seen using auto-rickshaws or taxis.
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