Agra - The city of architectural marvels
Primarily visited by guests interested in the varied Mughal heritage in India, Agra is a foremost destination in the 'Golden triangle Circuit' of the country. Barely 200 km from Delhi, Agra still maintains its old world charm and at the same time is a contemporary city, equipped to play host to the modern day traveler. Besides the architectural heritage of the place, guests take delight in the handicrafts heritage of the place as well. No wonder, one generally travels back from Agra, full handed. Full with knowledge about the ancient and medieval history of India and full with numerous souvenirs to carry back home.
History
The mention of Agra can be traced back to the ancient times, even to the times of the Mahabharata. In recent history, the founding of modern day Agra is credited to Sultan Sikandar Lodi of the Delhi sultanate who founded this city in the early part of the 15th century. It remained in the hands of this dynasty until the first Mughal emperor in India, Babar, won it over in a battle and started to rule over it. Successive rulers from the Mughal dynasty continued to call this town their home and naturally, Agra remained a politically significant city for several decades to come.
Climate
The sub tropical climate of Agra characterizes hot and humid summers and cold winters. A brief monsoon period also prevails over this city that brings temporary relief from the heat for the citizens. Temperatures in Agra vary from anything between 35 and 45 degree Celsius in summers to 7 and 29 degree Celsius in the winters respectively.
Attractions
The list of attractions housed within Agra is extensive and at the same time attractive. Read through the below mentioned local attractions that are a few of the most significant places of tourist interest in Agra.
Agra Fort -Characterizing typical architectural designs of the Mughal period, the Agra fort is a huge fort complex built entirely of red sandstone. Owing to its classic design, the fort is often referred to as the Red Fort of Agra and houses in its midst, a number of monuments that bring alive the aura of the place. Recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the entire fort complex boasts of 1.5 miles of perimeter.
Taj MahalThe main attraction of Agra is perhaps the Taj Mahal, a marvel on white marble built by emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his last wife Mumtaz Mahal. Epitomizing love and romance, Taj Mahal is a world heritage site recognized by the UNESCO and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It has been endorsed by many that the world belongs to two categories of people, one who have not seen the Taj and the other of people who have seen the Taj Mahal. Yes such is the charisma of this monument that is to be seen to be believed.
Fatehpur Sikri Located just a few km from the Agra city centre, Fatehpur Sikri is a sister twon and equally significant destination as is Agra. Housing a number of Mughal monuments such as the Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal and Anup Talao; a trip to Fatehpur Sikri is a fantastic excursion option from Agra.
Agra markets As has been already mentioned, Agra is home to several markets and local bazaars that sell a host of local handicraft products ranging from leather ware to inlay work products on marble and from local sweet delicacy called the petha to a thousand other peculiar items that truly reflect the essence of India. Therefore a visit to Agra is incomplete without purchasing souvenirs to carry back home.
Agra Fort -Characterizing typical architectural designs of the Mughal period, the Agra fort is a huge fort complex built entirely of red sandstone. Owing to its classic design, the fort is often referred to as the Red Fort of Agra and houses in its midst, a number of monuments that bring alive the aura of the place. Recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the entire fort complex boasts of 1.5 miles of perimeter.
Taj MahalThe main attraction of Agra is perhaps the Taj Mahal, a marvel on white marble built by emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his last wife Mumtaz Mahal. Epitomizing love and romance, Taj Mahal is a world heritage site recognized by the UNESCO and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It has been endorsed by many that the world belongs to two categories of people, one who have not seen the Taj and the other of people who have seen the Taj Mahal. Yes such is the charisma of this monument that is to be seen to be believed.
Fatehpur Sikri Located just a few km from the Agra city centre, Fatehpur Sikri is a sister twon and equally significant destination as is Agra. Housing a number of Mughal monuments such as the Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal and Anup Talao; a trip to Fatehpur Sikri is a fantastic excursion option from Agra.
Agra markets As has been already mentioned, Agra is home to several markets and local bazaars that sell a host of local handicraft products ranging from leather ware to inlay work products on marble and from local sweet delicacy called the petha to a thousand other peculiar items that truly reflect the essence of India. Therefore a visit to Agra is incomplete without purchasing souvenirs to carry back home.
