Agra

Agra has become popular worldwide as it nestles the monument of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal. Agra is one of the most important historical and ancient cities of India. A small city of Uttar Pradesh, Agra was built on the West Bank of the River Yamuna. The city was established in the year 1475 by Raja Badal Singh. Agra became an important city only after the Lodhi king Sikander Lodhi set up his capital in this ancient city. Later the Mughal ruler Babar took over the Agra city and set base for the establishment of the Mughal rule. It was during the Mughal rule, especially under Babar, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan that Agra, in North India, located on the West Bank of Yamuna, developed as a great center of architecture, art and Mughal culture. A number of forts, buildings and tombs were constructed during the 16th century, which was the peak period of Mughal glory in Agra, India.

The massive monuments, majestic buildings and still flourishing arts and crafts including leather work and Pietra dura marble-inlay work along with delicious Mughal cuisine have now become an inseparable part or more, the identity of the city. Agra ,is a must visit city on any Tour of India. You can visit the ancient monuments during your tours that are spread all over Agra and are an example of Mughal architecture and art.

Lets Explore the City of Agra :

Taj Mahal - Reflecting the passions of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal in Agra was built in the mid-1600s as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later he was buried beside her. The beauty, balance and peace of this symmetrical, marble masterpiece, from the detail of colored stone inlay arranged into intricate patterns of flowers and Arabic prayer to the perfect symmetry on every tower, make it a stunning and unforgettable monument. Flanking the Taj are two red sandstone mosques, which are also beautifully decorated. Only the western one functions as a mosque - the other faces the wrong way and is there purely for symmetry.

The crowning glory of the Agra is obviously the Taj, (Taj Mahal) a monument of love and imagination, that represents India to the world. Visit at sunrise and sunset and watch the colors and the mood change. The pool that so famously mirrors the image of the Taj Mahal is a favorite for Indian family photographers.

The Taj Mahal looks astounding from across the river (where the exquisite "Baby Taj" is), from Agra rooftops and from every angle. Up close the details continue to amaze - marble screens, minarets... the list goes on. In the middle of his dream lies the Emperor himself, next to the woman who inspired his masterpiece.

India Travel Guides
Agra —› Bangalore —› Chennai —› Cochin —› Delhi —› Goa —› Hyderbad —› Jaipur —› Jaisalmer —› Jodhpur —› Khajuraho —› Kolkata —› Mumbai —› Udaipur —› Varanasi