People from all over the world come to
Agra to see
Taj Mahal, one of the
seven wonders of the world. It is located about 204 km south of Delhi in the
Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the west bank of river the
Yamuna, Agra is the city of tombs and memorials. According to
agra info, Agra is also known for its
Taj Mahotsav. A cultural fest held in the month of February every year that enables to celebrate traditional Indian music and dance on a single
platform. Thousands of tourists throng to it from all over the world.
Agra Information Guide
Agra Info - Tourist Attraction in Agra
» Taj Mahal : Agra is popular for
beholding one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The
architectural brilliance of the mansion, the fort and the palaces is a clear
remainder of the mausoleums of the capital in the 16th and early 17th
centuries. Taj Mahal is one of the World Heritage Monuments and attracts
maximum number of tourists from all over the world.
The magnificent marble tomb was built between 1631 and 1653 by Shah Jahan,
the Emperor of Agra. The Taj Mahal was built in memory of his wife Mumtaz,
who died in childbirth.
» Agra Red Fort
: The fort was originally built by Emperor Akbar and was later expanded
by Aurangzeb. The fort's huge double walls rise over 20 m (65 ft) in height
and measure 2.5 km in circumference. They are enclosed by a fetid moat and
contain a maze of superb halls, mosques, chambers and gardens which form a
small city within a city.
Shahjahan was kept captive by Aurangzeb in this red fort. He did gave his
father a room with a view of the Taj Mahal, built by him. It is an
interesting fort and worth seeing.
» Jama Masjid
: The masjid was erected in the memory of Sheikh Salim Chisthi and his
grandson Islam Khan by Jahanara Begum, Shahjahan's daughter, who was
imprisoned with Shah Jahan by Aurangzeb,in the year 1648 A.D. The masjid
exhibits a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. The building with
its rectangular open forecourt, has no minarets but its sandstone domes have
a striking marble patterning.
» Fatehpur
Sikri : Between 1570 and 1586, this was the temporary capital of
the Emperor Akbar, of the Moghul Empire. This impregnable city houses
impressive gateways and ornamented palaces built in red sandstone. Among
these architectural game are the palaces of Akbar's queen - Jodha Bai,
Mariyam and his Turkish sultana, built in varying styles, each perfect in
itself. It is 40 km west of
Agra.
Agra Info - Excursion From Agra
» Mathura
: 47 km from Agra, Mathura is a important pilgrim place of the Hindus
since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura is also an important
crafts centre.
» Vrindavan
: Vrindavan is linked with the childhood of Lord Krishna. It has scores
of temples, shrines, and memorial stones and is famous for Krishna's
followers. Govind Dev Temple, the 150-year-old Ranganathan Temple and many
other interesting monuments are located here.
» Varanasi
: Popularly known as Cultural capital of India, Varanasi is one of the
oldest living cities of the world. The city has a past that dates back to
3500 hundred years, during which it has continuously been populated.
Varanasi is a restoration of an ancient name meaning the city between two
rivers - the Varuna and Asi. There are supposed to be 2,000 temples in
Varanasi.
» Gokul : Lord Krishna is believed to be raised secretly in
Gokul. One of the most interesting structures here is the Chaurasi Khamba or
84 pillars, also known as Nand Maharaja's house. Most of the temples and
structures here are built around the legends.
Agra Info - Shopping
in Agra
There are series of good shops in Agra, where one can shop according to
his budget and convenience.
Agra is known for its impressive marble and soft stone inlay work.
Shops like the Oswal Emporium, 30 Munro Road, and Subhash Emporium, 18/1
Gwalior Road are good marble shops. It is also famous for handicraft
work that includes leather goods, brass ware, carpets, and jewelry. One
must explore the following shopping areas around the Taj Complex: Sadar
Bazaar and Fatehabad Road.

There are several large emporiums such as the Cottage Industries
Exposition on the Fatehabad Road, has a good collection but it is
shockingly expensive.
Shilpgram is an exhaustive crafts village that has collection of arts
and handicrafts from all over India and has a special feature of
occasional live music and dance performances.
Agra is one of the worst cities for touts, rickshaws drivers and
guides, who want to show the best possible shops. Usually one has to pay
more for their purchases, as a percentage is given to the person who
brings you there that includes rickshaws drivers and guides. Shopping or
loitering around the Mall, MG Road, Kinari Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar and the
Taj Complex is fun, but you need to know what you're buying and be
prepared to squabble.
Those who have a sweet tooth can enjoy the Agra's famous delicacies-
Petha and Ghazak, which are rare in taste. So knowing about agra information is the excotic option.
Agra Info - How to Reach Agra
Agra can be accessed by train, air or by road.
» Air : Kheria Airport of Agra is 9 km southwest of the
city
» Rail : The superfast Shatabdi Express which originates at
the New Delhi railway station is rather convenient since it reaches Agra
at early hours leaving the whole day for touring Agra.
» Road : Buses usually depart from the Idgah bus stand,
near Agra Cantt railway station.

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