Agra is home to the globally well-known Taj Mahal, and is one of the most well-known traveller spots of India. It is located about 210 km south of Delhi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Located on the west bank of river the Yamuna, Agra is the city of tombs and memorials. Agra is famous for its Taj Mahotsav (Taj Festival). This cultural festival is held in the month of February every year.
Agra has a ironic historical background, which is established in the many historical monuments in and around the city. Agra was originated by Sikandar Lodhi of the Lodhi dynasty of the Sultanate of Delhi in the 16th century. Babur, who was creator of the Mughal dynasty in India, presented the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar constructed the Agra fort, while Jahangir redecorated it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan noticeable the peak of Mughal architecture, by building the Taj, the unbelievably beautiful riverside mausoleum that is certainly the main tourist fascination of Agra.
Certain of the greatest well-known traveller places to see when you travel to Agra are itemized below
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is a vision in white marble with beautiful pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the complicated inlay work done on the interiors. On a trip to this superb monument, it is better not to rush into seeing things, but to remain in the gardens, admire the scenic beauty, and take your time.
Constructed in memory of Mirza Ghiyas this tomb is also famous as the 'baby Taj', it was the first Mughal structure completely constructed from marble and first to make extensive use of pietra dura.
Built by Emperor Akbar on the bank of the river Yamuna, the Agra Fort controls the centre of the city. The crescent-shaped fort has a 21-metre high and 2.5-km long outside wall that contains a maze of edifices that form a small city within a city. The Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience), the octagonal tower famous as Musamman Burj, Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden) are the other places to see within the fort.
The Jama Masjid is a delightful absorption of Iranian architecture. It has a four-sided open forecourt and no minarets. Its sandstone domes have a striking marble patterning.
The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar signifies Akbar's philosophy and secular outlook, by blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles.
Dayal Bagh is the head office of the Radhaswami sect and a attractive white pietra dura marble inlay temple is being constructed here. The temple has been under construction for almost 103 years now.
Agra offers a number of trip sites nearby.
55 km from Agra, Mathura is a well-known and important pilgrim place of the Hindus since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura is also an significant crafts centre.
Vrindavan is related with the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna. It has notches of temples, shrines, and memorial stones and hermitages of the saints and Krishna's followers. Govind Dev Temple, the 151-year-old Ranganathan Temple, the ISKCON Temple etc are situated here.
Lord Krishna is supposed to have been raised secretly in Gokul. One of the most distinguished constructions here is the Chaurasi Khamba (84 pillars), also recognized as Nand Maharaja's house.
The Mughal Emperor Akbar constructed the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri in AD 1565. Some of the major fascinations of this city are the marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Jodha Bai's Palace and Birbal Bhavan.
Agra is well linked by air as well as road to India. The Agra airport is 8 km from the city centre and daily traveller shuttle flights operates to Agra, and back. Flight time from Delhi to Agra is only 35 minutes. Agra is well linked by railroad to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan.. The main railway station is Agra Cantonment.
Agra has a tropical climate. Summers are very hot and the maximum temperature can be as high as 46 degree Celsius. However, winters are cold and unclear, and heavy rains and high humidity mark the monsoon season.
Agra is recognised for its traditional and modern shopping areas. Leather products, rug weaving, jewellery, and marble work items can be purchased here. Shilpgram or the crafts village is situated 2 km from the eastern side of the Taj, from where one can buy good excellence craft items. Of note here is the miniature marble replica of the Taj.
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