The city of the Taj Mahal , one among the seven wonders of the planet , Agra in Uttar Pradesh is India’s hottest tourist destination. Steeped in history, this ancient city is dotted with monuments, architectural wonders and beautifully landscaped gardens, which are remnants of the Mughal reign’s majestic legacy. the town also enjoys a vibrant culinary scene while preserving its exquisite arts and crafts.

Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, the city, once the capital of the mighty Mughals, stands proudly today with a royal heritage that beckons to at least one and every one . While visitors admire the grand structures here and weave through bustling chowks and bazaars, they will also check luxurious hotels, patronize malls and plazas, and enjoys contemporary delicacies at upscale restaurants.

Agra finds a mention within the epic Mahabharata, where it’s mentioned as ‘Agraban’ or an integral a part of the Braj Bhumi or the land of Lord Krishna. tons of serious historical events within the city are said to possess unfolded during the reign of Raja Badal Singh, a Sikarwar Rajput king, who is believed to possess founded the town in 1475. However, it gained political prominence during the rule of Sikander Lodhi (1498-1517) of the Lodhi dynasty. it had been given a replacement lease of life in 1526 AD, under the reign of Mughal emperor Babur. He was a patron of arts and wanted the inhabitants of the town to adopt the finer things in life. This resulted within the city being crammed with skilled craftsmen, artists, statesmen, warriors and nobility. Thus began Agra’s golden age.

Babur’s legacy was carried forward by his progeny, emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan , all of whom added to the city’s grandeur in terms of wealth, patronage and incredible architectural marvels. Agra transformed into a hub of art, culture, learning and commerce. The city’s lip-smacking food, awe-inspiring monuments, and humanities and crafts stand as relics of this illustrious antiquity. Its rich repertoire of arts and crafts has seeped into its modern personality too: Agra may be a haven for crafts like marble and soft stone inlay work. it’s said that Mughal empress, Nur Jahan, personally looked into the event of arts and handicrafts here. it’s said that she was an expert in zari embroidery herself.