One of the Seven Wonders of the Planet, Agra in Uttar Pradesh is India’s most popular tourist destination, the city of the Taj Mahal. This ancient city, steeped in history, is dotted with monuments, architectural wonders and beautifully landscaped gardens, remnants of the majestic legacy of the Mughal reign. This city also enjoys a dynamic culinary scene as well as an exquisite arts and crafts scene.
Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, the city, once the capital of the powerful Mughals, is proud today of its royal heritage that appeals to all and sundry. Delhi, Jaipur, Agra tour packages with Namaskar India Tour. While visitors admire the city’s grand structures and wander among the bazaars and lively restaurants, they also frequent the luxury hotels, shopping malls and squares, and sample the contemporary delights of the upscale restaurants.
There is a mention of Agra in the Mahabharata epic, wherein it is mentioned as “Agraban” or an important part of Braj Bhumi or Lord Krishna’s land. Tons of serious historical events in the city are said to have taken place during the reign of Raja Badal Singh, a Sikarwar Rajput king, who is believed to have owned the city founded in 1475. However, it gained political importance during the reign of Sikander Lodhi (1498-1517) of the Lodhi Dynasty. It had received a replacement lease in 1526 A.D. during the reign of Mughal Emperor Babur. He was a patron of the arts and wanted the people of the city to adopt the most beautiful things in life. As a result, the city was populated by skilled craftsmen, artists, statesmen, warriors, and noblemen. This was the beginning of Agra’s golden age.
Babur’s legacy was passed on by his offspring, the emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, who all added to the greatness of the city in terms of wealth, patronage and incredible architectural wonders. Book Golden triangle tour package by car with a guide. Agra has been transformed into a center of art, culture, learning, and commerce. The food to be eaten, the impressive monuments, the humanities and crafts of the city are all remnants of this illustrious antiquity. Its rich repertoire of arts and crafts has also permeated its modern personality: Agra is perhaps a haven for handicrafts such as marble work and soft stone inlays. It is said that the Mughal empress, Nur Jahan, personally attended the event of arts and crafts here. it is said that she herself was an expert in the embroidery of zari.
Agra’s Kheria Airport is a seasonal airport which is mostly only connected to New Delhi. Flights do not always ply on this route. Other ways to reach Agra include flying into New Delhi which is about 210 km away from Agra. The other cities one can fly into include Gwalior, Jaipur, and Lucknow.
Agra is connected via regular bus services to New Delhi (about 210 km away), Jaipur (about 238 km away), Gwalior (about 120 km away), Lucknow (about 336 km away), and Kanpur (about 276 km away). These could be operated by private companies, the UPSRTC or other state road transport corporations.
Agra is connected via regular railway services to many big cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Allahabad, and Jaipur. The train stations here include Agra Fort, Agra Cantt., Agra City, Raja ki Mandi, Idgah, and Yamuna Bridge.
The Agra Fort, constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, is perhaps a magnificent sandstone constructed as an ode to the magnificence of the Mughal Empire. The fortress consists of a crescent-shaped structure with its eastern wall flanked by the Yamuna River.
