Agra India

Nurtured like a rose by the sword-weilding hands of the Mughals, Agra is home to the eternal monument of love, the Taj Mahal. Bestowed with the finest specimens of Mughal architecture, the city has emerged as the most sought after tourist destination in India. Within the reaches of the city lies Fatehpur Sikri, the glorious capital built by Emperor Akbar.

Magnets of the City
The Taj Mahal stands as a towering symbol of love in this world caught in the cross currents of war and hatred. Also known as the seventh wonder of the world, it's one of the rarest feats accomplished by human hands. Emperor Shahjahan's labour of love is a gift to the entire mankind. Agra Red Fort, the red sandstone structure built by Akbar served as a military bastion, a portion of which was used as a palace by Shah Jahan. Another site to be visited is Itmad-ud-daulah's Tomb built by Ghias-ud-din -Beg, the father of Nur Jehan. It has some splendid interiors designed and carved with impeccable artistic finesse.

Around Agra
37 kms away from Agra lies the dream city of Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri. This awesome project in red-sandstone was planned by Akbar as the new capital of Mughal empire, but later deserted due to acute shortage of water. Mathura, 58 kms from Agra, is a popular site of Hindu pilgrimage. It's the very place where the legends of Lord Krishna originate. Mathura is regarded as tha birth place of this incarnate of Lord Vihnu and has immense religious sentiments associated with it. Another prominent sight of attraction is Sikandra, the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. This beautiful monument is an intricate blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Jain and Christian motifs.

Getting There
Agra is the most easily accessible travel destination in India, more because of its strategic location. It has its own airport which connects it to every part of the country. Trains and buses are other convenient modes of transport by which one can reach this coveted city. Agra is also a prominent destination in the Golden triangle tours.

Local Transport : Tourist taxis, rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are the most covenient modes of transportation in Agra.

Go Shopping
The Best Bargains : Miniature replicas of the Taj, leather goods, stone and marble inlays.
Shopping Hubs : Taj Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar, Raja Mandi and Sadar Bazaar.