Agra Vacations India | Uttar Pradesh | Top | Best Tourist Places in India

Agra Vacations India/Uttar Pradesh

Introducing Agra

The dream destination Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi belonging to the Lodhi dynasty in the 16th century. But it were the Mughals who catapulted Agra to a great position by building a few splendid architectural masterpieces, of which the Taj Mahal occupies the pride of place. Agra is located in western Uttar Pradesh in between Mathura and Fatehpur Sikri. The city is located at a distance of 203 kms from national capital Delhi.

Agra has become synonymous with the Taj Mahal, "the epitome of love" and one of the wonders of the world. This marvel of white marbles and the pride of India attracts tourists from all parts of the world to Agra. Reflected in the glorious monuments of Agra that the Mughals built with meticulous care is the architectural splendor of this great city.

Climate

The climate of Agra may be described as extreme and tropical. The city can be very hot and humid during summers with temperatures shooting upwards of 40 degrees. The city experiences rainfall during July -September on account of monsoons. Winter starts setting in from November onwards and lasts till February. Winters are cold and foggy.  

Best time to Visit
October to March

How to Reach :

By Air : The airport of Agra is located on the outskirts of the city. Regular flights are available from major destinations of India.

By Rail : Agra has very good rail connectivity. Regular trains are available to Agra cantonment-the main railway station of the city from Delhi and other destinations. Tourists can also explore the option of coming to Agra in luxury trains like Palace on Wheels.

By Road : Agra is well connected to Delhi and the rest of Uttar Pradesh through an excellent road network. Regular buses are available to Agra from most destinations of North India.

Places Where You Can Stay

Plenty of accommodation is available in Agra in all categories-budget, mid range and top end. Some of the best luxury category hotels in Agra include Amarvilas, Jaypee Palace, Taj View, Mughal Sheraton and Clarks Shiraz.

Tourist Attractions in Agra

Taj Mahal : Although there is no written rule, a tour to Agra compulsorily begins with the Taj Mahal. The monument of love in sparkling white marble is something whose beauty and grandeur no other monument in this world can match. The Taj was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Situated on the banks of sacred river Yamuna, the construction of Taj took a long 22 years. Beautiful gardens, gateway structures and mosques complete the entire Taj complex

Agra Fort : Built by Emperor Akbar in the year 1571, the Agra Fort is another masterpiece of Mughal architecture dotting Agra's landscape. Infact, the Agra Fort is regarded as a great fusion of Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture.The entire monument has been built using red sandstone.

Akbar's tomb : The architecture of the tomb of Mughal emperor Akbar is a departure from the common Mughal architectural style. It is a combination of many different architectural styles and another of Agra's tourist attractions.

Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb : Built in memory of her father by Mughal empress Noorjahan, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is also called the 'Baby Taj'. This mausoleum is known for its elaborate carvings and inlay work. The tomb contains cenotaphs of Empress Noorjahan's parents. This tomb is also built in white marble.

Places Around Agra

Mathura : At a distance of 45 kms from Agra, Mathura is the birth place of Lord Krishna. A place sacred to the Hindus, Mathura's landscape is full of big and small temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Holi-the Hindu festival of colours is celebrated with tremendous pomp and gaiety in Mathura.

Vrindavan : Vrindavan near Mathura is another place associated with Lord Krishna. Vrindavan also has many beautiful temples.

Fatehpur Sikri : Fatehpur Sikri also speaks of the architectural splendor of Mughal rule. The one thing that strikes tourists on entering Fatehpur Sikri are the magnificent buildings in red sand stone. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1585. The place is at a distance of 37 kms from Agra.

Shopping in Agra

The markets of Agra are full of tiny marble replicas of the Taj Mahal sold as decorative pieces. Though all of them are not of the same quality, tourists can definitely find some of the best replicas if they take a little pain in searching through the markets.

Agra is also famous for leather products. Many different items like bags, caps, jackets, wallets, sandals, shoes and decorative items are made of leather. The Zari and embroidery works of the local artisans are also among the best buys of Agra.