Indian Travel Packages  »   Indian Travel Destination Guide   »   Agra Travel Guide

Agra ( City Of Taj Mahal) The city of Agra is world famous for the Taj Mahal and millions of tourists from all over the world come here every year to see the different moods of this magnificent edifice. As Agra was the seat of the great Mughal rulers for many years, it also has a number of historical monuments in and around the city, dating back to the 16th and 17th century. Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful city of red sandstone, near Agra. Agra is also known for its handicraft products. Location Agra is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the

great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of river the Yamuna. Agra is 204 km south of Delhi. The climate of Agra is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and the maximum temperature can be as high as 45 degree Celsius, while winters are cold and foggy. Heavy rains and high humidity mark the monsoon season.

Visiting Time
Agra can be visited throughout the year, but one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June) and rainy season (July-Sept). The most suitable time to visit Agra is From Nov till March.

History
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort; Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj Mahal. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city.

Fairs and Festivals
Agra city is known for its Taj Mahotsav (Taj Festival). This cultural festival is held every year in the month of February. The Taj Mahotsav brings traditional Indian music and dance on a single platform for the tourist to relish.

Tourist Spots :
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, Jami Masjid, Chini Ka Rauza, Rambagh, Jahangir Mahal, Chisti's Tomb.

Excursions :
Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri, Palace of Jodh Bai, Panch Mahal, The Buland Darwaja, The House of Birbal, The Jamatkhana.

Near By Sites :
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Delhi, Gwalior, Mathura

Shopping
Agra has both traditional and modern shopping areas. It is known for leather products, jewelry, rug weaving and marble work. The Sadar Bazaar area, and the area south of Taj Ganj, boasts of many emporia and shops. Shilpgram or crafts village is located 1 km from the eastern side of the Taj, from where one can buy good quality craft items. Of special importance is the miniature marble replica of the Taj.

How To Reach
Air : Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. Indian airlines operates daily tourist shuttle flights to Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back. It only takes 40 minutes from Delhi to Agra.

Rail : Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra is well connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan.

Road : Agra is 203 Km from Delhi Its 03 Hrs Drive away from Delhi.

Population :
1,118,800

Languages :
Hindi and Urdu

Best time to visit :
Winters

STD Code :
0562