Agra City Travel
Agra is the one of the most prominent destinations in the World Tourism map
with three heritages monuments-The Taj Mahal, Red Fort & Fatehpur Sikri.
It is more just a decedent city of graveyards and stones, but there is more
to this vibrant city of Culture, Art and Religion and philosophies that have
enriched mankind and shaped human thought over centuries. And of course the
most important monument that gets counted as a world wonder is the Taj Mahal
and Agra is proud to have it. Agra is situated in the State of Uttar Pradesh,
India.
Agra as a city has a lot of similarity with New Delhi not because of the proximity
of the place but because, Agra lies on the bank of Yamuna River, worldly known
as the City of Taj. Agra's history seems to be mixed with the legend; the city
was first referred to in the epic of Mahabharata as Agravana.
While in the recorded modern history of Agra, the city was founded by Sikandar
Lodhi (Lodhi Dynasty) dating back to the 16th century. For certain periods,
Agra gained its status as the Mughal Empire that finally came as a credit to
Emperor Shahjahan whose romance became the love legend that has fascinated visitors
from all over the world; it was he who built this lovely monument in the memory
of his beloved wife Mumtaz.
This marvelous memorial became the masterpiece of Mughal architecture among
others as seen around the city. It still stands strong and raring and will always
remain as a masterpiece for time o come and even more.
In later years of Shahjahan's rule, the capital was transferred again to Delhi.
However, after his son was dethroning him in the year 1658, Aurangzeb, Agra
rose once again as the capital. After the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire
faced its way down. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas,
and finally the British taking the city.
Agra today is considered to be one of the most visited cities as far as tourism
is concerned.
Some of the best places to visit when you are in the city are:
Places to visit
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place
for his favorite Queen, Mumtaz. Was completed in 1653 A.D. Finished in by white
marble, it is perhaps India most fascinating and beautiful monument. Not only
is it recognized in just India but also all over the world. These perfectly
symmetrical monuments took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labor and 20,000 workers;
Masons and Jewelers to built and are set amidst landscaped gardens.
Agra Fort
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar was involved in the construction of the Agra
Fort in 1565 A.D., although additions were made till the time of his grandson
Shah Jahan. It has become a wonderful place to visit and enjoy.
Sikandra Fort
The museum built by the famous and the powerful emperor Akbar represents his
philosophy and secular outlook, this monument takes us through the historic
era and it is the best combination of the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures
in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one
of the well-preserved monuments. This is the last resting place of the Mughal
Empror Akbar.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sand stone. This is one place that is architecturally
very famous and a city though is in ruins but still is in demand from all its
visitors. A city of yester year today lost in the mists of time. The Mughal
Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri during 1564 A.D. This city is quite prominent,
as most of the north India tours of Delhi and Agra make sure that they visit
this place of interest.
Radha Swami Samadhi
This is the head quarter or the of Radhaswami religion, here the holy ashes
of the founder of the faith have been preserved and still lie here very well
preserved. On the sprawling lawns here, is a beautiful and marvelous temple
with beautiful carving of fruits, flowers, leave sand plants which have been
reduced into stone true to nature, and are distinctive specimens of the plastic
arts. This is under construction for almost 100 years.
