About Agra
Located on the banks of River Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a popular tourist destination as it is home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. It is a sneak peek into the architectural history and legacy of the Mughal empire with two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. History, architecture, romance all together create the magic of Agra, and hence, makes for a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting India.Agra is a major tourist destination. Agra is included on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Jaipur; and the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc, a tourist circuit of Uttar Pradesh, along with Lucknow and Varanasi. Agra is in the Braj cultural region.
Places to visit in Agra
One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is located on the banks of River Yamuna in Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. Every year visitors numbering more than the entire population of Agra pass through the magnificent gates to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking monument!
The tomb is laid out in a rectangular shape and can be approached through a massive gateway which has an arch and alcoves on either side of it. There are water channels and fountains in the entrance which makes the monument even more spectacular. The reflection of this majestic spectacle in the Yamuna is almost poetic in its perfection! The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India's rich history. The Taj Mahal attracts 7–8 million visitors a year and in 2007, it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World (2000–2007) initiative.
Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Before capture by the British, the last Indian rulers to have occupied it were the Marathas. In 1983, the Agra fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort is the perfect example of Mughal art and architecture, built purely out of red sandstone. Within the premises of Agra Fort lie the most exquisite structures like the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i I Khas, Diwan-i I Aam, Moti Masjid and Jahangiri Mahal. Some part of the Agra Fort is used by the Indian Army is off-limit to public access. View of Yamuna River and Taj Mahal from the fort's pavilions is mind-stirring.
Often referred to as the "Baby Taj Mahal", the tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah is a Mughal mausoleum and often regarded as a copy of the Taj Mahal. This is the first tomb in India made entirely of marble. The tomb was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mir Gheyas Beg (later known as Itimad-ud-daulah), who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan. Along with the main building, the structure consists of numerous outbuildings and gardens. The tomb, built between 1622 and 1628, represents a transition between the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture – primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations, as in Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and Akbar's tomb in Sikandra – to its second phase, based on white marble and pietra dura inlay, most elegantly realized in the Taj Mahal.
How to reach
Most tourists visit Agra with Delhi and/or Jaipur and the road and train network is excellent from both of these places, as well from other places in India. The Taj expressway which connects Agra to nearby destinations is one of the best roads in India. For people coming from long distance, taking a flight to Delhi and driving from there is recommended. The city is located right in the heart of India as well as close to the capital city of India, New Delhi that is approximately 240kms away. Nonetheless Agra also encircles the tourist cities. From Jaipur to Agra the distance by road is approximately 230kms whereas from Gwalior to Agra is 120kms. Agra also encircles the cities like Mathura and Vrindavan. The distance from Mathura to Agra is approximately 60kms whereas from Vrindavan it is 80kms.
Well one can connect Agra by road or by train from Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi, Jaipur International Airport and Kanpur Airport. Thus to reach Agra by air from international cities can only be possible either from the above airports. There are regular flights from New York to New delhi and other international cities that connects to Indira Gandhi International Airport. Nonetheless there are scheduled flights from Banaglore to Agra and other cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Chennai. Agra Airport has a direct flight only to Gwalior and Khajuraho. If you are coming by flight, the nearest airports are in Delhi (4hrs), Jaipur (3 hours) and Lucknow (7hrs).
One planning to reach Agra by train has an option of three major railway stations. The Agra Cantonment, Agra Fort and Raja ki Mandi are the three main railway stations in Agra that connects the wonder city with other historical and heritage cities in India. The luxury trains – the Palace on Wheels, and the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels also stop at Agra on their eight-day round trip of tourist destinations in Rajasthan and Agra. The Buddhist Special Train also visits Agra .Agra Cantt is the main railway station that lies in the southwest of the Taj and Agra Fort, both of which are located at a short ride from the station by car, auto-rickshaw, or cycle rickshaw. Agra Fort Railway Station is one of the oldest railway stations in the country from where you can find trains for several routes. The station has trains to eastern cities like Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Kolkata, Patna and central India like Ratlam, Nagda, Raja Ki Mandi, Idgah and Billochpura. Agra City and Yamuna Bridge are some of the other small stations where one can find trains for other routes.
Idgah Bus Stand, Taj Depot, Ford depot and Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) are some of the major Bus Stands in Agra which connect several other major cities of the country. NH 2 connects Delhi to Agra through Tughlakabad whereas NH 11 connects Agra to Jaipur via Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. NH 3 connects Agra to Jaipur via Agra –Mumbai Highway. Mathura (55 KM) and Delhi (184 KM) are few other major cities located near Agra. Agra by road from the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is approximately 330kms whereas from Kanpur to Agra is 280kms. One planning a drive from Khajuraho to Agra, has to cover an approximate distance of 450kms and from Jhansi it is 225kms. Thus the road network to Agra is very well developed and connects all the major cities and other tourist destinations of North India and Central India.
Best time to travel
Agra is the most busy tourist destinations even during its off season. Well truly speaking one who has the heart to travel he or she doesn’t worry about best time to visit Agra. If you have time in hand, just pack your bag and visit this culutural city that still reflects the hues of Mughals from its traditional cuisines, arts and jewelleries other than the medieval architectures of Agra Fort and Fatehpur Shikri. Still if you dig into its peak season when the sandstone alleys are jam-packed with both international and domestic tourists, then from October to March is the best time when you can drive your leg muscles. The climate in Agra is generally hot and dry throughout the year except during the winters when the temperature in Agra drops down to 7 degree to a maximum of 15 degree during the daytime.
The temperature in Agra in October and November cuddles in between 15 degree to 20 degree whereas it falls to 10 degree in December and sometimes the temperature in January drops to 5 degree. It is during this time of the year when Agra climate welcomes tourists from distant parts of the world. Nonetheless from February the temperature starts to rise up to a high of 25 degree that roves in the range of 27 degree and 32 degree till March.
The temperature in Agra in April hops and soars to 40 degree and during May it reaches to its extreme point at 42 degree and sometimes to 45 degree that prolongs till June unless the first drops of monsoon. Events / Festivals in Agra:
Holi: It is one of the widely celebrated festivals in Agra that represents the vibrancy of the city. Holi is celebrated with full zest and zeal and the environment becomes much livelier during this festival. The festival gives the message of unity and brotherhood to every person this world.
Ramnavami: This popular festival is falls in the month of March/April and is among the major festivals of the city. It is the birthday of Lord Rama, which is celebrated with great passion, vigor and devotion.
Diwali: The festival of Diwali is celebrated the people by lights, fireworks, and greetings in this beautiful city and is one of the major festivals in Agra.
Best Places to eat
Peshawari Restaurant at ITC Mughal
In an ambience reminiscent of the rustic charm of dining in the warmth of tents under a starry sky in the cold desert terrain of the North West Frontier, Peshawri brings to Agra an award winning menu of delicacies cooked in the clay tandoor.
Experience the wonder of this cuisine in Agra only at Peshawri, with a lavish spread of delicious kebabs – vegetarian and non-vegetarian that are cooked in myriad ways, a range of Indian breads – from the decadently indulgent to light and fluffy breads and of course, the inimitable Dal Bukhara – all of which is paired with an exclusive collection of wines and other beverages.
SIGNATURE CREATIONS:- Dal Bukhara/Sikandri Raan
Pinch of Spice
Pinch of Spice offers authenticity in each dish present on the menu and offers world class cuisines whether you are looking for traditional Indian food, Continental, Chinese or Italian. Dining at Pinch of Spice is a wonderful holistic experience; everything that greets you upon entering the place makes you feel special and pampered. Exclusive range of cuisine at the restaurant has a wide variety offering mouth watering vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. Exotic yet authentic, the Pinch of Spice chain consist of fine dining with a five star feel and promises all food lovers a journey of specialised north west frontier cuisine with exotic picks from regions of Punjab and the Mughal era, at a substantial pricing.
Pind Balluchi
PIND BALLUCHI serves more than 100 varieties from the cuisines of North India to satiate your taste buds and has become a trend setter in this genre, sporting a menu that one can try any hour of the day. Serving the specialty cuisine from the provinces of Punjab, Himanchal and Rajasthan, the menu of the restaurant is specially designed keeping in view the requisites of all the North Indian Food Hunters. The beverages are made to quench the thirst of the customers, which particularly include Tomato & Chicken ka shorba.
The assortment of kebab preparations is absolutely delectable and some of the must haves are the Kalmi Kebab, Tangri Kebab, Pind Boti Kebab, Dahi Ke Kebab and Mushroom Kurkure.For the main course, the chefs have created an array of mouth watering preparations like Jalandhari Raan, Amritsari Fish, Murgh Potli, Dohra Kebab, Dhaba Meat, Dhania Murgh and Saagwala Murgh. There are more than 20 varieties of Chicken alone in a special Murgh menu.
For vegetarians, PIND BALLUCHI favourites are Sarson ka Saag, Dal Balluchi and a wide variety of Soya preparations. Varki Paratha is favourite among diners. Everything in the dessert section is home-made, and a must-try is either the Gulab Jamun or the Tilla Kulfi.
Places to Shop
Kalakriti is the largest and most spectacular handicraft emporium in Agra. It stands over 10,000 sq. meters. Very close from the Taj Mahal on VIP Road, Agra. It is a three story forts like building and amazing experience began from entrance door studded with semi precious stone and design to resemble famous Buland Darwaza. Intricate carvings and patterns on the wall and door deem the embellished beauty of Kalakriti. The interiors of Kalakriti sprinkle with intricate wood and metal carvings. Each art effect is timeless possession to beautify space. On the first floor there is a jewelry sections which draw the attention of every tourist. A variety of costume as well as designer jewelry designed at kalakriti in house design studio are displayed here. Intricate pattern in metal entrusted with precious stone blend the traditional and contemporary look. There is also an exclusive section of home furnishings, tapestry and upholstery, fabric wall hanging and embroided curtains.
At Kalakriti hand woven wide variety of silk and woolen carpets are brought direct from Kashmir. Kalakriti is a treasure troop of India Handicrafts and has a team of trained sales person with multi lingual skills.