Agra

Famed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Agra is a virtual fort of history and architecture located in the state of Uttar Pardesh in India. Historical monuments, architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of marbles, Agra thrives as the best picnic spot in India.

Agra, a medieval city, was assumed to be built in 1475 had been found its place even in the epic Mahabharatha as Agraban (means paradise). The renowned second century geographer Ptolemy spotted this place as Agra in his world map. Agra was the capital of many dynasties including Lodhi and Mughals.

Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Agra offers the tourists the richest of the man made beauties including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Agra forts, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal. It is the haven of Mughal art, culture and architecture.

Agra is the foremost tourist spot all over India and has been equipped with all kinds of infrastructure facilities for tourists. The city with multi colored illuminations providing a marvelous view at night offer hearty welcome to its tourists. Many high standard hotels and resorts add the enjoyment of the vacation and picnic to its pinnacle in Agra.

History
The most ancient reference of Agra can be seen in the great epic the Mahabharata and the modern period reference is by Ptolemy. The present Agra city was established by the King of the Lodhi Dynasty, Sikander Lodhi in 16th century.

Agra, with all present massive and imposing structural monuments, reached its pinnacle during the Mughal Rule from 1526 AD to 1658. As the capital of Mughal Kingdom, Agra thrived with many activities and was liberally bestowed with many modern facilities and Royal features.

During Mughal period, many extolling gardens, many architectural marvel palaces and artificial lakes were constructed. Agra fort, constructed by the Rajput rulers, were modernized and renovated by Mughal emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan. All the majestic monuments constructed during the Mughal period were specimens of perfect blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.

Itmad-ud-Daulah built in 1628 by empress Noor Jahan and the Taj Mahal, a crowning master piece of architecture built in 1648 by Shah Jahan are exquisite displays of seventeenth century architectural excellence.

The city reached greatest height during the period of Shah Jahan and later he himself was responsible for the decline of the Agra city. It was the decision of Shah Jahan to shift the capital of Mughal kingdom to Shahjahanabad in Delhi was the turning point at which the decline of Mughal Kingdom and Agra has started. Even after independence, Agra has continued in the second level of cities, even with the World Wonder Taj Mahal.

Culture
Agra is an exquisite centre of culture and arts. The specimens of art and culture in the great Agra city are not only impressive but are also the mirrors of the cultural and artistic talents of the Indian populace during the grandeur past. This city houses many ancient temples, mosques, forts, several mausoleums, tombs and historical monuments. Agra Fort and Taj Mahal are the incomparable structures in the city.

Apart from the well accomplished grandeur monuments, Agra is renowned for many art performances. Breathtaking traditional paintings, folk dances, folk music, embroideries, unparallel cloth designing and stitching are the reminiscences of the past glory and some of the talents are still preserved in this historical town.

Sculptors, jewelers, musicians, painters, carpet makers, artisans, metal workers, weavers and embroiderers were frequent visitors to the Royal courts during the Mughal Period. There were many talented artists and artisans were there among the locals.

Balkeshwar Temple located on the banks of River Yamuna, Kailash Temple placed at Sikandra, Mankameshwar Temple at Rawatpara, Prithvinath Temple situated at Rajpur Chungi and Mahakali Temple located at Sikandra are some of the important temples in Agra. These temples are the hub of religious and cultural activities.

Shopping
Agra is known for impressive monuments, but also are equally renowned for traditional arts, paintings and handicrafts. An enthusiast traveler can enjoy the shopping in Agra very much. One can get all kinds of metal wares and fine carfts from the street stalls to super malls in Agra.

The city is famous for much rare collection of handicraft items, valuable leather items like shoes, belts and bags, exquisite jewelries, foot wears and embroidery works. Agra brassware and carpets are renowned world over. Agra’s delicious taste is a favorite attraction for tourists and the sweet taste lies in the pedas, gajak and dalmoth. Agra is a favorite spot for Mughulai cuisines as well.

Munro Road, KInari Bazar and Sadar Bazar are the main shopping areas in Agra. These main markets are located in and around the Taj Mahal.

One can shop for handicraft items and artifacts from Government owned Gangotri, the UP State Emporium located at the complex of Taj Mahal Complex. This emporium has marvelous collections of marbles, leather items, brassware items and textile items.

The Shilpagram crafts village is a praise worthy place to have wide range of shopping facilities for handicrafts and other artisan items. UPICA at Sanjay Place located on the busy MG Road and UP Handlooms are some other sources to shop for souvenirs and presentation items.

Nightlife
Present Agra thriving with many facilities has much in store to offer great night life. The restrictions on the Indian culture on night life are visible in Agra significantly.

The Taj Mahal at night with all kinds of multi colored illuminations, the grandeur reflection of the majestic monument in the serene Yamuna water and the street vendors selling art crafts and fast food is really enjoyable. One can have the maximum enjoyment during the days with more moonlight. Taj Mahal brings in mind the grandeur castles in fairy tales. Five nights around the full moon day are great days for viewing the eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal.

The outskirts of Taj Mahal complex house many movie theaters, pubs, cafeterias, Internet cafes and bar parlors. They are open mostly up to midnight 12’o clock. One can spend evenings in the Agra Fort by viewing the splendid light and sound show depicting the rich stories and glorious past of Agra.