Agra

Travel to , the land of ! A quaint city in the North Indian state, , with the meandering , Agra boasts of colossal monuments and rich heritage. Agra’s culture is multicolored with people of Hindu, Muslim, Jain and other religions, living harmoniously, while depicting their individual traditions, attires and cuisines. Agra College is one of ’s oldest colleges, originally a Sanskrit school during Scindia’s rule. Agra is a great hub of literature, because of scholars like Babu Gulab Rai.

Agra is mentioned in Mahabharata as Agravana and was founded in modern times by Raja Badal Singh in 1475. Muslims invaded the city in 1526 and erected many outstanding buildings here.

Agra travel is a fantastic experience, because there is something for everyone in this lovely city.

Taj Mahal, the eternal monument of love, stands ashore River Yamuna. The world-famous landmark of Agra is built entirely in white marble and looks especially amazing on a moonlit night. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stately monument took 23 years to complete. It is among the New Seven Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Agra Fort is another magnificent structure and also a World Heritage Site. It is actually a structure before 1000 BC and was renovated by Mughal King Akbar in 1565. It consists of many magnificent buildings inside, like Pearl Mosque, Palace, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Shish Mahal, and many more.

Jama Masjid, built by Princess Jahanara, daughter of Shah Jahan in 1648, is an impressive structure.

Downloaded from www.airtport.reviews Itimad-Ud-Daula’s Tomb, built by Noor Jahan, wife of Mughal King, Jahangir, is another magnificent building. She commissioned it in memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Standing ashore Yamuna, it has a lovely garden around it, in which there are many water channels and walkways.

Mankameshwar Temple, 2.5 km from Taj Mahal and 1 km from , is one of the four ancient temples, that adorn the four corners of Agra. It is devoted to Lord . Quaint markets belonging to Mughal era surround it.

Mangleshwar Temple too is a Shiva Temple, in Gokul Pura.

Bageshwarnath Temple, another beautiful Shiva Temple, is located in the Civil Lines, off Ramratan Road.

Guru Ka Tal is a Sikh pilgrimage place, with a beautiful lake, originally meant for collecting rainwater. The Gurudwara has become pious because of the visit by four Sikh Gurus.

Chini Ka Rauza is a beautiful mausoleum of Allama Afzat Khal Mulla Shukrullah, who was the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. Its Persian dome has ornate decoration of blue glazed tiles.

Ram Bagh is India’s oldest Mughal garden, built in 1528 by King Babar. Standing ashore Yamuna, it is cooled by the river breeze, even in scorching summer.

Mariam’s Tomb is the mausoleum of Akbar’s Christian wife, Mariam.

Mehtab Bagh is a lovely garden just opposite Taj Mahal on the other bank of Yamuna. Though the historical significance of Agra overshadows scope for adventures, golf is Agra’s strong point and Golf Club here attracts thousands of golfers annually.

Downloaded from www.airtport.reviews Agra holds a number of festivals too.

Taj Mahotsav is a major annual event held in February for 10 days, when the city becomes festive, showing the rich culture and cuisine of Uttar Pradesh.

Bateshwar Fair of Agra held in October-November, in the premises of Bateshwar Mahadeo Temple, is a colorful cattle fair, when you can see Cows, Ship, Camels and Elephants, adorned with colorful cloths.

If you are in Agra during August-September, don’t miss Kailash Fair, held 12 km from the city. For shopaholics, Agra’s Petha (a soft translucent confection), marble artworks and leather items, especially shoes, are must-buys.

Whether it’s a posh restaurant or a roadside inn (dhaba), Agra hotels present a feast for food-lovers. The city has a huge Mughal influence on its cuisine and its specialties are creamy kormas, tandoori fish and chicken, seekh and boti kebab, nargisi kofta and much more. Agra’s Petha and Chaat are never to miss.

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