The magical allure of the Taj Mahal draws tourists to Agra like moths to a wondrous flame. And despite the hype, it’s every bit as good as you’ve heard.
Wish to realize a dream vacation? Welcome to the amazing tourist city – Agra. Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is one of the most prominent destinations on the World Tourism map and the most popular tourist destination in India. Needless to say, it features on the itinerary of not just domestic tourists but also foreign travellers. The 3 UNESCO world heritage sites namely Taj Mahal, Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri are a must visit in Agra.
Believed to have been built in 1475, Agra even finds a mention in the epic ‘Mahabharatha’ where it is called ‘Agraban’ meaning ‘paradise’. The present Agra city was established by Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi Dynasty in the 16th century and was the capital of the Lodi and Mughal dynasties.
The examples of art and culture in this historic city are not only breath-taking, but are also mirrors of the artistic talents of the Indian population during the grand Mughal Age. The city houses many ancient temples, mosques, forts, mausoleums, tombs, and historical monuments. It has its own unique style of traditional paintings, folk dances, folk music, and embroidery.
1. TAJ MAHAL
What can be said about the mighty Taj Mahal that hasn’t been said before? The world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal, often referred to as the symbol of love, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630–1652) of labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewellers to build. Also, apparently, their arms were chopped off after the historic structure was completed, so that the same would never be replicated. The interiors are decorated with fine inlay work, incorporating semi-precious stones. If you haven’t already visited Taj Mahal, you certainly should tick it off your list. It’s not for nothing that it has made its way to the top of the list of the Seven Wonders of the World.
2. AGRA FORT
Built with red sandstone, Agra Fort is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. The construction of Agra fort commenced in 1565 and ended in 1573. The Agra fort was the seat of the Mughal Empire before it was shifted for a short time to Fatehpur Sikri and later to Delhi. Captured by the Mughals in 1526, a vast treasure including the Kohinoor diamond was seized. It took 4000 workers eight years to build. Double ramparts with massive circular bastions encircle the 94-acre fort. Four gates on four sides provide access to it. Delhi Gate is the grandest and was the gate for the king’s formal entry. This fort is similar in layout to the Red Fort in Delhi, but better preserved. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque or Moti Masjid, the Diwan-e-aam and Diwan-e-khaas (halls of public and private audience), Jahangir’s Palace, Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and the Musamman Burj.
3. FATEHPUR SIKRI
Constructed by Emperor Akbar as part of his plans to build a grand capital for his empire, spread across eight sq km, the monumental city of Sikri is about three miles long and one mile wide. The red sandstone throughout the city has exquisite ornamental carvings and interlaced decorative designs.
Fatehpur Sikri has royal palaces, halls for public and private audience, the zenana or the quarters for women, courtyards and grand avenues. Jama Masjid or the grand mosque was the first structure to be constructed with the rest of the city built around it. The aristocrats had residences on a higher plane than the commoners. Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khaas, Sheikh Salim Chishti tomb and Birbal Bhavan are some of the must visit buildings in Fatehpur Sikri.
Besides its historical and architectural importance, Fatehpur Sikri was the place where the legends about Akbar’s Navratnas (or nine jewels, a reference to his nine ministers) took shape. The city remained Akbar’s capital for 14 years. Today, the city lies uninhabited but mostly intact.
4. SHOPPING
Agra is famous for its marble stone inlay and a rare collection of handicraft items. Tourists will also like to shop for valuable leather items like shoes, belts and bags. Exquisite jewelry and embroidery work can also be found here. Agra brassware and carpets are renowned the world over.
Located behind the Jama Masjid, the Kinari Bazar is a busy thoroughfare of lanes and streets, exuding a charm of bright colors and hustling sounds. Walking through the Kinari Bazar is a unique experience in itself. One can shop for a variety of products. From marble work to jewelry, spices, fabrics, and clothing, there are tremendously diverse options available. The market is crowded most of the time, but nevertheless is a great place to be.
Sadar Bazaar is probably the best place to do shopping in Agra. Located close to both Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, the market sells various items such as different Taj Souvenirs, products with elaborate carvings, products with mosaic and mirror work etc. The shops here have items with diverse price range and one can shop away articles from small curios to as large as garden furniture.
5. DELICIOUS DELICACIES
Agra is popular for its Petha, a sweet dish that once eaten will make you drool each time you hear its name. The Petha is said to have originated in the kitchens of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. You’ll start seeing signs for shops selling petha the minute you enter Agra. It is a sweet made from pumpkin and glucose which has more than 200 flavours available only in Agra. Almost every visitor to Agra takes a few packets of petha home. Dal moth, Gajjak and Ghevar are also some of the specialties of the city.
Chaats, or savory snacks, are very popular in Agra—particularly bhalla, various kachoris, samosas, and gol gappas. The Mughal empire left indelible imprints on Agra’s cuisine as well. You may already know its trademarks: creamy, boldly flavoured curries; lots of ground and whole spices, dried fruits and nuts; roasted meats. It’s a rich cuisine, fit for kings.
The list doesn’t end here, other famous places to visit in Agra include Itmad-ud-daulah, Sikandra, Chini ka roza, Guru ka taal, Mankameswar temple, Kailash temple, Balkeshwar temple, Mariam’s tomb, Mehtab bagh, Meetham lake, Mughal heritage walk, Hewitt park, Ram bagh, chausath khamba, Dayalbagh and many more….
