A Trip to Agra

Visiting Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a monument of undying love, is a life time experience. The famus monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 16th century by employing 20,000 workers for 22 years to finish this incredible work. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in remembrance of his beloved wife who had died while delivering a child. Home to Taj Mahal, Agra is an important place to be included in very itinerary of North India Tour. The city of Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and world. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the globe come to visit Agra and the historical places that the mighty city has to offer. Apart from the three world heritage sites, namely Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, there are many other historical places in and around the city which are quite popular with the tourists.

The golden age of the city started with the Mughal era. Then called Akbarabad, it stayed the capital for generations. Since Akbarabad was one of the most important cities in India it witnessed a lot of construction activity. The great Emperor Akbar built the Great Red Fort and also made the city the hub for learning and arts. Akbar also constructed a new city on the outskirts of Akbarabad called Fatehpur Sikri as a Mughal military camp. His son Jahangir loved flora and fauna and made many gardens within the Red Fort.

This majestic Agra fort was built by Mughal Emperor Akabar between 1565 and 1573. The fort is situated on the western bank of river Yamuna and northwest of famous monument Taj Mahal. It is built of red sand stone. Emperor Shah Jahan who built Taj, was imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb in this fort for last eight years of his life. It is believed that an emperor Shah Jahan died in Musamman Burj. Agra fort is known for its magnificent rampart and incredible architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri is a township situated at a distance of 35 Km from Agra and a must visit place during a tour of Agra, It was the first planned city in India, which was built by the Mughals and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire in the late 15th century. The construction of this city was started by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and was completed by his son, Emperor Jahangir. Many people visit this historical city during their Agra tours and so, most Agra tour packages include a trip to this site. It is an important landmark in Agra tourism and is one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites situated in the district of Agra, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (Northern Province).

During your tour of Agra, you can also go on a shopping spree as the markets have several household decors and leather solutions and the marble factories of Agra are world-famous. You can also have fine dining expertise at Agra because it has the wealthy tradition of Mughlai cuisine.