The city of Taj, Agra is located on the banks of river Yamuna between Mathura and Surajpur in the north Indian state, Uttar Pradesh. Agra is one of the most visited destinations of the world and is known for the “monument of love”, Taj Mahal. The city came in to prominence during the reign of Sikander Lodi who made it the capital, later under the Mughals, it became a great centre of art, culture and commerce. The city houses several monuments which display the splendour of Mughal architecture and attract
tourists from all over world.
Climate of Agra :
The climate of Agra is extreme. It is very hot in summer and cold during winter months. During summer (April to July) maximum temperature rises up to 46 degrees C and in winter the temperature varies between 22 to 5 degrees C. The best time to visit is in winters(December to January).
Tourist Attraction of Agra :
The historic city Agra has a wide range of spectacular monuments for tourists. The architectural splendour of the Taj Mahal, the fort, palaces is a symbol of the past glory of the city Agra.
Taj Mahal - This famous monument of love is a masterpiece of marble architecture credited to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Taj Mahal is now regarded as one of the seven wonders of the world. Shah Jahan constructed this mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of this monument was started in 1632 and completed in 1648.
Agra Fort - This red sandstone structure is an excellent example of Mughal architecture built by three greatest Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. The great Mughal emperor Akbar has commissioned for the construction of the fort in 1565 AD. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 km and has four gates. The fort consists of several beautiful palaces and several other buildings built both in red sandstone and white marble.
Sikandra Fort - Located at a distance of 13 km from the Agra Fort, it is the mausoleum of emperor Akbar. It is a combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture which shows the secular philosophy of Akbar. Akbar had started the construction but was completed later in 1613 by his son Jehangir. It is the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
It mad-d-Beulah - It is the tomb of Mirzam Madhya Beg a Persian in emperor Akbar's court. This marble tomb was constructed during 1622-1628 by Emperor Jehangir's Queen, Noorjahan. Its marble inlay work is the prime feature of its architecture.
Taj Mahotsav - This 10 days colourful festival is celebrated every year in the month of February. Organised by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Taj Mahotsav(festival) showcase the extraordinary legacies of the rich heritage of art, crafts, culture of this beautiful land.
Getting to Agra :
Air - It has its own airport which connects all the cities of India. All the major domestic airlines operate their flights to the Agra airport or the Kheria airport.
Rail - The city is well connected by trains to every parts of India. Agra is the main railway station and all the major trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi exp, Kalinga Utkal Exp. have their stoppage in Agra. Also one can visit the city by the Palace on Wheels.
Road - It is well linked by bus services to other cities in and outside the state. Some major road distances are Delhi-204 km, Lucknow- 369km, Varanasi-605km, Mathura-54km, Nainital-353km.