Agra: An exotic place to spend vacations
People who come to India always have one thing in mind- to visit the Taj Mahal. Situated on the Yamuna Rivers, Agra has the privilege of being the proud possessor of the Taj Mahal. Besides this epitome of love, Agra has a lot many things that attract the tourists.
History
Agra is a medieval city built by Sikandar Lodhi, which was passed on to Ibrahim Lodhi after his father’s death. Later on, the Hindu warrior Hemu Vikramaditya tool control over it. However, Mughals were the emperors who brought the present fame to this city. It remained as the capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
Tourist Places
Agra has a lot of places for the tourists to explore, besides the marvelous Taj Mahal. But of course, the first priority is to visit this very place. Keep in mind that it is closed on Fridays and on other days it is open from 6am to 7.30pm. Shah Jahan made this age-old monument for his wife as her resting place. Made of beautiful white marble, it is one of the most fascination monuments of India. Beautiful verses from the Holy Quran can be seen carved on the stones here. End your visit at Taj by having a survey of the Taj museum.
Next comes the Agra Fort that is a manifestation of the Mughal architecture. This Fort has a few notable buildings such as Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khaas, Sheesh Mahal, Pearl Mosque, Jehangir’s palace, and Musamman Burj. A charming statue of Shivaji welcomes the tourists at the entrance of the Fort. Another famous place is Fatehpuri Sikri that should be visited while being in Agra. It is about 35km from the main city but the monument is worth the distance and time. The most famous building is the Buland Darwaza.
Additionally, the other places to explore in Agra include Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb, MankaMeshwar temple, Jama Masjid, Dayal Bagh, Aram Bagh, Chini Ka Rauza, and Akbar’s tomb etc. And do remember to take a guide along with you because every monument has a story to reveal.
Culture
Agra is most famous because of its great Mughal architecture. The weather in this city is quite hot in summers and winters are cold. The monsoon season is full of humid atmosphere. Tourists should avoid the months from April to June, so as to enjoy the city’s culture in its best colors.
The only famous festival at Agra is its Taj Mahotsava that is held in the second month of the year. At this festival, you can enjoy the hues of the traditional music and dance of the city. Agra is also a good place for the shopping freaks; it is an amalgamation of the traditional and the modern. The best one can get at Agra’s markets is rug weaving, leather products, jewelry craft items and many such things. The city boasts of many handicraft emporiums from which you can benefit your vacations.
Cuisines
Being influenced by the Mughal Emperors for such a long time span, the cuisine of Agra reflects the impact of the Mughals on the city. Depending on the budget, one can find plenty of food outlets. You can find street food as well as five star hotels to relish the Agra’s special cuisine. Another thing that is very famous at Agra is “Peitha”. It is sweet delicacy that is candied pumpkin.
Agra is a city that still reminds one the story of the Mughal Raj. You feel being initiated to another world!
