[ Edit ] Overview

Agra, situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, 200 kms south east of Delhi, was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th century.  Agra is on the "must see" list for any Indian or foreign tourists given the number of architectural and historical gems that are housed in this city.

While the city finds mention in the Mahabharata as "Agrevaṇ", or "border of the forest", Agra flourished during the reign of the Mughals - notably under Emperor Akbar and subsequently under Emperor Shah Jahan - from 1526 to 1658.  

Famous for the Taj Mahal, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Agra also boasts of the Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort - both of which are included in the list of  World Heritage Site (UNESCO).  In addition, Agra is home to several other monuments including the Tomb of Akbar, Jama Masjid (Agra), I'timād-Ud-Daulah Tomb, also referred to as the 'Baby Tāj' - given its modest resemblance to the Taj Mahal.

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[ Edit ] History

Agra was first mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as Agrevan (translates as "The Border of the Forest").

In 1501 Sikander Lodhi of the Delhi Sultanate made it his capital. In 1526 Babur defeated the Lodhi’s and Agra came under the Mughal rule. Babur introduced Mughal gardens to Agra.

Agra flourished during Akbar’s rule and became a centre for art, culture and learning. He laid the foundation for a city here and named it Akbarabad.  Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri were built during Akbar’s reign. When Shah Jahan, who had a passion for architecture, came into power he built the Taj Mahal, most of the palce buildings inside the Agra Fort and the Jama Masjid.

Shah Jahan's son, Aurangazeb, moved moved his capital from Agra to Delhi and that began the slow decline of Agra as well as the Mughal Empire. The Jats then came into power beginning the years of destruction to the city and its monuments, followed by the Maratas and then the British.

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Uttar Pradesh, India

[ Edit ] Location

Agra is located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, India.

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

Since much of what there is to see in Agra is outdoors, October through March are the best time to visit Agra when the weather is cooler.  Summers are hot!!

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

[ Edit ] STD Code

0562

Sightseeing

Agra Fort

Akbar’s Mausoleum

Aram Bagh (Ram Bagh)

Chini ka Rauza

Fatehpur Sikri

Firoz Khan Khwajasara’s Tomb

Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Jami Masjid (Agra)

Taj Mahal

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DAY: Sat	LOW: 26	HIGH: 30

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