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Agra had been the
selected city of Mughals for years as it was close to Delhi.
However, the history of Agra is much older than the times of
Mughals. The great Hindu epic 'Mahabharat' refers to 'Agraban'
as an essential part of the Brij Bhumi or the land of Lord
Krishna. It is maintained that this was the region of Agra,
enclosed by forests then.
However, the city is said to be founded in 1475 throughout the
reign of Raja Badal Singh. Mughal royals
transformed the land into one of the great centres of art,
culture, learning and commerce. Huge monuments, majestic
buildings and still prosperous arts and crafts including
leatherwork and pietra dura marble inlay work
along with luscious Mughal cuisine have now become an
inseparable part or more, the uniqueness of the city. The Agra
city known for the famous monument of love the Taj
Mahal. Taj Mahal was constructed by the Mughal
ruler, Shah Jahan. It is said he built this monument in
the remembrance of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal.
Perhaps the most affecting view of the Taj is from an octagonal
tower in the Agra Fort more along the river Yamuna. There
are very few cities in the world that can equivalent the history
and heritage of Agra.
Situated at a distance of 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is the
single most famous tourist destination of India. Located on the
west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the
huge Northern Indian plains. The architectural magnificence of
the city is reflected in the wonderful monuments of medieval
India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more
than 300 years.
Most Popular Attractions of Agra:
Agra Fort:
The construction of the Agra fort was started around 1565 when
the original structures were built by Akbar. Shah Jahan
substitutes most of these with his marble creations. Some
however survived; amongst them are Delhi Gate, Amar Singh
Gate, Akbari Mahal and the Jahangiri
Mahal. The fort is hemispherical shaped, crushed on the east
with a long, approximately straight wall facing the river.
Fatehpur Sikri:
A splendid city completely preserved, Fatehpur Sikri
provides a marvelous get away into the past. Akbar
embarked on the construction of a new capital here when a
prophecy of the birth of a male royal heir, by the Sufi Saint
Salim Chisti of Sikri, came true. Impressive
gateways and light hearted palaces were built in red sandstone
within this equipped city only to be deserted a few years later.
Sikandra Fort:
Welcome to Sikandra Fort, an excellent of Agra, only 13 km. from
the Agra Fort, the last resting place of the Mughal monarch
Akbar. Akbar was the greatest of the Mughal emperors and one of
the worldliest minded royalties of his time. He was the heir to
a long custom of oriental modification, a great fan of the arts,
literature, philosophy and science. A visit to Akbar's monument
opens before one, the totality of Akbar's behavior as completely
as the Taj Mahal does of Mumtaz Mahal's.
Diwan-E-Khaas:
The Hall of Private Audience is called Diwan-e-Khaas.
To the right of Sheesh Mahal is Diwan-e-Khaas.
Presently entrance is not allowed inside Diwan-e-Khaas
but the fine size of the building can simply be valued. The
marble pillars are inlaid with semi precious stones in pleasant
floral patterns.
Khaas Mahal:
Located in between the golden pavilions is the Khaas
Mahal. Built completely of marble by Shah Jahan, the
palace demonstrates characteristic Islamic Persian features.
These are well combined with a outstanding range of Hindu
features such as chhatries. It is measured to be emperor's
sleeping room or' Aramgah', The Khaas Mahal
provides the most flourishing example of painting on a white
marble surface.
How to Reach
By Air:
The nearest airport is Kheria, situated at 7 km from the Agra
city center. All the main domestic airlines operate between Agra
and main cities of India.
By Rail:
Agra well linked by trains and has small and big railway
stations. Agra Cantonment is the main railway station and linked
to almost all the major cities and towns of India. The world
eminent Palace on Wheels the most luxurious trains of India has
Agra on top of its route.
By Road:
Agra has a good network of roads. The national highway numbers
2, 3, and 11 pass through the city construction it simply
accessible by road. The city is well linked to Delhi (203 km),
Jaipur (235 km) and other cities of India by road.
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