A world-renowned embodiment of love sublime TAJ MAHAL is the center of attraction in Agra. Once also served as sultanate for the Mughal dynasty it contains a majestic history of India. Across the world, people visit to just witness sparkling Magnum opus and captivating Taj Mahal. Agra has much more to offer so let’s dive in. Agra a city, located in Uttar Pradesh in central India and situated on the banks of Yamuna is world famous as it holds India’s most prestigious monument and houses amazing places to visit in Agra. Agravan was first mentioned in Mahabharat where it was believed Lord Krishna cavorted around Gopis in a forest stating Agra-Van. It was in the early 16th century Sultan Sikander of the Lodhi dynasty found Agra and it was then the capital of Delhi Sultanate.

The golden era for Agra was during the Mughal reign when it served as a capital for several rulers and got soaked in culture, art, commerce, and trading. Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan ruled India with Agra being their capital known as Akbarabad in those times. Mughal dynasty left their imprints by giving Agra the architectural exquisite Taj Mahal. It was built by Shah Jahan in the 18th century. Once the Mughal dynasty came to extinction, Agra became a jaat and dalit town. Now, it is known as the Dalit capital of UP state.

Places to visit in Agra 

Where is the Taj Mahal situated? Agra! And that’s how it has its identity. But Agra has a lot more to deliver apart from Taj Mahal world heritage site of UNESCO designated in 1983. Foretold story of Shah Jahan built it as a token of love for his deceased wife Mumtaj. It’s is being claimed that he chopped off the laborer's hands once the monument was completed. Mughals gifted Agra with many such presents. Agra Fort which was built by Akbar in 1565 reportedly took 8 years to build and it was designed as a fortification of an earlier era. It has Jahangir Mahal which has the largest share of land and major attraction and is a popular place to visit in Agra. Moti Mahal white luscious building which was built by Shah Jahan. Diwan-e-Khas is a private and huge hall built for visitors and official meets along with Diwan-e-aam. Its picturesque is reminiscent of Mughal culture. Akbar Tomb located on Mathura highway which was built by his son Jahangir. The Tomb of Akbar is just 1 km away from the tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani most loved wife by him. Aram bagh situated on the bank of Yamuna river also provides a backside view of the Taj. It was built by Humayun for leisure activities and captivating scenic views of Yamuna. St. Johns college was established in 1850 and is a 172-year-old building counted as one of the historical places to visit in Agra. Dayal Bagh which means ‘Garden of the merciful’ is a self-sustained colony and locality in Agra. Founded by the revered leader of the Radhasoami faith. A travel tip just 30 km away from Agra is Fatehpur Sikri where Buland Darwaza, Jodha bai palace, Diwan-e-Khas, and Tomb of Salim Chisti is situated. It’s a one-day round trip that can be an add-on in your itinerary. There are stories that it had a tunnel that interlinked Agra fort with Fatehpur Sikri.

Art, Culture, and Craft of Agra

In the month of February, a Taj Mahotsav is organised for 10 days in Shilpgram, Tajganj. It reflects culture, art, music, trade, Persian encrypted design souvenirs and food. It begins with bejeweled elephants, camels, drummers, and a convoy of dancers taking you back to the Mughal era. It exhibits local businesses with pocket-friendly prices. From having cultural shows, folk dances and a food festival it is now famous among Indians and foreigners.

Shopping in Agra

It’s just not a Taj souvenir you can shop and Agra is a production hub for leather goods as well. It offers a variety of shoes at affordable prices. It’s also a destination to shop designed carpets at a very nominal price. Sanjay palace, Raja Mandi, Lohar ganj, Khar Gali, and Taj ganj are a few famous shopping streets and the most explored destinations in Agra.

Stay facility in Agra

“Athithi Devo Bhava” means guests are akin to God! So Agra being a tourist spot offers all luxurious chains of hotels. From ITC Mughal, Radisson, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Trident, and an illimitable list goes on. Agra offers a wide range of luxury and budgeted hotels. Some of the budget stays are listed below:

• Joey's Hostel
• Moustache Hostel
• Max Guest House
• Hotel Taj Plaza

Eating places in Agra

Don’t hunt quaint cafes and nightlife in Agra. The authentic food of Agra is rustic in nature. Street food in Sanjay Palace (named after the deceased Sanjay Gandhi) is unmatched and not to miss. You can’t even fathom the variety of pethas (a sweet dish) found here. Take a box after your visit.

Things to do in Agra

Boating near Yamuna bank is a tourist attraction. Aram bagh offers boating just adjacent to the Taj Mahal. Agra also has a sports club for leisure time. Agra today might not be clean and rich as before but it still is world famous for beholding its heritage. It has a such vast history that one can’t summarize it in words. Due to now being a leather hub pollution has increased to a great extent. Once called the blue Yamuna for its clean water is now very much polluted and water quality has dipped immensely. Interestingly, Agra offers Hot air balloon safari, Animal and Bird watching, and more.

How to reach Agra?

• Airport: Nearest airport to Agra is Indira Gandhi airport approximately 200 km. An upcoming project Jewar-Noida airport would be only 117 km of distance connecting via the Noida expressway. 
• Railway: Centr railway track passes across the city. Agra has 7 railway stations among which Agra cantonment is biggest.
• Roadways: National highways link Agra to several cities. Therefore bus services and self-transport mode is the most convenient.