Agra, a city on the bank of River Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. Ptolemy, the famous second century geographer, marked it as Agra on the world map. Agra is a vibrant centre of culture, art and religious philosophies that have enriched mankind and shaped human thought over centuries. With a population of 1.7 million, it is the third most populous city in Uttar Pradesh and the nineteenth most populous in India.
Agra achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination due to its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taāj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpūr Sikrī, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Agra is also famous for its handicrafts.
Apart from the Taj Mahal, places to visit include the Agra Fort, Itmud-ad-Daulah, Sikandra (a large garden, where Akbar rests in his mausoleum, 10 kilometres north of Agra on the Agra-Delhi highway), Fatehpur Sikri, Mariam's Tomb (made by Akbar for his Christian wife), Jama Masjid, Chini Ka Roza, Gurudwara Guru ka Taal, Balkeshwar, Kailash, Mankameshwar, Prithvinath, Rajeshwar, Shyam Ji Maharaj, Mahakal, Mahakali and Rawli Maharaj temples and Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary.
Taj Mahotsav, an eagerly awaited festival, is celebrated from 18 to 27 February every year at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of the Taj Mahal. This 10-day long carnival is actually a vibrant platform that brings together India's finest crafts and culture in one single place. It is a festive introduction to India as a whole and Uttar Pradesh in particular, where the extensive range of art, craft, culture and cuisine are on display.
Where to Eat
There are several restaurants in the Taj Ganj area, catering for the many tourists staying around the Taj Mahal, as well as over 200 other eateries. Mughlai food is very tasty and very spicy and goes well with beer. Treat Restaurant is very popular.
Festivals
Kailash Fair: Held at Kailash about 12 kilommetres from Agra in the months of August or September. This is a major fair celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva.
Sheetla Fair: This is held near Delhi Gate in July or August every year.
Agra is famous for leather goods, handicrafts, zari zardozi, marble and stone carving and inlay work. Avoid the sweet pethas, if you want some free, local advice.
How to Get There
By Air:
Agra is well connected by air and is part of the Tourist’s Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It is linked to Khajuraho, Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai.
By Rail:
Agra Cantt is a central location, with connections to all of north and south India. Agra Fot is linked to destinations to the east and west. As many as 100 trains pass through Agra. Reservations are important on the Delhi-Agra-Delhi route as it is very crowded in the tourist season, which extends from late September to March. The Luxury train, ‘Palace on Wheels’, stops at Agra on its 8-day round trip.
By Road:
Agra is 200 kilometres south-east of Delhi and is thronged by tourist buses, taxis and owner-driven cars. The best option from Delhi is to hire a taxi, which will give you the freedom to take in the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmud-ad-Daulah, Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri and Mathura city.
Where to Stay:
Agra has any number places to stay. The 5-star category includes the ITC Mughal, Oberoi Amarvilas, consistently rated among the top 10 hotels in the world, and the Trident Hilton. Hotel Mandakini Villas, Laurie's Hotel and Hotel Raj fall in the mid-range category. Saniya Palace, Shanti Lodge, Youth Hostel and Dayal Lodge are in the budget class. Most tourists leave by mid-evening.
