Agra Tourism

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the seven Wonders of the World and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Needless to say, it features on the itinerary of not just domestic tourists but also foreign travelers. Agra is situated in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and along with Jaipur and Delhi forms the Golden Triangle of Indian tourism.
Agra, a city in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state, is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. Set behind a reflecting pool inside a courtyard defined by 4 minarets, the imposing main building features a massive dome and intricately carved white marble inlaid with precious stones.
Believed to have been built in 1475, Agra even finds a mention in the epic Mahabharatha where it is called Agraban (meaning paradise). The renowned second century geographer Ptolemy had also spotted this place as Agra in his world map. The present Agra city was established by Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi Dynasty in the 16th century and was the capital of the Lodi and Mughal dynasties.

The examples of art and culture in this historic city are not only breathtaking, but are also mirrors of the artistic talents of the Indian population during the grand past. The city houses many ancient temples, mosques, forts, mausoleums, tombs and historical monuments. The city has its unique style of traditional paintings, folk dances, folk music and embroideries.Aside from the Taj Mahal, Agra has two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Taj Mahal in the night is a sight to behold but entry is restricted.