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Just a thought about the majestic Taj Mahal inspires you to have a Tour to Agra in India. The city of Agra is famous across the globe for the Taj Mahal and most of the tourists from all over the world relish the different moods of this magnificent edifice every year. One can have a perfect break by an Agra Tour.
Being the seat of the great Mughal rulers for many years, Agra has a number of historical monuments in and around the city, dating back to the 16th and 17th century. One can relish the beautiful city of red sandstone, the Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar near Agra. One can also roam around the markets, art galleries and theatres within the city. The Tour of Agra is also renowned for its nearby excursion tours to Delhi, Gwalior, Mathura, Vrindavan and Fatehpur Sikri.
When it comes to the Mughlai Cuisine and the indigenously prepared sweet petha; no place can beat Agra. One can enjoy the same at the luxury hotels in Agra, which offer you the delectable cuisines along with the modern and contemporary amenities. Agra has been made ideal for the Tourism in Groups done the national and international tourists.
The History of Agra
If one wants to witness the cultural and historical legacy claimed by India; Agra is the perfect place to be at. A Tour of Agra India therefore portrays the Golden Period of India during the Mughal empire. The heritage of Agra city is the creation of the Mughal dynasty. The Taj City was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort; Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens. The zenith of Mughal architecture was achieved when Shahjahan built Taj Mahal in Agra. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British.
Tourist Places in Agra
Taj Mahal
The beauty and grandeur of the Taj Mahal gave it the status of the seventh wonder. The marble structure epitomizes the love of Emperor Shahjahan (the fifth Mughal emperor) for his beloved; Mumtaz Mahal. Built in the 17th century by Shahjahan, this edifice immortalized their love and sets an example of love and devotion before the new married couples who visit here in masses. The monument of love, the Taj Mahal is as old as 350 years, but it has not lost its romantic aura, which attracts millions of visitors towards Agra.
Apart from the historical and architectural importance; the Taj Mahal is believed to develop an emotional bond between the lovers as well as married couples. It is also a paradise for the photographers who capture some of the best photographs exemplifying the beauty and serenity of the Taj Mahal. An Agra Tour also provides you some private moments with your beloved or friends sitting beside The Taj Mahal or the silent river Yamuna.
The most exclusive time to visit the Taj Mahal is on the Purnima (Full Moon Day) when the white marble of the Taj Mahal sparkles in the moonlight to give a splendid look to the edifice.
Agra Fort
One more monument of Mughal era is the Agra Fort in Agra. The various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the secular spirit and amalgamation of diverse cultures that marked the Mughal period. One can walk around the massive fort to imagine the vastness of the empire.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb is a highly ornate edifice, which is looked upon as an imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal with elaborate carvings and inlay work. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built before its construction.
Excursion Tours in Agra
The nearby places for excursion tours include Delhi, Gwalior, Mathura, Vrindavan, Fatehpur Sikri and Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are a historian, a nature lover, merely a traveler, an architect, an archaeologist or an ornithologist; these excursion tours from Agra provide you the desirable vacation. Whereas Delhi, Gwalior and Fatehpur Sikri are historical, cultural and architectural places; Mathura and Vrindavan have a religious hue with the memories of Lord Krishna and Radha of Hindu Mythology. Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes the ornithologists or the bird lovers to spend their time between some of the rare and extinct bird species.
Fairs and Festivals in Agra
Agra city is known for its Taj Mahotsav (Taj Festival) held every year in the month of February. The Taj Mahotsav brings traditional Indian music and dance on a single platform for the tourists visiting Agra. A Tour to Agra introduces you with the musical legacy of India if you coincide your tour to Agra with the month of February.
Shopping in Agra
Agra has both traditional and modern shopping areas where one can bargain some of the best souvenirs of Agra. Agra is famous for leather products, jewelry, rug weaving and marble work. Not to miss is the miniature marble replica of the Taj Mahal. The Sadar Bazaar area, and the area south of Taj Ganj, boasts of many emporia and shops. Shilpgram or crafts village is located 1 km from the eastern side of the Taj, famous for the craft items.
How To Reach Agra
Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. One can book a tourist shuttle flight to Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back from Delhi operating daily. Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra, from where one can catch buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc. Agra is well connected by rail network. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra is well connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi and many cities of Rajasthan.
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