An Overview of Agra :
The
city of Taj, Agra is located on the banks of river Yamuna between Mathura
and Surajpur in the north Indian state, Uttar Pradesh. Agra is one of the
most visited destinations of the world and is known for the “monument
of love”, Taj Mahal. The city came in to prominence during the reign of
Sikander Lodi who made it the capital, later under the Mughals, it became a
great centre of art, culture and commerce. The city houses several monuments
which display the splendour of Mughal architecture and attract tourists from
all over world.
Climate of Agra :
The climate of Agra is extreme. It is very hot in summer and cold during
winter months. During summer (April to July) maximum temperature rises up to
46 degrees C and in winter the temperature varies between 22 to 5 degrees C.
The best time to visit is in winters(December to January).
Tourist Attraction of Agra :
The historic city Agra has a wide range of spectacular monuments for
tourists. The architectural splendour of the Taj Mahal, the fort, palaces is
a symbol of the past glory of the city Agra.
» Taj Mahal - This famous monument of love is a
masterpiece of marble architecture credited to the Mughal emperor Shah
Jahan. Taj Mahal is now regarded as one of the seven wonders of the world.
Shah Jahan constructed this mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz
Mahal. The construction of this monument was started in 1632 and completed
in 1648.
»
Agra Fort - This red sandstone structure is an excellent example of
Mughal architecture built by three greatest Mughal emperors - Akbar,
Jehangir and Shah Jahan. The great Mughal emperor Akbar has commissioned for
the construction of the fort in 1565 AD. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 km
and has four gates. The fort consists of several beautiful palaces and
several other buildings built both in red sandstone and white marble.
» Sikandra Fort - Located at a distance of 13 km
from the Agra Fort, it is the mausoleum of emperor Akbar. It is a
combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture which shows the secular
philosophy of Akbar. Akbar had started the construction but was completed
later in 1613 by his son Jehangir. It is the final resting place of the
Mughal Emperor Akbar.
» It mad-d-Beulah - It is the tomb of Mirzam Madhya
Beg a Persian in emperor Akbar's court. This marble tomb was constructed
during 1622-1628 by Emperor Jehangir's Queen, Noorjahan. Its marble inlay
work is the prime feature of its architecture.
» Taj Mahotsav - This 10 days colourful festival is
celebrated every year in the month of February. Organised by Uttar Pradesh
Tourism, Taj Mahotsav(festival) showcase the extraordinary legacies of the
rich heritage of art, crafts, culture of this beautiful land.
Getting to Agra :
The city is easily accessible from all parts of India.
»
Air - It has its own airport which connects all the cities of India. All
the major domestic airlines operate their flights to the Agra airport or the
Kheria airport.
» Rail - The city is well connected by trains to
every parts of India. Agra is the main railway station and all the major
trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi exp, Kalinga Utkal Exp. have their stoppage
in Agra. Also one can visit the city by the Palace on Wheels.
» Road - It is well linked by bus services to other
cities in and outside the state. Some major road distances are Delhi-204 km,
Lucknow- 369km, Varanasi-605km, Mathura-54km, Nainital-353km.
