Agra
( General Information )
AGRA
( City Of Taj Mahal)
The city of Agra is world famous for the
Taj Mahal and millions of tourists from all over
the world come here every year to see the different moods of this
magnificent edifice. As Agra was the seat of
the great Mughal rulers for many years, it also has a number of
historical monuments in and around the city, dating back to the
16th and 17th century. Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri,
the beautiful city of red sandstone, near Agra.
Agra is also known for its handicraft products.
LOCATION
Agra is located in the state of Uttar
Pradesh, in the northern region of India.
It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the
west bank of river the Yamuna. Agra is 204 km
south of Delhi. The climate
of Agra is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and
the maximum temperature can be as high as 45 degree Celsius, while
winters are cold and foggy. Heavy rains and high humidity mark
the monsoon season.
VISITING
TIME
Agra can be visited throughout the year, but
one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June) and rainy
season (July-Sept). The most suitable time to visit Agra
is From Nov till March.
HISTORY
Agra has a rich historical background, which
is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and
around the city. Though the heritage of Agra
city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers
also contributed to the rich past of this city. Agra was founded
by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th
century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for
sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of
square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar
built the Agra fort; Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens.
Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built
the Taj Mahal. The post-Mughal era of Agra
saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking
over the city.
FAIRS
AND FESTIVALS
Agra city is known for its Taj Mahotsav (Taj
Festival). This cultural festival is held every year in the month
of February. The Taj Mahotsav brings traditional Indian music
and dance on a single platform for the tourist to relish.
Tourist
Spots : Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb,Jami
Masjid , Chini Ka Rauza ,Rambagh,Jahangir Mahal,Chisti's Tomb
Excursions
: Sikandra,Fatehpur Sikari ,Palace of Jodh Bai,Panch Mahal
, The Buland Darwaja ,The House of Birbal ,The Jamatkhana.
Near
By Sites : Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary , Delhi
,Gwalior ,Mathura
SHOPPING
Agra
has both traditional and modern shopping areas. It is known for
leather products, jewelry, rug weaving and marble work. 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, from where one can buy good quality craft
items. Of special importance is the miniature marble replica of
the Taj.
HOW
TO REACH
Air
: Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from
Idgah bus stand. Indian airlines operates daily tourist shuttle
flights to Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back. It only takes 40
minutes from Delhi to Agra.
Rail
: Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station
is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra is well connected by rail
to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan.
Road
: Agra is 203 Km from Delhi Its 03 Hrs Drive away from Delhi.
Population : 1,118,800
Languages : Hindi and Urdu
Best time to visit : Winters
STD Code : 0562
