Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is famous for housing one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Indians love it as much as foreigners flock there in large numbers to admire its beauty. Along with Delhi and Jaipur, Agra forms the golden triangle of tourism in India. Located in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, but the city has much more to offer than this world-famous icon.
From the Mahabharata epic to the Mughal dynasty, Agra has been a major factor and has played an important role in shaping the history of India. The city was first mentioned in the Mahabharata as Agrvana, which means the forest. It was later developed by Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi kings in the 16th century who built many structures including towers, stairs, mosques, etc. in Agra.
Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna River in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located 378 km west of the state capital Lucknow, 206 km south of the capital New Delhi, 58 km south of Mathura and 125 km north of Gwalior. Agra is one of the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh and the 24th largest city in India.
History of Agra city
The history of Agra has a rich background, which is reflected in detail by the various historical monuments in and around the city. The first reference to the city of Agra comes from the age of the epic, when in the Mahabharata Agra is called “Agravana”. Agra is also called “Arya Griha”, which means the abode of the Aryans. There have been many historical influences in this beautiful city and the history of Agra is reflected in the historical monuments that were built during the rule of the Mughals. Not only the Mughals, there are many other rulers responsible for the heritage and history of Agra.
The founder of Agra city was Sikandar Lodhi who was from the Lodhi dynasty of Delhi Sultanate and it was in the 16th century. One can see the Persian gardens first introduced by the Mughal emperor Babar. The history of the city of Agra saw another jewel added to its crown when Emperor Akbar built the Agra Fort at Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Under dire circumstances, Fatehpur Sikri fell and was left isolated which remained Akbar’s capital for fifteen years.
Agra’s history has seen a lot of additions and subtractions from it and it has a rich past that attracts tourists when it is talked about. It was Jahangir who beautified the city of Agra with magnificent palaces and beautiful gardens. Great decorations were made when Shajahan ascended the throne of the Mughal Empire and built the famous Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. In the last phase of his life, he moved to Shahjahanabad and ruled there.
Places To Visit In Agra
Taj Mahal
Well, look at us! Finally, arrive at the most important place to visit in Agra, the Taj Mahal. In fact, many tours are organized with the Taj Mahal as the main attraction. One of the Seven Wonders of the World and the absolute centerpiece of Mughal architecture, it was built under the direction of Shah Jahan in memory of his love for his beloved wife Arjumand Bano Begum. .
The interior and exterior of the Taj Mahal are beautifully decorated with white marble. Shaped like an Octagon, the inner room is lined with precious stones. Their riches fit in the garden outside, bursting with greenery and fresh air. Being a magnificent Mughal attraction, Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful historical places in India.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is one of the must-visit places in Agra. It is a historic city in the Agra region and served as the capital of many Mughal emperors including Akbar. Before becoming a capital city, Sikri was a failed city. It is now named after Emperor Akbar’s victory over Gujarat in 1573.
The city of Fatehpur Sikri is located on a rock 3 km long and 1 km wide and draws inspiration from the design of Persian, Indian and Islamic heritage. Red stone, which was quarried in the area, was used in the construction of the city. The city has seven gates with a 6 km wall. UNESCO has declared this city as a world heritage site. It is among the top tourist spots in Agra that every visitor should add to their travel itinerary.
Agra Red Fort
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra’s Red Fort is a magnificent tribute to the glory days of the ancient Mughal Empire. Spread over a gigantic area of 3,80,000 sq.ft. meters, Emperor Akbar built this fort in 1556 and repaired it in 1573 in red stone. The fort, located at a distance of 2.2 km from Agra, is a fully fortified place, fortified on all sides with a 70 feet high garden wall. Visiting Agra Fort is one of the best things to do in Agra.
Called the walled city, Agra Fort has four gates on all four sides, the most famous ones being Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate. This fort is home to several royal palaces including Shish Mahal and Khaas Mahal. Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam in many historical Masjids like Moti Masjid and Nagina Masjid are other places you will find in this wall.
Fort Sikandra
Sikandra Fort is one of the historical places and is considered as one of the important places to visit in Agra. This red brick structure is unique for its timeless architectural beauty and reflects the region’s past beauty. Located in a place called Sikandra, the fort is the tomb of Emperor Akbar. This fort is located in the middle of green fields on all sides surrounded by high walls. The garden was divided into four small areas that corresponded to the local culture of the time. Many fountains adorn the building. Famous for being patronized by Emperor Akbar, Sikandra Fort has five levels, with intricate carvings adorning the walls. There is no doubt that this well-preserved monument is one of the best places to visit in Agra that a traveler should not ignore.
