Situated
on the west bank of the river Yamuna, Agra is much like any other north
Indian city. One of the major cities of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is
known all over the world for the Taj Mahal, the profound symbol of love. The
old part of the city is located to the north of the fort, while the
cantonment area to the south is the modern part. Famous as the city of Taj,
Agra was seat of power for Mughals and remained the capital of India in the
16th and 17th centuries. The monuments of the city are imposing reminders of
the Mughal splendour. The population of the city is 1,400,000, which
includes Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Sikhs. Hindi, Urdu and
English are the main languages spoken in the city.
Climate & Clothing
Agra's climate is just like Delhi's, summers are hot and the winters are
chilly. The temperature in summer soars up to a maximum of 46°C, while
during winters the temperature falls to a minimum of 2°C. The city
experiences monsoon rains between July and September. Agra can be visited
any time of the year, but one must avoid the hot summers and rainy season.
The ideal time to visit the city is between the months of October and March.
For summer season cotton cloths are suitable, while for winters woollen
clothes are required to beat the cold.
Accommodation at Agra Hotels
Some of the most popular hotels in the city are Hotel Clarks Shiraz (5
Star/ 54, Taj Road), Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre (5 Star/
Fatehabad Road), Welcome Hotel Mughal Sheraton (5 Star/ Taj Ganj), Taj View
Hotel (5 Star/ Fatehabad Road), Trident Hilton Agra (4 Star/ Fatehabad
Road), Hotel Agra Ashok (5 Star/ 6-B, Mall Road) and Holiday Inn (4 Star/
Sanjay Place) among others.
Tourist Attractions of Agra :
»
Taj Mahal : The most famous Mughal monument was built by Emperor Shah
Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The 350 year old building is
designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
» Agra Fort : Constrcution of this majestic fort was
commenced by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 and additions were made right
through the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. Principally a military
structure in Akbar's time, the fort became partially a palace by the time of
Shah Jahan.
» Itmad-ud-Daulah : Situated to the north of the
Agra fort, Itmad-ud-daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas-uddin Beg. The tomb
was built by his daughter Nur Jehan, in between 1622 and 1628, and is of
particular interest, as many of its design elements foreshadow the Taj.
» Akbar's Mausoleum : Located at a distance of 10
kms from Agra, this is the tomb of Emperor Akbar. The architeture of the
tomb is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles.
» Fathehpur Sikri : The World Heritage
Site is located 40 kms west of Agra. Fatherpur Sikri remained the capital of
Mughals from 1570 to 1586.
Airport
Kheria airport is 7 kms from the city centre and 3 kms from Idgah bus
stand. Indian Airlines operates daily tourist shuttle flights from
Khajuraho, Varanasi to Agra. Flights from Delhi take 40 minutes to reach
Agra.
Local Modes of Transport
Local modes of transport include taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw and cycle
rickshaw. Prepaid taxi and autos are available from the railway station to
different parts of the city. Bicycles can be hired on hourly basis. In the
Taj area diesel or petrol vehicle are not allowed, battery-operated buses,
horse driven tongas and rickshawas are available to get to the Taj Mahal.
Shopping
Agra
is well known for its Taj, but the city is a shopper's paradise also. The
city is famous for leather goods, jewellery, brassware, carpets, embroidery
work and marble items inlaid like the pietra dura work on the Taj. Visitors
can buy leather chappals (sandals), purses, bags, decorative items and other
leather produts manufactured by locals. Other must buy items are sandal and
rose wood items, sold in the handicraft emporiums and shops. Agra is also
popular for its sweets 'Petha' and 'Gazak' and saltish snack 'Dalmoth'. Main
shopping areas of the city are Taj Mahal complex, Sadar Bazaar, Kinari
Bazaar, Raja-ki- Mandi and Sanjay place. The Govt. Emporia or Souvenir Shops
approved by U.P Tourism are also recommended for shopping.
Tourist Offices
