Tourism in India Part 2 (Agra)
- Abd
- Aug 16, 2017
- 2 min read
Agra:
Agra is a city in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state. It's home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal (who died in childbirth in 1631). The imposing main building features a massive dome and intricately carved white marble inlaid with precious stones. This is set behind a reflecting pool inside a courtyard defined by 4 minarets.
Weather: 35°C, Wind W at 16 km/h, 56% Humidity
Population: 1.586 million (2011)
Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is 378 kilometres west of the state capital, Lucknow, 206 kilometres south of the national capital New Delhi and 125 kilometres north of Gwalior. Agra is one of the most populous cities in Uttar Pradesh, and the 24th most populous in India. Agra is a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Tāj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpūr Sikrī, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Agra is included on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Jaipur; and the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc, tourist circuit of UP state, along Lucknow the capital of the state and Varanasi. Agra falls within the Braj cultural region. The city was first mentioned in the epic Mahābhārata, where it was called Agrevaṇa. Legend ascribes the founding of the city to Agre Jat clan, Agra is named after Agre or Agr Jat. However, the 11th century Persian poet Mas'ūd Sa'd Salmān writes of a desperate assault on the fortress of Agra, then held by the Shāhī King Jayapala, by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni.
Top Sights:
Khas Mahal
Delhi Gate
Taj Nature Walk
Kalakriti
Soami Bagh Temple
Taj Museum
Shilpgram
Diwan E Aam
Great gate (Darwaza i rauza)
Amar Singh Gate
Jahangir Palace
Kanch Mahal
Sikandra Fort
Jawab Masjid
Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal
Tomb Of John Russell Colvin
The Mosque - Kau Ban
Sur Sarovar Wild Life Sanctuary
Taj Protected Forest
Shri Mankameshwar Mandir
Mughal Museum
When to visit
May–Jun is very hot, before the Jul–Sep monsoon rains. Oct–Apr, comparatively dry and cool, is the peak travel season. Taj Mahotsav (Feb) is a cultural festival with folk dancing and arts and crafts from across India, plus regional cuisine. Ram Barat (Sep) is a recreation of a royal wedding with elaborate decorations and a huge procession with floats and dancing. Diwali (Oct/Nov, dates vary) is the Hindu festival of light, with fireworks and colorful street illuminations.
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