Agra is a city that resides at the bank of Yamuna Rives in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra has been an important city since the Medieval Ages, especially in the terms of cultural progress, local trades and massive monumental developments which is reflected through the plenty of Mughal architectural structures.
It has been the centre of attraction for tourists including local and foreign, because of its monumental buildings such as Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh, Akbar's Tomb, Jama Masjid and one of its kind Taj Mahal recognised as the zenith of Mughal Architecture.
Agra Fort is located at the right bank on the Yamuna River and was constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1573 and once served as the centre of Mughal administration and residence of the royal family. This fort is built entirely of red sandstone hence; popularly known as Lal Qila or Qila-i-Akbari.
The brilliance of Mughal Architecture can be reflected through this fort and it houses several other beautiful architectural structures such as Moti Masjid, Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khaas and Jahangiri Mahal.
This fort will give you a glimpse of Mughal Architecture and contemporary life. An ideal spot to visit for history and architecture students and photographers as well. The view of the Yamuna River and Taj Mahal, which is located at a distance of 2.5 kilometres, from the fort's pavilion is amazing.
Wildlife SOS was founded in 1995 and this organisation in Indi is famous for rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals. It is famed for its rescuing efforts of sloth bears and elephants hence; its Agra Bear Rescue Facility is known to be the largest rescue sloth bears facility in the world.
The Elephant Care and Conservation Centre is residing on the way between Agra and Mathura, it put efforts to rescue and rehabilitate abused and captive elephants. This is the place where you will find some different species of animals and a variety of elephants and sloth bears which seems the perfect location for animal lovers.
Tourists have to book an appointment slot before visiting, usually, they run 3-4 slots every day and you will be able to avail a guide as well within a package and you will also get the presentation of a well-informed documentary elaborating the rescue and the recovery process.
Taj Mahal has situated on the bank of the River Yamuna and this magnificent architectural structure began to built-in 1631 and took 17 years to complete the building in 1648. It covered an area of approximately 42 acres and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
This mausoleum is entirely constructed from white marble which was brought from Makrana, Rajasthan and has been included among the seven wonders of the world. Taj Mahal is recognised as the highest peak of the brilliance of Mughal Architecture.
This tomb is laid out in a rectangular shape and can be approached through a massive gateway that has an arch and alcoves on each side. The water channel and fountains provide the perfect view of this majestic structure and most importantly it's set up on the Yamuna River are just splendid and it is the credit of its architectural design and fine finish that it is considered as the Crown of Palaces in the Persian language.
Taj Mahal is the most visited and most famous Indian monument in the world, this versatile architectural brilliance is on the list of every tourist. It looks like a perfect symbol of love and memory.
Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra district at a distance of 40 kilometres from the main Agra city. It was founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571. This fortified city served as the capital of his empire for fifteen years and houses several other architectural structures like Jodha Bai’s Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza and Tomb of Salim Chishti.
It houses the construction of three palaces for each of his favourite wives, one Hindu, one Muslim and one Christian. The foundation of this beautiful city has been linked to a story that this city and Jama Masjid was built to honour Shaikh Salim Chishti after his prediction of Mughal heir came true. It is made up of red sandstone and indistinctly reflects the fusion of Indi-Islamic architecture.
The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah has been commissioned by Mehrunisa popularly known as Noor Jahan, beloved wife of Emperor Jahangir in the memory of her father Gheyas Beg popularly titled Itimad-ud-Daulah.
It was the first construction of Mughal monuments which is entirely made up of marble and the very first time the pietra dura style was introduced in Mughal architecture. This tomb reflects the transition era of Mughal architecture and it inspired the later brilliant architecture Taj Mahal hence; it is the reason it was referred to as 'Baby Taj Mahal'
The Winter Season in Agra stays from October to March and Agra’s temperature fluctuates between 7 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius. This is the highly preferred season in Agra to visit due to the pleasant and more comfortable weather conditions which seems ideal to explore this beautiful city.
It is the season for tourists to be witnessed the most popular celebration of Agra, Taj Mahotsav which occurs in February and is held for 10-days close to the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahotsav will be offering you some great cultural performances, ghazal performances, a variety of cultural foods, displays of handicrafts and folk performances that makes your trip memorable.
Another celebration of Bateshwar Fair which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and occurs around 70 kilometres far from Agra and every year many devotees and travellers visit here to have an experience of this festival. This is the peak season which should be in your mind while booking your accommodations and travel.
The Summer Season in Agra stays from April to June and the Agra's temperature ranges between 23 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. This is not an ideal season for tourists to visit Agra due to the harsh, hot and dry weather conditions.
Day in Agra is unbearable and tiring but you can take around in the evening when the weather is a little rough and breezy to visit some popular tourist spots like Taj Mahal, in any season it is evergreen to visit, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb and Jama Masjid. It is also the season when you don't find much crowd and you can get some good deals on accommodations due to the offseason.
The Monsoon Season in Agra is marked from July to September and Agra's temperature stays between 25 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. Monsoon brings you some sort of relief from the harsh summer season and the weather becomes bearable and comfortable but still, some extent of humidity remains.
Agra is not known for usually heavy rainfall so your sightseeing plans would not be hampered but in August there is a better chance of heavy rainfall so plan accordingly.
This season also calls for the popular Kailash Fair which occurs at the Kailash Temple which nearly resides 12 kilometres away from the Agra and many devotees and tourists enjoy this joyous celebration. Travellers may find some great deals on accommodations and travel in this season.
How to Reach Agra by Air- Indira Gandhi International Airport would be the closest airbase to Agra which is residing at a distance of approximately 229 kilometres and widely connected to other capital cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad and also linked to the international cities like Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Colombo and Onam.
Airline carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, Jet Airways and several other international airline carriers such as the Fly Emirates, Etihad Airways and Srilankan Airline do operate regular flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport. You can take a cab or hire a taxi for a further journey to Agra.
How to Reach Agra by Train- Agra Cantonment is the main railhead which is in the heart of the city and well connected to other prime cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Jhansi and Gwalior.
Plenty of trains options such as Bhopal Express, Punjab mail, Malwa Express and UP Sampark Kranti run trains on regular basis and once you reach the railway station, you can easily take a bus, taxi or auto to reach your destination.
How to Reach Agra by Road- There are two main bus terminals in Agra named Idgah Bus Stand and ISBT and both the terminals do receive and run buses to other major cities like New Delhi, Lucknow, Gwalior, Kanpur and Jaipur.
You can travel through state buses or private deluxe and non-deluxe buses which travel regularly. Apart from it Tourists also travel through their vehicle and easily reach Agra to vast, smooth, and well-maintained road networks and if you are heading from New Delhi you can reach Agra by taking NH-19/NH-44.
ITC Mughal- A Luxury Collection hotel is spotted at Fatehabad Road which is approximately 2 kilometres away from Taj Mahal. It provides you with the services of Bar, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Currency Exchange, Yoga, Gym, Spa, Steam and Sauna, Golf, Jacuzzi, Game Room and Kids Play Area along with some other basic amenities.
Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre is located at Fatehabad Road and offers you the services of Bar, Café, Restaurant, Bakery, Coffee Shop, Gym, Game Room, Outdoor Sports, Multilingual Staff, Concierge Service, Kids Meals and 24-hour Help Desk with other services.
Courtyard by Marriott Agra is residing at Fatehabad Road and giving you the facilities of Bakery, Bar, Café, Restaurant, Barbeque, Currency Exchange, Activity Centre, Spa and Massage, Multilingual Staff, Paid Pickup and Drop and Kids Play Area and also some other amenities.
All of these mentioned accommodation options are providing installed sanitisers, masks and gloves due to safety reasons.
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