‘Love is in the Air’, we all might have heard this proverb, but I literally felt love in Agra’s air when I landed in Agra via a trip planned by Bejoy Holidays!
Agra is synonymous to one of the 7 wonders on the Earth, an
UNESCO heritage, The Taj Mahal. It’s the timeless city of Mughal splendor and
was one of the most important seats of Mughal rule in India. Situated in the
state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra forms the golden triangle along with Delhi and
Jaipur. It is well connected by road, rail and air with the rest of the country
and sees tourist influx in high numbers.
Tourist Spots
Tourists from all over the world visit Agra only for symbol
and dedication of love, Taj Mahal. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah
Jahan in the memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, this grandeur architecture
stands tall on the banks of river Yamuna. It is constructed from white marbles
obtained from Makarna, Rajasthan and has artistic interiors. It has the tomb of
both Mumtaz Mahal as well as the emperor.
45 minutes far from Agra, lies the ‘city of Ghosts’, Fatehpur
Sikri. It was founded as the capital city of the Mughal rule by then
emperor Akbar. Built in red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri is home to Jodha
Bai's palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaja, and a Tomb of Salim Chishti
among many other famous monuments, each of which, is an integral part of the
Indian heritage.
Another architectural jewel in the city is Agra Fort,
an UNESCO world heritage site. It had been the main residence of the Mughal
family during the time it was built. Though it was also built in red sandstone
by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, yet years later it was renovated in white marble
by his grandson Emperor Shah Jahan. Some of the major attractions
in Agra Fort that will leave you mesmerized are structures like the Sheesh
Mahal, Moti Mahal, Jehangir’s Palace and Khas Mahal.
Other prominent architectural tourist spots in the city
include Emperor Akbar’s tomb, Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb and the Taj museum.
Located to the north of the glorious wonder Taj Mahal, mehtab bagh is
one of the very famous gardens. Perfectly quadrilateral in shape and
colloquially known as the Moonlight garden, the stunning Mehtab Bagh is the
last one of the eleven similar Mughal- built garden complexes along the Yamuna
bank. Another similar garden is the Anguri Bagh.
Shopper’s Paradise
For the shopping buffs, this city presents great, colorful
and unique handicrafts and old carved products with mosaic and mirror works.
The quality of the workmanship and products and very high and partially
justifies the high price for the items.
The famous bazars of Agra include Kinni Bazar and Sadar Bazar
and they are unique and quaint lanes and walking past them, among the noises
and hustle and bustle could be fascinating experience in itself.
Agra Delicacies
Agra is especially
famous for its pethas, a sweet that is made from white pumpkin or ash
gourd and is infused with delicious flavors. The two popular varieties of Petha are - the dry, hard and chewy ones
and the other is soft and syrupy.
Apart
from it, the Mughlai food of the Mughal era forms the souvenir for the
Mughal kitchen. These dishes are majorly non-vegetarian and are extremely
palatable and must-eat ones when on trip to Agra.
Must-visit
·
Taj Mahal
·
Agra Fort
·
Jodha Bai
palace
·
Tomb of Salim
Chishti
·
Fatehpur Sikri
particularly Buland Darwaja
·
Emperor
Akbar’s fort
Must-haves:
·
Petha
·
Mughlai
Cuisine
·
Mughlai
Chicken
Best-time to visit:
November to March
Pro-tips:
·
Take sunscreen
and most importantly Camera along to capture the grandeur of city
·
To understand
the architects better, always prefer the tour guides.
·
Carry
important medicine along
·
Be back in
hotels by 9.
Come, lets visit the city where history, architecture and romance all
create magic with Bejoy Holidays!
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