The Agra

City of Taj Mahal - The Agra

Welcome to the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra. Located about 204 km south of Delhi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is one of the most famous tourist destinations of India. The city, situated on the west bank of Yamuna River, is historical as it is ancient.

Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra Fort; Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj Mahal. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city.

Sightseeing Agra Travel

The main tourist attraction of Agra is the majestic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum in white by the banks of the River Yumana. Agra Fort is another tourist attraction of this historic city. The fort complex houses palaces, gardens and mosques within its large precincts. The Jami Masjid of Agra (Mosque) is an important tourist spot, as is Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, both of which are near the fort.

Agra Excursions

There are a number of important tourist spots and historical towns near the city of the Taj, Agra. One can visit Akbar's Tomb situated in the town of Sikandra, which is 4 km northwest of Agra. Forty km west of Agra lies Fatehpur Sikri, the perfectly preserved but deserted city of red sandstone built by Akbar. The Tomb of Saint Khwaja Salim Chisti is built within the Fatehpur Sikri complex. The ancient city of Mathura lies 47 km northwest of Agra. It is famous for its temples and is an important pilgrimage center in India, along with the town of Vrindavan, which is 10 km from Mathura.

Fairs & Festivals in Agra

Agra city is known for its Taj Mahotsav (Taj Festival). This cultural festival is held every year in the month of February. The Taj Mahotsav brings traditional Indian music and dance on a single platform for the tourist to relish.

Shopping in Agra

Apart from the magnificent monuments, a delightful shopping experience awaits tourists when they travel to Agra. The city of the Taj has both traditional and modern shopping areas. It is known for leather products, jewelry, rug weaving and marble work. The Sadar Bazaar area, and the area south of Taj Ganj, boasts of many emporiums and shops. Shilpgram or crafts village is located 1 km from the eastern side of the Taj Mahal, from where one can buy good quality craft items. Of special importance is the miniature marble replica of the Taj Mahal.

Travelling in Agra

One can travel to different parts of the city using different modes of transport like Taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw. Prepaid taxis and autos from the railway station are available. Prepaid transport is also available for excursions in and around the city limits. Bicycles can also be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city.

Accommodation in Agra

Agra offers different categories of boarding and lodging facilities suited for every pocket. The Taj Ganj area near the Taj has a number of low-budget hotels and lodges. One can find such accommodation in the Sadar Bazaar area. Agra boasts of some of the best five-star hotels in India.

Places to Eat in Agra

Agra is known for its traditional Mughlai cuisine. A traveler can find a number of eating-places across the city, depending on his budget. One can choose from makeshift restaurants in the Taj Ganj area to the luxury hotels in Agra, which are famous for their Mughlai dishes. Agra is famous for its local specialty, the peitha, which is sweet candied pumpkin. 

The story of the Black Taj Mahal

The story of the Black Taj Mahal

Another interesting story associated with the mesmerizing Taj Mahal in Agra is about Taj Shahjahan's dream to build another Taj for himself, but this time in black. He intended to build the other Taj on the other side of Yamuna River and join them with a bridge, but unfortunately his dream could not be materialized. 

There have always been some beliefs, legends and myths related to the famous historical monuments all over the world. And it is nothing surprising that most visited travel destination in India, the Taj Mahal in Agra, is engulfed with myths and legends. 

Synonymous with India, the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the epitome of India tourism. India travel is incomplete without experiencing the Taj Mahal. This supreme temple of love, standing gracefully by the sacred Yamuna in Agra, is not only a monument of wonder, but also of endless curiosity and legends.

And that strikes bright is the legend about Shahjahan intending to build one more Taj on the other side of Yamuna, but this time in black. It has been recorded by Tavernier - a French merchant, "Shahjahan began to build his own tomb on the other side of Yamuna but the war with his sons interrupted his plans and Aurangzeb who reigns at present is not disposed to complete it".

Later the historical guidebooks and gazetteers mention this story almost invariably. The irregular position of the cenotaph of Shahjahan as compared to that of Mumtaz Mahal, which occupies the exact centre of the hall, is said to be proof of this assumption. The Mehtab Burj and the wall adjoining it opposite the Taj Mahal are generally said to be the foundations and remains of the proposed plan.

Many scholars, however, believe that this is a myth and has no relation to truth. The traces, which are identified as the foundations of the second Taj, are actually the enclosing wall of a garden founded by Babur. The irregular position of Shah Jahan's cenotaph in comparison to Mumtaz Mahal's, is similar to that at the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, and thus should not be of any striking significance. Besides, according to Islamic law, bodies are buried with their faces towards Mecca and legs towards the south, and the husband is placed on the right hand side of his wife. The interpretation that the cenotaph of Shah Jahan was not meant to be placed here appears to be superfluous.