Everything you need to know about Agra
Agra is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh that is located on the banks of the River Yamuna. It is situated around 210 km south of New Delhi and 320 km west of Lucknow. With a population of about 1.6 million people, Agra is the twenty-third most populated city in India and the fourth most populous city in Uttar Pradesh.
Agra was founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1504 but the Mughals gained control over the city in 1526 when their king, Babar, won the battle. During the Mughal’s reign, Agra was one of the most important cities in the Indian subcontinent, as it was named the capital of the Mughal Empire. Kings who reigned during this time include during the Mughal emperors Babar, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Aurangzeb, and Shah Jaha. Agra flourished as a centre of study, arts, trade, and religion during the Mughal era. Shah Jahan built Agra's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal, as a mausoleum for his beloved empress, Mumtaz Mahal. The city was successively lost to the Marathas and the Britishers, and the Mughal Empire collapsed in the late 18th century.
Following India’s independence, Agra transformed into an industrial city with a thriving tourism sector, coupled with the production of footwear, leather goods, and other products. UNESCO designated the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort as World Heritage Sites. The city is renowned for its cuisine of Mughlai food. In terms of weather, Agra experiences pleasant winters, scorching and dry summers, and a humid monsoon season. Agra is a part of the Golden Triangle tourism route, which includes Delhi and Jaipur, and the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc, which includes Varanasi and Lucknow.
Things to do in Agra
- Visit Taj Mahal: The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, a work of art made of marble, as a tribute to his beloved wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal. In 1612 AD, Shah Jahan wed Arjumand Bano Begum, the granddaughter of Itimad-Ud-Daulah, the Wazir (Prime Minister) of Emperor Jahangir. She was known as Mumtaz Mahal. At the birth of her 14th child in 1631 A.D., Mumtaz Mahal passed away. The bereaved emperor exerted every effort to build the monument in her honour, which is regarded as one of the most exquisite works of art ever made. From various parts of the empire, including Iran and Central Asia, artisans were requisitioned. While locally produced bricks were used for the internal structure, the marble was imported from Makrana, Rajasthan, with white marble being used for the external surfaces.
- Enjoy the magnificent Agra Fort: Emperor Akbar ordered the construction of a sizable red sandstone fort on the Yamuna River's banks in 1565, and his grandson Shah Jahan continued the project. A 21.4 m high wall surrounds the fort, which is semicircular in shape. Parts of the fort are still reserved for use by the Indian Army as it was primarily intended as a military building. After King Akbar’s son Aurangzeb acquired power in 1658, Agra Fort was converted into a palace and also used as a gilded jail for eight years. The fort is home to a complex network of structures, including huge underground areas. The only entrance is through the Amar Singh Gate to the south. From here, a path ascends directly to the substantial Moti Masjid.
- Visit Fatehpur Sikri: In order to honour the Sufi Saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti, who lived in Sikri, King Akbar, the grandson of Babur, moved his court and palace from Agra to Sikri for a period of 13 years, from 1572 to 1585, making it a world historic site. Later, due to water scarcity, it had to be abandoned. Some of the significant must-visits include the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, the private quarters, Jodhabai's Palace, Birbal's Palace, Panch Mahal, Salim Chishti's Tomb, Jama Masjid, and Buland Darwaza, amongst others.
- Enjoy some family time at Ram Bagh: Built by Emperor Babar for his daughter Zahra, it is one of the first Mughal gardens. The Marathas, who ruled Agra from 1775 to 1803, altered the name of the area from Aram Bagh to Ram Bagh. Babur is credited for building the Ram Bagh.
- Enjoy the local delicacies: Agra is not just famous for Taj Mahal but also for its lip smacking local street food. Enjoy the sweetness of the world famous Agra Petha at Panchi Petha. You can also gorge on deep fried paranthas, served with mashed vegetables and tangy pickles, at Rambabu Paratha Bhandar.
Agra Airport information
Agra Airport, or Kheria Airport, is a public airport that also serves as a military airbase, for the city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. For over 50 years, the air force station has been associated with the Taj Mahal and is one of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) major air bases. The airbase celebrated its 60th anniversary on August 15, 2007. The airport's IATA code is AGR.
