About Agra
Situated near the banks of the River Yamuna, Agra is a famous city tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh. Sikandar Shah Lodi from the Lodi Dynasty is said to be the founder of Modern Agra. However, the city reached its zenith during the reign of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, who commissioned many of the city’s exquisite monuments.
In addition to its leather industries, which supply many of the world's top shoe manufacturers with shoe uppers, Agra is also known for its marble inlay work and numerous archaeological sites. There are multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites surrounding the city landscape including the Taj Mahal, which is also famous as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and for its structural elegance and architectural brilliance.
Five famous tourist destinations in Agra
- Taj Mahal: Any trip to Agra is incomplete if you have not witnessed the magnificent architecture and one of the seven wonders of the world. The Taj Mahal is globally renowned for its architectural marvel. Situated near the River Yamuna, this picturesque monument was built by the famous Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Spread across 42 acres of land, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many tourists from all around the world come to Agra to visit this magnificent monument.
- Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: The structure known as Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb is the first-ever mausoleum in India that was constructed using white marble. This tomb was built by Noor Jahan, the wife of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, in honour of her late father, Mirza Gheyas Beg (also known as Itimad-ud-Daulah). He was a prominent official in Shah Jahan's court.
- Agra Fort: The Agra Fort is another popular example of Agra’s architectural brilliance. Built in 1638, this historic structure is entirely made out of red sandstone and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located around 3 km from the Taj Mahal. Numerous spectacular buildings, including the Diwan-i Khas, Diwan-i Aam, Moti Masjid, and Jahangiri Mahal, can be found within the expansive Agra Fort.
- Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid of Agra, built in the 17th century, is one of the largest mosques in the nation and a superb example of Mughal architectural magnificence. This famous mosque was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, predominantly using a beautiful amalgamation of high-quality red sandstone and white marble. It has a fountain in the middle, which is supported by four kiosks in the courtyard, which is prime evidence of the exquisite geometry used in Mughal architecture. An interesting fact about the Jama Masjid is that you can directly see Agra Fort from here.
- Fatehpur Sikri: Another popular tourist destination in Agra is Fatehpur Sikri. It was originally a walled city at the time of the Mughal reign. Fatehpur Sikri is constructed entirely of red sandstone and was inaugurated in 1571 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It consists of numerous well-known structures, including Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, and Tomb of Salim Chisti. Fatehpur Sikri is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Imperial Complex at Fatehpur Sikri is a group of pavilions constructed in formal geometry on a site that was modelled resembling Middle Eastern and Central Asian tent settlements.
About Agra Airport
Agra Airport serves the city of Agra. While waiting for your flight at Agra Airport, you can enjoy at the eateries and coffee shops there. The distance between Agra Airport and the main city is almost 6 km. The IATA code for Agra Airport is AGR and it is situated in Civil Air Terminal Kheria, Uttar Pradesh (282008).
