About Agra
On the banks of the River Yamuna stands Uttar Pradesh's renowned historical city, Agra. The monuments built all across the city serve as visual reminders of Agra's illustrious and rich past. While Sikandar Shah Lodi of the Lodi Dynasty was the founder of modern Agra, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's reign marked the height of this city's reputation.
The city of Agra is renowned for its marble inlay work and vibrant leather industry, which provides shoe uppers to some of the top shoe manufacturers in the world. The major attraction of this city is The Taj Mahal - one of the seven wonders of the world - a monument of extraordinary elegance and architectural brilliance. The Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, and Akbar's Tomb are other mentions of the city's grandeur and prominent tourist attractions.
Historical sites to visit in Agra
- Jama Masjid: It is one of the largest mosques in the country and an extraordinary example of Mughal architectural magnificence. It was constructed during the reign of Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, and you can see the Agra Fort from the mosque. Constructed using red sandstone and white marble, it is a prime example of the intricately complex geometrical designs employed in Mughal architecture during that period.
- Taj Mahal: Without witnessing the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, a trip to Agra would be incomplete. Shah Jahan built this renowned architectural site, which is located close to the Yamuna River, as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Spread across 42 acres of land, the Taj Mahal is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many tourists from all around the world come to witness its splendour.
- Fatehpur Sikri: Another popular tourist destination in Agra is Fatehpur Sikri. It was originally a walled city during the reign of the Mughals. Fatehpur Sikri was constructed entirely of red sandstone and was inaugurated in 1571 by the Mughal emperor, Akbar. The Imperial Complex at Fatehpur Sikri is a group of pavilions constructed in formal geometry on a piece of land that was modelled and inspired by the Middle Eastern and Central Asian tent settlements. It consists of numerous well-known historical monuments, including Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Ibadat Khana, Naubat Khana and more.
- Agra Fort: This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in Agra. The Taj Mahal is located at a distance of 3 km from the Agra Fort. Constructed in the year 1638, this historical monument has been made out of red sandstone. Numerous spectacular buildings, including Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i Khas, Diwan-i Aam, Moti Masjid, and Jahangiri Mahal, can be found inside the Agra Fort.
- Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: The mausoleum, known as Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, was commissioned by Noor Jahan, during the reign of her husband, Mughal emperor Jahangir. The mausoleum was built in honour of Noor Jahan’s father, Mirza Gheyas Beg, who was also a prominent official in Shah Jahan's court.
About Agra Airport
The city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh is served by the public airport known as Agra Airport. The fort, which is only around 6 km from the city, has a number of restaurants and coffee shops where you may pass your time while waiting for your aircraft. The IATA code for Agra Airport is AGR and it is situated in Civil Air Terminal, Kheria, Uttar Pradesh (282008).