Overview

Agra was once the Capital of the Mughal empire and even today it seems to linger in the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperor with their passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world. It is very easy to slip away here through the Centuries in to the grandeur and intrigues of the Mughal court.

Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal holds a powerful fascination for visitors from around India and the world. Located close to Delhi and just 200 km away, Agra is easily accessible.The Taj Mahal, the magnificent mausoleum in Agra, is the eighth wonder in the world. Taj Mahal - fondly called as the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal Emperor to his beloved.

Shahjahan built Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Itmad-ud-daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Emperor Jehangir's father - in- law. Standing in the centre of a luxurious Persian garden, it is an architectural jewel of its times. 10 km from the city centre of Agra, the mausoleum of Akbar, Sikandra, is a perfect amalgamation of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain architectural styles. 40 km from Agra, the city of Fatehpur Sikri was built in the honor of the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti by Emperor Akbar. The city was intended to embody the noble ideals, and the humanitarian bent of this dynamic emperor. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan - i - Am, Diwan - i - Khas, Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.

The places around Agra also form interesting tourist spots. The Mathura-Vrindavan region forms an important pilgrimage place for Hindus, as it is closely associated with the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna, an important deity in the Hindu religious pantheon. Fatehpur Sikri presents another marvel of the Mughal architecture and splendour. A trip to Agra remains incomplete if one doesn't visit these places of interest surrounding it.