Agra - A Historical Destination

By Author: Nagma Biswas
Total Articles: 26
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Located in the heart of the country, Agra is probably the most alluring city in India. It has been an enchantment for centuries not only for Indians but for people all around the world. Just as the Mughal splendor attracted travelers to the Mughal court in the ancient times, their legacies continue to enchant tourists till date. Be it the fine monument of the Mughal era or their eternal gardens, Agra is home to countless marvels from the past.

Needless to mention here is that it is the Taj Mahal that forms the crowning glory not only for Agra, but also for India. A memorial of love by an Emperor for his beloved, the Taj Mahal has caught the imagination of all its beholders. The love of the man, the architectural genius of the Emperor and the endless toil of the masons, all reflect beautifully in this masterpiece. Visit the monument by the day or by night, its glory is never less. Most of the tourists to the city of Agra come here merely to witness the beauty of this landmark structure. In fact people choose to stay in hotels like Sarovar's Howard Park Plaza and others as these places give guests the pleasure of viewing ...
... the Taj Mahal from viewing spaces.

Another wonder from the Mughals is the Red Fort located close to the Taj Mahal. This too like the Taj Mahal is chosen as a World Heritage site. A massive structure in red sandstone, the fort is formidable and definitely proves the architectural genius of its creator, Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort is a huge complex with a number of interesting structures within it. Some important palaces within the fort include the Jahangiri Mahal, the Anguri Bagh, the Khas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal. The Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam are also notable buildings within the fort.

Amongst other notable buildings in Agra, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula holds an important place. It is often regarded as the predecessor of Taj as it was the first building in India that introduced the use of marble. Another noted tomb being Chini ka Rauza. It was the first building in India to use glazed tiles for domes. More buildings that form a part of the heritage of Agra are located in Fatehpur Sikiri. It was once the capital of Mughal India under Emperor Akbar. Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai's Palace, Tomb of Salim Chisti and Buland Darwaza are some of the known structures here.

And it is not just the buildings that people visit Agra for. The city of Agra has much more to offer to its visitors. The Mughal legacy has given Agra a distinct cuisine. There are a good number of restaurant in Agra that serve delectable Moghlai cuisine. Petha is a local dessert which is famous with most tourists. Arts and crafts in Agra are another feature of Agra that makes it a place worth visiting. The markets of Agra are famous for embroidered work, marble inlay work, leather goods, and zari embroidery.

Take some good days in hand to explore all the marvels of Agra. Try to get on to some historical anecdotes from locals or local guides to make your trip more interesting and memorable.