Agra - Abode of the Taj

Agra would have been just another city, if it were not for the Taj Mahal. Agra is home for the world-famous Taj Mahal and the former capital of the erstwhile Mughal Empire. 

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal is a tomb, that was built in 1653 by Shah Jahan, then Mughal Emperor, in memory of his most beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Later, he himself was buried in the same place after his death in 1658. Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. 

Interior of Agra Fort, Agra 

There is more to Agra beyond the Taj. It has Agra Fort, which was headquarters of the Mughal Emperors until 1638, when it was shifted to Delhi. Mughal used to perform their administrative activities and rule their empire from the same place. Agra has Sikandra, the resting place of Akbar, a Mughal ruler who ruled from 1556 to 1605. Akbar was known for being very tolerant and inclusive of all religions as compared to other Mughal emperors. Agra is famous for its sweet - Petha, available in different flavors across sweetshops in the city.

 

Gateway Arch, Sikandra, Agra 

Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra, Agra 

Agra is reachable from Delhi via Yamuna Expressway, which is 165 KM long and is a 3.5 hour drive from the national capital. Agra has a railway station and airport. Agra airport has domestic connections to major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad. 

Baby Taj, Agra