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A Rendezvous With
Agra |

Agra,
the home to the Seventh Wonder of the World - the ethereal Mausoleum, Taj
Mahal - is the most visited city in India. This celebrated insignia of love
built by Mughal Emperor Shahjehan during the 17th century in the memory of
his beloved wife Mumtaz, beckons tourists to this city from across the
globe. There is a lot more to this beatific city. Look beyond the boundaries
of Taj and you will find immense number of architectural wonders, that
compliments the majestic Taj well.
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Things You Can Do
in Agra |
» Sightseeing : Agra city sight-seeing will
take you back in time to a different world altogether. Flanking the river
Yamuna, Agra stands singular with the most imposing structures of
yesteryears.
» Shopping : Agra is famous for its leather goods
industry. Handmade leather from Agra is exported the world over. You can
also buy sandal and rose wood items from the handicraft craft emporiums and
shops. The shops also displays brass decorative pieces and stone carved
images. Agra is also famous for the Zari and embroidery work, stone inlay
work and durries. The main shopping areas include Taj Mahal complex, Kinari
Bazaar, Raja Mandi, Sadar Bazaar, the Gangotri at Taj Mahal Complex and the
Up Handlooms, UPICA at the Sanjay place are two UP Government emporiums.
» Eating Out : The city has numerous restaurants
which offer delectable international and Indian cuisines. Relish both veg
and non-veg thali in any of the several luxury and budget category
restaurants and eating joints available within the city. If you are fond of
sweets, Agra is just the place for you. Snacks and sweets like
Dalmoth(lentils) and Petha (crystallized marrow) await you at Kinari Bazaar,
Sadar Bazaar and Johri Bazaar.
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Sightseeing in Agra |
» Taj Mahal : A visit to the Taj Mahal is
sine qua non for any tourist coming to India. Bathed in a celestial white
glow, this 17th Century Mausoleum leaves an ever-lasting impression in the
mindscape of its beholder. Shah Jehan's memento for his beloved spouse took
almost 22 years to be complete. The changing glow of the Taj at different
hours of the day is simply hypnotizing.
» Agra Fort : An aerial view of Agra Fort from the
east draws attention to a prominent white building called the Moti Masjid or
the 'pearl mosque' which was later replicated at the Red Fort in Delhi by
Shah Jehan's son Emperor Aurangzeb. This was where Shah Jehan was held in
captivity till his decease.
» Sikandra - the Tomb of Akbar : Sikandra, the final
resting place for emperor Akbar, is a Mausoleum designed with bold mosaic
patterns and set within a spacious garden. Started by the emperor, the tomb
was completed in 1613 by his son, Jahangir. Akbar, in his lifetime, is to be
commended for giving India some of its handsomest monuments.
»
Fatehpur Sikri : Fatehpur Sikri is just 37 kms from Agra, a town
predominantly built in red sandstone by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He had
planned this city as his capital but crisis of water compelled him to
abandon the city. Built during 1571 and 1585, Fatehpur Sikri is one of the
finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Known as
the ghost city, this deserted city has retained many of the old structures,
because of the efforts of the Archaeological department. Fatehpur Sikri is a
fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture and a must-visit if you are here
in Agra.