Agra
With the arrival of the Mughals led by Babar in 1526,
Agra grew in prominence as almost all of India came
under the rule of the Mughal empire. The city, however
reached its zenith between 1556 & 1658 under the
successive rules of Akbar, Shah Jahan & Jehangir.
The Taj Mahal which is essentially one man's
monumental testimony to love, has become synonymous
not only with this city but with India as a whole.
Agra is connected with Delhi by a daily flight. Kheria
Airport is located roughly 6 km from the city center.
Agra is connected to Delhi by excellent train services.
Agra is connected to all major Indian cities by excellent
roads. Almost all activity in Agra is concentrated
within a 5 km radius of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal
is the mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his empress
Mumtaz Mahal. The construction is believed to have
taken 22 years to complete with over 20,000 craftsman
working round the clock. Agra, however has more than
just the Taj to offer. Agra fort on the banks of the
river Yamuna is situated at the center of the town.
The other attractions here include the Diwan-i-Am,
Diwan-i-Khaas & Jodhaai's Palace. Rambagh
- is probably amongst one of the first Mughal monuments
of India. Chini Ka Rauza-Situated near Rambagh,
houses the tomb of a well known poet of the times
Afzal Khan. Sikandra - Situated across the
Yamuna, it houses the tomb of Emperor Akbar. Dayal
Bagh - Is the birthplace of the Radhaswami sect
which was founded by a banker of Agra. Itmad -
Ud - Duala - houses a magnificent mausoleum of
Ghias Beg, the father of Noor Jahan. Keetham Lake
- is a beautiful spot near by the Surdas Reserve
Forest.