Agra is the most famous one for the Taj Mahal which is one of the most famous tourist attraction in the world. It boasts the eternal love of Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. Million of tourists all across the world visit this city to see the architectural beauty of this fantastic monument. You'll be highly amazed at the enchanting beauty of the Agra Taj Mahal during the full moon nights. The City is renowned for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are believed to have descended from those who worked under the Mughals. So, plan your trip and get informed about Agra and its culture.

History
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort; Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj Mahal. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city.

Visiting
Agra can be visited throughout the year, but one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June) and rainy season (July-Sept). The most suitable time to visit Agra is From Nov till March.

Tourist Attractions in Agra

• Taj Mahal
  Popularity of Agra is mainly augmented by the Taj Mahal , the fine architectural work of human being. The Taj provides a testimony to the platonic love of Shah Jahan for his wife Arjumand Banu, who later came to be known as Mumtaz. After twenty-two laborious years, and the combined effort of over twenty thousand workmen and master craftsmen, the complex was finally completed in 1648 on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra , once the capital of Mughal monarchs.
• Agra Fort
  Another testimony of Mughal architecture is the Agra Fort , popularly known as the Red Fort . The construction of the massive fort began during the tenure of Akbar in 1565 AD and was completed by Shahjahan, grand son of Akbar . The Agra Fort contains splendid mosques and palaces in red sandstone and white marble. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-E-Am, Diwani-E-Khaas and Musanman Burj.
• Itmad-Ud-Daula
  The Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula renowned for its fine inlay works and the carvings. In fact it is approximately one and a half kilometers upstream of the Taj Mahal. The Tomb was built in 1628 by Nurjahan, the queen of Jehangir, in the memory of his beloved father Mirza Ghiyas, who had received the title of Itmad-ud-Daula (Pillar of Government). Itmad-ud-Daulah was buried in a tomb that resembles a jewel box and set in a garden.
• Sikandra Fort
  The Sikandra Fort of Mughal emperor Akbar represents his philosophy to preach secularism, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved monuments. The tomb inside the fort is the resting place of Akbar where he was buried. It stands in the center of a vast garden, which is enclosed by high walls on all sides. In the middles of each enclosing wall is a monumental gateway. The whole garden is divided into four equal quarters on the conventional charbhag plan.

How to reach

• Air
  Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. Indian airlines operates daily tourist shuttle flights to Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back. It only takes 40 minutes from Delhi to Agra.
• Rail
  Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra is well connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan.
• Road
  Agra is 203 Km from Delhi Its 03 Hrs Drive away from Delhi.