If you wish to see one of the seven wonders of the world in India, then Agra is the right place to be. If you want to surround yourself with age-old edifices that feature magnificent Mughal architecture, then Agra is the right place to be. If you are looking to treat your taste buds with lip-smacking Mughlai cuisine, then Agra is the right place to be.
Lying on the banks of river Yamuna, Agra is among the popular tourist destinations in India that receive a huge crowd of travelers every year – all thanks to its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. It’s a place that takes you back to the time of the Mughal era.
It’s a place that offers you a wholesome new experience every time you come, whether for a day or two. It’s a place where you can soak in the natural beauty as well. And it’s a place where you can create some unforgettable memories with your near and dear ones.
Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families with children, Agra boasts a plethora of attractions that deserve your attention. However, it is not feasible for anyone to explore all the things in one go and this is the major reason why we recommend you to book your Agra tour with a reliable travel company that can help you make the most of your trip.
How about choosing Holidays DNA as your travel partner?
At Agra Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, we have designed a variety of all-inclusive Agra tour packages to cater to the varied needs of our diverse clientele. Our all-inclusive packages can also be customized as per your holiday needs. We want our travelers to enjoy their trip exactly the way they want and to accomplish that, our team leaves no stone unturned to make your dreams come true.
With us, you can upgrade to the package of your choice at any time you want. We also help you extend your getaway to a few more days and curate an itinerary accordingly so that you can cover the top sightseeing places in Agra. Please fill out the Contact Us form to learn more about us.
History of Agra
Tracing its history back to ancient times, the city finds mention in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata, where it is referred to as "Agravana." During the medieval period, Agra served as a prominent city of the Delhi Sultanate and witnessed the reign of various dynasties.
The most significant period in Agra's history began with the establishment of the Mughal Empire in the early 16th century. In 1526, the first Mughal emperor, Babur, captured Agra and made it the capital of his empire. However, it was under the rule of his grandson, Emperor Akbar, that Agra truly flourished.
Akbar transformed Agra into a magnificent city, constructing numerous forts, palaces, and public buildings. He also initiated the construction of a grand walled city known as Fatehpur Sikri, located near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri became the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period but was later abandoned due to water scarcity.
The golden age of Agra came during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, who is renowned for building some of the most iconic structures in the city. The most famous of these is the Taj Mahal, which stands as an exquisite example of Mughal architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Apart from the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan also constructed other notable buildings in the city including the Agra Fort and the Jama Masjid. Agra remained the capital of the Mughal Empire until 1658 when Shah Jahan's son, Aurangzeb, shifted the capital to Delhi.
After the decline of the Mughal Empire, Agra saw a period of decline and neglect. The city came under the control of various regional powers, including the Marathas and the British. The British East India Company took control of Agra in the early 19th century and made it a part of the Bengal Presidency.
Following India's independence in 1947, Agra became a part of the newly formed state of Uttar Pradesh. Today, Agra is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from around the world who come to witness the architectural marvels of the Mughal era, especially the Taj Mahal.
In addition to the historical monuments, Agra is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and handicrafts. The city continues to thrive as a center of art and tourism, preserving its legacy as a significant chapter in Indian history.
Places to Visit in Agra
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a traveler seeking architectural wonders, Agra offers a wealth of attractions to discover. To begin with, you can first pay heed to the iconic monument – the Taj Mahal.
Also referred to as the monument of love, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture that combines elements of Islamic, Persian, and Indian architectural styles. It is primarily made of white marble and has several structures such as the main mausoleum, a mosque, a guesthouse, and beautiful gardens within the complex.
Lying at a distance of 2.5 km away from there is the Agra Fort, which is a magnificent red sandstone fortress. The construction of the Agra Fort dates back to the 16th century when it was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar the Great in 1565. However, subsequent emperors such as Jahangir and Shah Jahan also contributed to its expansion and embellishment.
One of the striking features of Agra Fort is its imposing entrance gate, known as the Amar Singh Gate or the Delhi Gate. Beyond the gate lies a vast courtyard leading to the main structures within the fort. The Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas are the other two notable halls within the fort that were used for official and private gatherings.
Head to Mehtab Garden to relax and unwind away in a serene atmosphere. It covers an extensive area and is laid out in a geometric pattern with lush green lawns, flower beds, and neatly aligned pathways. Walking through the garden, visitors can enjoy the refreshing ambiance while the gentle sound of flowing water from the fountains and water channels adds to the overall tranquility. As a nature admirer, you can also pay heed to the Anguri Bagh to spend some time close to Mother Nature.
Don’t forget to explore the best of the recreational world at Dolphin Water Park. Opened to the public in 2002, the Dolphin Water Park delights people of all age groups with a wide range of thrilling rides, slides, and other facilities that keep you engaged all the time. The Friends Gokulam Fun City Water Park is also there for all those who love splashing in the water.
For shopaholics, there is no dearth of shopping opportunities in Agra. From exquisite handicrafts to traditional clothing and jewelry, the city showcases its rich heritage and craftsmanship through its bustling markets and specialty stores. Choose from the Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, Shah Market, Subhash Bazaar, Shilpgram, etc., to purchase the products you like the most.
However, it's advisable to compare prices, quality, and authenticity before making a purchase. Bargaining is a common practice in most markets, so don't hesitate to negotiate for a better deal. Additionally, be cautious of counterfeit products and buy from reputable sellers to ensure the authenticity and quality of your purchases.
The city of Agra boasts many other sightseeing places that are worth your time. If interested and have time, plan to include points of interest like the Jama Masjid, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Akbar’s Tomb, Taj Museum, Sikandra Fort, and Jahangir Mahal to your itinerary list to make the most of your Agra tour.
How to Reach Agra?
There are several modes of transportation available for domestic as well as international tourists to get down to Agra in their utmost comfort. Depending on your overall holiday budget and preferred style of travel, you can choose from the following:
By Air: The nearest airport to Agra is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is well-connected to major countries around the world. From the airport, you can take a domestic flight to the Agra Airport. After deboarding your flight, you can hire a taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Agra to commute within the city.
By Train: Agra is well-connected by rail to metro cities in India. The city has multiple railway stations with Agra Cantonment (AGC) being the main station. You can check the train schedules and book tickets through the Indian Railways website or various other online platforms. Several trains including high-speed trains like the Gatimaan Express and Shatabdi Express connect Agra with Delhi and other major cities.
By Road: The city of Agra has a well-developed road network and it can be reached by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. For your ease, several buses are operated by the UP government from Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow to Agra on an everyday basis. It takes 4-5 hours to cover the required distance.
It's important to note that the traffic conditions and travel times may vary depending on the time of day and other factors. Hence, it is always recommended to check the latest road conditions, carry the necessary documents (driving license, vehicle registration), and follow traffic rules during your journey.
