The city of Agra is situated in northern India and is the
home of the Taj Mahal one of the seven wonders of the world. The city has a
long and rich history and has played a major role in the development of India.
The earliest recorded history of Agra dates back to the 16th
century when it was the capital of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals were a Muslim
dynasty that ruled over much of India from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Agra
was an important centre of power and culture during this time, and many of the
city's most famous landmarks were built during the Mughal period.
One of the most famous of these landmarks is the Taj Mahal,
a white marble grave built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his
wife called Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest
examples of Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition, to the Taj Mahal Agra is home to a number of
other historic landmarks, including the Agra Fort, a red sandstone fortress
built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The Agra Fort is also a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known for its beautiful gardens, palaces and
many mosques.
Agra has also played a role in modern Indian history. In the
early 20th century, the city was a centre of the Indian independence movement
and also was the site of a number of protests and boycotts against British rule
in India.
Today Agra is a bustling city with a population of over 1.6
million people. It is a major tourist destination with millions of visitors that
come each year to see the Taj Mahal and other historic landmarks of the city.
Despite the many challenges it has faced over the years, Agra remains an
important cultural and historical centre in India.
India For Kids: Amazing Facts About India
If you are coming to India with your family, then Agra is a
great place to visit. Here are some of the many attractions you can visit with
your family:
Taj Mahal:
As mentioned earlier, this majestic white marble
mausoleum is the most famous and most visited tourist destination in Agra. TheTaj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife,
Mumtaz Mahal, and is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal
architecture.
This red sandstone fortress was built by the Mughal Emperor
Akbar in the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Agra Fort is
known for its beautiful gardens, palaces, and mosques.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb:
This mausoleum also known as the "Baby Taj," by the
locals is a smaller version of the Taj Mahal and is considered one of the
finest examples of Mughal architecture. It was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of
Mughal Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father.
Fatehpur Sikri:
This ancient city is located about 37 miles west of Agra and
was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. It is home to a number of historic
landmarks, including the Buland Darwaza, a large gateway built by the Mughal
Emperor Akbar.
Mehtab Bagh:
This garden is located on the opposite side of the Taj Mahal
and offers beautiful views of the monument. It is a popular spot for tourists
to watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal.
Moti Masjid:
This mosque, also known as the "Pearl Mosque," is
located inside the Agra Fort and is known for its beautiful white marble
architecture.
Akbar's Tomb:
This tomb is located in the city of Sikandra, about 10 miles
northwest of Agra. It is the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar
and is known for its unique blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, and Jain
architectural styles.
Jama Masjid:
This mosque is located in the centre of Agra and is one of
the largest in India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the
mid-17th century and is known for its beautiful marble and red sandstone
architecture.
Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah:
This mausoleum, also known as the "Jewel Box," is
located on the banks of the Yamuna River and is considered one of the finest
examples of Mughal architecture. It was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal
Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father.
Chini ka Rauza:
This tomb is located in the city of Agra and is known for
its beautiful tile work and Persian inscriptions. It was built by Shah Jahan's
prime minister, Afzal Khan, in the mid-17th century.
Keetham Lake:
This man-made lake is located about 20 miles south of Agra
and is a popular spot for picnics and birdwatching. It is home to a variety of
migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and cranes.
Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal:
This Sikh temple is located in the city of Agra and is known
for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. It is a popular place
for tourists to learn about the Sikh religion and culture.
Dayal Bagh Temple:
This temple is located about 5 miles north of Agra and is
known for its beautiful marble and sandstone architecture. It is a popular
place for tourists to learn about the Radhasoami faith, a spiritual movement
that originated in India.
Agra Cantonment:
This neighbourhood is located on the eastern edge of the city
and is known for its beautiful colonial-style buildings. It is a popular place
for tourists to learn about the city's history and to see examples of British
architecture.
Mankameshwar Temple:
This temple is located in the heart of Agra and is dedicated
to the Hindu god Shiva. It is a popular place for tourists to learn about
Hinduism and to participate in traditional puja rituals.
Hathipol:
This lively market is located in the heart of the city and is a popular place for tourists to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Indian clothing.
Ram Bagh:
This garden is located about 5 miles north of Agra and was
the first Mughal garden in India. It is known for its beautiful flowers and
fountains, and is a popular place for tourists to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary:
This bird sanctuary is located about 30 miles east of Agra
and is home to a variety of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and
cranes. It is a popular place for birdwatching and nature photography.
Agra Art Gallery:
This art gallery is located in the centre of the city and is
home to a collection of modern and contemporary Indian art. It is a popular
place for tourists to learn about the art and culture of India.
Mariyam's Tomb:
This tomb is located in the city of Agra and is believed to
be the final resting place of Mariyam, the daughter of the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan. It is known for its beautiful white marble architecture and is a popular
place for tourists to visit.
St. John's College:
This college is located in the centre of the city and is
known for its beautiful colonial-style architecture. It was founded in 1850 and
is a popular place for tourists to learn about the city's history and education
system.
Shish Mahal:
This palace is located inside the Agra Fort and is known for its beautiful mirrors and glasswork. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century and is a popular place for tourists to learn about Mughal architecture and culture.
Mughal Heritage Walk:
This walking tour takes visitors through the historic
streets of Agra and is a great way to learn about the city's history and
culture. The tour includes stops at a number of important landmarks, including
the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Jama Masjid.
Soami Bagh Temple:
This temple is located about 5 miles north of Agra and is
known for its beautiful gardens and spiritual teachings. It is a popular place
for tourists to learn about the Radhasoami faith and to participate in
traditional puja rituals.
