Agra Experience: Agra - the very name brings back the memories of the might Mughals. It was this place from where rulers used to rule the lenght and breadth of the country. Thankfully, the place still bears the testimony of the grandeur of the Mughal empire with its majestic structures and above all - the TAJ MAHAL, one of the identities of India throughout the world. Agra has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri, about 50 kms. from Agra is the starting point from which one stares at awe at the magnificent accomplishments of the Mughals.The memories of Emperor Akbar,Queen Jodha Bai, Raja Man Singh, Birbal, Abul Fazal, Faizi - will appear at every corner.
Agra Fort, inside Agra, is another master piece. The throne of Emperor Akbar alonwith Dewaan-i-Khas, Deewan-i-Aam rekindles the nostalgic feelings of any history lover.
Eitmad-Ud-Daulah, the 'Baby Taj', is one many misses on the trip to Agra. On the opposite side of the Jamuna, this mauseleum of the father of Nur Jahan, Ghias-ud-Din Beg is sadly missed in front of the Taj. The marble work and the architectural beauty is not to be missed for sure.
Sikandra, (10 km north of Agra on the Agra Delhi highway). The tomb of Akbar lies here in the centre of the large garden. Akbar started its construction himself but it was completed by his son Jehangir, who significantly modified the original plans which accounts for the somewhat cluttered architectural lines of the tomb. Four red sandstone gates lead to the tomb complex: one is Muslim, one Hindu, one Christian, and one is Akbar\'s patent mixture.
Lastly, the best. The eternal Taj Mahal. Nowhere in the world, one can find a symbol of love of such a magnitude. This magnanimous structure taking 20 years for construction is a testimony of the love that Emperor Shah Jahan built for his beloved wife Mumtaz.Words should not be spent on the Taj as the sheer beauty cannot be expressed by vocabulary. One must see to feel and believe.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Food is of secondary or tertiary importance when one is in Agra. There is no speciality in Agra as far as food is concerned. The 'petha', a sweet is though famous.
Shopping is largely limited near the Eastern gate of the Taj for mostly mementos.
Activities & things to do: There is no other activity in Agra than to see the beautiful monuments. Agra is not the kind of place where one should even look, leave aside think of, leisure activities. When in Agra, take yourself back to the Mugha Era and just feast your eyes on the magnificent monuments.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: Agra is well connected by train. Agra contonment, Agra fort stations cater to numerous trains. The local Kheria Airport, is not a busy one. The nearest airport for all aspect is New Delhi, about 250 kms. By road, Agra is well connected with Delhi (NH2 & NH8), Jaipur, Gwalior.
