Agra

State

Uttar Pradesh

Country

India

Continent

Asia

Size

121 KM²

Population

2,262,000

Spending Budget

$5,000 - $20,000

Famous For

Taj Mahal
Jama Masjid
Fatehpur Sikri
Famous Pettha

Best Time to Visit

January
February
March
October
November
December

History

Long back in 1556 to 1648, Agra dwelled as the capital city of the Mughal Kingdom earning the name of the most popular and powerful cities of that time. Sikandar Lodi was the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate to move his capital from Delhi to Agra in 1504, and so he is regarded as being the founder of Agra. Sikandar Lodi's son, Ibrahim Lodi, was defeated at the Battle of Panipat in 1526 by Babur, which marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire. In a brief interruption in Mughal rule between 1540 and 1556, Sher Shah Suri established the short-lived Sur Empire. Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1648, under the Mughal Emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, after which Shah Jahan shifted the capital to Delhi. The Mughal Empire saw the building of many monuments, especially the Taj Mahal. The city was later taken by the Jats and then Marathas and later still fell to the British Raj. Agra was also known as the center of Islamic education in the Mughal period. In the British era, The Agra University, which is one of the oldest colleges in India was established in 1823, served as a Hindi Literature Center. Another famous college is St. John’s College in the same period which is said to boast about its beautiful architecture. Agra is the birthplace of the famous sweet delicacy named Petha, a soft and translucent sweet candy. It is the only city in North India, except Delhi, which possesses more than 10 five-star hotels. Agra contributes to around 28% of the footwear export from India as it accounts to be the largest footwear manufacturing hub in the nation.

Present Day

Post India's independence, Agra has been a part of Uttar Pradesh and has gradually developed into an industrial city, with a significant contribution to Uttar Pradesh's economy. The city is now a popular tourist destination and hosts tourists from across the world. The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort received UNESCO World Heritage Sites status in 1983. The Taj Mahal witnesses tourists, photographers, historians, and archaeologists in massive numbers all around the year. The region around Agra consists almost entirely of a level plain, with hills in the extreme southwest. The rivers in the region include Yamuna and Chambal. The region is also watered by the Agra Canal. Millet, barley, wheat, and cotton are among the crops grown. Both Rabi and Kharif crops are cultivated. The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri is about 40 km southwest of Agra. The sandstone hills near Fatehpur Sikri and on the south-eastern borders of the district are offshoots from the Vindhya range of Central India. Agra is about 210 km away from the National capital of New Delhi(via Yamuna Expressway), about 336 km from state capital Lucknow(via Agra-Lucknow Expressway), and about 227 km from Kanpur(via Agra-Lucknow Expressway). The city has an average elevation of 170 meters above sea level. Agra is the birthplace of the now-extinct religion known as Din-i-Ilahi, which was founded by Akbar, and also of the Radhaswami Faith, which has around two million followers worldwide. The Taj Mahal has become a symbol of India and its soft power. The Taj Mahal has faced significant damage due to air pollution and sewage discharge into the nearby Yamuna River. The white-marble Taj Mahal is turning yellow and green because of filthy air in the world's eighth-most polluted city. As of the 2011, India census, Agra city has a population of 1,585,704, while the population of Agra cantonment is 53,053. The urban agglomeration of Agra has a population of 1,760,285.

Future

The area-based development plan for Agra focuses on improving social equity and infrastructure for citizens and improving heritage and cultural tourism and tourism infrastructure for visitors, and revitalizing green spaces, and enabling sustainable livelihood development, which will impact the quality of life of residents. Agra Master Plan 2021 envisages an urban area of the order of 20,000 hectares which has been subdivided into various land uses. It is also estimated the housing shortage for the plan period of the order of 2.5 lakh. The important policy decisions relevant for the preparation of Agra Master Plan 2021 are Non-pollutant industries be allowed to function in the city. 292 coal-based industrial units are closed. Industries related to software technology and information technology be promoted. Other polluting industries in the city be considered to be relocated. TTZ area: Proper access be provided for the monuments and the places of heritage value. A barrage is constructed downstream of Taj so that the Yamuna river retains water and the river is used for recreational purposes. The area north of Taj Mahal across the river be developed as a National Park so that it attracts tourists. To attract tourists international Golf course and stadium be constructed. Land measuring about 175 hectares on Fatehabad marg be used for tourism-related recreational activities. Agra is connected internationally by setting up an international airport. Taj ganj area near Taj Mahal is developed and beautified so that this can be a center of handicraft and cottage industry for the tourist. Water Supply: Industrial units falling in this area be relocated in a phased manner. Parks and river development be undertaken as part of tourism attraction. River Yamuna should be made pollution-free by establishing treatment plants. Traffic and transportation. A ring road is proposed to by-pass Agra city and avoid congestion in the city area. Where ever necessary underground/multi-storied parking be proposed to meet the parking requirements. On the outskirts of the city transport, managers are proposed on the Mathura road, Gwalior road, and Kanpur road. Sewerage and Drainage: To reduce the water losses during distribution network needs to be improved and worn out/rusted pipes need to be replaced. Proper water harvesting techniques be adopted for groundwater conservation and recharge. Sewer lines are laid in a planned manner so that the sewer is properly collected and disposed of. The sewer flowing in drains be treated at suitable locations and the treated sewer be allowed to fall downstream of Yamuna. A sufficient number of sewerage treatment plants be constructed. As far as possible on both sides of the open drain three meters of strip be reserved for tree plantation. Solid Waste Management: A plan be prepared for solid waste management and disposal. The proper arrangement is made for the collection and disposal of solid waste. Arrangements are made for instruments, vehicles, machines, and manpower for the disposal of solid waste. Rain Water Harvesting: Natural ponds be preserved. The land surrounding the natural ponds is used for recreational purposes.

Must Visit Places ------------

Taj Mahal

One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal stands tall at the south bank of the river Yamuna in Agra. Taj Mahal or the “icon of love” is one of the best places to visit in Agra and the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is also considered to be an epitome of the Mughal Architecture. The ivory-white marble mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz. The monument is now where the tombs of the king and queen lie. Taj Mahal has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being a masterpiece recognized all across the world. Take a walk inside the Taj Mahal and you will feel as if you’re walking through history.

Agra Fort

Agra Fort was one of the most important forts during the Mughal period and is one of the finest places to see in Agra today. Akbar the great called this fort his home throughout his reign till 1605. Just like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History unfolds in front of your eyes as you walk through the many structures inside the fort, like Diwan-i-Khas, Khaas Mahal, etc.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, a town in Agra district was once the capital of the Mughal empire. The town was built and established by Akbar and later abandoned in 1610. Like all the other tourist places in Agra, this was also entirely built with red sandstone. The town has several significant parts to explore. The first thing that one comes across in this town is the enormous Buland Darwaza which is 54 meters in height which is sure to leave you awestruck. The surreal interiors of the town are a visual treat to the eyes and are sure to leave you spellbound.

Akbar's Tomb

Akbar’s Tomb was built by Jahangir in 1613. If you’re a history buff, this is one of the best places to visit in Agra for you. The tomb is built in red sandstone and holds some of the most stunning marble designs. As anybody walks into the building, they will find exquisite marble designs on the ceilings and mystical calligraphy towards the real underground tomb of Akbar. The biggest gate around the tomb is the south gate where we find intricate white marble designs on the panels. The real tomb of Akbar is in a small underground room which has a very transcendent feel to it.

Moti Masjid

The Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 at the bank of river Yamuna. Although lesser known, it is one of the best places to visit in Agra. The mosque is well known for its delicate designs and architecture on shining white marble which gives it the name “pearl mosque”. But what attracts many tourists to visit this mosque is how it stands miraculously on a slope with several arched recessions and side arcades.

Kinnari Bazar

Displaying a number of unique handicrafts, the traditional bazaars of Agra are a must visit for all the shopping lovers. Here, you can shop for many items like embroidered fabrics, jewellery, carpets, woven products etc. If in a mood for shopping for some leather products, visit Sadar Bazaar and later savor a meal in one of the cafes. To get some good prices, try visiting Kinari Bazaar to shop for items like handicrafts, glassware, rugs, leather and textiles. For those who are looking to fill their bags with some silk products and silk saris, Subhash Bazaar offers a stunning getaway.

Mankameshwar Mandir

Mankameshwar Mandir is one of the ancient Shiva temples in India, earning great religious importance as the legend Shiva installed a lingam ( a phallus ) here on his own. Temples like these are also eye-catchers attracting the crowd apart from all the Mughal monumental beauties embedded there. This Temple is a home for Shiva’s family idols and a lot of devotees from various parts of the country pay a visit here. This temple resides within a closer radius of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and is open all days

Jama Masjid

One of the biggest mosques of India, the Jama Masjid in Agra is known for its intrinsic designs and unique architecture. The mosque is situated right across Agra Fort and is one of the most well-known tourist places in Agra. The gigantic mosque was built by Shah Jahan for his daughter Jahanara Begum. The beautiful designs on the tomb and the red sandstone construction of the mosque will leave you bewildered with the Islamic architecture.

Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh in Agra stands at the North of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort along the bank of river Yamuna. This is one of the many hidden places to visit in Agra. The garden is a char bagh which is a quadrilateral garden layout inspired by the four gardens of paradise mentioned in the Quran. The garden stands perfectly in symmetry with the view of the Taj Mahal. It is also said that the garden had a spot from where Shah Jahan would watch the moonlit Taj Mahal, thus giving the garden the name of Mehtab Bagh. The surreal views and an ideal place for a couple photoshoot have made Mehtab Bagh one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra.

Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal

Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal is not as well known as the other places to see in Agra but is worth visiting. The gurdwara is dedicated to the ninth guru of Sikhs who is Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The place where it is built is where Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji voluntarily offered his arrest to Aurangzeb. At the time the place served as a reservoir of rainwater which was used for irrigation purposes. Later, it was constructed into a gurudwara with the beautiful architecture of red sandstone at some places and marble at most.