Perhaps no other historical monument has evoked as much awe and admiration from tourists and travellers alike, as the magnificent Taj Mahal-fondly called by people as the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal Emperor to his beloved.

So overwhelming is the exquisite beauty and presence of this marbled mausoleum that centuries later today, even the very land where it has been located-Agra-has been immortalised as the City of the Taj.

Yet, it doesn't take much for the roving eye to discover that there's more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal. The city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery... a freeze-frame from a resplendant era that's long since gone by.

In the great epic 'Mahabharaf, the region of Agra is described as 'Agrabana' (an integral part of the Brij Bhumi or the land of Lord Krishna). The latter part of Indian history outlines the origins of Agra to 1475 A.D., when the region founded its existence during the reign of Raja Badal Singh.

However, Agra came into limelight during the rule of Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi-who had made it the capital of his empire.

Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task of rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own. The visionary that he was and a great patron of the arts, Emperor Babar brought in a change in the culture and life-style among the people of Agra, which then brought forth some of the finest craftsmen, artistes, statesmen, warriors and nobility, this part of India had ever witnessed. The golden age ofAgra's history, thus began to set in.

The next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal Monarchs-Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan-all of whom lavished on this fabled city, their love and riches immeasurable to transform the land into one of the great centres of art, culture, learning and commerce.

Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even today, in the haunting presence inside the monuments, the majesty of the buildings, the exquisite arts and crafts and not to forget, the lure of an exceptional cuisine... all, cherished as priceless legacies of a nostalgic past.

The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history... captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home. Today, luxury and modern convenience also exist adjacent to tradition-luxury hotels, shopping malls and plazas, wide avenues and a superb choice of venues for recreation, business, sports, pleasure, education and the arts.

General Information

Population : 11,11,086 ( Urban, as per 1991 Census )
Altitude : 169 Mtrs above sea level.
Area : 82 Sq. Kms.
Languages : Hindi, Urdu, English.
Temperature :
Summer : 21.9° C - 45.0° C.
Winter : 4.2° C - 31.7° C.
Rainfall : 66 cm Average yearly.
STD Code : 0562

How to Reach There

Air : Agra is well connected to cities like Delhi, Khajuraho, Varanasi etc. Kheria airport is 6 kms from Agra.

Rail : Agra is connected to the major cities in India.

Road : Agra is well connected to the following cities y road : Mathura, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Jhansi, Chitrakoot etc.

Shopping

Agra is one of the most important centres for handicrafts, made of marble and softstone inlay work. The Mughals were great patrons of arts and crafts. Empress Nur Jahan took personal interest and was an accomplished artist herself in zari embroidery work. Agra's major handicraft products besides inlay work are: leatherware, brassware, carpets, jewellery and embroidery work. Agra is also well known for its sweets petha' and 'Gazak' and saltish snack 'Dalmoth. The main shopping areas of the city are Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Munro Road, Rajaki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal Complex.

Hotels

Hotel Amar Vilas
Hotel Jaypee Palace
Hotel Taj View
Hotel Agra Ashok
Howard Park Plaza
Deedar-e-Taj Hotel
Hotel Clarks Shiraz
The Trident Hilton
Holiday Inn
Hotel Amar