AgraThe city that is home to one of theseven wonders of the world andthree UNESCO world heritage sites,Agra is a treat for history andarchitecture lovers. The medievalcity located on the banks of theriver Yamuna, it is one of the mostvisited cities in the country.

Some of the must visit places inthis city include Taj Mahal, AgraFort, Akbar’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh,Chini Ka Rauza and Tomb ofMariam-uz-Zamani.

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Famous For : Weekend GetawaysCity

Strategically located at the heart of India inthe alluvial plains between the Ganga andYamuna, Agra had been a religious andcommercial centre for centuries, but itmatured and perfected itself only when theMughals made it their home. Agra is notonly famous for its Mughal art and culturebut is also known for its food, chat, and thefamous Panchi ka Petha. The city even afterbeing one of the hottest cities of thecountry, is visited in high numbers everyday. The nightlife might not be somethingworth mentioning but the beauty that thisold city acquires at the night makes you loveit and relish every bit of it. People's' heartshere are as grand as the Buland Darwaza,the sight of Taj Mahal is as sweet as thePetha for the eyes, a shining symbol ofIndia’s rich architectural heritage and one ofthe seven wonders of the world, the TajMahal remains a timeless masterpiece. Andshopping on the streets in the sunnyafternoons is as chatpata as the famousDaal Moth. Come to the city for a weekend'sexploration of architectural marvels such as

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Fatehpur Sikri, the feel of an old city, and toknow for yourself what is this city describedas a paradise in Mahabharata so popularfor. 

How can the Bollywood leave out Taj Mahalwhen it comes to the depiction of romance?Taj Mahal in Agra has been a backdrop formany Bollywood movie sets and songs. Thelegendary movie Mughal-e-Azam's song‘Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya’ has been shot atthe Agra Fort. The famous song ‘Suno naSangemarmar’ has been shot at the TajMahal. The movies Bunty aur Babli andPardes also show the glimpses of the TajMahal and the Agra city. Even Hollywoodcouldn't stay away from shooting at thispicturesque location.

Local food in Agra is a complete delight tosavour. True, there are several upscale andurban restaurants in Agra that serveawesome Mughlai, Indian, Chinese andother specialities. However, if you want areal treat for your taste buds with localflavors, don’t forget to indulge in Petha (atype of sweet candy) and Dal Moth (a spicylentil mix). Agra is a heaven for Chat loversas well as you will find chaat stalls at everynook and corner in the city. People love tothrong places like Double Phatak (which is

near Sikandra) for chaats and pani puri.Also, there is another market named “KinariBazar”, where you can find plethora of localdelectables. Don’t forget to round off yourmeal with a pan, another local speciality ofAgra.

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-agra-lp-1199857

JanVery cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:15.199999809265137°C

Min:6.699999809265137°C

Rain:13.199999809265137mm

FebCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:17.799999237060547°C

Min:9.199999809265137°C

Rain:17.600000381469727mm

MarCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max: 24.0°C Min:

13.199999809265137°C

Rain:9.300000190734863mm

AprPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:30.399999618530273°C

Min:18.700000762939453°C

Rain:6.300000190734863mm

MayPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.

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Max: 34.0°C Min:23.299999237060547°C

Rain:11.300000190734863mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:34.599998474121094°C

Min:25.299999237060547°C

Rain:55.70000076293945mm

JulPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 31.0°C Min:

24.100000381469727°C

Rain:203.3000030517578mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:29.799999237060547°C

Min:23.200000762939453°C

Rain:243.1999969482422mm

SepPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:29.399999618530273°C

Min: 22.0°C Rain:129.6999969482422mm

OctPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:27.100000381469727°C

Min:16.399999618530273°C

Rain:24.799999237060547mm

NovCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:21.700000762939453°C

Min: 11.0°C Rain:4.300000190734863mm

DecCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:16.600000381469727°C

Min:7.300000190734863°C

Rain:6.099999904632568mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-agra-lp-1199857

1 Taj Mahal

Taj Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh282001, India

The epitome of love and romance, TajMahal was built by the Mughal EmperorShah Jahan as a dedication to his beautifulwife Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand BanoBegum). It is a mausoleum of the queen,splendidly created in her memory. The verysight of the Taj is a feast not only to the eyesbut senses as well. It one of the SevenWonders of the World, was built as a tombby the grieving Emperor Shahjahan inmemory of his third wife Begum MumtazMahal who died in 1631. 

Made from white marble in the typicalMughal style, Taj Mahal seamlessly blendselements from Persian, Islamic and Indianstyles. The completion of this masterpiecetook 17 years (1628 - 1658) and was carriedunder the supervision of the architect, UstadAhmad Lahauri. Thousands of artisans likemasons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers,painters, calligraphers and dome builderswere hired from across the empire andother places including Central Asia and Iran.White marble used for the veneering wasbrought in from Makrana, Rajasthan. Semi-precious stones for inlay ornamentationwere sourced from all over India, Ceylon,and Afghanistan. Red sandstone of differenttints was quarried from Sikri andDholpur. 

When Shahjehan was imprisoned in theAgra Fort by his son Aurangzeb, he wouldlook endlessly at the Taj across the river.Spreading across an area of 60 bighas, thismajestic building was recognized as theUNESCO World Heritage Site in the year1983. Taj Mahal was constructed in the 16thcentury and displays the artistic brilliance of

the Mughals. Being located on the banks ofthe Yamuna adds to the splendor of thismarvel. The complex is set in the middle of alarge 300-metre (980 ft) square Charbagh orMughal Garden. The garden has a raisedpathway that divides each of the fourquarters of the garden into 16 flower beds.The image of the mausoleum is reflected inthe raised marble water tank at the centerof the garden. The octagonal layout isaccompanied by four minarets. The centralonion-shaped dome soars above the tombsthat are placed in an undergroundchamber. 

The best time to visit Taj Mahal is fromNovember to February. It is better to reachthe place early, as the place gets crowded bynoon. It can be viewed at night too. Theexquisite view of the Taj under the full moonis absolutely spellbinding. One among theseven wonders of the world, this monumentneeds to be a part of your travel bucket-list. 

2 Agra Fort

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Rakabganj, Taj Road, Agra, UttarPradesh 282003, India

Built by Akbar between 1565 and 1573, Agra Fort is another UNESCO WorldHeritage Site of the city. This masterpiecebuilt in red sandstone offers a panoramicview of the Taj Mahal on a clear day, whichis settled around 3 km away on the rightbank of river Yamuna. The fort’s 2.5 km-longramparts, which rise up to 21.4 m are casedwith perfectly polished red sandstone. It isspread across an area of 94 acres. Home tomore than two dozens of monuments withMughal architecture and style of art, the fortmakes for one of the most important androbustly built strongholds of the Mughals.

This fort has been the site of varioussignificant events in the Mughal Empire.While Babur sent his son Humayun tocapture the fort, Humayun returned with avast treasure, including the priceless "Koh-i-Noor" diamond. After this, Humayun wascoronated here. Another interesting legendholds that a man named Nazam, a water-carrier who saved Humayun from beingdrowned, was crowned as the emperor forhalf-a-day for his allegiance to the empire.

3 Taj Museum

Archaeological Survey of India, TajMahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282005,India

The fascinating Taj Museum is locatedinside the Taj Mahal complex and is ideal fora further exploration of the history that theplace is steeped in. Established in 1982 bythe Archaeological Survey of India, themuseum has three galleries, each displayinga different aspect of what went into themaking of the splendid monument.

One can also find some very well preservedgold and silver coins which belongs from thesame period. It even has architecturaldrawings of the Taj and several nifty celadonplates which are believed to change colouror split into pieces if the food served onthem contains poison.

4 Fatehpur Sikri

Agra, Uttar Pradesh 283110, India

Fatehpur Sikri was founded by the MughalEmperor Akbar in the year 1569. Located ata distance of around 35 km from Agra,Fatehpur Sikri holds high historicimportance. As per the legend attached withthis city, Saint Salim told Mughal emperorAkbar that his son is going to be a greatruler. In the year 1569, when Akbar's secondson was born, he moved his capital toFatehpur Sikri and named his sonSalim. Salim Chishti’s grave, in an exquisite marbletomb near the Jama Masjid, is still a reveredspot. Akbar chose red sandstoneto minimize the stylistic clashesthat could result from the mixing ofelements of Timurid, Persian and Indianstyles. An astonishing city took shape:pavilions and courtyards, domes, balconies,terraces, gardens, elegant cupolas, tanks,pools and baths. The architecture shelteredthe imperial household from the harshNorth Indian sun, but it also allowed for theplay of filtered or refracted light and airthrough latticed windows and doors. Fatehpur Sikri is playful and full of surprises:turn a corner and find an enchanted walledgarden, or climb out of an apartment andfind a tree perfectly framed in a window.Fourteen years after its construction, Akbarand his court left Fatehpur Sikri forever,moving the capital to Lahore. Lack of wateris usually posited as the reason for

abandoning the city. You can still follow thespirits of Akbar, his wives, his Nine Jewels,ladies of the harem... through BulandDarwaza—the highest gate in India, JodhaBai’s Palace, Maryam’s House, Birbal’sHouse, Daulat Khana, Diwan-Khana-i- Khas,Diwan-i-Am and Pachisi.

5 Samadhi Swamiji MaharajBagh (Dayal Bagh)

Dayalbagh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh,282005, India

Built in the memory of Huzur SwamijiMaharaj (or Shiv Dayal Singh Seth), thiscomplex is a living tribute to his dedicationtowards founding and carrying forward theRadhasoami Satsang movement. Thegarden houses the 'samadhi' spot, or themausoleum of Swamiji, who founded theRadhasoami Satsang in 1861, based on anamalgamation of the principles of Hinduism,Christianity, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

The complex is renowned for being a work-

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in-progress for the past 80 years or so,where devotees undertake the final dreamof creating the complex with a gold-latticeddome. The architecture here follows thesame principle of co-habiting differentreligious sects, with various styles ofarchitecture coming together to create aunique experience. The garden complexalso has a 'Bhajan Ghar' (or prayer house),which almost always is hosting some eventof the 'Radhasoami Satsang'. 

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-agra-lp-1199857

1 Dasaprakash VegetarianRestaurant

Meher Cinema Complex, Baluganj,Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh282001, India

+91-562-2463535

The favourite snack-time and meal option ofthe entire country, South Indian food is a hitwith locals and tourists, no matter what partof the country you're travelling to.Dasaprakash Vegetarian Restaurant bringsthis legacy to Agra, in all its glory andpopularity.

You'll love the lively feel of this restaurant,with the bustling crowds that throng hereduring mealtimes in particular. Try their hotsteaming rice and rawa idlis, the fresh-from-the-pan dosas (in different flavours too) anda whole host of other snacks. For a moresubstantial meal, give their thali a spin,complete with different vegetablepreparations served with rice and hotpooris. Top it off with the rich rawa kesarifor dessert and you're all set for reachingnirvana, metaphorically!

2 Esphehan, The OberoiAmarvilas

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Taj East GateRoad, Fatehabad Road, Tajganj, Agra,Uttar Pradesh 282001, India

+91-562-2231515

While you soak in the royal magnificence ofthe Taj Mahal and other Mughalarchitecture, there's an equally royal treatwaiting for you at E sphehan, The Oberoi Amarvilas. Their finedining restaurant serves some of the finesttraditional Indian dishes in an ambience thatwill at once make you feel like royaltythemselves.

Enjoy an elegant, quiet meal with theperfect Oberoi brand of hospitality topamper you thoroughly. With serene viewsof the Taj in the distance, this meal willperhaps be one of your most unforgettableexperience of Agra. The exclusive restaurantis open for dinner, and only for two sitting at7 and 9:30pm, adding to the aura of anabsolutely niche dining experience. 

3 Panchhi Petha Store

Main Market, Sadar Bazaar, InsidePawan Hotel, Agra Cantt, IdgahColony, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282004,India

+91-70555-00774

For anyone who knows a little about Agra,the sweet flavour of Petha is almostsynonymous with the city. Other than theinlay work, petha is one of the most popularsouvenirs that people often carry back fromAgra. And for this,Panchhi Petha is the one-stop-shop for oneof the best pethas in Agra.

Petha is a mithai (or sweet) made of whitepumpkin, available either with the sugarsyrup or in a dry version. Panchhi Petha andtheir series of stores have made their markfor selling consistently delicious andhygienic pethas for over 70 years now.

If you're worried about the sugar syrupleaking on your way home, you can be restassured about the packaging that is bothneat and air tight. Not only the petha, butthe savory Dal Moth is very popular here, aperfect snack to go with your evening tea.Head here to take home a lip-smackingpiece of Agra with you, without shelling toomuch money.

4 Pinch of Spice Restaurant

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23/453, Wazirpura Road, SanjayPlace, Opposite Sanjay Cinema, Agra,Uttar Pradesh 282002, India

+91-562-4009004|+91-562- 4041010

If you're in the mood for a traditionalIndian meal with some creamy dal, spicypaneer and different preparations ofmutton and chicken, you're in for a real treatat the Pinch of Spice. Part of a renownedchain, this restaurant strives to serveconsistent quality and hospitality to itsguests, making it an ideal location for afamily meal or a special celebration.

Try their Barra Kabab or the Fish Tikkahere, apart from the delicious paneerpreparations and you'll see how big a treatyou're in for, especially after you top it offwith hot gulab jamuns. The restaurant ispretty busy and sees a lot of footfalleveryday, which makes the ambience insidequite lively. With chic interiors and promptservice, this one should feature on yourmust-do's for Agra.

5 Shankara Vegis Restaurant

Dharmapuri, Tajganj, Agra, UttarPradesh 282001, India

+91-562-2331384

Truly a veggie’s delight, the restaurantserves hearty veg Thalis (consisting of Rice,Dal, Vegetables, Curd and sweets) which youwill love to relish on your visit, especiallybetween the tiring sightseeing trips. Enjoythe relaxed and inviting ambience herewhich plays the perfect host for a lovelylunch or dinner. 

You can try your hand at a couple ofinteresting games like carom and chess aswell, while enjoying a stunning view of theTaj Mahal over awesome food andrefreshing drinks.

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Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-agra-lp-1199857

SeeA: Taj MahalB: Agra FortC: Taj MuseumD: Fatehpur SikriE: Samadhi Swamiji Maharaj Bagh (DayalBagh)

AccommodationF: Spiritual YogaG: Royal HomestayH: Zostel AgraI: Spiritual YogaJ: Royal HomestayK: Zostel AgraL: Spiritual YogaM: Royal HomestayN: Zostel Agra

FoodO: Dasaprakash Vegetarian RestaurantP: Esphehan, The Oberoi AmarvilasQ: Panchhi Petha StoreR: Pinch of Spice RestaurantS: Shankara Vegis Restaurant