Agra - Fact File
Location : Uttar Pradesh, India.
Area : 83 sq. kms
Population : 1,316,177
Main Languages : Hindi, Urdu and English.
Known As : City of Taj.
Major Attractions : Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-daulah, Ram Bagh, Jami Masjid, Akbar's Mausoleum.
Climate : Extreme climate, Maximum temp : 45°C, Minimum temp : 4°C .
Ideal Time to Visit : October to March.


Agra - the City of Taj
Agra popularly known as the "City of Taj," is located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city was called Akbarabad during the time of the Mughal rulers and later came to be known as Agra. Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna river, the city occupy a unique place in the tourist map of India. Agra attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year because of its World Heritage Sites - Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. In fact the glory of Agra is not only centred around the Taj Mahal or Agra Fort, but the city is also known for art, culture, architecture and sculpture.

The foundation of Agra was laid around 1475 A.D by Raja Badal Singh who built a fort near the present site of Agra Fort and named it Badalgarh. Agra became the capital of Sikandar Lodi in 1501, but it soon occupied by Mughal emperor Babar when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the battle of Panipath in 1526. Agra's march to prosperity began with the reign of Akbar, the grandson of Babar. Agra reached to its height of magnificence during the times of Akbar-Jehnagir-Shah Jahan between 1556 and 1658.

Attractions of Agra
Today Agra is a commercial town but still it is mainly dependent on tourism. Kinari Bazaar, the main market place with its narrow by lanes is located on the north of the Agra Fort. The modern part of the town known as Sadar Bazaar, is in the cantonment area on the south of the Fort. Agra is known for its exquisite monuments, beautiful art and handicrafts and delicious cuisine.

Monuments
Agra, the ancient capital of Mughal empire boasts of several Mughal architectural marvels. Most popular among them are Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb etc.

Shopping
Plenty of shops and stalls are in Agra which deal in innumerable variety of objects of tourists interest. Most popular items are leather products, carvings in marble, ivory and softstone and metal handicrafts. Many of the articles are artistically executed but are available at reasonable price. The articles having a touch of the Mughal art in them. The area of the town which abounds in objects of tourist attraction is the Mall Road opposite the cantonment area. In the Mall road and its surrounding area you will find handicrafts shops, restaurants and several other shops. Sadar Bazaar in the cantonment area and the Kinari Bazaar in the old town are the main shopping areas. Several State Govt's such as U.P. Rajasthan, Haryana, Kashmir and Kerala have their showrooms at the Taj complex. The Crafts Village is 1 km from the eastern gate of the Taj, where the handicrafts gleaned from all over the country are sold.

Food
Agra is a Mughlai City, which is very much evident in its Mughlai menu. Kebab alongwith Nan, Tandoori Roti, Paratha, Tandoori Chickenm, Sik- Kebab , Biryani are very popular. Agra is also famous for delectable sweets like Petha, Gajak and a salty snack called Dalmoth.

Entertainment Options
Watching movies in Cinema halls is the single entertainment option in Agra. One can watch Hindi and English movies in the cinema halls of the city.

Accommodation
Agra is dotted with several good hotels which offer a comfortable stay alongwith the magnificent view of Taj Mahal. Agra provides plenty of accommodation options that suits everybody's pocket. Apart from hotels, the guest houses, rest houses and lodges are also available. Famous hotels in Agra are Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre (5 Star Deluxe), WelcomHotel Mughal Sheraton (5 Star Deluxe), Hotel Agra Ashok (5 Star), Hotel Clarks Shiraz (5 Star), Taj View Hotel (5 Star), Trident Hilton Agra (5 Star), Holiday Inn (4 Star), Hotel Amar (3 Star) etc.

How to Reach Agra
By Air : Agra has its own airport , Kheria Airport is located at a distance of 6 kms from the city centre. The airport is connected to major cities in India. Daily flight of Indian airlines connects Agra with Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi.

By Rail : Agra railway station is on the Delhi-Mumbi broadgauge line. Trains from important places of India is available to Agra.

By Road : National Highways and State Highway connect Agra with the state and rest of the country. Bus services are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, Jhansi and other nearby places.

Local transportation : Auto-rickshaws, tongas, cycle rickshaws, taxis are available for local transport.