Agra

 

Introduction

Agar aap India ke heritage aur history ko feel karna chahte ho to Agra ek aisa sheher hai jahan aapko Mughal architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites aur timeless love stories sab kuch ek saath dekhne ko milta hai.

Agra ka naam aate hi sabse pehle Taj Mahal yaad aata hai – ek aisi building jo duniya bhar me love ka symbol ban chuki hai. Lekin Taj Mahal ke alawa bhi Agra me aur bohot kuch hai jo explore karne layak hai.

History of Agra

Agra ka zikr sabse pehle Mahabharata me मिलता hai jahan ise Agravana bola gaya tha.

Medieval period me Mughal emperors – Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan aur Aurangzeb ne is sheher ko apna capital banaya.

Taj Mahal, Agra Fort aur Fatehpur Sikri Mughal period ki masterpieces hain jo abhi bhi duniya bhar ke travelers ko attract karte hain.

Top Places to Visit in Agra

1. Taj Mahal (Symbol of Love)

World’s 7 Wonders me shamil.

Shah Jahan ne apni wife Mumtaz Mahal ke liye banwaya tha.

White marble ka masterpiece jisme inlay work aur symmetry unmatched hai.

Best time to visit → Sunrise & Full moon nights.

2. Agra Fort

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jahangir aur Shah Jahan ka residence tha.

Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas aur Diwan-i-Aam yahan ke highlights hain.

3. Fatehpur Sikri (40 km from Agra)

Emperor Akbar ka banwaya hua ek complete city.

Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid aur Panch Mahal yahan ke main attractions hain.

Abandoned city hone ke baad bhi ek architectural wonder hai.

4. Mehtab Bagh

Taj Mahal ka best backside view yahan se milta hai.

Sunset photography ke liye perfect spot.

5. Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)

Taj Mahal ka prototype mana jata hai.

Noor Jahan ne apne father ke liye banwaya tha.

6. Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra)

Mughal Emperor Akbar ki final resting place.

Persian aur Indian architecture ka blend.

Best Time to Visit Agra

October – March: Cool & pleasant weather, best for sightseeing.

April – June: Garmi thodi zyada hoti hai, lekin crowd kam milta hai.

July – September: Monsoon season, greenery zyada hoti hai lekin barish travel plans ko affect kar sakti hai.

How to Reach Agra

By Air: Nearest airport – Agra Airport (Kheria, ~13 km).

By Train: Agra Cantt Railway Station well connected hai Delhi, Jaipur aur Lucknow se.

By Road: Yamuna Expressway se Delhi to Agra sirf 3–4 hours ka safar hai.

Where to Stay in Agra

Luxury: The Oberoi Amarvilas, ITC Mughal

Mid-Range: Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Radisson Hotel

Budget: Zostel Agra, Backpacker Panda, local guest houses

Food in Agra

Agra sirf monuments ke liye hi nahi balki food ke liye bhi mashhoor hai:

Agra ka Petha (sweet dish)

Bedai aur Jalebi (breakfast special)

Mughlai cuisine (Kebabs, Biryani, Butter Chicken)

Dalmoth (crispy snack)

Things to Do in Agra

Sunrise at Taj Mahal

Night view of Taj Mahal (only 5 nights in a month allowed)

Shopping at Sadar Bazaar (leather goods, marble handicrafts, jewelry)

Street food walk – Bedai, Chaat aur Mughlai dishes taste karein

Heritage walk in Fatehpur Sikri

Entry Fees (Approx.)

Taj Mahal: ₹50 (Indians), ₹1100 (Foreigners)

Agra Fort: ₹50 (Indians), ₹650 (Foreigners)

Fatehpur Sikri: ₹50 (Indians), ₹610 (Foreigners)

Baby Taj: ₹30 (Indians), ₹310 (Foreigners)

Travel Tips

Taj Mahal visit ke liye Monday avoid karein (closed hota hai).

Sunrise & sunset ka view sabse zyada magical hota hai.

Local guides ko carefully hire karein (authentic government approved guide prefer karein).

Bargaining shopping ke time zaroor karein.

Winters me jacket aur summers me sunscreen carry karein.

FAQs About Agra

Q1. Agra kis cheez ke liye famous hai?

👉 Taj Mahal, Mughlai food, leather products aur Petha.

Q2. Agra trip kitne din ka hona chahiye?

👉 2–3 din ka trip sufficient hai Agra aur nearby Fatehpur Sikri explore karne ke liye.

Q3. Kya Agra honeymoon destination ho sakta hai?

👉 Haan, specially couples Taj Mahal ke romantic vibes enjoy karte hain.

Q4. Agra me shopping ke liye best jagah kaunsi hai?

👉 Sadar Bazaar aur Kinari Bazaar.

Conclusion

Agra ek aisa sheher hai jo love, history aur heritage sabko ek saath laata hai. Chahe aap ek history buff ho, ek photographer ho ya ek foodie – Agra har traveler ko ek unforgettable experience deta hai.

Agar India ka safar complete karna chahte ho, to Agra ka Taj Mahal dekhna ek must hai. Jab bhi Agra jao, ek baat yaad rakhna – yeh sheher sirf monuments ka nahi, memories banane ka hai.