Agra

Agra in India DOT THE COLORS OF THE INDIAN KALEIDOSCOPE: VISITING TAJ MAHAL AND MUCH MORE!

Agra came up smelling roses on the golden page of the Indian history. In the midst of perpetuity and spiritual relevance, this city has its own twisted tale to offer to the world. It is the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal. However, visiting Taj Mahal is not the only thing the city of love accords to its visitants. Striking monuments, nature’s bliss, and miraculous photo-spots are some of its most incredible aspects. Agra has more to it than that you’ve ever imagined. Let us tell you how!

Top Highlights – It’s not just about the Taj Mahal!

Charms of Mughal Architecture
Agra is filled with marvelous creations of the Mughals. Other than visiting Taj Mahal there are many monuments and forts in Agra that are true exemplars of refined artistry. The domes, minarets, massive halls and vaulted gateways are so bewitching that you will find yourself admiring every inch of it.
Leisure walks in Mughal gardens
The Mehtab Bagh – “the moonlit pleasure garden” is the last of the eleven Mughal gardens near the banks of Yamuna. Decked out with fruit trees, pools and fountains, the Mehtab Bagh was once believed to be the site of the Black Taj Mahal. It is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful picnic and getting a good view of the Taj avoiding the local rush.
Pay a visit to the abode of the rescued – The Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Have a thing for wildlife? Then, welcome to the safe haven for birds and the largest ecstasy for rescued dancing bears in Agra. The sanctuary is a religion- cultural heritage name after the Hindi poet Soordas. Don’t miss out on capturing the captivating varieties of flora and fauna and prepare your frames for your picture-perfect moments at the Keetam Jheel.
Turn Tribal with a trip to Korai Village
Turn down your cell phone for a day for an exotic visit to the Korai village. Meet the bear tamers of the Kalandar tribe and live their lives for a day. Learn tribal cooking, catch a monkey or maybe book yourself a seat to see the local magician perform. This will be that one real adventure you’ve been looking for a lifetime.
Go, theist! Visit the ancient temple of Mamkaleshwar
Pay homage to the only ancient temple in Agra created by Lord Shiva himself. Experience the perfect placidity of its folklore and do wish upon the enchantments because there is a possibility that they will turn true.
Taste Agra’s Mouth Watering Cuisine
A scrumptious bite is an easy find in the streets of Agra. Taste the goodness of authentic Mughlai cuisine and dive into the luscious world of royal delicacies. These yummy-in-your- tummy delights will come to you in every price range. From local specials at Mama Chicken to fine dining experiences at Esphahan the city has it all stored in for you.
Shop for Leather and Zadori
Shop like a pro at the local markets to bring your loved ones some special souvenirs. If you are head over heels for leather then Sadar Bazaar will just be the place for you. Marching on to Kinnari Bazaar for exquisite zardori embellishments and jewelry will make your shopping tale ideal. However, if apparel shopping is not your cup of tea then you can always shop spices at the Daresi Bazaar.
The Zion to Photographers
Agra is the pivot to photographers. It has never disappointed them with a not-so-perfect frame. One will definitely return back with its hands full of dazzling photographs of the Taj, striking poses of the rescued bears and snapshots that capture the serenity in the simplicity of the life of the people here.

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Top Places of the City -TALES OF LIVING HISTORY

The Indian Testimony of Love: The Taj Mahal

Visiting Taj Mahal, the greatest epitome of love built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan on the banks of river Yamuna is the finest thing to do in Agra. This aesthetically sound ivory- marble mausoleum is the creation of workmen from around the empire and even Iran, who lost their thumbs after its construction to confirm its uniqueness. Starstruck already? If not, you will be once you pay it a visit.

Baby Taj: Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah

The original inspiration behind the Taj is this Mausoleum built by the Queen of Jahangir, Noor Jahan. It was the very first edition to the marble creations of the Mughal Empire. If some peaceful time is what you crave for then cherishing this marble mosaic with local and Mughal architecture will be the idyllic evening for you.

Agra Fort - The arena of fortitude

A sandstone paragon appreciated for its finesse worldwide stands astoundingly near the gardens of the Taj Mahal. Nestled among its boundaries are beautiful palaces, mosques and audience halls that will surely take you on a trip to that era. Exploring the fort, you will come across numerous structures. It is not possible to observe all of them but make sure don’t miss out on the following:

Treasures of the Agra Fort

Ruins of the Akhbar’s Palace
Encounter the ruins of the mighty emperor’s sandstone palace and set your eyes into how magnificently he lived and died.

Akhbar’s Bengali Mahal
Wait, until you see the palace that turned the rumor mill crazy with stories of hidden housings beneath it. Sounds vicious, doesn’t it?

Shahjahani Mahal
Catch glimpse of the very first attempt made by Shah Jahan to turn this sandstone beauty into a marble marvel.

Khas Mahal
Rekindle with the story of Taj Mahal by visiting this eye-pleasing octagonal marble palace turned prison for Emperor Shah Jahan. The same place where he died watching over his precious Mumtaz resting in the Taj Mahal across the bank.

Babur’s Baoli
A three-story step well used earlier for the in fort water requirements is the favorite photo-stop in every traveler’s journal.

Fatehpur Sikhri- The victory city

The much-loved place of the Mughals is now one of the best world’s heritage sites in India. This is the only Mughal palace-city-complex with inspirations taken from Hindu and Jain architecture. Eye-popping attractions to this complex are many including Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Ibadat Khana (House of Worship), Panch Mahal, Birbal’s house and Hiran Minar.
Don’t you hear the calls of wanderlust? I bet you do.

Sikandra Fort, the reflection of Akbar’s personality

A lofty fort enclosing the ravishing tomb of mighty Akbar is the perfect pointer to describe this place. Built by Emperor Akbar himself, this fort is a masterpiece of his imagination and creation. Walking down beautiful lush green gardens with fountains and waterways will make you feel no less than a royalty.

Jodha Bai Ka Rauza- Jodha’s palace

A simple and elegant Hindu structure with Gujarati and Rajasthani essence is a hard find in the vicinity of Mughal structures. If it excites you, hear us out when we tell you that you will not be able to deny its beauty and the artistry that’s on display.

CELEBRATING LIFE: FESTIVALS OF AGRA

Cease the moment of serenity at the Kailash Fair

This fair takes place at the Kailash temple to pay homage to the destroyer Lord Shiva celebrating the appearance of Lord Shiva as a stone lingam.

Devote yourself to Lord Shiva at Bateshwar Fair

A month-long fair devoted to Lord Shiva is an annual event at Bakteshwar and Agra. Spiritual dips into the holy waters of Yamuna and livestock and cattle on display are something you cannot miss during this time.

Live through spiritual matrimony – Ram Barat

The jhakis navigates the street of Agra to reach out to that one base of the fair where an annual demonstration of Lord Rama’s marriage takes place. This becomes the vital center of attraction for the devotees and the perfect hotspot to appreciate the magnificence of Hindu religion.

The Taj Mahotsava – Emblem of heritage

10 days of merriment is celebrated in the crafts village of Shilpgram promoting craftsmanship, regional food, culture and traditional performances. This festival welcoming the spring season starts off with a grand convoy of decorated camels, elephants and drumbeaters. Get the best of all over India at just one place in one go.

If these reasons other than visiting Taj Mahal are not enough for you to explore Agra, I wonder what else could be.