Travel Agra
An Agra tour is going to be a very enriching and memorable one for you because of its timeless attractions. A long history of Agra has its reference in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata. But modern Agra was established by Sikander Lodhi of the Lodhi Dynasty which ruled Delhi, during the 16th century. Later it became the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1526 to 1658.
It was the golden era for Agra as most of its magnificent historical structures were constructed during this phase. Agra has the finest examples of Mughal architectural style which was a mix of Indian and Islamic styles. Besides the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri nearby are listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
It was the golden era for Agra as most of its magnificent historical structures were constructed during this phase. Agra has the finest examples of Mughal architectural style which was a mix of Indian and Islamic styles. Besides the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri nearby are listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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| Taj Mahal |
Rajput rulers built Agra Fort which was later renovated by Mughal emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan. The golden era of Agra began to diminish when Shajahan shifted his capital to Shahjahanabad in Delhi. And today, Agra is the second Tier of India which is known for its tourist activities.
Culture of Agra
Agra has a very rich heritage and interesting culture. Agra is a historical city and was ruled by various different rulers at different times. There is a reference to Agra in the ancient epic Mahabharata. Its proximity to the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan influences its culture also.
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| Agra City |
Agra is influenced by Brij culture which is influenced by the tales of Lord Krishna. Modern-day Agra was founded by Sikander Lodi of the Lodi dynasty which ruled Delhi during the 16th century. People of Agra celebrate all the major fairs and festivals belonging to different religions with great harmony. Taj Mahotsav is a cultural extravaganza that is celebrated every year in Agra.
Art and Architecture
Agra is counted among the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is the art and architecture of Agra which attracts millions of tourists annually. Agra is home to three world heritage sites which are Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri. Taj Mahal is the epitome of Mughal architecture. It has secured its place in the Seven Wonders of the World year after year.
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| Agra Fort |
Agra Fort is another example of the richness of art and architecture of Agra. Located on the right bank of Yamuna, it is an intricately decorated building. Constructed by the great emperor Akbar, this fort is a testimony to Mughul's love of elaborate and huge structures. Besides this, there are two museums in Agra worth exploring; one is the popular Spiritual Museum and the other is the Taj Mahal Museum. Both of these museums contain art, antiquities, and artifacts related to the Taj Mahal.
Festivals in Agra
Most of the festivals celebrated in the rural areas of Agra are greatly influenced by the life of Lord Krishna. Festivals are either religious festivals or cattle fairs or cultural festivals. Some of the festivals celebrated in its rural areas are Kans Lila, cattle fair Jat Devi, Dauji ka Mela, cattle fair Kund Mela, Meta ki Puja Jat Devi, cattle fair Gwal Balba, Holi Milap, Mata-ka-mela, Shitla Mela, Kailash Mela, Parikrama of Shivji, Janamashthmi, Kali-ka-mela, Dussehra, Ram lila, Urs Sufi Sahib and Bateshwar cattle fair.
