The beautiful city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. With a glorious past and an architectural grandeur, the city has plenty to offer discerning travellers besides the magic and splendour of the most precious jewel in the country’s crown – the famed Taj Mahal – one of the stunning Seven Wonders of the World.

Located at the banks of River Yamuna and part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ tourist circuit along with Delhi and Jaipur, Agra offers the richest of man-made creations including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal. The cuisine is something that will entice any taste-bud and specialities such as Mughlai food, spicy Chaat, DalMoth and popular sweet candies called Petha are an absolute favourite! Locals in Agra mostly speak Hindi, Urdu and the city is known for its leather goods, carpets, handicrafts, zari and zardozi (embroidery work), marbles, stone carving and for its Mughal art, culture and architecture.

Best time to visit:

Agra experiences extreme temperatures in summers and winters and moderate temperatures in other seasons. The best time to visit Agra is from October to March.

Top five places to see:

Taj Mahal – The world renowned Taj Mahal was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. This fascinating monument of exquisite architecture and design excellence is testimony to the abundant love that Shah Jahan had for his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This is the final resting place for Shah Jahan and his beloved wife and queen.

Fatehpur Sikri – Fatehpur Sikri is a town located about 40 kms from Agra and is one of the renowned World Heritage sites by UNESCO. Constructed by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, the city built in red standstone is a popular tourist attraction, enriched with many historical monuments.

Agra Fort – Also know as the Red Fort of Agra, this mammoth fortress – a World Heritage site by UNESCO, is located near to the Taj Mahal. Emperor Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life gazing at the Taj Mahal from the Agra Fort, where he was kept imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb.

Aram Bagh – Aram Bagh or 'Garden of Relaxation' was built as a garden of paradise by Mughal Emperor Babar –founder of the Mughal dynasty. It is the first Persian garden in India and is also the resting place of the Emperor.

Jama Masjid – The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Agra and is credited with the name of Princess Jahanara Begum, the lovely daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque is noted for the absence of minarets and also for its exquisite tomb structure.