State : Uttar Pradesh
People from all over the world come to Agra to see Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. It is located about 204 km south of Delhi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the west bank of river the Yamuna, Agra is the city of tombs and memorials. Agra is also known for its Taj Mahotsav. A cultural fest held in the month of February every year that enables to celebrate traditional Indian music and dance on a single platform. Thousands of tourists throng to it from all over the world.

Agra History
Agra is a medieval city situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is generally accepted that Sultan Sikandar Lodi, the Ruler of Delhi Sultanate founded it in the year 1506. After the sultan's death the city passed on to his son Sultan Ibrahim Lodi. He ruled his Sultanate from Agra till he fell fighting to Babur in the First battle of Panipat fought in 1526. The golden age of Agra began with the Mughals. It remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan later shifted his capital to Shahjahanabad in the year 1649.

Since Agra was one of the most important cities under the Mughals, it witnessed a lot of building activity. Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of river Yamuna. The garden is called the Aram Bagh or the Garden of Relaxation. His grandson Akbar raised the towering ramparts of the Great Red Fort besides making Agra a center for learning arts, commerce and religion. Akbar also built a new city on the outskirts of Agra called Fatehpur Sikri. This city was built in the form of a Mughal military camp in stone. His son Jahangir had a love of gardens and flora and fauna and laid many gardens inside the Red Fort or Laal Kila. Shah Jahan known for his keen interest in architecture gave Agra its most prized monument, The Taj Mahal. Built in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum was completed in 1643.

Shah Jahan later shifted the capital to Delhi during his reign, but this son Aurangzeb shifted the capital back to Agra and had his father imprisoned in the Agra Fort. Agra remained capital of India during the rule of Aurangzeb till he shifted it to Aurangabad in the Deccan in 1653. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the city came under the influence of Marathas and Jats before falling into the hands of The British Raj in 1803.


Place to See
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, the one and only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shahjahan's dream. One of the wonders of the world.

Agra Fort
Though Agra is more famous world over as the city of Taj,Agra Fort is another dimension to the city thatattracts tourists in hordes

Sikandra Fort
The mausolumn of emperor Akbar represent his philosphy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved monuments. This is the last resting place of the Mughal Empror Akbar.

Qutub minar
Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak are quite evident in the minar. The relief work and even the materials used for construction differ.

Jantar Mantar
Under patronage from the emperor, he set on himself the task of correcting the existing astronomical tables and updating the almanac with more reliable instruments. Delhi's Jantar Mantar is the first of the five observatories that he built with large masonary instruments.



Fairs & Festivals
Delhi is one of the greenest capitals in the world, with a long tradition of laying out of gardens, which dot the city. It is this tradition that Delhi Tourism keeps alive by holding the Garden Tourism Festival at the end of February which is generally spread over three days and generates much enthusiasm amongst the gardening fratenity. This is not only a visual feast since Delhi is ablaze with flowers at this time, but also a useful meeting ground for gardening enthusiasts, as well as fun and frolic for children of all ages.

The seat of empire for centuries, royal patronage ensured that Delhi remained the cultural epicentre of the country, attracting the best of painters, musicians and dancers. Delhi Tourism puts on display this rich and diverse cultural heritage by holding a series of festivals during the year.

Traditionally, Delhi Tourism holds the Qutub Festival of classical music and dance around Sharad Purnima in the month of October at the Qutub Minar Complex. The Qutub and its surrounding monuments, bathed in the silver radiance of the full moon provide a perfect backdrop.


How to Reach
Air : All the major National and International Air Lines have their flights operating from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Train : The Indian Railway with their modern and organised network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in India. There are three important Railway Stations in Delhi namely New Delhi Rly. Station, Old Delhi Rly. Station and Hazarat Nizamuddin Rly. Station.

Road : Delhi is well connected by road to all major destinations in North India. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) are located at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan and Anand Vihar. Delhi Transport Corporations of the neighbouring states provide frequent bus services through Air Conditioned, Deluxe and Ordinary Coaches.