agra
Agra is renowned as the home of the world's most famous monument to love - the Taj Mahal. Started in 1631 the Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen, it is believed to have taken 18 years to complete. Legend has it that once construction was completed, the emperor had the architect's hands cut off and made him blind, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. The Taj Mahal really is a 'must see' for any visitor to northern India.
Elsewhere in Agra is the impressive Agra Fort, where you can visit the chambers of this royal residence. Fatehpur Sikri, another Heritage Monument, was built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar. For 10 years it was the capital of the Mughal Empire. The complex of monuments and temples includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.
Home to the renowned Taj Mahal, Agra is the most visited tourist destination in India. The city is located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, roughly 125 miles (200 km) south on the country’s capital, New Delhi. Agra is home to almost two million inhabitants with a variety of followed religions including Hinduism, Islam and Jainism. Locals enjoy a humid subtropical climate with scorching summers and freezing winters as well as many cultural festivals, such as Janamashtami, which commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna. The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort were also both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983.
