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Agra Travel Guide

Agra
Taj Mahal, Agra © Judith Duk
The last Lodi Sultan moved his capital to Agra in 1504, and although he was defeated in 1526 by Babur, the founder of the Mogul empire, it remained India's premier city for almost two centuries. The city's greatest days were during the reign of Babur's grandson, Akbar the Great (1556-1605) who built Agra Fort, and although Shah Jahan created a new Capital in Delhi his heart remained here. In 1631 he chose Agra as the spot to construct the world's greatest monument to love - the Taj Mahal.

For many, Agra represents the best and worst of India. The city is a daunting sensory experience for even the most hardened traveller; the streets are foul, the air polluted and, particularly in the alleyways around the Taj Mahal, you will come across the most persistent touts and rip-off merchants in the East. Despite this, its magnificent sights alone make a visit to India worthwhile.

Agra, along with Delhi and Jaipur, forms the 'Golden Triangle', India's favourite tourist route. Situated just 125 miles (200km) south of Delhi, it makes an easy day trip by train. However it is worth spending at least a night here just to truly appreciate the wondrous Taj Mahal and its many moods; at dawn the mausoleum changes from grey to pink to brilliant-white.




Attractions

Agra Fort

Not far from the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 1.5 mile-long (2.5km) enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It... see full details


Fatehpur Sikri

The deserted city Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1585. It was built under the personal supervision of the Emperor Akbar; he was childless and, having tried all sorts of solutions to his plight, visited a Sufi... see full details


Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the world's most recognisable and evocative sights and a visit here does not disappoint. Set overlooking the River Yamuna, visible from Agra Fort in the West, the Taj was built by Shah Jahan to enshrine the body... see full details


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