India is a country of historical place or you can say the land of historical places. In spite of different culture, it still retains a unique flavour of her own. There is a great architectural heritage in India and Agra, or Agraban, as it was called in the Mahabarat times, a charmed city can boast of the most splendid monuments in the world, including three world greatest heritage monuments specially world famous Taj Mahal in Agra.
Taj Mahal : Taj Mahal made by Shahjahan in the sweet memory of his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal. Agra earned the world fame due to Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is basically famous for the marble, structure, and view of yamuna river. Taj has stood as the sign of love from many centuries. This greatest place is one of the most visited and most photographed places in the world.
Agra Red Fort : This was constructed by Akbar in 1565, It converted into the red sandstone during the Shah Jahan's time.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb :
This tomb belongs to the father of Nur Jahan, Ghias-ud-Din Beg. He was the Wajir or the Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir. The tomb may not be as mammoth as the Taj but the inlay designs and carvings are no less than Taj if not more.
Sikandra : Four kilometer from Agra is the mausoleum of Akbar. Construction of this beautiful monument was started by Akbar himself . This structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian , Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs.
Fatehpur Sikri : 37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city and within 20 years the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore.
Mathura :
Krishna, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu was born here. Mathura, which is one of the major Pilgrimage for the Hindus is 58 Kms from Agra. It comes before Agra if travelling from Delhi.
Agra is not only a famous tourist destination but is a shoppers paradise too. Agra is famous for the Marble Hadicrafts, Shoes, Clothes etc.
Taj Mahotsav, Agra: A festival of art, craft, culture and celebrations. Organised by U.P. Tourism, it is held every year between 18th -27th February. This festival specially organized for the tourists.
Janmashthami & Krishna Leela: Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion in the August/September months, on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon, in the whole of north India.
Raslila of every type are also performed - Janmalila, Shankarlila, Putnalila and Naglila. In the evening bhajans are sung which end at midnight, the auspicious moment when Lord Krishna was born. Thereafter arti is done, prasad distributed and flowers showered on the idol.