Agra is the third biggest city in the north Indian state of Utter Pradesh, it is located some 200 km (125 mi) from the Indian capital city of Delhi. Agra was from 1504 the capital of India and remained India's premier city for almost two centuries. Most of the monuments in Agra are from this period, they are lined along the River Yamuna that runs through the city.
The most famous building of the city is obviously the Taj Mahal which was build over 22 years (1630-1652) by the Mughal king Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is finished in marble, and is perhaps India's most fascinating and beautiful monument. It is an acknowledged masterpiece of symmetry and 20,000 workers were involved in the construction works. The interiors are decorated by fine inlay work, incorporating semi-precious stones.
Agra Fort, also called the Red Fort, was built between 1565 and 1571. The fort is similar in layout to the Red Fort in Delhi, but is considerably better preserved. It is constructed mainly from red sandstone, and later converted into a palace, being reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. The fort is build by the river and has a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, Jahangir's Palace, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal and the Musamman Burj. The total perimeter of Agra Fort is 2.4 km (1.5 mi), and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions.
There are many other things to see in and around Agra, among these are the Mankameshwar Temple, one of four temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the four corners of Agra City. It is located near Jama Masjid, a large mosque built in 1648, and about 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal and less than 1 km from Agra Fort. Fatehpur Sikri about 36 km. (22 mi) from Agra is one of three World Heritage Sites in Agra, the others being the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Also not to be missed is Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, small in comparison to many other Mughal-era tombs, it is sometimes described as a jewel box. Its garden layout and use of white marble, pietra dura, inlay designs and latticework presage many elements of the Taj Mahal.
Most of the attractions of Agra are Mughal Monuments, lying everywhere in the town, but apart form visiting the attractions, Agra's markets are also worth a visit, many of which date back to the Mughal era. Tourist will discover marble ware and a variety of handcrafted items such as carpets, brassware and leather items, produced by conventional craftsmen.
Agra is one of the most visited places in India, and therefore there are many hotels at all levels to suite anyones budget. Although it is possible to visit Agra on a day trip from Delhi, most people prefer to stay at least for one night in Agra, one of the reasons being that the Taj Mahal changes color during the day, it appears pink in the morning, white during the noon and golden in the moon light, so many visitors want to see the Taj Mahal at different times of the day. Hotel bookings in Agra can at times be difficult because all is already fully booked, so planning in and booking in advance is advisable.
