Agra, a historical city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, cannot be just laid down in words and pictures. Agra is something you should see with your own eyes. Agra is the home of the spectacular Taj Mahal and it is one of the most famous and popular tourist cities in India.
Agra is one of the most populous cities in India and the fourth-most populous city in Uttar Pradesh. Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire under Mughal emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. While Akbar and Shah Jahan did most of the construction in the city.
And if you are looking for reasons to visit the historical city of Agra then here I am giving you 10 reasons why you should visit Agra once in your lifetime. In my earlier post, I told you about the 11 Best Tourist Places To Visit in Agra, and in my today’s post, I am going to tell you why you should visit the city of Agra.
10 Things To Do In Agra Uttar Pradesh
Why visit Agra? Following are the 10 best reasons why you must visit the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh-
1. To See The Symbol of Love – The Taj Mahal
The world-famous Mughal architecture Taj Mahal is situated in the city of Agra on the banks of the river Yamuna. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj as a symbol of love.
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and it is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. The beauty of the Taj Mahal can not be just laid down in words, you have to experience it with your own eyes.
2. The Famous Petha of Agra – Delicious Pumpkin Sweets
The city of Agra is not just known for The Taj Mahal, Agra is also known for its delicious and popular pumpkin sweets – Agra ka Petha. Agra ka petha is a sweet made of white gourd and it is so fragrant and delightful, that we bet you can’t stop at one. There is a legend that says that it originated in Mughal kitchens under Shah Jahan and was used to feed the workers constructing the Taj Mahal.
3. Most Loved Food In India – Mughlai Cuisine
Mughlai cuisine is a combination of Indian subcontinent dishes with the recipes of Islamic cuisine. It is strongly influenced by the Turkish cuisine of Central Asia. Mughal rulers introduced the Mughlai cuisine to India during their rule in the country. Agra has the best Mughlai cuisine as it is one of the originated cities.
Haleem, Kabab, Korma, Biryani, Nihari, Khichda, Chicken Tikka, Chicken Tandoori, Kofta, Shahi Paneer, Shorba, Pasanda, Rezala, Mughlai Paratha, etc are some of the best dishes from the Mughlai cuisine. If you are a food lover and want to taste one of the best dishes in India then you must visit Agra once in your lifetime.
4. The City of Victory – Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a small heritage town in the Agra district, founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the year 1571. Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace, Birbal’s House, etc are some of the important buildings in this city. Fatehpur Sikri is also known as the City of Victory.
5. The First-Ever Red Fort In India
Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra is the main residence of Mughal emperors until 1638 when Aurangzeb shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi. The historical fort of Agra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about 3 KMs from the Taj Mahal. The last Indian rulers to have occupied Agra Fort was the Marathas.
Must Read: Red Fort Agra – Complete Tour Details
6. Agra Shopping Markets
There are many famous street markets in Agra city like the Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, Subhash Bazaar, Shah Market, Raja ki Mandi, Shahganj Market, etc. These markets are known for various kinds of varieties of unique and extinct crafts which are nowhere to be seen these days. Agra is one of the best cities in India for doing street shopping.
7. Shilpgram – A Shopper’s Paradise
Shilpgram is a craft village in Agra city, located around 1 KM from the Taj Mahal. It is an open-air emporium that showcases various artifacts which may not be found in the regular markets of Agra.
A fair is held every year at Shilpgram known as the Taj Mahotsav. Craftsmen and artisans from all over the country exhibit their work at the stalls. Shilpgram is extremely famous not only in India but across the globe.
8. You, Your Love, And The Taj – Amar Vilas
Nothing could be more romantic than having a candlelight dinner with your loved ones against the silhouette of the symbol of love. The Oberoi Amarvilas offers a private balcony dining of two with the Taj Mahal beside them. If you are looking for a romantic trip or want to propose to the one you love then Agra is the best place you could ever wish for.
9. Gardens Near Taj Mahal
There is beauty in exploring the Taj Mahal and seeing it from near but there is another beauty in enjoying this monument from a distance. There are many gardens situated nearby the Taj Mahal where you can peacefully enjoy the symmetric beauty of the Taj Mahal.
10. Jama & Moti Masjid
Agra is the home of the two oldest mosques in India. Jama Masjid was built by Jahanara Begum, daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, situated in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra.
While the Moti Masjid was built by Shah Jahan himself for the members of his royal court. It is situated inside the campus of Agra Fort.
The above are the 10 reasons why you should visit the city of Agra once in your lifetime. And I hope you guys are convinced now to visit the beautiful city of Agra. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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