Agra travel guide>> Destination
guide and tourist information on Agra and sightseeing in Agra, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri,
Salim Chisti's Dargah, Agra Fort, Dayal Bagh, Moti Masjid
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Agra - the first
impression is of a chaotic, overcrowded, polluted mess that can offer nothing of
interest.But wait, hold your breath, for hiding behind the heat and the chaos is the
stunning monument of cool white marble, the wonder that is called the Taj Mahal.
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In Agra layers of history are peeled away to
reveal an amazing tapestry of life - of wars waged, of great architectural magnificence
and above all a testimony of the undying love of a king for his queen. |
That Agra is unparalleled as a travel destination
is an established fact. Even Bill Clinton testified to as much when he declared the world
was divided into two: those who have seen the Taj and those who have not! Besides the Taj
Mahal though, there are a lot of other important sights in and around Agra. The Agra Fort,
Moti Masjid and innumerable other attractions make the city feature on every travellers
must-do-sightseeing list.
Travel a little outside Agra and you'll come to Fatehpur Sikri, a site for monuments that
are historically as important as the Taj Mahal. Every tour guide who does Agra ensures
that Fatehpur Sikri is also visited. There development in architectural style from Akbar's
Sikri to Shah Jahan's Agra is important, and only if you see the monuments at both will
you have begun to explore Mughal architecture. Fatehpur Sikri's sights include monuments
from the times of Akbar: the Buland Darwaza and the Dargah of Salim Chishti.
The first time you travel to Agra, the city can be a bit overwhelming with its noise and
big crowds. There are government run and private tourist information centres galore and
you should take advantage of them. Most of them offer tour guide services, which is useful
if you're stuck in a chaotic Indian city, particularly if you're low on knowledge about
its premier attraction. There are also nearly as many touts as tourists! Beware of
them and stay with registered guides. However, no matter how many times you've done Agra
and the Taj Mahal, their attraction never fades. If you're an old Agra hand of course,
you'll be quite at home in this crazy bustling town. |
