There is no other historical monument which has evoked as much awerness and admiration from tourists and travellers alike, as the magnificent Taj Mahal-fondly called by people as the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal Emperor to his beloved.

So overwhelming is the exquisite beauty and presence of this marbled mausoleum that centuries later today, even the very land where it has been located-Agra-has been immortalised as the City of the Taj.

Yet, it doesn't take much for the roving eye to discover that there's more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal. The city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery... a freeze-frame from a resplendant era that's long since gone by.

In the great epic 'Mahabharaf, the region of Agra is described as 'Agrabana' (an integral part of the Brij Bhumi or the land of Lord Krishna). The latter part of Indian history outlines the origins of Agra to 1475 A.D., when the region founded its existence during the reign of Raja Badal Singh. However, Agra came into limelight during the rule of Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi-who had made it the capital of his empire. Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task of rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own. The visionary that he was and a great patron of the arts, Emperor Babar brought in a change in the culture and life-style among the people of Agra, which then brought forth some of the finest craftsmen, artistes, statesmen, warriors and nobility, this part of India had ever witnessed. The golden age ofAgra's history, thus began to set in.

The next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal Monarchs-Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan-all of whom lavished on this fabled city, their love and riches immeasurable to transform the land into one of the great centres of art, culture, learning and commerce. Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even today, in the haunting presence inside the monuments, the majesty of the buildings, the exquisite arts and crafts and not to forget, the lure of an exceptional cuisine... all, cherished as priceless legacies of a nostalgic past. The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history... captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home. Today, luxury and modern convenience also exist adjacent to tradition-luxury hotels, shopping malls and plazas, wide avenues and a superb choice of venues for recreation, business, sports, pleasure, education and the arts.

Attractions in Agra

• Taj Mahal
  No word can justify the beauty of the Taj Mahal. A wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is a monument which no other in the world can match its beauty and grandeur. Called the most beautiful temple in the world, the white marbled mausoleum at Agra has become the epitome of a man's love for a woman.
  
  
• Agra Fort
  Within a radius of 3 kilometres, on the banks of the river Yamuna, rises the crescent-like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid.
  
  
• Fatehpur Sikri
  Situated 40 km from Agra, the city of Fatehpur Sikri is an imperial city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1584. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. If you are looking for something that symbolizes the grandeur of the Mughals, Fatehpur Sikri is a must-see during your Taj Mahal tour in Agra.
  
  
• Sikandra Tomb
  Eight kilometres north of Agra at Sikandra is the tomb of Akbar, started within his lifetime and completed by his son Jahangir in 1613. The tomb in elevation is pyramidical and consist of three storeys. On top is an open courtyard surrounded by a marble screen enclosing the tomb itself. The building is unique in its departure from Islamic architectural tradition, for it has no domed roof.
  
  
• Itmad-Ud-Daulah
  The exquisite tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah on the left bank of Yamuna River was built by Nur Jahan in memory of her father. This small but elegant structure is built entirely in white marble, a feature that appeared for the first time and was an inspiration for Taj Mahal. The pietra dura or stone inlay work is of highest quality, especially in the blend of the colours of the semi-precious stones.