The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder  of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries.

While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map.

A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.

The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Taj Mahal (3 Km): The inimitable poem in white marble is the finest expression of love of an emperor for his queen situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal, in 1632.

Agra Fort: Built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is Agra Forta masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment, besides Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb(6 Km): The tomb  was built by Empress Noor Jahan, in memory of her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg in 1622-25A.D. This ornate Tombtomb is Tombconsidered  a precursor of the Taj Mahal, this small garden tomb reflects the taste and sophistication of the gifted queen. The warm yellow marble is highlighted with white and black marble inlay, and the lacey pierced marble screens and rich, jewel-inlaid mosaics have a delicate, feminine quality that is pure enchantment.

Sikandara(12 Km): The tomb of Akbar, begun by the Emperor himself and completed by his son, Jehangir. This richly decorated structure is a quaint mixture of styles. The emperor began to build his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime, a red sandstone monument in a chahar-bagh or 4 square-formal garden.

A magnificent marble-inlaid gateway leads up to the open, airy, four-tiered structure which is topped by a white marble cenotaph and screen on the fifth storey. This was added by Shahjehan who completed the mausoleum after his father's death.

Radhaswamy Samadhi, Dayalbagh:This highly ornate memorial to the founder of the Radhaswamy sect has been in the making for several years and is still being worked upon. It is entirely in marble, upon which every manner of ornamentation has been applied.

Jama Masjid: Of specific importance due to its assimilation of Iranian architectural elements, it was built in 1648 A.D. by  Emperor Shah Hahan's daughter, Jahanara Begum.

Mariyam's Tomb(13 Km): Built for Emperors Akbar's Goan Wife Mariyam in 1611 A.D., the tomb has exceptional carvings. Finished in red sandstone.

Chini-Ka-Roza(7 Km): The tomb of Allama Afzel Khal Mullah of Shiraz is a memorial to the poet-scholar, who later become the Prime Minister of Emperor Shah Jahan. The surface of the tomb is decorated with glazed tiles.

Ram Bagh(8 Km): The earliest example of a Mughal garden, was created by the founder of the dynasty, Emperor Babur.

Air :

Agra is well connected to cities like Delhi, Khajuraho, Varanasi etc. Kheria airport is 6 kms from Agra.

Rail :

Agra is connected to the major cities in India.

Road :

Agra is well connected to the following cities y road : Mathura, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Jhansi, Chitrakoot etc.

Fatehpur Sikri( 37 Km): The founding of Fatehpur Sikri reads like a fairy tale. When Fatehpur Sikriall else had failed, Emperor Akbar came here in search of the renowned Sufi mystic, Sheikh Salim Chishti, to ask the blessing of a son. His prayer was heard, and soon a son was born. In honour of the saint, Akbar named the prince Salim and vowed to found a new city. And so Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent new city rose on the craggy hills 40 Kms from Agra.

Fatehpur SikriToday Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. Its walls, palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to great visionary and builder.

Bhartpur Bird Sanctuary(60 Km): Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, BharatpurIndia's most renowned waterbird sanctuary lying in the neighbouring state of Rajasthan, is the winter home of the rare Siberian Crane. Approachable from Agra by  road, a variety of accommodation is available, within and outside the National Park. (Season - October to February)

Sur Surover (Keeetham Lake)(23 Km): This 2.5 sq.km lake, surrounded by the Surdas Reserve Forest, harbours a variety of fish and waterbirds and is popular picnic spot. Bus services are available upto Runkata 3 Km away.

Firozabad(44 Km): An important handicrafts and industrial center renowned for glass ware, especially glass bangles.

Aligarh(83 Km): A famous university town and age-old centre of learning, specially for Islamic studies. Aligarh is also an important centre for handicrafts and metalware, especially locks.

Bateshwar(70 Km): A temple town, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva. A huge cattle fair is organized from mid-October to mid-November. It is also a pilgrimage center for Jains.

Mathura-Vrindavan:Mathura, on the banks of the River Yamuna, is celebrated as the birth place of Krishna, and the groves and ghats of nearby Brindaban with its thousands of shrines and temples still echo with stories and songs that recount the exploits of this charming god