Agra – A City of Eternal Love and Majestic Heritage

Agra is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is set on the banks of the Yamuna River. Whilst the city of Agra in general is not famed for its beauty, this destination is an absolute must-see as it is the home of the jaw-dropping, magnificent Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal has taken on an almost mythical status, and we would suggest it is high up on everyone’s bucket list. To see this incredible monument to love is to believe it; the Emperor Shah Jahan built it after the death of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after she died in childbirth. It was built between 1632 and 1648, and no adjectives can do justice to the beauty, symmetry, light, and peace that this amazing building offers. Your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal is a memory that will stay with you forever. Every superlative spoken about the Taj is accurate!  An early start to see the Taj at sunrise can mean fewer crowds and a clearer view. Don’t forget to have your photo taken on the ‘Princess Diana’ bench; your guide will tell you which one it is!

The influence of the Mughal emperors, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, is evident throughout Agra in the architectural style of buildings such as Agra Fort, another World Heritage Site. Agra Fort was also designed by Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653, and served as the main palace and residence for the Mughal Emperors. The intricate patterns woven into the stone of the Red Fort are hugely impressive. Don’t miss this gem of a place!