Worldroom MICE Tourism Guide: India 2008


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	Worldroom National Tourism Guide INDIA 2008archive


	The first thing that anyone would associate with Agra is, of course, the Taj Mahal. However, this white mausoleum of love is just one of the myriad reasons to visit Agra. A part of the famed golden Triangle, Agra is not only a perfect getaway from Delhi but it is also a perfect amalgamation of heritage, commerce and politics. After all, who can forget the historic Agra Summit, where the general and the poet met with the backdrop of the lovely Taj to pontificate on politics and more? Agra, situated in Uttar Pradesh, is a destination with luxurious accommodations and a stunning history that lures one to stay back for more than just the weekend. A mere 200 km from Delhi, it is a medieval city situated on the banks of the Yamuna. By general consensus historians say that Sultan Sikandar Lodi, the Ruler of The Delhi Sultanate, founded the city in the 15th century. It was in the reign of the Mughals that the city reached its pinnacle in splendour. Known as Akbarabad, it continued as the capital of the empire till Shah Jahan shifted the seat to Shahjahanabad in the mid 16th century. The Taj Mahal is one of the prime reasons for tourists to visit Agra for. It is the greatest symbol of eternal love. According to historical writings, grief stricken Emperor Shahjahan commissioned the memorial in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Identical from all four directions, this wonder of Pietra Dura, Mother of Pearl, Agate, Emerald and Lapis Lazuli is a labour of love and craftsmanship of artisans, who came from as far as Persia and Italy. Twenty thousand craftsmen laboured over the monument, which was completed in 22 years. Since the last four years, one can enjoy this enchanting edifice bathed in moonlight, with viewing open to public on the night of the full moon every month (preceded and followed by 2 nights). It is Shahjahan's Agra that continues to capture and allure thousands of tourists it every year. In addition to the Taj Mahal, which has the iconic status of a World Heritage Site bestowed upon it by UNESCO, are Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri, the first planned city built in Indo-Islamic style, and the erstwhile capital built by Akbar is a luminescent sandstone edifice. Spread over an 8 sq km area and built in red sandstone, the richly ornamented sandstone was abandoned within a mere 14 years. Perfectly preserved, it is said that water scarcity drove out its inhabitants, leaving it a ghost city etched in red stone. Next to the mausoleum's gardens is the Agra Fort, or the Red Fort, that encompasses into its folds the Imperial Palaces of the Mughal Rulers the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, and audience halls, apart from housing two mosques. There are many other attractions that lure in visitors. Travellers can enjoy the tranquillity of a 70-hectare forest, barely 500 meters away from the Taj. For those inclined towards flora, visit Ram Bagh (a Mughal Garden) and Mehtab Bagh a beautiful garden located on the riverbank just opposite the Taj Mahal. The Sikandra Fort- the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar too is worth a visit. For those enthusiasts willing to venture out of the city there are treats in store. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park, bird sanctuary, situated at Bharatpur on the Agra-Jaipur Highway, attracts Siberian Cranes and is a magnet for bird watchers. Agra is famous for its art and festivals too. The government holds a 10-day festival in the month of February bringing alive the past of the region. A procession of bedecked elephants and camels conjure the Mughal past and craftsmen from all over the state come forth to display their exquisite wares and talent. But it isn't the Mughals who exert such a strong influence on the region. Falling in Brij district in UP, the cuisine, culture and essence of the city essentially stems form these inhabitants, with a dash of a Mughal influence as a garnish. Agra isn't a city only for day-trippers. Accommodation is available across all segments to fit the pocket of the budget traveller and the family traveller too. Infact, one can also experience the richness of Agra through the luxury train - The Palace on Wheels which rolls into the city before its final halt at Delhi. But it isn't only the budget and the luxury traveller who make a beeline for this city. Every official state visitor to Delhi is whisked off to see the Taj on his or her whirlwind tour. The image of the late Princess of Wales seated for a photograph in front of this labour of love is unforgettable. With its mantle unchallenged world over, the city will remain aglow in an ivory hue for centuries to come.