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Since Agra was one of the most important cities under the Mughals, it witnessed some big scale renovation and development from time to time. Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of river Yamuna. His grandson Akbar raised the towering ramparts of the Great Red Fort besides making Agra a center for learning arts and commerce. His son Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens inside the red fort, and emperor Shah Jahan, known for his great love for architecture gave Agra its most prized monument, the magnificent Taj Mahal. Built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum took 20 years to finish with the combined efforts of 20,000 laborers, architects and engineers.

Shah Jahan had shifted the capital to Delhi during his reign, but Aurangzeb shifted it back to Agra and imprisoned his father in the Agra Fort. Agra remained capital of India during the rule of Aurangzeb till his death. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the city came under the Marathas and Jats before falling into the hands of the British in 1803.

TAJ MAHAL

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

AKBAR'S TOMB AT SIKANDARA

Akbar's tomb at Sikandara is one of the most important tourist attractions in Agra. Emperor Akbar started the construction of this tomb himself, which was later completed by his son Jahangir. This beautiful tomb is a grand affair built in the Indo-Saracenic style with a variety of exquisite carvings and designs covering it. The tomb boasts of a huge gateway named Buland Darwaza, which has been modeled on its famous namesake in Fatehpur Sikri. The decoration on the gateway is strikingly bold, with its large mosaic patterns. Akbar's tomb at Sikandara is surrounded by a beautiful garden enclosure laid out in the charbagh style.

ITIMAD UD DAULAH'S TOMB

The first example of a tomb built on a riverbank in India, the Itimad Ud Daulah tomb houses the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the father Mughal Empress Noor Jahan who again was Emperor Jahangir's wife. This beautiful tomb situated on the banks of the Yamuna is also known as the 'baby Taj'. Built around 1625 AD, the Itimad Ud Daulah Tomb, has many features that were later incorporated during the construction of the Taj Mahal. Interestingly, the carvings on this monument are said to be even better than that of the Taj.

DAYALBAGH GARDENS

Also known as the "garden of the Supreme Lord", the Dayal Bagh Gardens is located 15 km from Agra and is an important pilgrimage site. The Dayalbagh Gardens is also the headquarter of the Radhasoami religious sect, founded in 1861 by Shri Shiv Dayal Singh. The Radhasoami movement combines elements from Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and Buddhism.

FATEHPUR SIKRI

One of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor, the city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar during 1571 to 1585 AD. Akbar had originally planned this city as his capital, but an acute shortage of water forced him to abandon the city after 12 years. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a ghost town, but still retains its old charm and beauty.

SHOPPING IN AGRA

We all know Agra to be the most sought after tourist destination in India, which boasts of the magnificent Taj Mahal. But apart from its beautiful monuments, Agra is also considered to be a great shopping experience. It is in fact a shopper's paradise, especially for international tourists who just don't tire of browsing through the numerous shops and markets in Agra.

The famous leather industry in Agra churns out some of the most amazing leather products. So, if you want to replenish your leather wardrobe, there is no better place than Agra. The best places to shop in Agra include the Sadar Bazar, Kinaari Bazaar and Munroe Road. The UP State Emporium Gangotri is also a great place to buy some authentic souvenirs. Agra is also known for some of its sweet delicacies especially the 'petha' and the 'gazak'. Don't forget to try some of this delicious stuff during your Agra tour.