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For any tourist, Agra is identified with the world famous Taj Mahal. It would be unfair to restrict Agra to Taj Mahal. It would be unfair to restrict Agra to Taj, as it is a vast storehouse of historical anecdotes. It finds mention in the Mahabharata (3rd century B.C.), where it is called Agrabana of paradise city. Agra was the capital of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries, and many of its. Monuments were built during their reign. The city is on the banks of river Yamuna which meanders down from the equally ancient towns of Mathura and Brindavan so closely associated with Lord Krishna.

The city of Agra, on the right bank of Yamuna, maintains its medieval structure, with narrow crowded streets and lanes, full of colorful shops selling all kinds of goods, especially local handicrafts, including gold and silver embroidery and imitation Mughal inlay on marble and fine leather goods. The place is also known for its petha (Pumpkin sweet) and dalmoth (savory fried chick peas).

Agra’s places of interest have much to do with its rulers, especially the Afghans, and later the Mughals, Sikandar Lodi, an Afghan ruler who established his capital in Agra. However, Agra remains the city of the Mughals and its monuments express both the individual taste of successive emperors and the evolution of an architectural tradition to its unique perfection. Akbar made it his capital from 1570 to 1595, functioning from Fatehpur Sikri. Later Shah Jehan built the Jama Masjid, a large part of the Agra fort, and the exquiste Taj Mahal.

By Air Agra is connected with Delhi by a daily flight by: Indian Airlines (30 minutes) that continues to Khajuraho (35 minutes) and then to varanasi (40 minutes), from where it returns the same day.

By Rail Agra is connected to Delhi by excellent train services such as the: Shatabdi (2 hrs) Taj Express (2.5 hrs).

By Road Agra is 220 km. from Delhi. There is a dual-track national highway for most of the journey.