AGRA.

As a former capital city of the region, Agra is a must-visit Indian location, with the climate suiting winter visits best. It offers an urban landscape filled with fantastic sights and experiences. The majesty of Agra’s past still lingers and is evident in the culture and surrounding architecture, including the famous inlaid marble and red sandstone buildings. Modern luxuries are also available to all visitors, delivering a wonderful balance of the classic and contemporary amongst the city’s beautiful settings.

There is a wealth of delectable delights for all your senses. Agra is famous for its sweets, which are devilishly delicious and a real treat for your tastebuds. The beautiful sights across the markets will capture your attention too, but be prepared to barter when buying from local craftsmen, who specialise in leather goods, rugs and gold embroidery.

                                    TAJ MAHAL.

The most famous attraction in Agra is the iconic Taj Mahal. This is probably the most popular tourist attraction in India, and is a definite must on any traveller’s list. Famously a testament to lost love, the mausoleum will look different depending on the time of day you visit it. It is pink in the morning, white in the evening and golden in the moonlight.

The tomb has numerous rules for visitors to adhere to. The entrance fee includes the coverings for your feet, a requirement for entrance, and a bottle of water. This is not just a tourist attraction. It is a religious site, with mosques within the complex. Visitors should therefore dress modestly and respectfully. In addition to this, there are also restrictions on what you can take inside the complex, for example, cameras are not allowed and it is recommended that you do not arrive with bags, as this will delay your entrance due to searches. You should also consider opting for an official tour, as you are likely to get more from your experience

Agra Fort

Where historical wonders are concerned, Agra is not a one trick pony. It houses not just one, but an impressive three UNESCO world heritage sites. Agra Fort was built by the 14-year-old Emperor Akbar to illustrate his power over his empire. Perhaps because of this, it is as much a palace as a fort.

The building is made mostly out of red sandstone and is truly stunning. The Fort was added to by the Emperor Shah Jahan, and is a short distance from his more famous building work, the Taj Mahal. Ironically Shah Jahan was also kept as a prisoner there, by his own fratricidal son. It has good views of the Taj Mahal, which may have comforted the deposed Emperor, and there is the option to pay for entrance to both sites at the Taj Mahal.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur sikri, meaning ‘city of victory’, was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. It is located to the west of Agra and was the capital city for just a short 14 years. It is said to have been built at the village where Abkar received a prophesy of an heir to his throne.

It is a stunning walled red sandstone city and features the horse shoe gate, where horse shoes have been nailed for many years as a sign of good luck. The Mosque is impressive, designed with a huge entrance way. Within the city is a square that is inlaid to serve as a huge board game, a precursor to Ludo, which was played with people as the pieces. Myth has it that three palaces were built here for the Emperor’s three favourite wives, one Hindu, one Muslim and one Christian. The red sandstone is especially stunning at sunset.