Agra has found its mention in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharat as the forest of Agraban close to Mathura. Badal Singh founded the city in 1475. Sikandar Lodhi made Agra his capital city. Later, Babur defeated the Lodhis to capture the city situated on the banks of River Yamuna and thus, the long association of Mughals with Agra started.Agra is famous city having one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. The city has the architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces of the legendary Mughal Empire.

Where better to go for a romantic holiday than to the great testament of love, the Taj Mahal? Built by the grieving Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal’s unrivaled beauty explains why it’s regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. A visit to India wouldn’t be complete without it.

This fort was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, after he defeated the Afghans at Panipat in 1556. Originally, this fort was held by the Hindu Sikarwar and subsequently, by Ibrahim Lodi, Babur, Humayun and Sher Shah.The fort was in bad shape when Akbar rebuilt it using red sandstone, which was brought from the Barauli area in Rajasthan. The renovation was completed in 1573, after eight years of hard work of 1,444,000 labours.

Fatehpur Sikri is a city in Agra District, which was constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the beginning of 1570. The city was constructed to honour Sufi saint, Shaikh Salim Chisti, who used to live in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri.This saint predicted the birth of another son of Akbar, after the death of his twins. When in 1569, a son was born to Akbar he named him Salim to honour the saint. Prince Salim later succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire, as Emperor Jahangir.

Buland Darwaza, located in Fatehpur Sikri, is also known as the ‘Gate of Magnificence’. This grand gateway was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, when he defeated the king of Khandesh in 1573.Built in red sandstone, this gateway stands 40 metres high and can be seen from far. Reflecting typical elements of Mughal architecture, the decorations of the gateway are done in white marble. The gateway also features calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran on its front pillars and chattris.