Over View
Agra, situated along the banks of the Yamuna River in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most famous historic cities and a primary leg of the renowned Golden Triangle tourist circuit. Serving as the imperial capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries, the city is internationally celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Mughal-era architecture. Its defining monument is the Taj Mahal—an ivory-white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal—recognized globally as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Beyond the Taj Mahal, visitors explore the massive red-sandstone Agra Fort, which served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors, as well as the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah (often called the “Baby Taj”) and Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra. Located nearby in the Agra District is the historic abandoned capital of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar. Today, Agra seamlessly pairs its world-famous historical monuments and vibrant local artisan markets with modern hospitality, welcoming millions of international and domestic travelers each year.
