As you enter into the City of Love – after approximately 3 hours of drive to Agra by car from Delhi, you would realize that Agra is going to be one experience which you won’t ever forget. Situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is the city which boasts of being the erstwhile capital; the royal abode of the Mughals in the 16th century which is located at the banks of river Yamuna. If we talk about the importance of Agra within the history of India, the city has also been mentioned in India’s epic – The Mahabharata. The city had been at its peak most during the reign of Shah Jahan and Jahangir. The city has always been on the top of tourist destinations owing to its three striking forts and monuments – the Agra Fort, the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula and the beautiful Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal and its location had been a matter which was well-thought by the Emperor. Shah Jahan had deliberately chosen this site because it had many advantages. The place was comparatively peaceful as it was situated at the southern part of the city. This site had strategic importance too as it was located very near to the Agra fort and was visible through this Palace. The site is located near the river Yamuna and thus the need of water during the construction of the mausoleum was taken care of by the river. The river also supports the whole structure of Taj Mahal and the maintenance of adjacent gardens and the fountains constructed in them.
The location of Taj Mahal in the contemporary times is such that the connectivity to the monument is quite easy. The city of Agra in itself is one populous city and has various means of transport from auto rickshaw and cabs as well as various national highways and expressway connecting to all major cities of India. The city of Agra an also be reached by flight from all the metropolitan cities of India. The airport is just at a distance of 6km. One can also go about the same day tour to Agra and traverse the locations in a day. With so much to offer from cuisine to culture, Agra is one city which really stands out.
