No spot in India is quite like Agra, home to India's most popular relics. Even travelers who prefer to spend their time in remote and off-the-beaten-path locations will see why this historic city is a top destination.
Despite being conquered many times and changing hands of rule throughout its long and storied history, India has retained its vibrant cultural offerings remarkably over time. Agra is home to some of India's oldest cultural symbols, including the five Shiva temples that provide a great reference to the deep spirituality intrinsic to Lord Krishna.
Agra's most famous site is India's most recognizable marvel, the Taj Mahal. A testament to former Emperor Shah Jahan's love for his wife, the image in white is a stone palace that was built in honor of the empress who died while she was giving birth to the couple's 14th child. Always popular, guests can stroll amid the breathtaking stone arches, columns and domes accented by Chinese crystal, Tibetan turquoise and Sri Lankan sapphire.
Under the ruling of Akbar, the city earned its reputation as a destination of world-class beauty. Akbar created many arresting structural additions to the region between 1556 and 1605 including the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Quintessential Agra
Posted on Monday, March 12th, 2012
