Agra : The city of Taj Mahal was established in 1475 by Badal Singh. taj city finds mention in the Mahabharata as Agraban. This city in those days was considered to be the sister city of Mathura which was more prominent than Agraban. Agra came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside the Yamuna to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi made Agra his capital but Babar defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agc but also laid the foundation of the Mughal empire.
The coming of Babar heralded a new era which was to see Agra at its zenith during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It was during Akbar's period that Agra became the center of art, culture and commerce and learning. This trend reached its height when Shah Jahan became the ruler.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is still reflected in what ever monuments remain in Agra.The narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating master pieces with their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist destination of India.

One of India's most famous cities, Agra is home to the breathtaking white-marble Taj Mahal, a truly magnificent Mughal riverside mausoleum and World Heritage Site. Agra lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in North India, and this region is home to no less than three designated World Heritage Sites, also including the neighbouring ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri and the red-sandstone Agra Fort.

For tourist information in Agra, do try to avoid unofficial tourist guides and travel agencies. Recommended in the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office along the Fatehpur Sikri Road, the UP Tourism Office at the Agra Cantonment Train Station, and also Agra's India Tourism Office, which is located at the mall and features tourist information not only about Agra, but India-wide.

established as the Mughal capital in 1526 and is known for its chaotic and vibrant marketplace (chowk), endless auto rickshaw touts, plentiful souvenir vendors, historic temples and many grand, ancient monuments and tombs.
More Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: India (north)
• Location: Uttar Pradesh
• Status: city (state capital)
• Population: approximately 1.3 million
• Language: Hindi, Urdu and English
• Currency: Indian Rupee (IDR / Rs)
• Time zone: UTC + 5:30
• Country dialling code: +91
• Telephone area code: 0562
• Average daily Agra January temperature: 21°C / 70°F
• Average daily Agra July temperature: 34°C / 93°F