Maharajas' Express Blog

Agra

petha

“Agra has always been known for the architectural marvel and the story of love behind that marvel. But apart from the glorious Taj Mahal, Agra is also the site where other splendid Mughal-era buildings have been built, such as the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri- both of which, along with the Taj Mahal are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Legend ascribes the founding of the city to Raja Badal Singh, a Sikarwar Rajput king (c. 1475), whose fort, Badalgarh, stood on or near the site of the present fort. Though Agra’s history is largely recognised with Mughal Empire, the place was established much before it and has linkages since Mahabharat- it was later won over by the Mughal kings and achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1658. It was at this time when the city was known as Akbarabad.
The spectacles of the city do not end with just the 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it continues with the I’d-Ul-Daulah, Akbar’s Tomb- Sikandra, Swami Bagh Samadhi, Mankameshwar Temple, and many more.
Agra city is known for leather goods, carpets, handicrafts, Zari Zardozi, Marvel and stone carving and inlay work. Among the flavours, it is known for its sweets (Petha and Gajak) and snacks (Dalmoth). Carpet making was introduced to the city by Mughal Emperor Babur and since then this art has flourished.

It is this city that is ideal for taking mementos of your Indian experience.”