The site Vacations India gives you detailed information on the historical background of this great city that was considered to be the next important city after Mathura in the olden times. The city of Agra was built on the West Bank of the River Yamuna. Badal Singh set up this city some time in the year 1475. Agra became an important city only after the Lodhi king Sikander Lodhi set up his capital in this ancient city. Later the Mughal ruler Babar took over the Agra city and set base for the establishment of the Mughal rule. It was during the Mughal rule, especially under Babar, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan that Agra, in North India, located on the West Bank of Yamuna, developed as a great center of architecture, art and Mughal culture. A number of forts, buildings and tombs were constructed during the 16th century, which was the peak period of Mughal glory in Agra, India. The city of Agra located in North India is one of the oldest cities in the country that is known for being home to the Taj Mahal, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We find the mention of this great city as 'Agraban' in one of the oldest epics of India, Mahabharata.
Agra in India is a great place to visit during your tours and vacations. You can visit the ancient monuments during your tours that are spread all over Agra and are an example of Mughal architecture and art. Some of the prominent specimens of Mughal architecture in Agra, which are a must visit during your holidays to Agra, India are the Taj Mahal, the tomb of Itmad - Ud - Daulah, Sikandra, which is the Mughal ruler Akbar's tomb and the 'abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri' and the Agra Fort.

The Taj Mahal is one monument that you must visit during your tours and vacations to Agra, India. All the North India tour holiday packages that include a visit to Agra, always include a visit to this wonder monument in their tour itineraries. The Taj symbolizes the undying love of an emperor for his beloved and most favorite wife. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built this lovely dream in white marble as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, later he was also buried alongside his wife in the same tomb. It took 20,000 workers to complete this monument in a period of 22 years. The white marble blocks used for the construction of this great monument was carted down all the way from Makrana in Rajasthan, India. The intricate inlay work with precious and semi-precious stones that was done on the walls of the Taj Mahal is one of the finest specimens of Mughal architecture in India. This monument was designed and constructed under the supervision of the famous Mughal architect Ustad Isa.

Another monument that most North India tour packages include in their itineraries is the Mughal ruler Akbar's tomb, Sikandra. Sikandra is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from the main Agra city. Akbar ascended the throne at the age of 13. He started building this tomb during his lifetime and his successor and son Jehangir completed this monument after he passed away. The architecture of the tomb at Sikandra is similar to that of the Taj Mahal that was constructed later. This tomb is built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style and is an interesting place to visit during your tours.

The tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah is another one of the important tourist destinations in Agra. This tomb was personally designed by Itmad-Ud-Daulah in the Charbagh architectural style. The inlay work and intricate patterns on the walls of the tomb have a common theme depicting a wine flask with snakes for handles. There are several tombs inside this complex that belong to the other members of the family.

The site Vacations India seeks to inform you about the various tourist destinations in and around Agra, that you may visit during your tours and vacations to Agra. The site also offers information on several North India Holiday Tour Packages that include trips to the romantic city of Agra in North India.