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The city of Agra, like the Indian subcontinent as a whole, is a place steeped in Mughal influences. More than any other Indian city however the Mughal empire has left its most defining statements in Agra in the form of some of the most stunning architecture in the world. As the capital of the Mughal emperors from the 16th to 17th centuries, Agra is blessed with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites which tell of the Mughal's power, and also many of the best luxury hotels in India, built to accommodate the many tourists each year who come to see the sights.
The most remarkable of the World Heritage Sights of Agra is the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most famous buildings and one of the new seven wonders of the world. Built by Mughal king Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal took 22 years to complete, and is a true work of art, perfectly symmetrical and finished in ornate marble relief with semi-precious stone inlays in the interiors. No-one comes to Agra without visiting the Taj Mahal and within its luxury hotels, Agra finds the perfect complement to one of the worlds most incredible and popular sites.
The Agra Fort is the second of the city's World Heritage Sites and in addition to enclosing an inner paradise of marble and pietra dura inlay offers exceptional views of the Taj Mahal in the distance, the same views King Shah Jahan had during the last 8 years of his life spent in captivity in the fort, before being interred beside his wife in the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort was built under the command of Shah Jahan's grandfather, the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, on a site where a fort stood for some 500 years previously. The fort construction is very typically Mughal in style and very different from the style of forts built in south of the country.
The great Akbar also built the third of the city's World Heritage Sites, Fatehpur Sikri, another majestic fort made from red and buff sandstone. Akbar also planned and built his own tomb as was the custom of the Mughal kings, and this impressive building with wonderful lush gardens is found some 13 km from Agra Fort.
There are many other popular visitor sites in Agra, further detailing the Mughal's reign in India, which include Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the 'baby taj', a mausoleum for the family of empress Nur Jehan, the Mankameshswar Temple, one of four ancient temples located in the corners of Agra City, and the Ram Bagh, the oldest Mughal Gardens in India. Information for all the famous sites is obtained within the luxury hotels of Agra, including the best times for visiting and any other information required to make the most from any visit to the city.
While the city of Agra is rightly famed for its historical and cultural significance, it is not simply a living monument but also a thriving, bustling city. Large scale garment and automobile production is important to the city's economy and there are many thousands of small scale industries which thrive on handicrafts such as leather goods, jewelry, and stone carving and inlay work, much of it aimed at the tourist market. There are many local marketplaces, some of which date back to Mughal times.
In addition to the exquisite architecture, the Mughals also brought with them an appreciation for art, literature, cuisine, and education , all of which persist as dominant influences in Indian life and culture and no more so than in Agra, the centre of the Mughal empire. Agra is easily reached from the nation's capital Delhi, some 200 km away, and is well served with road and rail links to the capital and also to Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
India does luxury hotels well and no more so than in Agra. Undoubtedly influenced by the excellent tradition in fine architecture within the city, some of the finest and most remarkable luxury hotels of India are located in Agra, including expansive hotel resorts with a full range of leisure options on site which may include sports such as tennis and golf, and a full complement of spa services and facilities. The largest spa in India is located in Agra. Agra has long been a prime visitor destination both for domestic tourists and those worldwide and this is reflected in the quality, range and choice of Luxury hotels Agra has to offer.
In addition to a full selection of leisure facilities, a luxury hotel in Agra will present guests with sumptuous interiors, furnishings and fittings, 24 hour room and concierge services, air conditioning in all guest and public spaces and rooms and suites which are fully appointed and equipped with state of the art facilities in audio and visual entertainment, and business networking.
Within its luxury hotels, Agra will also have an excellent selection of lounge and dining options, from a formal gourmet fine dining experience to all day informal dining options. Indian cuisine is renowned the world over and the Mughal influences extend to the kitchens as much as anywhere in India. Expect the finest luxury hotels in Agra to offer the very best in local and regional Indian flavors as well as continental and wider international and Asian options.
Agra represents an unforgettable Indian experience for any visitor and by staying in one of the city's luxury hotels, guests can enjoy the best of India, from a space of supreme luxury to call their own.
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