Agra

Agra is a famous tourist city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, situated on the bank of River Yamuna and well known as one of the three tourist destinations in the Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Jaipur. Taj Mahal is one of the Agra’s most prestigious possessions but the city of Agra is not just the Taj Mahal. The proposed identity integrates the six different elements of the city, the rich cultural history, the historical monuments in Agra, cultural diversity, education, tourism and growing industries. Four of these six elements do attract visitors but the name and fame of Taj Mahal has made it the center of attraction among tourists for hundreds of years.
History: 
Agra’s notable historical period began during Sikander Lodhi and retained its glory during Mughals reign. Some historians say that Agra had been founded by Sikander Lodhi in 1504-05; some historians say that Agra had been developed as a city by Akbar in 1556 but the cultural history of India says that during the period of Mahabharat the place was known as Agravana, one of the forests near Vrindavan forest. Agra remained the capital city of Mughal Empire for a long time I e from the beginning of 16th century till in the late 18th century when Marathas captured Agra. Later on East India Company snatched Agra from Marathas and developed the city as industrial town. Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built the Agra Fort as his ruling court and Agra’s most prized monument Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his favorite empress Mumtaj Begum. Agra was named as Akbarabad by Shahjahan in the respect of his grandfather Akbar but Marathas renamed the city Agra.
Culture:
Diverse culture of Agra can be divided into two important aspects, Cuisines, Fairs and Festivals. Travelers and visitors like to enjoy the local and traditional cuisines and participate into the fairs and festivals of the city.
*Cuisine: Agra the capital city of Mughal Empire for hundreds of years has a significant influence in the traditional cuisines of Agra. Mughal cuisine mainly consists of meat enriched with creamy, spicy curries, with lots of dry fruits. Vegetarian dishes include paneer and other milk products. Petha a sweet made using ash gourd, is one of the famous dishes of Agra and available in many varieties in and around Agra. Another local dish of Agra is Dalmoth, which is a dry snack made with fried spicy lentils, nuts and raisins. Some traditional light food items of Agra include dahi bhalla, raj Kachori, samosa, gol gappa and different types of parathas stuffed with potato, cauliflower, paneer and lentils popularly served with curd, pickle and chutney. Visitors of Agra often rush towards the stalls and restaurants to enjoy the cuisines of the city.