Agra: The Jewel of Mughal India

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना चाहूँ
  [Kripya menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chahoon]

• Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँ...
  [Main khareedna chahoon...]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap kimat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे के बाद आधे घंटे
  [Das baje ke baad aadhe ghante]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (....ke liye)]

Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, is believed to have been founded in the early 16th century by Sultan Sikandar Lodi of the Delhi Sultanate. It became an important city under his rule and later under the rule of his son, Sultan Ibrahim Lodi. The city's strategic location made it a significant military and administrative hub.

Agra reached its zenith during the Mughal era, particularly under the reign of Emperor Akbar the Great (1556 - 1605). Akbar made Agra his capital and constructed the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This era also saw the building of the iconic Fatehpur Sikri, a nearby city that served as the Mughal capital for a brief period.

One of the most famous monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal, was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. This architectural marvel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors annually.

Agra came under British control in 1803 following the Second Anglo-Maratha War. During the British Raj, Agra continued to be an important administrative center. The British built several structures, including the Agra Cantonment and St. George's Cathedral, contributing to the city's colonial architecture.

Agra played a role in India's struggle for independence. The city witnessed various movements and protests against British rule. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi visited Agra to mobilize support for the independence cause. The Quit India Movement and other significant events saw active participation from the residents of Agra.

After India gained independence in 1947, Agra continued to grow and modernize. The city developed into a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. Modern Agra boasts a mix of historical sites and contemporary amenities, making it a vibrant blend of the old and the new.

Agra is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional crafts like marble inlay work, also known as 'Pietra Dura.' The city is also famous for its Mughlai cuisine, which includes dishes like Petha, a sweet delicacy. The annual Taj Mahotsav festival celebrates the city's cultural richness with performances, crafts, and food.

Agra is located in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, approximately 220 kilometers away. From New Delhi, you can take the Gatimaan Express or Shatabdi Express trains, which offer a comfortable and fast journey of about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or take a bus from Delhi to Agra; the journey by road takes around 3 to 4 hours.

Agra has various transportation options. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are commonly used for short distances. For longer trips, local taxis and app-based ride services like Uber and Ola are available. Public buses operate within the city and to nearby destinations. Renting a car with a driver is also an option for greater convenience and ease of travel.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Agra, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to remote areas.

Agra is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. Areas like the Taj Ganj neighborhood can be bustling and may attract pickpockets. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid accepting unsolicited offers of help from strangers.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Agra. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies around the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; remove your shoes before entering temples and other religious places. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' by joining your palms together. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Agra like a local, visit the Sadar Bazaar for a true shopping experience and taste street food like Petha and Dahi Bhalla. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting lesser-known sites like Mehtab Bagh for a fantastic view of the Taj Mahal at sunset. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Yamuna River.