Agra is a historic city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is one of the most visited cities in India due to its cultural and historical significance. Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city was a major centre of power during the Mughal era and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra is home to other important monuments such as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Agra Fort was a military structure and later transformed into a palace by the Mughals. Fatehpur Sikri, located near Agra, was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital but was later abandoned due to water shortages.

Agra has a rich tradition of art, culture, and craftsmanship. The city is known for marble inlay work, carpets, and handicrafts. It also has a thriving leather industry. Agra’s cuisine includes Mughlai dishes such as kebabs, biryani, and sweets like petha, which is a local speciality.

The city is well connected by road, rail, and air. It lies on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Agra’s main railway station is Agra Cantt, and the nearest airport is the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport.

Agra experiences a hot semi-arid climate, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is between October and March. Tourism plays a major role in Agra’s economy, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.

• Agra is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River.
• The city covers an area of approximately 188.4 square kilometres.
• Agra’s population is over 1.5 million as per the latest census data.
• It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.
• Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries.
• The city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
• The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
• Agra Fort was originally built by Emperor Akbar and later modified by Shah Jahan.
• Fatehpur Sikri was established by Akbar but was later abandoned due to water scarcity.
• Agra is a major centre for marble inlay work and handicrafts.
• The city is known for its leather industry, which produces high-quality goods.
• Agra has a well-developed railway network with Agra Cantt as the main station.
• The nearest airport is Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport, located in Agra.
• The city is part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Jaipur.
• Agra experiences a hot semi-arid climate with high temperatures in summer.
• The best time to visit is from October to March due to pleasant weather.
• Agra’s economy is largely dependent on tourism and related industries.
• The local cuisine includes Mughlai dishes like kebabs, biryani, and petha.
• Agra has many educational institutions, including Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University.
• The city has a mix of traditional markets and modern shopping centres.
• Agra is well connected by the Yamuna Expressway and NH-19.
• The city celebrates various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year.
• The Mehtab Bagh offers a scenic view of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna.
• Agra is a significant pilgrimage site due to its historical temples and mosques.

Agra is administered by the Agra Municipal Corporation (AMC), which is responsible for civic infrastructure, sanitation, waste management, and public services. The Mayor is the head of the corporation, and the Municipal Commissioner oversees daily operations. The city is divided into wards, each represented by an elected councillor.

The District Administration is headed by the District Magistrate (DM), appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government. The DM manages law and order, revenue collection, and disaster management. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) is responsible for maintaining law enforcement. The police force is divided into zones, circles, and police stations to ensure security.

Agra is part of the Agra Division, which includes the districts of Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, and Mainpuri. The Divisional Commissioner oversees regional administration, ensuring coordination between different departments. The Zila Panchayat (District Council) looks after rural development and infrastructure in villages surrounding Agra.

The Agra Development Authority (ADA) plans urban development, approves construction projects, and regulates land use. It ensures planned growth, manages public spaces, and oversees traffic management. The Public Works Department (PWD) maintains roads, bridges, and government buildings. The Agra Water Board manages water supply and sewage treatment.

Agra is represented in the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and Vidhan Sabha (State Assembly). The city has multiple assembly constituencies, with elected representatives forming part of the Uttar Pradesh legislative framework. The Electricity Department handles power distribution, while the Transport Department oversees road transport and public buses.

Various state and central government agencies work together to manage tourism, environment, and heritage conservation. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the maintenance of historic monuments, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The administration ensures that the city functions efficiently while preserving its historical and cultural significance.

Agra has a diverse economy driven by tourism, manufacturing, handicrafts, and trade. Tourism is the biggest contributor due to the presence of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, which attract millions of visitors every year. Hotels, restaurants, transport services, and guided tours provide employment to a large number of people.

The leather industry is a major sector in Agra, with the city being one of India's largest producers of leather goods. Leather footwear, belts, bags, and accessories are manufactured in industrial clusters and exported globally. Agra is part of the Leather City of India and has several government-backed leather parks.

The city is also known for its marble inlay work, a craft linked to the Mughal era. Skilled artisans create decorative pieces, furniture, and souvenirs using traditional techniques. Handicrafts such as carpets, rugs, brassware, and jewellery also contribute to the local economy.

The agriculture sector plays a role in Agra’s economy, with wheat, mustard, and vegetables grown in rural areas surrounding the city. The Agra Mandi (Market) is a hub for trade in agricultural products. The dairy industry is another important sector, with local milk production supporting businesses.

Agra has a growing industrial sector, with foundries, metalworking, and automobile parts manufacturing. The city has several industrial estates, including Foundry Nagar and EPIP (Export Promotion Industrial Park), where small and medium enterprises operate.

The retail sector in Agra is well developed, with local markets and shopping centres. Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, and Raja Ki Mandi are important trade hubs. The city is also part of the Yamuna Expressway corridor, which promotes investment and infrastructure growth. Government initiatives such as Smart City Mission and industrial development projects aim to improve Agra’s economy and attract investment.

Agra has a well-developed infrastructure that supports its growing economy, tourism, and business sectors. The city’s transportation network is an essential part of its infrastructure, providing connectivity within the city and to nearby regions.

Roads and highways in Agra are well-maintained, with major routes such as the Yamuna Expressway, National Highway 19 (NH-19), and National Highway 44 (NH-44) connecting it to Delhi, Jaipur, and other cities. The Yamuna Expressway enhances the ease of travel, boosting trade and tourism. The Agra-Delhi Expressway connects the city to the national capital, improving regional transport.

The rail network in Agra is another significant component of the city's infrastructure. Agra Cantt, the main railway station, is one of the busiest in northern India, connecting the city to major cities across the country. There are also several other railway stations that provide access to the surrounding regions.

Agra has an international airport, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport, which connects the city to domestic and limited international destinations. This airport caters to the needs of both tourists and business travellers.

Water supply and sanitation are managed by the Agra Water Board, which oversees the distribution of water to residential and industrial areas. The city is also working on improving sewage treatment and waste management systems to support its growing population and tourism industry.

Electricity supply in Agra is provided by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation, ensuring power distribution across the city. There are efforts to improve power infrastructure to support business and industrial growth.

Agra's education and healthcare infrastructure is expanding, with several schools, colleges, hospitals, and clinics. The Agra Development Authority (ADA) is responsible for urban planning and managing infrastructure projects in the city to meet the growing demands of the population and businesses. The government’s focus on improving infrastructure through initiatives like the Smart City Mission is expected to further enhance Agra’s overall development.