Agra the City of Taj

Agra the City of Taj

Agra, on the banks of river Yamuna, UP, has become a globally recognized place thanks to the wonderful Taj Mahal. However, Agra is not just about the Taj Mahal mammoth only. Being an area that has been inhabited since the Mughal times Agra offers architecture and culture that have been shaped by years and that are left to be explored. Property in Agra reflects this rich historical and cultural heritage, attracting both investors and residents.

Exploring the Wonders of Agra

Agra, a city having legacy reflected through the history & masterpieces, is named as three UNESCO World Heritage Sites that led to the vision of Indian cultural splendour & majestic Mughal era. Flats in Agra offer residents a chance to live amidst this rich historical backdrop, blending modern living with the city's ancient heritage. Here's a closer look at these iconic monuments:

Taj Mahal: A Monument of Love

• Historical Significance: Constructed more than a hundred years ago by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor, in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

• Architectural Splendour: Structured in a symmetry eliciting admiration and featuring matches of marble inlay work, the "teardrop on the cheek of eternity" as its poetic description.
• Global Recognition: Icon of love all over the world as Mughal architecture's best exemplification.

Agra Fort: A Red Sandstone Giant

• Mughal Majesty: This powerful fortress dating back to the 16th century, was probably meant to glorify the richness and glory of the Mughal emperors.

• Key Attractions: The establishment boasts of splendid houses such as Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal, and the Diwan I-Khas each narrating its own story.
• Architectural Features: The fort is constructed of red sandstone and it demonstrates the solid military might and displays a great architectural ingenuity of the Mughals.

Fatehpur Sikri: The Mughal Ghost City

• Brief Capital: Former, the glorious imperial seat of Akbar in the Mughal Empire and presently, a notorious but a very well preserved historical place.

• Architectural Ensemble: The city is home to a wide variety of royal palaces, mosques and business centres, each of which boister the scale of the Mughal empire.
• Cultural Heritage: Although Fatehpur Sikri had its brief turn, it still remains a major historical and architectural landmark conveying the Mughal inventiveness and indifference to the trivial.

Transportation and Connectivity in Agra

Agra's unique topographical placement and vast network of transportation facilities, which connect it with different regions of India, enhance its third characteristic. Plot for sale in Agra offers opportunities to invest in this well-connected city. Here's how the city connects:

Rail Connectivity

• Main Hub: Agra Cantonment Railway Station plays as Agra's main rail connection to this city.

• National Links: Regular train services to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are available.
• Luxury Travel: Agra is also a station for sumptuous trains including the Palace on Wheels giving it the status of a stop over for those who want to enjoy the additional experience that trains provide.

Road Network

• National Highway 2: Agra is on the same highway and hence additionally 2 other roads pass through it from Delhi and Kolkata.

• Yamuna Expressway: Provides a fast and time-saving motorway route from Delhi, through Noida, meaning shorter and more comfortable trips to Agra.
• Local Transportation: The ways of travel within a city are wide and varied. You can travel by auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, taxi, or bus, depending on your need for ease, time, or price.

Air Connectivity

• Kheria Airport: Agra now has the Kheria Airport installed which connects it with the important flights like Delhi-Varanasi.

• Taj International Airport: The delivery of this project in 2024 is anticipated to be one of the most vital steps of Agra's development. It will completely transform Agra's air connectivity by making it a more sought-after destination for both international and domestic travellers.

Real Estate in Agra: Opportunities and Trends

In the field of real estate, Agra city has something in the store for everyone pursuing rental property, business opportunity, or quality living. House for sale in Agra highlights the diverse options available for buyers in the city's real estate market. Here are the key trends and opportunities in Agra's real estate sector: Here are the key trends and opportunities in Agra's real estate sector:

Residential Real Estate

• Rising Demand: It's a continually growing need for the supply of both residential and commercial properties, instigated by prominent private businessmen, professionals, wealthy NRIs, and retirees.

• Strategic Locations: Taxi stands at Dayalbagh, Shahganj and Fatehabad Road are seeing a boom that is partly attributed to the Taj International Airport being expected.
• Integrated Townships: Developers have begun promoting integrated townships in Agra which provide quality housing in combination with all modern facilities, to reach different groups of buyers.

Commercial Real Estate

• Attractive Yields: The rental yield in Agra uses the word considerable, giving residential property returns between 2-5%, and commercial properties between 8-12%.

• Hospitality Sector: As Agra enjoys popularity as a top tourist destination, the hospitality industry becomes a powerful force in the real estate sector, with most of the modelled hotels springing up fast.

Current Land Prices in Agra

• Prime Localities: In areas like Sanjay Place and Maan Nagar, land prices range between INR 8,000-12,000 per sq ft.

• Emerging Areas: In places like Kamla Nagar, prices vary from INR 5,000-8,000 per sq ft.
• Major Roads: Along NH-2, NH-3, and Fatehabad Road, land costs INR 3,000-6,000 per sq ft, depending on how close they are to the city centre.
• Peripheral Regions: Rates in outer areas are lower, at INR 1,500-3,000 per sq ft.
• Agricultural Land: Available from INR 150 per sq ft in surrounding villages.
• Annual Appreciation: Land prices have consistently appreciated by 10-15% annually over the past 5 years.

Understanding Stamp Duty in Agra

• In urban areas of Agra, stamp duty is 5% for male buyers and 4% for female buyers on the property value. Agra property for sale reflects this financial aspect of real estate transactions, influencing buyer decisions in the city's market.

• In rural areas, stamp duty is 4% for male and 3% for female buyers on the property value. Additional charges include 1% transfer duty, 1% registration fee and 1% mortgage registration fee for home loans.

Fastest Growing Areas in Agra

Some of the rapidly developing regions in Agra are:

• Tajganj - The Taj Mahal Dominating the neighbourhood, leading to tourism activities.
• Sanjay Municipality - Modern benefits of amendments and infrastructures.
• Pratap Pura - Economical housing rates
• Dayalbagh - A forthcoming airport that increases connectivity
• Fatehabad Road - A vital place on one of the major national roads of the country.
• Kamla Nagar - Education and healthcare institutions are situated nearby the area.
• Bodla — Industrialization and rising population create higher demand

Agra's Famous Locations

Besides the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra has other famous tourist spots and landmarks. Buy a home in Agra to live close to these cultural and historical treasures, enhancing your lifestyle with rich heritage and beauty.

• Agra Fort - Impressive & ancient fortress of red sandstone built in the 16th century.
• Ram Bagh - Gorgeous Mughal garden equipped with fountains and pavilions.
• Itmad-ud-Daulah Mausoleum - Marble squares, dominating with intricate stone inlays and carvings.
• Mehtab Bagh - Reflected in the mirrored image of the Taj Mahal.
• Jama Masjid - India's largest mosque built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
• Sadar Bazar - The buzzing local market, where one could shop for marble artefacts, affordable textiles and street food.

Tourism in Agra: Beyond the Taj Mahal

Agra tourism is not only made of the Taj. Some activities for visitors include buying a house in Agra to immerse yourself fully in the vibrant culture and lifestyle that extends beyond the iconic monuments.

• Having a boat ride on River Yamuna with the brilliant view of Taj Mahal from it.
• While visiting Agra, a young woman experienced the local cuisine in many ways, like Petha candies , Dalmoth, and Mughlai food.
• Purchasing small items, pottery, handicrafts, textiles and leather goods is another thing you can do for the local economy while travelling.
• I enjoy watching dance shows related to Kathak, theatre, music and various other cultural programs.
• A wildlife safari experience at Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
• One of our popular programs is the Heritage walk, which takes visitors through Agra's Mughal-era monuments.
• Day tours are arranged to the nearby sites as well known historical Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura and Vrindavan.

Conclusion

Agra can be described as more than a home of Taj Mahal. This city, full of a fascinating past and magnificent Mughal edifices, is a must-visit destination on my travel list. Besides the Taj Mahal, Agra is the home of some intriguing sites such as Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh and Ram Bagh that show the Mughal influence. The city features several means of transport and tourism is among the biggest sectors. On the other hand, Agra has grown into a city of real estate opportunities, infrastructure construction and potential in tourism business not only but education, healthcare and commerce sectors also. Experience the real India in Agra which is steeped in history, culture, architecture, shopping, food and many other interesting features.