Agra is also known for its fabulous
handicrafts, made of marble and softstone inlay work. The Mughals
were great patrons of arts and crafts. Empress Nur Jahan took
personal interest and was an accomplished artist herself in zari
embroidery work. Agra's major handicraft products besides inlay
work are : leatherware, brassware, carpets, jewellery and
embroidery work. Agra is also well known for its sweets 'petha'
and 'Gazak' and saltish snack 'Dalmoth. The main shopping areas
of the city are Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay
Place and the Taj Mahal Complex. Shopping is recommended at the
Govt. Emporia or Souvenir Shops approved by U.P Tourism.
Your Taj Mahal tour is incomplete if you return without taking a
replica of the Taj Mahal. It is a mini Taj Mahal that you can
take back home. These mini Taj Mahals are made by local artisans
and is must included in every visitors shopping list.
Leather goods are the other major buying products. All leather
items like bags, shoes, belts, leather jackets etc are available
in various designs. There are many leather industries in Agra so
leather goods are available in large variety. A good range of
decorative articles made up of metals like brass, silver, copper
is also available.
There are many eating outlets and hotels around Taj Mahal where
you can taste the traditional dishes of Northern India. Besides,
the city of Taj Mahal is also famous for 'Petha' (a kind of
sweet).
While walking on the streets of Agra you can enjoy the roadside
magic shows and folk dance performances. The city becomes more
colorful during the Taj Mahaotsav - the Taj Festival. A large
number of dancers and singers gathers at one place to exhibit
their performances.
