Agra is a historically important destination in India. It is situated on the banks of River Yamuna. It was the capital of Mughal Emperors between the period 1526 and 1658. It attracts thousands of tourists, because of its impressive Mughal-era buildings. Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Diwan-I-Am and Jahangir Mahal are some of the must see destinations in Agra.

 

• Taj Mahal:

Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is a beautiful monument built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. It is a marvel in marble. The architecture of Taj is a distinct combination of Persian, Indian and Islamic architecture. You can see verses of the holy Quran inscribed in the walls. The interiors of Taj would give a sense of awe. A burial crypt inside the Taj houses the tombs of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan.

 

• Agra Fort:

Agra Fort or Red Fort is another famous destination in the Agra City. It was built by the world famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in the year 1654. Agra Fort served as a military center for many emperors and many palaces were added inside the fort by the successors of Akbar. The fort is auricular in shape and is encircled by a moat. Pearl Mosque, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Shish Mahal and Jahangir’s palace are some of the outstanding buildings located inside the fort.

Pearl Mosque also known as Moti Masjid is a monumental mosque built by Shah Jahan in 1648. The interiors of the mosque are made up of pure white marble, which gives the appearance of pearl. Shish Mahal is another marvelous building inside the Agra Fort. It is a glass palace that consists of two large chambers, which have a marble tank with fountains.

 

Fatehpur Sikri:

Fatehpur Sikri is a town located 37 km away from Agra. It was built by Akbar in 1571. It is one of the World Heritage sites in Agra. Buland Darwaza or Gate of Magnificence was a significant monument in Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar built this gate to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. You can reach this gate by climbing a flight of steps. It is 54m high and 35 m wide. It is the highest gateway in the world and it stands as an amazing example of the Mughal architecture.

 

Jama Masjid:

Jama Masjid is located at Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and he dedicated it to his beloved daughter Jahanara Begum.

 

Ram Bagh:

Ram Bagh in Agra is the oldest Mughal garden. It was created by the first Mughal emperor Babur in 1528. The garden is designed in such a way the wind from the River Yamuna combines with the greenery to keep it cool even during hottest summers.

 

Dayal Bagh:

Dayal Bagh is located 15 km away from Agra. It is a famous pilgrim center, where you can find the memorial of Shiv Dayal Sahib, the founder of the Radhaswami Satsang movement. It is a marble structure that features a beautiful pietra dura inlay work on the interiors.

 

© 2009 Abiyoyo SL