Agra is a land that enjoys fame across the globe for different reasons. The most important reason amongst all is that this is the city that houses the beautiful Taj Mahal. This former capital of Hindustan, boasts of this unique architecture that was built by Shahjahan. Listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the monument is the pride of the city.
Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, the city is quite close to Delhi, capital of the country. This makes it easily accessible from any corner of the world. There are many other architectures in the city that speaks volumes about the rich history of this amazing land. Famous for its Mughai food, the city enjoys lip-smacking recipes that will surely make you fall in love with Mughlai food.
Former royal residences and delicious food are not only the factors that drag tourists from far and wide. Even real stories of the kingly heads about important events and marble factories are playing equally important role in making memories worth cherishing.
Agra tourism is not at all just visiting Taj Mahal. It is much more than one can read in the books. Visit Agra to know what this city boasts of.
Taj Mahal
Located in Agra, the Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum that is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it is also considered as the symbol of love. Also recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage", the monument attracts domestic as well as international travellers. The site is also listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The monument was built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, third wife of Shah Jahan.
History
It is believed that this monument was a dedication to Mumtaj Mahal who died during the birth of Gauhara Begum, 14th child of Mumtaj and shah Jahan. She died in 1631 which made Shah Jahan reacy upset. The grieving Shah ordered the building of a magnificent mausoleum in her memory. The instructions were to build a mausoleum that can be remembered for years. Constructions were started in 1632 and it took around two decades to build amazing Taj Mahal.
Architectures and Developments
It took hard work of thousands of artists and craftsmen to carve Taj Mahal. Built under the supervision of Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the monument was the dream project for Shah Jahan.
Completion of the plinth and tomb took around 12 years whereas rest of the complex was completed in around 10 years. The total estimation of the cost is believed to be about 32 million Rupees in that era.
Taj Mahal is appreciated across the globe as the finest example of Mughal architecture which combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles.
Sites and Structures
The monument is bounded by crenellated red sandstone walls on three sides whereas river-facing fourth side left open. There are many additional mausoleums which also includes mausoleums for king’s other wives and a tomb of Mumtaz's favourite servant. Well-manicured gardens are also part of the tomb complex.
How to Reach
The beautiful Taj Mahal is well-connected with road. One can also enjoy a ride in horse driven carriage.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is another UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra. Located around 2.5 km northwest of the Taj Mahal, it is actually a walled city. It is another gem in the crown of heritage attractions in the country. Agra Fort is the sight that has seen the death of the great ruler Shah Jahan. During those days he was deposed and restrained by Aurangzeb his own son in the same fort.
History
Originally the sight was a brick fort which belonged to Hindu Sikarwar Rajputs. In 1080 AD a Ghaznavide force captured it. It was Sikandar Lodi who lived in the fort as the first ruler of the region. Later, after his death in 1517 Ibrahim Lodi lived in the fort till 1526. He got killed in a war in 1526. Till 1558, this was a brick fort and Akbar gave it a new face with bricks and sandstone. It was the reign of Shah Jahan when this massive fort came in to its current state.
It is believed that shah Jahan was influenced with buildings made from white marble so he destroyed many inside the complex to build some new ones. Another legend states that Shah Jahan died in the fort while looking at Taj Mahal.
Architectures and Developments
Sprawled on an area of 94-acre (380,000 m2), the fort is in semicircular shape. Walls of the fort are seventy feet high. The fort has four gates on its four sides with one Khizri gate that opens to the river. Delhi Gate and the Lahore Gate are two other notable gates in the fort. Miraculous architecture and fine art work makes it another wonder in the list of Mughal architectures. Life-sized statues and the fine art work of the fort is worth appreciating as in that era, such a fine work was all result of experience and hard work in the art.
Sites and Structures
Anguri Bagh is an 85 square geometrically arranged. Apart from that one can explore Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Golden Pavilions, Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, Macchi Bhawan, Mina Masjid, Moti Masjid, Musamman Burj, Takht-i-Jahangir, Nagina Masjid, Naubat Khana, Rang Mahal and Shahi Burj.
There is also Shah Jahani Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Zenana Mina Bazaar which are amazing places to explore during Agra Fort visit.
How to Reach
Reaching this amazing fort is quite easy as the fort is well-linked with roads. You only need to follow the right road and your will be exploring the magnificent Agra Fort.
Tomb of Akbar the Great
Akbar was the third Mughal Emperor in the region. He ruled the region from 1556-1605. Akbar’s tomb is situated on the out skirts of the city and is one of the most visited attractions in the region. Speaking volumes about the richness of the Indian history, the tomb has witnessed many important events of the royal era. The tomb houses the mortal remains of Akbar, the Mughal Emperor. The emperor himself built this tomb along with a beautiful garden.
History
Akbar himself commenced the construction of his own tomb sometime around 1600. He followed Tartary tradition to commence the construction of the tomb. He planned his own tomb and finalized everything as per his own wishes. After selecting a suitable site, he ordered for the construction of the tomb. Upper portion of the tomb is the contribution of Jahangir, his son.
Architectures and Developments
The tomb is an amazing attraction to explore during golden triangle trip. The attraction is known for its architectural style which is similar to the Taj Mahal but pre-dates this white beauty of the region. Fine art work of marble and deep red sandstone speaks volumes about the creativity and the artistic taste of the people of golden era. True tomb is in the basement and what tourists see on the ground is the false mausoleum which was built by Jahangir.
Sites and Structures
The largest gate of Akbar’s tomb is the south gate. Complimented with four white marble chhatri-topped minarets, the south gate is the main entry to the tomb. 105 m square wall surrounds this four-tiered pyramid shaped architecture. The site is decorated with geometric, floral and calligraphic designs. It also has manicured garden which simply add to the beauty of the tomb.
How to Reach
The tomb is easily accessible by road. Well-linked with the Agra city, it a popular attraction that draws the tourists visiting Agra or nearby regions.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri a municipal board in Agra district. Founded in 1569 by Akbar, it is actually a city and served as the capital of Mughal Empire. The great ruler Akbar named the city Fatehabad which means the land of Victory. The city boasts of being one of the best preserved collections in the architectural contribution by Mughal Empire. Tourists usually visit the city during their Agra visit of Golden Triangle Tour Package.
History
A legend says that Akbar had keen interest in building this architectural wonder. To re-create the splendors of Persian court ceremonial, he planned the city on Persian principles. This was the reason he took personal interest in building such a well-planned city. Unique architecture of the city makes it a must visit attraction during Agra visit. This city has witnessed many historical events which just add interesting tales in the visit to Fatehpur sikri.
Architectures and Developments
Sitting on rocky ridge, Fatehpur Sikri covers an area of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) in length and 1 km (0.62 mi) in width. Architect of Fatehpur Sikri was Tuhir Das who constructed the city using Indian principles. The buildings of Fatehpur represent Gujarat and Bengal style of architecture. One can also see the influence of Hindu, Islamic and Jain architectural style. Red sandstone, known as 'Sikri sandstone' is used in the architecture for creating a magical city called Fateh Pur Sikri.
Sites and Structures
Buland Darwaza is the main attraction of the city. It is around 550 metre high and gradually a transition to a human scale in the inside. Another attraction in the city is Jama Masjid which was built earlier than buland Darwaza. One can also explore Tomb of Salim Chishti, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Ibadat Khana, Anup Talao, Khwabgah, Panch Mahal, Ankh Michauli and the Astrologer's Seat.
Hujra-i-Anup Talao, Mariam-uz-Zamani's Palace, Naubat Khana, Pachisi Court, Taksal, 'Daftar Khana, Karkhanas , Khazana, Turkic styled Baths, Darogha's Quarters, stables, Caravan sarai, Hakim's quarters are some other attractions that will surely catch your eyes during your visit.
How to Reach
Fatehpur Sikri is usually covered during your journey to Jaipur from Agra or vice-versa. The city is well-connected from the road.
Itmad-ud-Daula
Etimad-ud-Daula's Tomb is a popular attraction of Agra. Recognized as "jewel box", the tomb is a worth visiting attraction in the city. Due to similar architecture and looks it is also recognized as "Baby Tāj". It is also appreciated as a masterpiece in the domeless Mughal tombs. This is a protected and conserved monument in the city that has been managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
History
Commissioned by wife of Jahangir, Nūr Jahān, the monument is also referred as draft of the Taj Mahal. She did this for her father Mirzā Ghiyās Beg who was a Persian Amir in exile. The name I'timād-ud-Daulah was actually the title given to Mirzā Ghiyās Beg which means pillar of the state. Mirzā Ghiyās Beg was also the grandfather of Arjūmand Bāno. She was popularly known as Mumtāz Mahāl.
Architectures and Developments
The complex has numerous buildings and gardens. Built in between 1622 and 1628, the tomb represents a unique structure decorated with white marble and red sandstone. Manicured garden and combination of fine art work is the proof that the monument was built with an idea of adding peace to every visit in the tomb. The walls are decorated with contemporary art which draws the attention of every visitor.
Sites and Structures
A multi- storied open pleasure pavilion is the first thing one will notice during a visit to I’timad-Ud-Daulah tomb. Shallow water channels, raised stone paved pathways and beautifully designed gardens will definitely leave an impression in the heart of the visitor. Large plants and trees were kept just adjoining the enclosing walls, so that one can easily enjoy the open view of mausoleum.
How to Reach
The tomb is well-linked with the city. Tourists explore this architectural beauty on their way from Agra to Jaipur.
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