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AGRA
Agra is globally popular as the city of the Taj Mahal. Situated on the west-bank of River Yamuna, 204 km south of Delhi, it has its roots dating back to the times of the Mahabharata. In addition to the legendary Taj, there are several other monuments that epitomize the extravagance of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal era, during the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. The first formal Persian garden was laid out here by the founder of the dynasty, Babar. Later, Akbar, his grandson raised the imposing battlements of the great Red Fort. Inside its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shahajahan embroidered it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble. The crowning glory of the city is evidently the Taj, a monument of love and imagination that represents India to the world.
Places of Interest
Taj Mahal
This extravagant and magnificent monument of love is one of the most visited and most photographed places in the world. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaz, the 'lady of the Taj', who died giving birth to their 14th child.
It stands serene and amazing, on a raised marble platform, by the banks of the river Yamuna, symbolizing timelessness of art and love. Its construction began in 1631, and was completed in 1653. The Taj was the culmination of Indo-Persian architecture. The Mughal Emperors were at all times fond of building monuments. They perhaps knew that though they’d be gone, these magnanimous structures shall remind the world of their grandeur.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri was built 37 km from Agra by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, mainly in Red Sandstone. He considered this city as his capital but dearth of water forced him to abandon the city and within 20 years the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore (now in Pakistan). Fatehpur Sikri was built through 1571 and 1585. The city is an excellent example of a blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture. Fatehpur Sikri is a must see after the Taj. The Fatehpur Sikri mosque was believed to be built in the lines of the holy mosque in Mecca. Entrance to the mosque is through the Buland Darwaza which is 54m high.
Agra Red Fort
Agra which lies on the west bank of river Yamuma became one of the chief cities of the Mughal Empire after the death of Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526. The foundation of the Fort of Agra was laid when Akbar chose Agra as his capital. After the Taj this was one of the most significant set of buildings. The construction began in 1565 and was done in about eight years under the direction of Qasim Khan Mir Barr-u-Bahr. According to present day information, the fort had over five hundred buildings, but later on Akbar's descendants further added new buildings, mainly in marble and demolished the older ones.
Akbar's Mausoleum
4 km from Agra is the mausoleum of Akbar. Construction of this fine-looking monument was begun by Akbar himself. This structure has an ideal blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs.
Jama Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648, the main gate of the mosque has writings on it that it was built by Jahanara Begum, the much-loved daughter of Shah Jahan who was imprisoned with him. The absence of minarets and the shape of a dome offers it a notable look.
Travel Info
By air: Flights connect Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi.
By rail: Express trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, and Chennai halt at Agra.
By road: Agra is connected to Delhi, Rajasthan and other cities of Uttar Pradesh by excellent bus service.