Agra is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna.It is ancient heritage.Akbar made it the capital of the Mughal Empire.It became more famous after the construction of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. It is one of main attraction center for tourist of India as well as for abroad tourist.
Tale of the City
The architectural marvels hewn across the city is a clear reminder of the Mughal presence here in their once Capital. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map.
Attractions
- Fatehpur Sikri (39 km): This was Akbar's walled palatial city in red sandstone. The Emperor had no heir and as lores go, only after visiting the saint Sheikh Salim Chishti of Sikri, he was blessed with a son. He was so bemused that he decided to build his capital there in Sikri. Other places of historical importance there are Panch Mahal, Dewane-e-Khaas, Dewane-e-Am, Buland Darwaja, Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan.
- Taj Mahal, Agra:Taj Mahal was built by a grief stricken Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal.A world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal Sits pretty on the northern side of this green paradise. It looks the same from all the four sides! The Quranic inscriptions on its four entrances are carved in such subtle increase in size that may appear to be of the same size from top to bottom! Shahjahan invited master craftsmen from as far as Italy and Persia to help design his ambitious tribute to love.The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone that shines forth, but in the deep planning and design that went into its making, and the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate carvings in marble vie with gorgeous pietra dura for attention. Lapiz, Lazuli, Carnation, Mother of pearl, Agate and Emerald are inlayed in floral and geometrical patterns in the marble itself. This enchanting mausoleum, on the bank of river Yamuna started in 1631 it took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20000 workers.it is open everyday between 6 am to 7.30pm.
- Agra Fort: A Mughal dynasty architectural grandeur in red sandstone, the Agra Red Fort or the Lal Quila is like a palatial city that houses some beatific buildings, including Moti Masjid, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Musamman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment.
- Akbar's Mausoleum: A blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, this deep-red sandstone and marbled Mausoleum at Sikandra, was designed by the emperor himself and modified by his son emperor Jehangir. The Buland Darwaza or the Gateway of Magnificence at its entrance seems more majestic than the Mausoleum itself at times.
- Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb: It is a 17th century tomb, built by Empress Noor Jahan, in memory of her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg. It was here that the "Pietra Dura" - the inlay work on marble, so characteristic of the Taj, was first used. The yellow hued marble is highlighted with white and black marble inlay, and the lacy pierced marble screens and rich, jewel-inlaid mosaics have a delicate, feminine quality that is pure enchantment.
- Jama Masjid: A large mosque built by Princess Jahanara Begum, who seem to have inherited her father Shah Jehan's aesthetic sensibility. Notable for its unusual dome and absence of minarets.
- Chini Ka Rauza:Mausoleum of Shahjahan's prime minister (and Persian poet) Afzal Khan buit in 1635, exhibits fine use of glazed tiles. A certain raiser to an exotic Persian art style, which finds itself a home in Agra.
- Taj Natural Walk:A beautiful natural forest cover spread over 70 hectares of area just 500 mts away from the eastern gate of Taj Mahal . An excellent view of the Taj can be found from the different mounds of the park. Flora & Funa of different species are found here.
- Radhaswami Samadhi,Dayalbagh:Dayalbagh, a tribute to the founder of Radha Swami faith. Devout followers believe the service, purifies the soul. At Dayalbagh their services bears fruit in an edifice as spectacular as the Taj Built in white and colour marble, it is continuously being decorated for 100 years now with extra-ordinary feats in stone and gems.
- Ram Bagh:One of the earliest Mughal gardens, it was laid out by Emperor Babur, the founder of Mughal dynasty. It is said that babur was temporarily buried here before it was taken to Kabul in Afganistan.
- Mehtab Bagh:Mehtab Bagh is located on the left bank of river Yamuna opposite to the Taj Mahal. The garden complex is a huge square measuring approximately 300m X 300m and in straight alignment with the Taj Mahal. The exevation has revealed a huge octagonal tank on the southern periphery : baradaris or pavilion on the east and west: a small octagonal tank at the center and a gateway at the northern wall.
- Itmad Ud Daulah(Baby Taj):This exquisite marble tomb was made by Emperor Jahangir’s queen, Nurjahan , in the memory of her father Mirza Ghias Beg during 1622-1628 A.D. Built entirely of white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, their mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna River, exhibits a strong Persian influence.
- Sikandra:It is the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. It represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative fusion. Completed in 1613 A.D., it is one of the well preserved monument .
- Mariyam's Tomb:This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbar’s wife Mariyam Jamani. The tomb has some exceptional carvings.
- Jama Masjid:The building with rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648A.D. by Shahajahan’s daughter, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Shaikh Salim Chistiand his grandson Islam Khan of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.
- Temples:Mankameshwar Mandir, Rawli, Balkeshwar Mandir, Prithvinath Mandir, Rajeshwar Mandir , kailash Mandir, Renuka Dham,
- Bauddmath:Buddha Bihar, Agra Fort Bus stand,
- Gurudwaras: Guru ka Tal Gurudwara, Sikandra Mathura Road, Maithan Gurudwara, Fulatti Hathighat Gurudwara,
- Churches:Baptist Church, Sai Ka Takia, Catholic Church,Sadar Bazar
- Mosque:Jama Masjid, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Shaikh Salim Chisti Mazar, Fatehpur Sikri
- Jain Temples:Digambar Jain temple, Taj Ganj, Tirthadham, Mangalayatan, Sasni, Aligarh.