TAJ MAHAL - Agra

On the banks of the river Yamuna stands the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the 17th century, the Taj today is source of attraction for millions of tourists from all over the world. To witness the beauty of this architectural marvel, one needs to view Taj at different times of the day and year. The white marble building appears to change its hue according to variations in the daylight. In moonlight, especially on the full moon night, the marble appears extraordinarily luminescent. During winter months, the view of Taj at sunrise is magnificent. The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh or ’four garden’ plan, which is split by watercourses—a reflection of the Persian style. On a trip to Taj, it is always better not to rush into seeing things around. Sit around in the garden, admire the scenic beauty, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere to make your visit memorable.

AGRA FORT - Agra

Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna and beautified with palaces and gardens by Jehangir, Agra Fort today dominates the centre of the city. The crescent-shaped fort with its 20-metre high, 2.4 km outer walls contains a maze of buildings that form a small city within a city. One can enter the fort only through the Amar Singh Gate. The public access is limited to the southern part of the fort which includes nearly all the buildings of tourist interest. The Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience) were built by Shahjahan for receiving audiences. Jehangir’s palace built by Akbar was the largest private residence in the fort. Close to Diwan-i-Khas, stands an octagonal tower known as Musamman Burj. It was here that Shahjahan breathed his last after seven years of imprisonment. Other places to see within the fort include the Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden).

ITMAD-UD-DAULAH - Agra
To the north of the fort, on the opposite bank of the Yamuna lies Itmad-ud-daulah, the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Jehingir’s wazir. Also known as the ’baby Taj’, it was the first Mughal structure totally built from marble and first to make extensive use of pietra dura. The place is the least visited of Agra’s three great monuments

JAMA MASJID - Agra

Built in 1648 AD, in memory of Sheikh Salim Chisthi and his grandson Islam Khan by Jehanara Begum, Shahjahan’s daughter, the masjid has a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. The building with its rectangular open forecourt, has no minarets but its sandstone domes have a striking marble patterning.

SIKANDRA - Agra
In the centre of a peaceful garden at Sikandara, 4 km north-west of Agra, lies the sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar. The mausoleum represents Akbar’s philosophy and secular outlook blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles.

RAMBAGH - Agra

Three kilometers upstream from Itmad-ud-daulah lies Ram Bagh, one of the earliest Mughal Gardens in the country. The garden was laid out by Emperor Babar, and it is believed that he was buried here temporarily before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan.

DAYAL BAGH - Agra
At Dayal Bagh, the headquarters of Radhaswami sect, there is a beautiful white marble temple coming up. The temple has been under construction for almost 100 years now. On a trip to the temple, you can view the pietra dura marble inlay work in process.

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