Agra: Agra, is home to the wonder in white marble the Taj Mahal. The visit to the city with the fort, Mosque and tomb amidst the greens are a great way to enjoy a holiday. Here is one of the Indian wonders of the world – the Taj Mahal. More than being the mausoleum of the Mughal Empress Mumtaz Mahal and the labour of love by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is the pride of India. The majestic monument on the banks of river Yamuna, stands in all its magnificence as if to reach the world that love is the greatest gift of God. The masterpiece of art in white makrana has work of several precious gems like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis, lazuli, sapphire, coral and diamonds to add to its beauty. The breathtakingly beautiful Landscape seems to add to the magic of the Mughal architecture. Beside the majestic Taj Mahal, the city of Agra and its neighbouring areas are bejewelled with many a marvel of architectural brilliance. As Agra remained for long the capital of Mughal Empire, one can discover marvel of this great empire strewn all around the city. The Mughal built some of the most enduring and grandest monuments in the world and many of these monuments found their place in Agra. The neighbouring areas near Agra are also peppered with historical sites and monuments.

Besides the Taj Mahal Agra is also famous for the Agra Fort which is a veritable treasure of the various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the assimilation of different cultures which was the hall mark of the Mughals. Emperor Akbar began the construction of this massive fort made of red sandstone on the banks of river Yamuna in 1565. The Fort was ready by 1571 though additions were made up until the rule of Shah Jahan, who was Akbar grandson. Most of the buildings within this fort represent a unique blending of different architectural styles.

Akbar’s Tomb  

It is located in the quaint, little town of sikandra, 4km from Agra. Akbar’s Tombs is an excellent example of assimilation of different styles of architecture and it represents a significant departure from the earlier Mughal buildings. Before his death in 1605 AD, Akbar started building the magnificent edifice at Sikandra, which was later completed by his son Jahangir. The tomb, as it stands today, is in a large walled garden on the Delhi Agra road. Akbar’s grave in the basement, reached through a portico covered with gorgeous stucco paintings in gold blue and green floral arabesque of Persian inscriptions.

Fatehpur Sikri

It is about 40km from Agra. It is an imperial city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1584. Its architectural grandeur cannot be described by words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. The buildings in this city are a unique blend of different architectural traditions of Islamic style and a story Hindu style particularly of Rajasthan and Gujarat. There are many buildings within Fatehpur Sikri complex. Each of the palaces had a specific purpose and generally faces a court yard.

Prime attraction of the Fatehpur Sikri are Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-I-Khas Turkish Sultana’s house, the treasury, Daulat Khana-I-Khas, palace of Jodha Bai, Hawa Mahal,Nagina Masjid, Birbal’s palace, Jama Masjid and Buland Darwaza      

Shopping in Agra

Agra is one of the most important centres for handicrafts, made of marble and soft stone inlay work. The Mughals were great patrons of arts and crafts. Other major handicrafts products are leatherwear, brassware, carpets, jewellery and embroidery work. The main shopping areas of the city are Sadar bazaar, Kinari bazaar, Munro road, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay place and Taj Mahal complex. We recommend shopping at the Government Emporium or Souvenir shops approved by U.P Tourism.