Agra
Synonymous with this world-famous city is its stunning and magnificent tribute to timeless love, unequivocally the most beautiful building in the world, the TajMahal. Though it is complimented by a host of many other splendid examples of inspiring monuments, forts and religious sites, Agra is certainly one of the center attractions of India due to this iconic memorial. Located on the banks of the meandering Yamuna River, Agra was established in 1475 and immediately rose to greatness as a foundation for the Mughal Empire. Visitors are invited to take advantage of the wide array of spectacular sites in and around the city as part of their essential visit to the TajMahal.
Famous Tourist Attraction in Agra
Taj Mahal: Universally known as one of the most famous and recognizable structures in the world, the TajMahal is also blessed as one the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Built by Mughal king Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century as an eternal monument to his beloved wife, MumtazMahal, this amazing white marble mausoleum took 20,000 workers 22 years to complete. Famously quoted as “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity”, the TajMahal is certainly a unique vision that never ceases to inspire all who view her as a magnificent tribute to the eternity of love. Guests will be awed by the graceful beauty of this magnificent monument and will marvel at the marble walls which are all covered in ornate patterns of inlayed precious and semi-precious stones.
Agra Fort: Built as a stronghold for the city, the Agra Fort stands impressively overlooking the meandering Yumuna River below. Notable features of the fort include the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and the Shish Mahal (Mirrored Palace). Visitors are invited to roam the grounds of the grand fort to share in the visions of pageantry and spectacle that accompanied 16thcentury life.
I’timad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb: Though its official name can be a bit of a mouthful, visitors can also reach this site by referring to it as the Baby Taj. Often described as a jewel-box for its small size and fine detail, this mausoleum sits in a large garden setting that is criss-crossed with walkways and small waterways. Similar to the TajMahal, the walls of the Baby Taj are also encrusted with exquisite inlays of carnelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx and topaz in dazzling displays of floral patterns.
Kinari Bazaar: While in Agra, don’t forget to take the time to stroll in the simpler destinations such as the local markets. A collective of many bazaars, the Kinari Bazaar is the typical bustling activity of shopping bundles and saris as throngs of local residents jockey through the crowded alleyways to perform their daily shopping duties. Even if you don’t have any purchases in mind, an hour or two of getting lost amid the teeming swarm of bodies can provide one with an energized spirit as well as a camera full of local color.
Akbar’s Tomb: Venturing outside of the city for a short distance can allow visitors to view this vast and beautifully carved red-ochre sandstone tomb honoring Emperor Akbar. Decorated with stone carvings of deer, rabbits and langur monkeys, this tomb is set amidst a lush garden.
Fatehpur Sikri: This spectacularly well preserved “ghost town” of a fortified city is located a short drive from Agra, yet should not to be missed. The Mughal Emperor Akbar built FatehpurSikri in 1569 as his capital, containing a stunning mosque and three palaces – Hindu, Muslim and Christian; one for each of his wives. The impressive and magnificent site reigned majestically for only 14 years, yet still appears to have been occupied just yesterday.