Agra is a city full of magnificent Mughal architecture. Although, there are so many more places to visit in Agra beyond Taj Mahal. Be it a family vacation, honeymoon, a solo trip or a group vacation with friends.
Agra has something for every trip- romantic strolling at Mehtab Bagh with your partner glaring at Taj Mahal in its full glory or hopping from one fort to another at Fatehpur Sikri and learning all about the Mughal architecture.
With the diverse tourist places in Agra, the city never ceases to be interesting. And the diverse tourist places like Wildlife SOS and Taj Nature Walk make this city all the more unique. Read on to know about these and a lot many places that you can visit in the magnificent city of Agra.
Taj Mahal
Built over a period of 22 years (1631 - 1653) at an estimated amount 35 million rupees, the Taj Mahal is listed among the seven wonders of the world. Ustad Isa Khan, the chief architect, supervised the construction of this amazing monument, employing about 20,000 artisans and workers, under the orders of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Inside this beautiful monument lie the crypts of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, side by side with their heads facing in the direction of the holy city of Mecca. The Taj and the crypts are intricately decorated with carvings, inscriptions, jali work etc., which, at one point of time, were studded with semi-precious stones and gems. It was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, whose unparalleled beauty was the inspiration behind its construction.
Inspired by the Persian, Indian and Turkish styles of architecture, the Taj Mahal is considered as the finest specimen of the Mughal style of architecture. Its rounded dome, the lotus design carved at the top of the dome, a bronze spire on the top of the dome, and four minarets in each corner make the Taj a unique blend of Hindu as well as Persian architecture. The beautifully maintained Taj Mahal gardens add even more splendor and beauty to the monument.
Agra Fort
Listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, Agra Fort is a marvellous set of monuments. Widely known as the Red Fort of Agra or Fort Rouge because of the generous use of red sandstone, the monument displays stunning and royal Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal is located about two km from the Agra Fort on the banks of River Yamuna. Founded as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the fort is a grand and tall architectural structure belonging to the typical Mughal style. It was completed in the year 1571. Built over an area of 2.5 km, the fort has two main gates- the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. Entry is permitted only through the Amar Singh Gate.
Sikandra
Visit the peaceful resting place of Akbar to have a glimpse of the royal, lively and memorable life of Akbar the Great. 10 km north of Agra lies the city of Sikandra, which is popular for the Sikandra Tomb. This tomb of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar was constructed by the Emperor himself. It is known for its unique architectuiral style, which is supposed to be influenced by Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain patterns. After the death of Akbar, the construction was completed by his son Jehangir in 1613. It got its name from the Afghan general Sikandar Lodhi who occupied Agra in the year 1492 A.D.
The building is of five storeys, four of which are made of red stone and the fifth is built out of white marble. Built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, the 100 feet high monument has four minarets each containing a flight of 93 stairs. One can enter the monument through the Buland Darwaza, the towering main gate that opens on the southern side. Akbar's tomb is situated in the basement, close to the tomb of Mariam Zamani, Jehangir� mother. The words - Allah-o-Akbar (God is Great) and the name of the deities of 99 religious sects is inscribedd on the walls of the tomb.
Itmad-ud-daula
An excellent example of marble decor and naqqashi, the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula is world famous for the fine inlay works and the carvings. The tomb is a tribute to Mirza Ghiyas, who received the title of Itmad-ud-Daula (Pillar of the Empire), from his daughter Nurjahan (the queen of Jehangir). Built in 1628, Itmad- Ud � Daula is known as the "Baby Taj". The tower boasts of being the first tower in India made entirely of white marble. The main chamber was decorated with semi-precious stones on the mosaics. The mausoleum is close to the Yamuna River and is surrounded by a vast garden. Like almost all other Mughal architectures, Itmad-Ud-Daula also has four small minarets at the four corners of the main structure.