Top 5 Places To Visit In Agra

Situated in the northern Indian state, of Uttar Pradesh this city belongs to tradition and history. Agra is a city in India that has been one of the prime spots of the Mughal empire and thus some really beautiful architectural wonders can be easily spotted here. Of course, the main reason to visit is to see one of the wonders world... The Taj Mahal - a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

1. Taj Mahal

Of the Agra landmarks, the Taj Mahal is certainly the most well-known and visited. Built by Shah Jahan, a Mughal emperor, between 1631 and 1648, the Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum situated on the right bank of the Yamuna River in the city of Agra. It was built for his adored wife Mumtaz Mahal. Designed like one with Mughal-style gardens, the Taj Mahal Marvel seems unreal with the sun reflecting in it and the monument's shifting color tones with the changing light. One may see the wonder of Mughal architecture painted in perfect symmetry as one follows that ornamental route toward the tomb. Standing at your feet, you would be enthralled with the aerial views of the complex work completed on the marble and crown gem—a 35-meter-high double dome with four tall minarets on each side. Though much of the Taj is crowded with people, Sunrise is the greatest time to visit the Taj as it provides visitors with a place to see the innermost of the marvels of the earth. Make careful not to go over the well-lit Mehtab Bagh on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, therefore offering a clear view of the setting sun on the monument.

2. Agra Fort

The 16th-century fort that served army personnel was built near the River Yamuna, it is another famous historical monument of Agra. This was the palace of the Mughal Dynasty before it was moved to Delhi in 1638 indicating that it was a fairly young palace. The fort is enclosed by large red sandstone ramparts that are irregular in shape forming a semi-circular shape on one side of the city and the river on the other. Royal houses, imperial pavilions and beautiful mosques constructed within reflecting the charm and grandeur of Mughal architecture. The precious is a white marble Diwan-i-Am, a hall of public audience, standing in front of the black marble pavilion known as Shahjahani Mahal with fabulous marble mosaic floral decorations and beautiful carvings. Even today, the majestic look of the Taj from the Agra Fort that one gets to see in photographs, is as majestic when one is actually in front of it. Perhaps, the sound & light show is an interesting way of knowing the history of the fort if one can manage to spare some time in the evening.

3. Fatehpur Sikri

Slightly around 45 kilometers from Agra is the deserted city of the faltering structure of Fatehpur Sikri commanding the vast sweep of plains with the lonely grace of a monument with a historic past that reminds of the city was once the capital of the Mughal empire. This sandstone city was constructed between 1571 and 1585 AD by Mughal emperor Akbar and he had to vacate this beautifully carved city after 14 years because of the acute problem of water scarcity. After crossing the Buland Darwaza, which is 54m tall, the world’s tallest gateway, you enter the impressive courtyard of the monumental mausoleum that reveals the splendor and grandeur of the domes and arches of the preserved monument that gives an idea of the richness of the Mughal Empire. It should be done in time to catch one of the cultural performances that are usually held at the central courtyard in the evening. Fatehpur Sikri is a beautiful mixture of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture as they have built it with very effective expertise with the help of both local and foreign styles.

4. Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb

Often called "Baby Taj," the Itmad-ud-Daulah mausoleum was the first one built entirely of Marble by the Mughals: Built by Mirza Ghiyas Beg, whose title was Itmad–ud–Daulah, this little but exquisite mausoleumwas built for his daughter Nur Jahan. Built between 1622 and 1628, it is evidence of the change in Mughal red sandstone buildings from more conventional later-era marble construction. Perched on the raised ground next to the Yamuna River with a well-kept garden surrounding, the magnificent geometric arabesque in pietra dura (precious and semiprecious gemstone mosaic) filigree facade and the internal chamber leading to a little double dome.

5. Mehtab Bagh

Immerse in the natural beauty by enjoying a walk through this well-lit and maintained Mughal char bagh-styled gardens situated at the eastern periphery of the famous Yamuna River. Literally ‘Moonlight Garden,’ Mehtab Bagh was built by Emperor Babar on the opposite side of the Taj Mahal through the river. It offers you an opportunity to stroll straight with equal intervals and observe the more lengthy enchanting site of the Taj Mahal which appears simply heavenly in the setting sun and more on the full moon night. There is no elaborate fountain show here but just the simple joy of watching the magnificent Taj and the river Yamuna gushing by and how the changing color of nature reflects on the monument from different angles at different phases of the day.

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