Agra

To many passionate travelers, India is synonymous with the Taj Mahal. To catch a sight of this evocative structure, you need to visit Agra. Steeped in Mughal history, the place has many magnificent monuments and mausoleums – all of which can stun you to disbelief. Agra is associated with regal splendor of the Mughals.

The Taj Mahal:
The Taj Mahal is the monument of eternal love between Emperor Shahjahan and Empress Mumtaz Mahal. Set in the midst of a large walled garden it is adorned by two mini-Tajs, and a long reflective pond in front. The snow white marble structure is as spectacular from distance as it is from near. The inside of the vast double-dome is embedded with semi-precious stones and verses from the Koran. To get the ethereal feel of this flamboyant monument you must visit it both at dawn and dusk. Before the sun retreats the color of the dome changes from white to shades of pink. And in full moon nights, it can be the most spectacular sight in the world.

Red Fort of Agra:
After the spectacle in white, the red sandstone built of the Agra Fort presents another fascinating treat to the eyes. It houses many palaces and mosques within its premises. These include the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque), Jahangir’s Palace, Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace) and Khas Mahal.

Fatehpur Sikri:
This city was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1585. Built by Emperor Akbar, it comprises a splendid medieval fortress of red sandstone, with large central squares, intricately carved multi-tiered pavilions, sprawling terraces and beautiful gardens.

Other Attractions:
Other attractions in Agra include, the Chini-Ka-Rauza (China Tomb), Persian style architecture built out of glazed tiles in. The Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb, built by Empress Nur Jahan (Jahangir’s wife) in memory of her father, is another major attraction. It has a grand layout of delicate marble work. The dome-shaped Jama Masjid, quite unlike other mosque, is a minaret-less court. Another excellent piece of architecture is Akbar’s mausoleum. Made of an equal mix of red sandstone and marble, it combines the unique architectural styles of Islamic, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Christian architecture. A visit to a mausoleum built by Akbar himself is a must. Mughal Gardens of Ram Bagh, Dayal Bagh and Soami Bagh, Ladies Bazaar, Amar Singh Gate and Musamman Burj are other great places to visit.

Visit Agra to get a feel of the regal and romantic aura of the medieval India