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A Tour of Agra is a must for any visitor, for it
is the site of the beautiful Taj Mahal and so much more… Step into a
page from history when you come to Agra. Some of the places to visit
in Agra are:
The Taj Mahal :
A poet once described this enchanting monument as "A teardrop of
love, frozen in marble on the cheek of Eternity." Built by the
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz
Mahal (Exalted one of the Palace), after her death in 1631, this
exquisite tomb is recognized the world over for its aesthetic
perfection and is considered a symbol of eternal love.
Situated near the banks of the River Yamuna, in Agra, this white
marble mausoleum is set like a jewel amidst the serene ambience of a
formal garden. Its green lawns and waterways lead to a raised
platform on which the tomb rests.Taj Mahal The refined elegance of
the artistic pietra dura work of inlaid designs on the marble walls,
the large onion-shaped dome and its surrounding symmetrical minarets
represents the pinnacle of Islamic architecture in India.
Agra Fort :
This imposing fort built by Akbar, and added to by Shah Jahan is a
veritable treasure trove of the Mughal architectural tradition. The
various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the
assimilation of Hindu and Muslim cultures, resulting in the Indo-Saracenic
school of architecture, which was the hallmark of the Mughal period.
The fort contains halls of public and private audience and formal
parks and gardens.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb :
Built by Noor Jahan for a relative, Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb is a
highly ornate edifice, which is looked upon as an imminent precursor
of the Taj Mahal as far as the elaborate carvings and pietra dura
inlay work are concerned. The tomb marks a significant departure
from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built earlier, because this
tomb follows the central Asian pattern of a domed structure, set in
a formal garden, with waterways and paths laid out in a geometrical
pattern. This is the design followed later in the construction of
the Taj Mahal.
Fatehpur Sikri :
Fatehpur Sikri was the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between
1571 and 1584. Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar, this royal city
was abandoned because the lack of water in the area was not
sufficient for the population of the city. Fatehpur Sikri
The magnificent palaces and buildings of this abandoned city stand
today as a testimony to the power of nature over the most grandiose
dreams of a mighty Emperor. The city is located at a distance of 40
km from Agra.
Sikandra in Agra :
Akbar's tomb at Sikandra is an excellent example of assimilation of
different styles of architecture and it represents a significant
departure from the earlier Mughal buildings. The tomb carries the
characteristic flavor of the airy tiered pavilions of the Agra Fort
and Fatehpur Sikri. Set in a quiet locale, the tomb has gardens on
all sides where grazing deer can be seen. Watch out for monkeys that
live in the trees nearby. |
