These Top Places To Visit In Agra
Agra isn’t just a popular tourist destination, but a historical gem that marked history in every era and still carries traces of its lost heritage. As thousands of tourists flock to the Taj Mahal every year, Agra has quite rightfully come to be equated with the white marbled architectural landmark. Yet, the place is a layered jewel that showcases many more of its beauties to the right eye. Let find out These Top Places To Visit In Agra below.
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These Top Places To Visit In Agra
Taj Mahal
How can one visit Agra and not pay a visit to this architectural gem. One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is a living witness of fine Mughal craftsmanship. The complex is surrounded by well kept gardens and there is a marble water tank in the middle. A visit to the place is necessary to get a complete experience of what Agra has to offer. An hour before sunrise and about 45 minutes prior to sunset. Closed on Fridays. Additional INR 200 to see the main mausoleum. Foreigner INR 1050 Additional NR 200 to see the main mausoleum.
Agra Fort
Agra fort was primarily begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 as a military structure and was later transformed into a palace by his grandson Emperor Shah Jahan. The Amar Singh Gate, which was originally built to confuse attackers with its design, is now the point of entry to the fort. The red sandstone and marble architecture of the fort exhibits the grandiosity of Mughal architecture and leaves you awed.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, 40 km away, is a fort on an elevated rocky place. It is the pride of the Mughal Empire and a unique blend of architectural brilliance and religious beliefs. This monument was built by Akbar to honor Sheikh Salim Chisti, whose prediction of the birth of a Mughal heir came true while Akbar was visiting the then city of Sikri. In honor of the prophecy, Akbar built this city and Jama Masjid.
He also undertook the construction of three palaces for each of his favorite wives, one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian. If you are a history buff, then this place is definitely a must visit for you. Otherwise, the spiritual and religious aura of Fatehpur Sikri is blinding, and you should pay a visit to this place to go down the historical lane and connect with yourself. Major Attractions: Diwan I Am, Turkish Sultana, Daulat khana I khas, Palace of Jodha Bai. That is once of These Top Places To Visit In Agra.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid at Agra, also known as Friday Mosque is one of the largest mosques built by the Mughals in India. Constructed under the reign of Shah Jahan in 1648, Jama Masjid is dedicated to his favorite daughter Jahan Ara Begum. The Masjid is mainly built of white marble and red sandstone and again combines architectural grandeur with a religious significance. Its onion shaped dome and tapering minarets signify the typical Mughal style of architecture and its artistic brilliance. That is once of These Top Places To Visit In Agra.
The entire Jama Masjid complex exudes peace, harmony and tranquillity and gives one an atmosphere to breathe in solace. Things to keep in mind before visiting: Visit during the early hours to avoid crowds. Wear appropriate clothing to enter the mosque. Timings All days of the week.
Itimad Ud Daulah’s Tomb
Alternatively called Baby Taj Mahal, the tomb of Itimad ud daulah is often regarded as a copy of Taj Mahal. It is the tomb of Mir Gheyas, who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan. The tomb was one of the first few structures to make use of pietra dura and the first to be built on the banks of the River Yamuna. The tomb’s architectural design reflects the transition from the first phase of the Mughal architecture to the second.
It basically consists of Indo Islamic architecture, with the use of arched entrances and octagonal shaped towers. Visiting Itimad ud daulah’s tomb is like taking a closer look at Agra’s history. A staycation in Agra is like an overwhelming confrontation with India’s history and its royal heritage. It has so much to offer from mouth watering cuisine to shopping landmarks, cultural destinations to warm locals. The list is never ending as Agra just continues to surprise us.
