"Top Things To Do in Agra" With no less then three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around, this erstwhile Mughal capital is a cradle of history and an unmissable destination for architecture enthusiasts. Apart from visiting the majestic Taj Mahal, you can also explore the delightful historic and urban markets, sample local cuisine, enjoy exceptional cultural events as well as shop for stunning pieces of art. Created by: Cityseeker 10 Locations Bookmarked Taj Mahal "Labor of Love" Magnificent, stunning, bewitching, sublime – words fail to describe this exalted labor of love that stands on the southern bank of the Yamuna river. One of the most astounding examples of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal is swathed in immaculate, ivory-white glory, a resplendent bulwark of precision and symmetry. Constructed by the grief-stricken by rmac8oppo emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his beloved consort, it's hard to believe that the gigantic edifice is actually a mausoleum that houses both of their tombs. The iconic structure has been constructed entirely out of marble and features outstanding artwork, including the stunning marble inlay work that is interwoven with precious and semi-precious stones. Calligraphic inscriptions from the Holy Quran surround the beautiful vaulted archways. The edifice, flanked by four pillars, has been constructed in perfect symmetry and appears identical from all the sides. At the absolute center of the monument lies the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal and beside hers, emperor Shah Jahan's, which was added later. The edifice was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and is one of the most recognized monuments worldwide. +91 562 222 6431 (Tourist www.tajmahal.gov.in/ [email protected] Taj Road, Agra Information) Agra Fort "Monumental Royal Fortress" Often named in the same breath as the Taj Mahal, this landmark structure is fortified by 21-meter (70-feet) high walls, part of which skirts the river Yamuna. The Agra Fort gained prominence during the reign of Emperor Akbar and Shah Jahan. The fort's complex gives a great view of the majestic Jahangiri Mahal, dwarfing everything else surrounding the by sarangib palace. The smooth contours of the Taj Mahal are hard to be missed from the Khas Mahal and Musamman Burj, that is only if you can take your eyes off the splendid polished color stones and gems that beautify the structures. Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i- Aam, Anguri Bagh and Machhi Bhavan are other historically important structures that are also the holders of the Mughal legacy. As a part of it is occupied by the Indian Army, entry to certain parts of the fort is restricted which thereby cuts the chance for visitors to view the magnificent Delhi Gate and the iconic Moti Masjid. If the white marble wonder is the royal symbol of an emperor's love for his wife, then the Agra Fort surely lives up to its status of a royal fortress. Built in such gigantic proportions, it is practically impossible to capture the fort in a frame from any one side. +91 562 222 6431 (Tourist www.agrafort.gov.in/ [email protected] State Highway 62, Agra Information) Soamibagh "Sterling Memorial" Located in Dayal Bagh, Soamibagh is a memorial to Shiv Dayal Singh, founder of the Radhasoami faith. Made of marble, the monument is aesthetically stunning and interspersed with elements from Hindu, Roman as well as Islamic architecture. Construction of the building began in 1904, and has been in progress for more than a 100 years. Innumerable faithfuls by Public Domain visit this beautiful monument on a daily basis. A wonder in white, Soamibagh, apart from its religious significance, is also visited by those who wish to admire its immaculate architecture. www.rssoamibagh.org/ Dayal Bagh Road, Agra Tomb of Akbar "Stunning Tribute to the Great Emperor" A must-visit monument in the historic Sikandra district would be the Tomb of Akbar. Envisioned by the Emperor himself in 1605, this mammoth five- story structure was designed combining Islamic, Buddhist and Rajasthani architectural elements. One of the highlights of the complex, apart from the tomb, is the courtyard which is covered with quadrilateral gardens. by User:Qirille Paved with pathways, the gardens also comprise of four water channels that, according to the Islamic beliefs, signify the rivers of paradise. Four floors of the tomb structure, made during Akbar's time, are of red sandstone whereas the fifth one was completed in marble by his son Jahangir. As observed in many of the tombs built during the Mughal era, the arched entrance gate of the main tomb comprises the 99 names of Allah in Arabic. Intricate inlays of marble, verses from the holy book Quran and stone carvings contribute to the design on the interior walls. The original tomb of Akbar, at the basement, lies in solace surrounded by white-washed walls that are devoid of any decoration or ornamentation. One of the earliest forms of Mughal architecture, the Tomb of Akbar is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. +91 562 222 6431 (Tourist asi.nic.in/akbars-tomb-sikandara/ National Highway 19, Agra Information) Ram Bagh "Riverside Mughal Garden" Built in 1528, Ram Bagh is one of the oldest Mughal gardens built in India by Emperor Babur. Also known as Bagh-I-Gul Afshan or Bagh-I-Nur Afshan, the sprawling garden differs slightly from the traditional Persian garden-design. It is nonetheless well-constructed and was considered to be of significant importance to the emperors of the time. As with all by varunshiv Mughal Gardens, stone pathways with provisions for flowing water divide the expanse symmetrically. The well-maintained garden stands testimony to the flamboyance of Mughals in terms of design and architecture. +91 562 222 6431 (Tourist uttarpradesh.gov.in/en/details/ram- National Highway 19, Agra Information) bagh/310039003700 Jahangiri Mahal "The Great Palace in Red" One of the most prominent structures of Agra Fort, the Jahangiri Mahal lies in the eastern part of the mammoth complex and is among the first buildings you would come across while on a tour of the fort. Built by Emperor Akbar for his son Jahangir (from which it derives its name), its primary function was to serve as a residence of the Rajput wives of by Vssun at ml.wikipedia Emperor Akbar. A splendid red sandstone structure, the building combines decorative features associated with Hindu, Islamic and Christian religions, depicting Emperor Akbar's liberal reign. The palace is marked by a marvelously arched gateway, with the interior of the palace comprising a courtyard, intricately carved pillars and cross beams; all of which are examples of Rajasthani architecture belonging to the early 16th Century. Also one of the intricately designed palaces of the Mughal era, the sight of the Jahangiri Mahal from the fort's entry point is truly majestic. +91 562 222 6431 (Tourist Information) State Highway 62, Agra Fort, Agra Tomb of I'timad-Ud-Daulah "Baby Taj" Few structures in Agra can match up to the Taj Mahal in beauty and splendor. The tomb of I'timad-Ud-Daulah counts as one of them. Built between 1622 and 1628, the beautiful tomb was commissioned by Emperor Jahangir's wife, Nur Jahan in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The title I'timad-Ud-Daulah, meaning pillar of the state, was given to him for his exceptional services to the state. The magnificent tomb is one by Muhammad Mahdi Karim of the first Mughal monuments to be constructed entirely from white marble and is one of the hallmarks of the change in Mughal trend of using white marble instead of red sandstone. The tomb sits in the middle of a Mughal garden flanked by ornamental gates on all sides. Sterling floral inlay artwork adorns the structure. A marked difference between the artwork on this tomb and that of the Taj Mahal is the high amount of geometrical and meaty inlay work with Iranian influences as against the delicate floral patterns on the Taj. The structure, also known as the Baby Taj and considered as a pre-cursor to the Taj Mahal, is a monument of immense beauty and a must-visit site. +91 562 222 6431 (Tourist uptourism.gov.in/post/itmad-ud- State Highway 39, Agra Information) daulas-tomb Mehtab Bagh "Brilliant Views of Taj" Also known as the Moonlight Garden, Mehtab Bagh is one of the most beautiful Mughal gardens in Agra. Located across the river from the Taj Mahal, it is believed to have been constructed for the sole purpose of viewing the magnificent monument. The garden is associated with a number of myths suggesting that it was the supposed site of the black Taj by g.kaustav Mahal that emperor Shah Jahan planned to build. However, there is no evidence to support this theory. Historically, the well-maintained garden had a number of ornamental features including water fountains, but none remain now. An evening visit to the garden is recommended as you can catch glorious views of the Taj Mahal against the setting sun. +91 222 6431 (Tourist Information) asi.nic.in/mehtab-bagh-agra/ Mehtab Bagh, Agra Jama Masjid "Iconic Friday Mosque" Surrounded by the bustling Subhash Market and located at a five-minutes walk from the iconic Agra Fort, Shahi Jama Masjid was built by the daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan - Princess Jahanara, in 1648. As you enter the premises of the mosque through a flight of stairs, you will notice the resemblance of the mosque's architectural pattern to some of by sayamindu the structures built around the same time. Preceded by a huge courtyard with a fountain at its center, the mosque is a red sandstone structure marked by three bulbous domes decorated with meandering marble pattern on each of these domes.