A Day in Agra"
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"A Day in Agra" Criado por : Cityseeker 14 Localizações indicadas 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. A series of beautiful Chhatris (umbrella) made of marble and sandstone can be seen on top of the facade of the mosque and its chambers. The interior of the mosque is beautifully decorated with inlaid stone work, carvings and paintings. Also known as the Friday mosque, the Jama Masjid experiences a large crowd on Fridays for prayers. Visitors to the mosque are expected to remove their shoes and cover their head with a cloth before entering the premises. +91 562 222 6431 (Tourist uttarpradesh.gov.in/en/details/jama- Jama Masjid Road, Agra Information) masjid/320030003500 Mankameshwar Mandir "A Revered Hindu Temple" Believed to be established by Lord Shiva more than 5000 years ago, the Mankameshwar Mandir is a famous place of worship for Hindus. A bustling market surrounds the temple with shops selling sweets and garlands which are offered to the deity. The actual temple is relatively small and is accessible by a fleet of steps as it is located lower than the ground level. A magnificent silver Shivalingam (symbolic representation of Lord Shiva), which can be seen from the entrance, is at the center of the temple. Smaller shrines of several Hindu deities such as Ram, Krishna, Hanuman and Narsimha occupy spaces in the complex and are also worshiped. One of the best times to visit the temple is during the evening aarti (a worship ritual) which is done amidst much fanfare. Follow the surge of devotees heading towards the temple, in case you are lost in one of the narrow lanes spread across the vicinity. +91 562 222 6431 (Tourist Information) Off Daresi Road, Rawatpara, Agra 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) Bal Vihar Jheel "Serene Lake" Bal Vihar Jheel is a small lake located within the sprawling Paliwal Park. Used primarily for boating, the serene lake offers great photographic opportunities within the park. A leisurely boat ride across the lake is a perfect way to soothe your senses. by Engin_Akyurt +91 562 233 1495 M.G. Road, Paliwal Park, 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 Raja Balwant Singh College "Historic College" Established in 1885, Raja Balwant Singh College is one of the oldest and largest educational institutions in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Offering degrees in a number of disciplines ranging from Science and Commerce to Arts and Engineering, the college has a total of five campuses among which three are in Agra alone. The college is affiliated to a number of national open universities and has made a significant contribution to Agra's academic scenario. Raja Balwant Singh Road, Agra Taj Museum (Western Naubatkhana) "Rich Collection of Paintings and Artifacts" Housed in one of the Naubatkhanas (former Music Hall) of the Taj Mahal, Taj Museum is a store-house of the legacy left behind by the Mughal artistic legends. Easy to be missed by unsuspecting eyes, especially with the beautiful mausoleum right in front of you, this hidden-gem of the complex is worth a peep-in for those interested in Mughal paintings and history. The three galleries are neatly decked with artifacts such as coins minted between the years 1628 and 1658, manuscripts with the original seal of Emperor Shah Jahan, paintings of the Emperor and the royal armory of the Mughals; all of which were collected ever since the museum was established in 1982. A must visit for historians and admirers of Mughal art. +91 562 222 6431 (Tourist tajmahal.gov.in/ [email protected] Taj Road, Taj Mahal Information) Complex, Agra 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) Taj Ganj "Tourist Magnet" Despite being a city with a wealth of historic monuments to explore, Agra is known for its singularly most visited monument; the immensely beautiful Taj Mahal. Expectedly, the area surrounding it is a hive of tourist activity with practically everything available at walking distance. Named after the ancient market that still stands outside the South Gate of the Taj Mahal, Taj Ganj abounds with tourist activity year round. Accommodation options on offer cater to all budgets from inexpensive backpackers' hostels to ultra-luxurious five star hotels whereas an innumerable amount of souvenir shops and restaurants ensure that every need of a traveler is catered to. It's no wonder then, that most tourists visiting Agra choose to stay in Taj Ganj venturing out only to visit other monuments. +91 562 223 3056 (Tourist Information) Taj Ganj, Agra Gallery of Spiritual Love and Wisdom "Explore Spirituality" The eye-catching oyster shaped building is a perfect symbol for what this museum professes. Established in 2003 by the Brahmakumaris movement, this museum and gallery aims to spread the importance of spirituality among the masses. The museum has varied exhibits as well as paintings dedicated to explaining and exploring some of life's most existential questions. Stop by for a transcendental experience. VIP Road, Agra Kalakriti Emporium "Marble and Handicraft Souvenirs" Commissioned by the renowned Ashok Oswal Group, Kalakriti Emporium is a handicraft gallery and showroom displaying a unique collection of sculptures, paintings and intricate work on marbles, carpets and wood.