Agra Tourism

Agra is also known as the Land of palaces. Not just palaces, it also has a lot of intricate and beautiful architecture. Even the tombs are elaborately adorned. Agra is the perfect spot for a tourist and students of Architecture. Even the climate in Agra is very inviting and suitable. The city is well designed, where even the houses show huge detailing in their design. On close inspection, even the interiors of the buildings show the unreal imagination that the architects probably had. Every building, looks like it had been designed to adorn the city, designed artistically from every angle. Even the food speaks greatly about the spicy Indian Cuisine.

It is a city with rich cultural, historical, architectural and religious attachments. It is a city which is synonymous with the history of India. Over the centuries it has enriched the nation with its philosophical contributions. Agra is one of the most important favorite destinations of the world wide travel lovers owing to its exceptional collection of religious places, monuments, forts, palaces and other places.

Taj Mahal : This is undoubtedly the most beautiful mausoleum in the country. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Impressive features of this white marble monument include its fine blend of Central Asian, Persian, and Islamic architecture. Designed by a Persian architect Ustad Isa, the construction of this monument took 20,000 men and 22 years! Its majestic dome measures 213 feet in height and its interiors were in-laid with semi precious stones. The four minarets resemble those of a mosque which is integral to the Islamic style of architecture.

Agra Fort : Within minutes of the Taj Mahal stands the historic Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Agra city. This red sand stone complex was initiated by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Jehangir and Shah Jahan later added mosques and other structures in this fort complex. Tourist attractions here include the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, Shish Mahal (palace of glass) and the Nagina Masjid (gem mosque). You can also visit the Diwan-i-Aam and Musamman Burj.

Fatehpur Sikri : This third World Heritage Site in Agra is located around 35 km from the main city. It was the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar from 1591 to 1585. It has a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture with the Buland Darwaza being its prime attraction. Towering 54 meters in height, it is the largest gateway to any monument in the world. Fatehpur Sikri has the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti, a famous Sufi saint.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah : Mughal Empress Nur Jahan built this tomb in memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Situated on the left bank of Yamuna River, it is among the popular Agra tourist attractions. The main mausoleum covers 24 square meters of area and is built on a raised platform. The white marble for construction was brought from Rajasthan and its interiors have images of trees, fruits and vases.