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Places to go to : |
1) Taj Mahal:
Probably the first and foremost reason for anyone to visit Agra is Taj Mahal.
This monument of love built in marble with inlay work is resplendent with its architectural genius. |
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| It was constructed by Emperor Shah
Jahan, in memory of his second wife,
Mumtaz Mahal. |
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The
construction of Taj Mahal started in 1631and could only be completed by 1653.
It took thousands of workers, who were
imported from all over the country and
Central Asia to build this monument.
It is also believed that most of these workers had their hands amputated when they finished building the Taj Mahal. This was done to prevent them from making such a monument
again elsewhere.
Taj is definitely worth more than a single visit. Its overwhelming beauty and magnanimous structure can be absorbed by sitting in front and just watching it for hours.
Taj Mahal stands on a raised marble platform. The structure has four minarets on each corner, and there are twin red stone buildings that frame the Taj Mahal. The western sandstone building is a mosque, however the eastern is purely for symmetry.
Inside the Taj Mahal are the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.
It is said that as many as 43 different gems were used for Mumtaz’s tomb.Taj Mahal is open 6 days a week .It is closed on Friday. On other days its open from sunrise to 7.30 p.m.
2) The Agra Fort:
Akbar, the great Mughal emperor had started the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565. However, additions were made well into the time of his grandson Shah Jahan.
Situated on the banks of river Yamuna the Fort was initially designed as a military structure but later used as a Palace during the rule of Shah Jahan.
This colossal fort’s walls are over 20 metes in height and has a circumference of 2.5 km. Within the Fort rests multiple buildings, which in turn forms a small city within a city. The Fort holds within it buildings such as Moti Masjid (a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl, however closed to public), Diwan-i-am , Diwan-i-Khas , Musamman Burj (the place where Shah Jahan died in 1666) , Jehangir`s Palace , Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal.
3) Fatehpur Sikri:
Even though Fatehpur Sikri is a separate town, we have included this as our Agra attraction so that people do not miss it. In order of importance for list of things to see in Agra, this should rank right after Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
This city lies about 40 Kms west of Agra. Fatehpur Sikri embodies a perfect example of a Mughal city at the peak of the empires success. The city used to be the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585, and today is a much deserted place. However due to the work done by Archaeological Survey of India, the city is able to hold much of its old world charm.
This historic enclosure is open 6 am to 5.30 pm on all days .
Outside the city enclosure lays the mosque Jama Masjid and the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti.
Inside the enclosure you will find the Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan, Palace of Christian wife, Panch Mahal and the Treasury.
It is very helpful to hire a tour guide to walk you through this old charm.
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