The seat for the growth of the Mughal Empire, the city of Agra gloriously bears the mark of ancient history and showcases the beauty of architecture from that Era. The Mughal rulers were all inspired by art and architecture which made the city a living fossil of the remains of the Mughal glory. If you are someone who takes interest in history and culture then you should pay a visit to the mighty city of Agra which portrays the excellence of the past. Here are some of the excellent places to visit in Agra which you can explore once you plan a trip to the city. So pack your bags and let's head out to the brilliant city of wonders.
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1. Taj Mahal
We have all heard about the Taj Mahal which is one of the seven wonders of the world and attracts several tourists to the banks of Yamuna to witness the beauty of the monument. Built-in white marble and located in Agra, the monument was constructed as a memorial for Mumtaz Mahal the wife of Shah Jahan. The structure was built to signify the love of the king for his beloved queen. The monument is a fine example of Indian architecture and its glory spreads all around the world. The monument displays some excellent quality and patterns of design and the intricacy of the artwork will simply leave you awestruck. The monument is a fine example of 17th-century artwork.
2. Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a town constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar around the 1571 century and it stands as the example of the most remarkable artwork from that time. The Jodha Bai Palace was erected to house the Queen who was the beloved of King Akbar. The Jama Mosque and the Buland Darwaza are some of the fine architectural works that are found in this palatial town. The style of construction features the geometric artwork of the Arabs, even the Tomb of Salim Chisti is frequented by the tourists to have a look around the town and reminiscence the time from the past. It draws inspiration from the Central Asian camp-style decor and draws a huge number of people to the township to view the fascinating artwork.
3. Agra Fort
Built entirely from sandstone, the fort of Agra is another excellent monument that is visited by tourists as they head out for viewing the sightseeing locations of the city. The fort is also called the Lal Quila and is situated about three kilometres away from the Taj Mahal. You can cover both the places as you visit the monuments and have a look around the place. It is also declared one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and preserved by the authority. Emperor Akbar was the curator of the Fort as it is believed that he was the ruler who took great interest in art and architecture and encouraged artists in his palace. This fort is also constructed at the banks of river Yamuna.
4. Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
This is the monument that was erected by Noor Jahan for her parents and stands in the middle of the sprawling Persian Garden. The structure is constructed from yellow sandstone and stands proudly amidst the greenery of the lawn and establishes an aura of grandeur and royalty. Black and white marble stones were also used for construction purposes and resemble the Taj Mahal. It is because of this reason that the monument is also called the Baby Taj. The fantastic marble inlays surprise the history buffs and leave them wondering about the glorious past. The structure is also constructed at the banks of River Yamuna.
5. Mehtab Bagh
This is a beautiful garden that was constructed at the banks of the river overlooking the magnificent Taj Mahal. Even the Agra Fort is visible from this region and the visitors are allowed to take a walk around the park and retrospect about the history of the rulers and how they trod the same path once upon a time. The garden space is fascinating with lush green plants and bushes scattered all over the place and the well-maintained pavement is suitable for a walk and evening strolls for the locals.
6. Akbar's Tomb
Talking about the visit to Agra remains incomplete without the mention of the magnificent Agra Fort which is a great example of the artistic development during the reign of one of the mightiest Mughal Rulers. The tomb was constructed in 1613 and is located in Sikandra. The monument is located eight kilometers away from the main city and you must be surprised to know about the legendary tales of Jodha Bai and Emperor Akbar. It is due to this reason that the tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, who was the beloved wife of the king and mother to Emperor Jahangir, is constructed close to this monument.