AGRA: The city of Taj Mahal
5 years ago
The Taj Mahal is the first thing we remember whenever we hear Agra’s name. That’s why Agra is called the city of Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, Agra is a beautiful historical tourist place. The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonder of the world is in Agra, India is a matter of pride for our country. But this is not the only thing worth seeing in Agra, there are many such places, which make Agra a beautiful tourist destination of India. Among the 50 most popular tourist destinations under UNESCO World Heritage in the world, Agra includes 3 destinations Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
A trip to Agra can be a good experience for those interested in history and architecture. In addition to the huge monuments in Agra, there are other things to eat and drink, such as Agra Chaat, Lassi and especially the Petha of Agra is famous all over India.
In Agra, The Taj Mahal, the symbol of love is widely regarded as the most beautiful building in the world. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his third wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of the Taj Mahal took about 17 years to complete and was finally completed by 1653. The mausoleum is constructed in a rectangular shape. The entrance has water channels and fountains which make the monument even more spectacular.
Another spectacular place to visit near Agra is Fatehpur Sikri. At a distance of 36 km away from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous tourist attraction mainly made of red sandstone. Fatehpur Sikri was founded in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is a classic example of Akbar’s architecture. Fatehpur Sikri is home to Jodha Bai’s palace, Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza and Salim Chishti’s mausoleum.
Agra Fort, the other UNESCO world heritage site in Agra is a huge fort located on the right bank of the Yamuna River, just 2.5 kilometers from the world-famous Taj Mahal. This grand structure was built in the year 1573 by the Mughal emperor Akbar himself. Agra Fort is one of the most special monuments built by the Mughals and has quite a grand structure. It is a perfect example of Mughal-style art and architecture and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Agra. The Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i -Khas, Diwan-i- aam, Moti Masjid, and Jahangiri Mahal are the best Mughal architecture within the fort complex.
Jama Masjid in Agra is one of the largest mosques built by the Mughals in India, is also known as the “Friday Mosque”.
The other tourist attraction places in Agra Include Itimad-Ud-Daulah tomb, Akbar Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Chini Ka Rauza, Anguri Bagh, Taj Museum
An annual festival, Taj Mahotsav is the famous festival in Agra organized in the month of February for 10 days. To promote the art and craft of the region, the festival is organized. Apart from this, one gets to taste various dishes at this festival.
Agra is situated on the Golden Triangle of the Tourist Circuit. It is well connected to Delhi by road, rail and air transport. To visit Agra, the month of October to March is best to explore the place.