The iconic Taj Mahal. All Images by Clyde Mendes
Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, Agra is synonymous with the iconic Taj Mahal. In the Mahabharat, Agra is described as Agraban (an integral part of the Braj Bhumi or the land of Lord Krishna). It was during the rule of the Afghan King Sikhander Lodhi that Agra came into the limelight, when he made it the capital of his empire. The golden age of Agra began under the reign of the Mughal Emperor Babar, in 1526. It was at this time that the city churned out some of the finest craftsmen, artists, statesmen, warriors and nobility. Over the next few hundred years, Emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan transformed the city into one of the greatest centres of art, culture, learning and commerce.
A major tourist destination, it has many splendid Mughal buildings, with the past and the present coexisting to give Agra it`s unmistakable charm.
While the Taj Mahal is the first on everyone`s list, there`s much more to see and do.
The Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
A trip to Agra must definitely include a visit to the Taj Mahal. Work on this renowned monument began in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Master craftsmen from Italy and Persia and approximately 20,000 workers took almost 22 years to complete it. Inscriptions from the Quran are carved on all four sides, which look exactly the same. Apart from marble, lapis-lazuli, mother of pearl, agate, emeralds, cornelian have been used to inlay the marble with beautiful floral and geometric patters. Today, this mausolem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort
Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, construction of the Agra Fort began in 1565. Enter the fort and you’ll find beautiful buildings like Moti Masjid, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Musamman Burj, Khas Mahal and more. It is believed that Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in the fort, died in Musamman Burj which had a view of the Taj Mahal. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sikandara
Sikandara
The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar, this structure combines the best of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Completed in 1613, it is a well-preserved monument. It is believed that Akbar himself began construction of his tomb in accordance with the Tartary tradition, wherein the construction of one’s tomb begins during one’s lifetime.
Ram Bagh
It is said that this garden was laid out by Emperor Babur and that it is one of the earliest Mughal gardens. As history goes, Emperor Babur was buried here temporarily before his body was taken to Kabul in Afghanistan.
Itimad-ud-daula`s Tomb (Baby Taj)
Built by Emperor Jahangir’s wife Nurjahan, in memory of her father, it is a white marble structure inlaid with semi-precious stones. Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, it is also called the ‘Baby Taj’. It’s architecture exhibits a strong Persian influence.
Diwan-i-Am
Fatehpur Sikri
A World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri has a number of buildings of significant historic importance. The capital of the Mughal Empire for 10 years, the City of Victory was built by Emperor Akbar towards the latter half of the second century. The complex of monuments and temples were all built in a uniform architectural style. Some of the monuments worth visiting are Jama Masjid, Diwan-i-Am, Daulat Khana and Diwan-i-Kas.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is attributed to Jehanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s daughter. It has a rectangular forecourt and is a remarkable assimilation of Iranian architecture.
Shop till you drop
Agra is known for its handicrafts, made of marble and softstone inlay work as well as leatherware, brassware, carpets, jewellery and embroidery work. The main shopping areas of the city are Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay Place Fatehabad Road, Munro Road, Shilphaat and the Taj Mahal Complex. You`ll also find many stalls selling miniature replicas of the Taj Mahal, trinket boxes and elephants made of marble. If you prefer shopping at malls, you can check out Pacific and TDI Malls at Fatehabad road.
Food
Agra is well known for its sweets `petha` and `Gazak` and saltish snack `Dalmoth. Panchhi Petha Store is one of the oldest petha stores and serves a variety of petha, including sugar-free petha. Head to Deviram Sweets and Restaurant for delicious jalebi and lassi and to Rambabu Paratha Bhandar for sev and misa parathas. Mama`s Chicken has some of the best shami kebabs, mutton curry.