Sights and Activities

Taj Mahal
An illustration of supreme passion for tender love and strong stones, Taj Mahal, enlists itself as one of the most admired and splendorous monuments of the world. One can see it as a mausoleum of Mumataz Mahal or appreciate the poetry of art narrated through marbles. The famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore once referred to the edifice as a 'teardrop on the face of eternity' while British author Rudyard Kipling called it 'and embodiment of all things pure'. The monument doesn't let one go without expressing words of praise for this unmatchable extravaganza.

Taj Mahal echoes the love ballad of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, earlier known as Arjumand Bano Begum. The King had built the monument in the memory of his wife, who died in 1630 AD giving birth to their fourteenth child. The dying wish of Mumtaz was fulfilled in the year 1631 when the monument took the perfect shape. It is believed that around 3 million Rupees were spent and approximately 20,000 artisans, labors and craftsmen from India and Central Asia toiled to create the screens, intricate carvings and floral motifs of the marble milieu.

Taj Mahal is known for its perfect symmetry and Islamic-Persian style of architecture. One can enter the mausoleum through a massive 30 m gateway, prepared in red sandstone. The gateway is located on the south and is inscribed with Islamic verses from the holy Quran. On entering, one is welcomed by the lush lawns ornamented with water channels and fountains, carved out in the typical charbagh style of the Persian architecture.

The main monument stands on a raised marble plinth, to the north of the charbagh, so that the backdrop is the sky and its varying facets with changing seasons. The minarets are slightly outwards facing so that they don't fall on the main structure even in case of a strong earthquake. Such, was the architectural brilliance.

To the east of the main monument lies a guest house called Jawab while creating a symmetry, to the west one can see a red sandstone mosque, where Muslims worship even today. There is also a museum which preserves the initial maps and architectural designs of Taj Mahal. The central dome consists of four similar chambers. Just below the main dome lies the false cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal beautifully inlaid with 43 varied precious and semi-precious stones brought from different parts of the world.

The magnificence of the structure is ameliorated by the ornamental pietra dura work, marble carvings, calligraphy, marble screens and inlay of semi-precious stones like jade, turquoise and sapphire. The peerless white marble and its sheen is contrasted with the multi-colored inlay work. The best time to have a view of this attraction is in a full moon night or during sunset.

Agra Fort
The impermeable red sandstone structure is another signature monument of Agra, like the Taj Mahal. The towering Agra fort was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. Though the construction of the fort was commenced by Akbar with the protective purpose in mind, he could not complete its construction, which was later given the final touches of a palatial fort by emperor Shah Jahan. It was here that Shah Jahan spent the final eight years of his life, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb.

The fort spans to almost 2.5 km along the banks of river Yamuna. The walls of the fort are 20 m high, containing within it a whole complex of buildings, palaces and temples. The entrance gate called the Amar Singh Dwar, to the south of the fort and its complicated design is meant to confuse intruders and attacker. The arched Diwan-i-Aam was meant for holding domestic governance meetings. It is ornate with a throne chamber and pietra dura work. The Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque is closed for the general public but you can still visit the Nagina Mosque or the Gem Mosque which was built by Shah Jahan in the year 1635. The Diwan-i-Khaas was supposed to be the chamber for private dignitaries . The marble pillars of this court are bejeweled with semi-precious stones and crafted with floral designs. The Jahangiri Mahal was known to be the palace for the women. This palace features a blend of Hindu and Central Asian architectural style with the use of domed chhatris and balconies.

Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb
The beautiful tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, father of emperor Jahangir's wife Noor Jahan, was built between 1622 and 1628 AD. Mirza Beg was a wazir or chief minister in Jehangir's court. Mirza Ghiyas Beg's wife Asmat Begum's cenotaph also lies within the tomb, just next to his tomb.The tomb was the first structure to portray the pietra dura work and some of the finest marble carvings which are even better than that of the Taj Mahal. For this reason, the tomb is also known as 'Baby Taj'.

Akbar's Tomb
Situated in Sikandra, at a close distance from Agra, lies the tomb of one of the greatest ruler of the Mughal Empire, Akbar. The emperor himself started its construction, which was later completed by his son Jahangir. The main structure is preceded by a massive gateway and is surrounded by colorful lawns. The tomb is pyramid shaped and is surrounded by minarets on its corners. The red sandstone structure is decorated with geometrical designs, carvings and latticework.

Chini Ka Rauza
Situated near the Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, Chini ka Rauza is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, a poet of Shah Jahan's court. The Persian styled tomb was built between 1628 and 1639 AD. The tomb is named after the colorful tiles or chini that cover the external facade of the tomb. The interiors are exquisitely carved with floral patterns and inlay work. One can have an amazing view from the upper chambers of this relatively lesser known tomb.

Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is situated in the crowded market of Kinari Bazaar. The large mosque was built in 1648 AD by Shah Jahan for his daughter Jahanara Begum. The beautiful worship place is decorated with colorful carvings and marble patterns on the tombs. Its majestic entrance gateway is known as the Buland Darwaza, which stands 40 m high.

Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh or 'the moonlit gardens', is situated on the Yamuna river banks, facing Taj Mahal. One can relax in the park and enjoy the scenic view of Taj Mahal and its reflection creating a scintillating magic in the pool waters. It is believed that instead of the park, Shah Jahan had planned to build another mausoleum just opposite to the Taj Mahal, for his cenotaph. But, evidence shows that there existed a garden complex. The Mehtab Bagh has been renovated by the Archaeological department of India perfecting the original plan.

ACTIVITIES IN AGRA
Shopping
Agra's markets are abundant in handicraft items and ethnic stuff especially paintings, jewelery, marble miniatures, leather work, carpets, brassware as well as some of the most attractive accessories you would have seen like purses, pouches, bags, belts, footwear, etc. The main shopping areas in Agra include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, Munro Road, Shilpgram Craft Village and Handicraft emporiums near the Taj Complex.

Nature Walk
For a relaxing walk close to nature, step in your walking shoes and embark on the stone pathways of the mini-wilderness of Agra. You can enjoy a picnic amidst nature's exotic locations with the backdrop of Taj Mahal, or just enjoy the birds and the butterflies of the park in the green and serene lawns.

Swimming
Outdoor pools are available in many of the hotels available in Agra like Hotel Amar which also has facilities for ayurvedic spa and gym. You can avail these facilities at some additional charges. Other hotels offering these services are Hotel Agra Ashok, Mughal Sheraton and Clarks Shiraz Hotel.

Cuisines
Agra is best known for the Mughlai cuisine and the sweet savoring known as Petha. You can have some of the most lip smacking dishes here including Kababs, Tandoori Chicken, Seekh and Boti Kabab, Tanduri Fish which involve tedious preparation and exquisite mix of ingredients including cream, nuts and authentic combination of spices. The Taj Ganj area is best known for restaurants serving specialties of Agra.