Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna in India, Agra is famous worldwide for the monument of love, Taj Mahal, which is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra is the most visited city in India. It also held great significance in the Mughal Empire and was the capital of the empire for a very long time. Agra is also possibly the only city in the world to have more than two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS:
Taj Mahal – The monument was constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of the Taj Complex began about 1631 AD. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 AD and the outlying buildings and gardens were finished five years later in 1653 AD.
Agra Fort – The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by Akbar in 1654 the Red Fort was both a military strategic point and the royal residence. The fort contains splendid palaces both in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of prolific builders, Akbar and later Jehangir and Shahjahan.
Itmad Ud Daulah Tomb – The mausoleum of Mir Ghiyas Beg, a minister in the court of Shah Jahan, Itmad-ud-daula is both historically and architecturally significant. This is because Itmad ud Daula was the very first tomb in India that was entirely made out of marble.
Fatehpur Sikri – This fortified ancient city, 40km west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1571 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque, and three palaces for each of his favourite wives.