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Agra Sightseeing

Taj Mahal

Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world- the Taj-Mahal. It is a sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told. Taj Mahal is considered as the "Love of a Man Epitomized in Stone".The Taj Mahal stands serene and perfect in the garden of cypresses and reflecting pools on the banks of river Yamuna. Its pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight, glows softly pink at dawn, and at close of day reflects the fairy tints of the setting sun. And lovers still meet here in the moonlight in the shadow of the world's most famous monument of love.

Jama Masjid

Built in 1648 AD, in memory of Sheikh Salim Chisthi and his grandson Islam Khan by Jehanara Begum, Shahjahan's daughter, who was imprisoned with Shah Jahan by Aurangzeb, the masjid has a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. The building with its rectangular open forecourt, has no minarets but its sandstone domes have a striking marble patterning.

Agra Fort

Built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. the fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-E-Am, Diwani-E-Khaas and Musanman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment beside Jahangirs place, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.

Itmad -ud - Daulah's Tomb

To the north of the fort and across the river yamuna are several fine examples of mughal architecture. The itmad -ud -daula was build by the empress Noor Jehan as a memorial to her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, is beautifully ornamented with pietra dura inlay and lattice work marble screens. This ornate tomb is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal, this small garden tomb reflects the taste and sophistication of the gifted queen.

Akbar's Mausoleum

At Sikandra 10 km north of Agra, the tomb of Akbar lies in the centre of the large garden.The mausoleum represents Akbar's philosophy and secular outlook blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles.It's construction was started by Akbar but was completed by his son, Jehangir who made significant modifications which resulted in cluttered architectural lines of the tomb.

Salim Chisti's Tomb

The tomb was built over the exact spot where the holy man Sheikh Salim Chisti sat in meditation during his lifetime. It is ornamented with latticed screens and serpentine brackets. Shahjahan added exquiatie pieta dura work later as a mark of respect for the saint.