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WORLD HERITAGE IN AGRA -
One of India's most popular tourist destination, Agra is located on the banks of river Yamuna. The city is famous for its several legendary Mughal landmarks. Agra is teeming with artistic heritage and home to world famous architectures.
Taj Mahal is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but this historical monument is also considered among the eight wonders of world. There are three entrances to the monument, the East, West and South Gates. Electric carts and buses offer a transfer service up to the East Gate. This domed mausoleum built entirely out of white marbles in the memory of the Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Shah Jahan, is an incredible architectural masterpiece of symmetry and craftsmanship. It still echo the love tales of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Her body is enshrined in the tomb at the Taj Mahal. The interiors of Taj Mahal is equally beautiful and astonishing. The interior is an eight-sided chamber decorated with precious and semi precious stones where the two ornate cenotaphs are enclosed within a marble screen, however the actual cenotaphs are housed below the tomb at ground level. A beautiful square marble pool is situated midway between the Taj Mahal and it's main entrance. It is said that about 22000 masons were employed to build this monument during a period of twenty two years. This monument is closed to the public on Fridays.
Fascinated and a bit amazed by the beauty of Taj Mahal, we quickly realised that the city had much more to offer.
Our next destination was the massive red sandstone Agra Fort which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a testament to the power and wealth of Mougal dynasty. The picturesque Yamuna flows delightfully all along the Agra Fort. It has four huge gates (one on each side), the most impressive being the Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate. It is better to engage a officially guide at the entrance of the Fort who will duly explain the significance of Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Shah Burj, Sheesh Mahal, Mina Bazaar, Moti Masjid and other such structures located within its premises. Diwan-e-Aam is the place where the emperor used to meet his officials, general public and listen to their petitions. You may also like to visit the place where Shah Jahan was kept after his imprisonment and the view of Taj Mahal from this very place.
Fatehpur Sikri, a small city just 37 km from Agra, was once the proud but short lived capital of the Mughal Empire. It is an architectural storehouse, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses Royal courts, tombs, mosques and palaces.There is ticket to enter the Fatehpur Fort but entry to Buland Darwaza & Chisti Dargah is free. Buland Darwaza is a monumental gateway which is nearly 54m high and 35m wide. The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is a revered place. There is tradition of tying a thread inside the Dargah and making a wish with it. The structure of Diwan-E- Khas is a mix of Islamic, Hindu and Jain architecture. The lotus throne situated inside it on top of a pillar at the center is just amazing. This was a private court room of emperor where he used to meet his ministers and special dignitaries. The five storey Panch Mahal is a beautifully carved structure over looking the whole area. The ground floor of the building is made of 84 pillars that support the entire structure. Akbar essentially used it for his relaxation and entertainment.
The city of Agra tells a tale of bygone glorious era but still woos you with its tales of love and striking structures of this place
Fascinated and a bit amazed by the beauty of Taj Mahal, we quickly realised that the city had much more to offer.
Our next destination was the massive red sandstone Agra Fort which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a testament to the power and wealth of Mougal dynasty. The picturesque Yamuna flows delightfully all along the Agra Fort. It has four huge gates (one on each side), the most impressive being the Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate. It is better to engage a officially guide at the entrance of the Fort who will duly explain the significance of Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Shah Burj, Sheesh Mahal, Mina Bazaar, Moti Masjid and other such structures located within its premises. Diwan-e-Aam is the place where the emperor used to meet his officials, general public and listen to their petitions. You may also like to visit the place where Shah Jahan was kept after his imprisonment and the view of Taj Mahal from this very place.
Fatehpur Sikri, a small city just 37 km from Agra, was once the proud but short lived capital of the Mughal Empire. It is an architectural storehouse, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses Royal courts, tombs, mosques and palaces.There is ticket to enter the Fatehpur Fort but entry to Buland Darwaza & Chisti Dargah is free. Buland Darwaza is a monumental gateway which is nearly 54m high and 35m wide. The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is a revered place. There is tradition of tying a thread inside the Dargah and making a wish with it. The structure of Diwan-E- Khas is a mix of Islamic, Hindu and Jain architecture. The lotus throne situated inside it on top of a pillar at the center is just amazing. This was a private court room of emperor where he used to meet his ministers and special dignitaries. The five storey Panch Mahal is a beautifully carved structure over looking the whole area. The ground floor of the building is made of 84 pillars that support the entire structure. Akbar essentially used it for his relaxation and entertainment.
The city of Agra tells a tale of bygone glorious era but still woos you with its tales of love and striking structures of this place
Good information of Taj Mahal. Thanks for sharing us Definitely Agra is an amazing place for travelling. Same Day Taj Mahal tour by car
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