| Taj
Mahal |
| Taj
Mahal. Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled. The Taj Mahal,
the one and only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love
of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shahjahan's
dream. One of the wonders of the world. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in the
making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum,
on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtaking beautiful view of the Taj Mahal,
see it by moonlight.
Open : 6 days a week (Closed on Monday), Sunrise
- 7.30 p.m. |
| The
Agra Fort |
| The
great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565,
A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shahjahan.
The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a
number of exquisite buildings like the Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin
to a perfect pearl; Diwan-Ed-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan
died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal; and Shish Mahal.
Open : Sunrise to sunset. |
|
Chini Ka Rauza |
| This
was constructed by Afzal Khan - a high official in the court of Shahjahan. Decorated
by glazed tiles on the faηade, the structure clearly depicts the Persian influence
in architecture. Open : Sunrise to sunset. |
|
Ram Bagh |
One of the earliest Mughal
gardens, it was laid out by Emperor Babar - the founder of the Mughal dynasty.
It is said that Babar was temporarily buried here before being permanently interred
at Kabul in Afghanistan.
Open : Sunrise to sunset. |
| Sikandra |
| The mausoleum of Emperor
Akbar represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu
and Muslim architectures in a superlative fusion. Completed in 1613 A.D., it is
a well-preserved monument. Open : Sunrise to senset. Entry Fee Rs. 10.50 Ph :
7123 |
| Itmad-ud-daula |
This exquisite marble tomb
was made by Emperor Jehangir's queen, Nurjahan, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg
during 1622 - 1628 A.D.
The craftsmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows
that of the Taj Mahal. It was here that 'Pietra Dura' the inlay work on marble
- so characteristic of the Taj - was first used. Open : Sunrise to sunset. Entry
Fee Rs. 10.50 |
| Mariyam's
Tomb |
| This
unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbar's
Goan-Christian wife - Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional carvings. Open :
Sunrise to sunset. |
|
Jama Masjid
|
| This building,
with a rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648 AD by Shahjahan's daughter,
Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh Salim Chishti and his grandson Islam
Khan. Of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.
|
| Radhaswami
Samadhi, Dayalbagh |
| The
headquarters of the Radhaswami sect. On the sprawling lawns here, is a beautiful
marble temple under construction for almost 100 years now. Open : 8.am to 7 pm.
(Entry free upto 15 years age and free for all on Fridays). These monuments are
open to visitors everyday throughout the year) |
