The City of Taj Mahal
It is hard to say ‘Agra’ without thinking of the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s greatest wonders and heritage sites. Few however know that the city is also home to two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort. Indeed, Agra is reminiscent of the best of Mughal culture and architecture in more ways than the Taj Mahal.
Quick Facts
- Agra Fort is also known as Lal Quila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra
- The great Mughal Emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived in Agra Fort during their time
- The Taj Mahal evokes a multitude of emotions in visitors. Awe, reverence, love, peace and a lot more. It is the face of many picture postcards from India. Built of white marble, Taj Mahal is venerated not just for its architectural merits, but as a symbole of love
- Fatehpur Sikri is a city that was built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Situated a few kilometers away from Agra, it served as the capital of his empire for a period of time. The Buland Darwaza is an imposing gateway located in Fatehpur Sikri
- The Agra Fort is built of red sandstone. An arresting structure, it which houses a number of palaces and a mosque
- Akbar’s tomb can be found along the Delhi-Agra highway, a few kilometers away from Agra fort. It was constructed by Akbar himself, in keeping with the prevalent custom of building a tomb for oneself during one’s lifetime.
The ‘’India Travellers’’ Experience
- A view of the Taj Mahal on a full moon night is a breathtaking sight. The monument can also be witnessed in the relative peace and quiet of the early morning hours before the crowd sets in
- A sound and light show is held every evening at the Agra Fort, highlighting important events of Mughal history
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