Must Visit tourist attraction in Agra

Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, Agra is said to be built in 1504 by Sultan Sikandar Lodhi. Apart from being the capital of several Mughal Emperors like Babur and Akbar, the city also has a reference in the epic Mahabharata. Currently, the city attracts tourists for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites including one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal and its old markets.    

1.   Taj Mahal

The Mausoleum of Love

The Taj Mahal, located on the right bank of River Yamuna, is adorned with a beautiful lush green garden. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the monument for his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of this enormous monument employed more than 20,000 artisans with Ustad Ahmad Lahauri being the main architect. In 1983, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”.

2.   Agra Fort

Mughal Residence

Agra Fort has great historical significance. The fort witnessed both, the rise and the decline of the Mughal empire.  After defeating Ibrahim Lodhi, Babur stayed in this fort. Later, his son Humanyun was crowned here. In 1540, it was captured by Sher Shah Suri and it continued to be under his control till 1555 as it was recaptured by Humanyun. Akbar was the first to make this fort his capital. Shah Jahan died in this fort as he was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb. After the downfall of the Mughal Empire, it also witnessed the war between the Marathas and their enemies and their defeat to the British army during the Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803.

The fort was the site of the battle for the Revolt of 1857 which marked the end of East India Company’s rule in India.

3.   Akbar’s Tomb

A Blend of different styles

Akbar began work on this majestic structure at Sikandra before he passed away in 1605. It was later completed by his son. On the Delhi-Agra road, the tomb is located in a large walled garden. The tomb can be entered from the beautiful southern doorway which leads to the garden.

The gateway is covered with floral and geometrical ornamentation with white and coloured marble adorned with four minarets. This gateway's grandeur makes it the most stunning entrance to any monument in the nation. The emperor's tomb is reached by the char bagh (four gardens).

4.   Itmad-Ud-Daulah

         Baby Taj

This monument was built on the eastern bank of River Yamuna by Mughal Empress, Nur Jahan for his father Itimad Ud Daula. It is said that the carvings on this monument are even more impressive than the Taj Mahal. The construction is done in such a way that the tomb appears to be a silver jewellery box surrounded by a lush green garden. Built around 1625 AD, the monument is said to be the first tomb in the country to be built entirely of white marble.

5.   Mehtab Bagh

Picture perfect spot

This place was built by the Mughal emperor Babur in the 1500s.

Built on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River, the place was in ruins until the park was reconstructed. Originally, it was divided into four parts- beautiful white walkways, large water fountains with reflecting pools, and airy pavilions filled with colourful fruit trees. After Shah Jahan realised that the Taj Mahal can be seen from this place, it turned into a “moonlight pleasure garden”.     

6.   Fatehpur Sikri

City of Victory

It was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar (1556–1605 CE) who established the "city of victory" as his capital. Located at a distance of 40 km from Agra, the city is made up of red sandstone. Built between 1571 and 1573, it was the first planned city of the Mughals, and it was distinguished by spectacular civic, residential, and religious structures, including palaces, mosques, and residential space quarters for the king's court, soldiers, and servants. It includes various famous monuments like Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and Tomb of Salim Chisti among many other famous monuments. The Mughal emperors continued to visit Fatehpur Sikri on occasion after shifting the capital to Lahore in 1585.