Location: Agra
Top Things to do in Agra
Things to do in Agra, Uttar Pradesh: The Best Historic Sites
Where better to go for a romantic vacation than to the great testament of love, the Taj Mahal? Built by the grieving Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal’s unrivaled beauty explains why it’s regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. A visit to India wouldn’t be complete without it. Other must-experience destinations in Agra are two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the sandstone Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Restaurants in Agra
1. Shah Burj
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By Brun066 - Florence, Italy
As is known, Agra Fort was the undisputed political center of the Mughal Empire since its construction by the emperor Akbar the Great (construction begun in 1565) and until the transfer of the capital from Agra to Delhi (1638); with some important intervals, such as the 1569-1584 one, when the capital was Fatehpur Sikri, and the 1584-1598 one, when the capital was Lahore. In any case, in all these years, the Fort has been affected by many, substantial building additions, carried out even at the price of the demolition of pre-existing parts. The result is a very varied collection of building types, which makes the fort an almost unique "emporium" of the Mughal architecture (especially after the demolitions carried out during the period of British domination within the Red Fort in Delhi); perhaps only the "abandoned capital", Fatehpur Sikri, can be compared to Agra Fort. But in this "emporium", in my opinion the excellence belongs to the Musamman Burj (ie, octgonal tower) or Shah Burj. Actually the term doesn't refer only to the octagonal tower in the strict sense (which features a gilded copper roof), but to the whole building complex that is dominated by the tower; for which really the "architecture from One Thousand and One Nights" term isn't excessive. It's rather well known that these apartments were built by Shah Jahan (the same builder of the Taj Mahal) for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and that they were then used by Shah Jahan's son, Aurangzeb, to close insiede them his father until his death, after dethroning it. In any case, they are princely apartments among the most splendid that exist. The rooms are paved with light marble up to the top of the ceiling (but once the ceiling was also gilded); in addition, an open pavilion shows a gorgeous shallow lotus-shaped tank on the floor, featuring a water jet in the center. Floors, walls and ceiling are covered with delicate carvings. Other loggias allow views towards the Yamuna River and Taj Mahal. The whole is a splendor difficult to describe. In conclusion, the visitor can decide to skip one or the other of the buildings present in the Agra Fort. But if he skips this, he will skip an extraordinary experience.
2. Tomb of Mariam Zamani
3. Chini Ka Rauza Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By AgraTourGuide - Agra, India
Agra is basically famous for taj mahal and agra fort but there are lots of small but beautiful buildings to visit. Chini ka rauza is also a beautiful building .The tomb was builtin 1639 by mulla shukrullah shirazi who was the prime minister of shah jahan. the government must maintain this building to attract the visitors.
4. Gyarah Sidi
5. Agra
Reviewed By captaincoolest - New Delhi, India
Taj Mahal has always fascinated people of all generations through centuries.Every visit to Taj is filled with lots of memories and each visit is like a first time visit to this beautiful monument.It was my third visit to Taj and every time it makes you feel special and it leaves you mesmerized by its astonishing beauty in pristine white marble.We stayed at Trident during our last visit which is quite close to Taj Mahal.The Cars are not allowed within a certain radius of taj and needs to be parked in dedicated Parking Area.There are Battery run Golf Carts which ferry passengers to and fro from Taj Mahal.The Tickets for entry can be bought Online from ASI website,otherwise it can be bought at Ticket counter near main entrance of Taj.There are certain items which are not allowed to be taken inside and to my surprise Camera Tripod is one of the items which cant be taken along with your camera.There is a Cloak Room next to the ticket counter where you can deposit such items at nominal charges and you can also buy Shoe Covers from outside.There are Guides available who can accompany you and give details about Taj Mahal's architecture and some unknown facts which are not commonly known to people.It is advisable to have a tour guide along with you as he can give details about history behind Taj Mahal. There is a security check at the entrance which leads you to the main entrance of Taj Mahal.The Taj Mahal is always full of tourists and sometimes you really have to wait to click pictures of your choice and angle.The Parks,Gardens and water bodies are well maintained within the complex.The forecourt at Taj is about a floor high which could be accessed through staircases built within the monument.The entire marble work is superb and everything is just carved to perfection.The central hall of Taj is a no photography zone and visitors are queued up in a line to move inside premises.The stay is short and leads to opposite gate facing Yamuna river.The Taj is built on banks of River Yamuna and provides a breathtaking view of the place. We clicked lot many pictures in this entire courtyard and finally moved to garden area.The Taj trip finally came to an end with lots of memories and a promise to return back soon.
6. Shanti Holidays
We Offer Customized Tour Packages For Groups And Individual Tourists. We Specialize In Inbound For Tours Along With Various Tourism Related Services In North India. Some Of Our Tours Are Cultural Tours, Adventure Tours, Historical Tours, Festival Holidays, Art And Crafts Tour, Heritage Holidays, Museum Tours, Wildlife Tours, Religious Tours, Yoga & Meditation Tours, Safaris, Special Interest Tours
7. Jahangir's Bath Tub
8. Diwan-i-Khas
9. Khas Mahal - Agra
10. Amar Singh Gate - Agra
TAGS
