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Agra, 204 kilometers from Delhi is one of the major cities
of historical significance in India. Situated on the banks of
river Yamuna, Agra is home to some finest buildings and palaces
of the Mughal era. The architecture of the buildings reflects
Mughal style and elegance. The architectural magnificence of
the Mughals dwells in the major tourist attractions in Agra.
It is home to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. People from far and
wide throng in droves to catch a glimpse of this splendid piece
of architecture.
Historical Attractions in Agra:
- Agra Fort: The Agra fort another
major tourist attraction in Agra was built by Akbar in 1565.
Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, the Agra Fort was built
of red sandstone. The structure an amalgamation of different
architectural styles acted both as a Royal residence and defense
establishment.
- Jama Masjid Agra: The Jama Masjid
was built during Akbar's reign. It is an example of austere
architecture. The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is found here.
The Buland Darwaza is a gateway to the Jama Masjid. It is adorned
in inscriptions, inlaid geometric designs and colored tiles.
- Fatehpur Sikri: The city was
built by Akbar in the 16th century. It exemplifies the architectural
splendor of the Mughals.
- The Buland Darwaza or the high
door in Fatehpur Sikri is the brilliant gateway which Akbar
built as a mark of his victory against the ruler of Khandesh.
The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri is adorned
in carved marble lattice.
- Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb: It
is considered as one of the forerunners of the Taj. It is built
of white marble. Inlaid semi-precious stones and intricate carvings
are its main features. Most of the features of this architectural
marvel are found to be replicated in the construction of the
Taj.
- Sikandra: It is home to Akbar's
tomb. This grand monument was started by Akbar and completed
by his son Jahangir. The mausoleum was started by Akbar in the
Spartan style of Timurid architecture. Akbar's son Jahangir
added more decorative designs to the mausoleum.
- Chini Ka Rauza: This historic
monument was built in 1635 and is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan
Mullah of Shiraz, a poet who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan.
- Rambagh Gardens- Inspired by
the Persians love for Gardens Babur-the founder of the Mughal
emperor built it as a haven of pleasure and comfort. Nur Jahan,
wife of Jahangir added to the decoration of the garden. The
Rambagh Gardens is also known as the Bagh-i-Gul Afshan. The
main attractions of the gardens are the structure in charbagh
pattern, with four main divisions made by paths and waterways.
Water from the Yamuna flows in cascades. Fountains, an island
platform, stairway on one side of the water channel and two
pavilions on either side of the main water channel are other
attractions of the Rambagh Gardens Agra.
- Dayalbagh Gardens: It is a
pilgrimage and tourist site in India. The memorial of Shiv Dayal
Sahib the founder of the Radhasoami Satsang movement, who started
this religious organization in 1861, is located in Dayalbagh,
Agra. The structure has fine pietra dura inlay work. The building
is being refurbished every year.
Other Attractions:
Taj Heritage Corridor: A project was proposed to build
a corridor connecting the Taj and the Agra fort. The proposed
Rs. 175 crore project was to link shopping plazas, tourist attractions,
amusement parks and restaurants with the Taj Mahal and the Agra
fort. The plan was made for the maintenance of the heritage
site and its surrounding environment.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (60 km from Agra)- Also known
as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is a natural habitat for water-birds
like the Siberian crane.
National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary (about 70 km from
Agra) - The rare species of the sanctuary is the fresh water
gangetic dolphin. The park is home to crocodiles, alligators,
chinkara, sambhar, nilgai, wolf and wild boar as well as other
animals.
Sur Sarovar Ketham Lake (23 km from Agra) This Lake is
surrounded by the Surdas Reserve Forest. It is home to a wide
array of exotic marine life and is also a picnic spot.
Main markets for Agra marble- Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar
and Munro Road.
Main markets for Agra leather, Agra Rugs and Agra Brassware-
Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, Munro Road. The U.P State Emporium
called Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex and The Shilpagram
crafts village.
Unique Attraction in Agra:
The Taj Mahal: Agra is renowned for being home to the
Taj Mahal, one of the architectural wonders of the world. This
brilliant piece of architecture was built by Shah Jahan as a
memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan hired
architects to build the mammoth structure with an inimitable
style. History has it that he chopped the hands of the hired
men so that they would not produce an identical structure in
future. A well laid out marble structure built on red sandstone
emanating Persian, Central Asian and Islamic styles of architecture.
It should be noted that the art of using marble in construction
began from Shah Jahan's era. The main features of this unrivalled
piece of architecture are four spectacular minarets and the
majestic dome in between. The Taj a symbol of love and an example
of peerless beauty has withstood the rigors of time.
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Indiaprofile.com offers detailed in formation on the Tourist
Attractions in Agra. The architectural marvels of Agra are worth
a visit. Indiaprofile.com offers online booking for Tourist
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