Agra is a beautiful city inspite of the milling crowds because of all the beauty of the past that it still holds. There is just so much to see in Agra that it would probably be difficult to visit every monument if you are going for a day or two. So either go on a longer visit or try to cover the most important sites while you are there.
Agra Fort
The grand Delhi Gate which is the entrance to the Agra Fort is decorated with the much renowned inlay work in white marble that the city is famous for. Built during the years 1565 to 1574 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, on a bank of the river, Yamuna, this fort has a mighty wall made of red sandstone, which runs for 2 ½ Kilometers around the perimeter of the fort.
Even though the fort is partially closed to tourists, it offers a varied and long list of sites of immense architectural and historical importance. Do pay close attention to the exquisite Mughal carvings that are visible on most structures in the fort, especially the Diwan-i-Aam or Hall of Public Audience and Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience. The Khas Mahal and the Shish Mahal offer a chance to wonder at the ingenious systems that existed before the technological advancements of the 21st century. High ceilings, marble latticed screens and intricate water channels running through the rooms were used to create a cooling system like none other.
Also visit the mosques used by the royal family for prayer services, Nagina Masjid and Mina Masjid; the Meena Bazaar, where the ladies of the palace shopped; the Hauz-i-Jahangiri and the tower called Mussaman Burj which offers a view of the Taj Mahal and where reportedly, Shah Jahan spent his last days gazing at the mausoleum of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
*Entry only through Amar Singh Gate; Entry fee - Indians Rs 20, foreigners Rs 300; Camera photography free, video Rs 25; Timings - Sunrise to sunset * Son-et-lumiere show tickets Indians Rs 30, foreigners Rs 75; Timings - English 7.30 pm, Hindi - 8.30 pm.
Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula
A Persian garden and in its midst a tomb made of white marble, with intricate inlay of floral or geometric designs lining the walls and a minaret at each of the four corners. Sounds like a simpleton's description of the Taj Mahal. Instead, this magnificent monument is the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and his wife Asmat Begum, the parents of Empress Nur Jahan.
Located at 1.5 kilometers from the Taj Mahal, this tomb follows the charbagh pattern with a white marble structure surrounded by green lawns that posed a contrast to the existing architecture of the time which was dominated by red sandstone.
The tomb is an architectural jewel with exquisite design and finishing that reflects the taste and sophistication of the gifted queen Nur Jahan.
* Entry fee - Indians Rs 15, foreigners Rs 110; Timings - Sunrise to sunset.
Taj Mahal - Truly a Wonder
What can one say about the Taj Mahal, for there are no words that can truly encapsulate the magnificence and beauty of this great monument that was built by the Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
This universally acclaimed symbol of love was built in a span of 22 years by 20,000 artisans and craftsmen, who apparently had their hands cut off on completion because the Emperor did not want this enigmatic structure to be recreated by anyone else. And Shah Jehan sure got his wish, for the Taj Mahal has found its place in the greatest wonders of the world and in turn immortalized him as the creator and visionary that he really was.
This effeminate structure (quite a contrast from the masculine architecture of that era) on the banks of the River Yamuna, lies at the end of a formal Persian garden with water courses, paved walkways and rows of dark cypresses that add to the regal character of the sparkling white monument standing on a red sandstone base, flanked by four perfectly symmetrical minarets.
The grandeur of the Taj lies not only in its majestic scale and perfect proportions but in detailed carvings that are visible on closer inspection. The Taj looks delicate and radiant when seen from afar but on getting closer, one is in awe of not only its looming presence but also of the intricately designed and beautifully carved detailing that cover every inch of marble on the interior and exterior. These intricately carved floral bouquets, part of the technique called pietra dura are inlaid with a variety of precious stones ranging from jasper, turquoise, tiger's eye, lapis lazuli...and lots more along with silver and gold and various shades of marble, slate and sandstone.
It wouldn't be wrong to say that within the greatest wonder of the world lay many other wonders. It is quite obvious that great effort was made to maintain perfect symmetry in all aspects. The beautiful calligraphy that adorns the tomb is increased in size as the eye moves higher, creating an illusion of perfectly balanced typography; and instead of the required single mosque near the tomb, two mosques were built in the interest of maintaining symmetry.
This is a place that needs to be visited in order to understand everything there is to it. The best time to visit is difficult to decide on since the Taj glows in different colors with the changing sunlight. Early morning is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds that pour in as the day progresses but one must not miss out on visiting the Taj Mahal at dusk either. As the sun sets, the reflection of light off the sparkling white marble gives rise to a pattern of changing colors and you can witness the Taj in hues of golden, pink, red and blue. And of course, there is no other monument in the world that looks better than the Taj in moonlight.
Whenever you decide to visit the Taj, be sure to spend at least a couple of hours absorbing its aura and do hire an official guide who will be able to point out the minute details surrounding the history and the legend that is the Taj Mahal.
* Entry fee - Indians Rs 20, foreigners Rs 750; Cameras - Still cameras free, video Rs 25; Timings - Sunrise to sunset, closed on Fridays.
