Agra is located on the banks of river Yamuna and is the 3rd largest city in Uttar Pradesh. Mughal emperor Sikandar Lodi founded this historical city in 1504. Then it was called Akbarabad. In 1526 Mughal emperor Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi & laid the foundation of Mughal dynasty in Agra. Agra had remained the capital of the Mughal Empire for almost two centuries. It can be said that Mughal brought the golden age of city with them as Agra witnessed a number of splendid building construction in Mughal era. Agra remained a major tourist destination since time immortal because of these wonderfuls buildings of Mughal-era.
Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal, one of the 7 wonders of the world & one of the world heritage sites, was built by Mughal emperor Shan Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Taj Mahal was designed by a Persian architect Ustad Isa. The magnificent monument takes 22 years to complete, which is shown by the 22 small domes on the top of gate. This fascinating masterpiece seems to float in air when viewed from a distance. The whole building has rhymes of Quran extolled on it. The tomb of Mumtaj Mahal is under the most elegant dome of Taj Mahal, which has a diameter of 60 feet and rises 80 feet over the building.
Agra Fort: Also sometimes renounced as Red Fort, Agra Fort was started by Akbar in 1565. Later on additions were made by other Mughal kings. It is located at a distance of 2.5 Km in the northwest of Taj Mahal. This crescent shaped fort, has a total perimeter of 2.4 k.m., and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions.The fort contains splendid mosques and palaces in red sandstone and white marble. Some of the worth visiting buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas, Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Musamman Burj. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise.
Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is located at a distance of 35 Km from Agra. Mughal emperor Akbar built this historical city as his political capital but due to the shortage of water he was compelled to abandon the city. Fatehpur Sikri is a fine combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri, one of the world heritage sites has a number of tourist attractions. Some of the finest monuments are Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, Jama Masjid, palace of Jodha Bai and Birbal’s palace.
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