Located at a distance of 204 km south of Delhi,
Taj Mahal is the single most famous tourist attraction in Agra. People from across the globe flock to the city of Agra to see the Taj Mahal, a "symbol of eternal love".The Taj Mahal, built in memory of Begum Mumtaz Mahal by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1681still remains as one of the "wonders of the world".The Taj Mahal stands on the bank of the Yamuna and is built on a red sandstone base, topped by a huge white marble terrace on which rests the famous dome flanked by four tapering minarets The Taj Mahal houses the grave of Mumtaz Mahal. Later the grave Shah Jahan was also added next to her. The floors and walls have fascinating calligraphy and mosaicwork adorned with precious stones. The tomb is set against the plain across the river and it is believed that it is this background that works its magic of colours that, through their reflection, change the view of the Taj.The colours change at different hours of the day and during different seasons. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines. These changes, they say, depict the different moods of woman.
Besides Taj Mahal, there are other tourist attractions in Agra worth visiting. Built in massive red sandstones on the bank of Yamuna, the
Agra Fort built by emperor Akbar in 1565 is another major historical tourist attraction in Agra. It is popular with tourists as a towering fort as well as
for the many palaces and mosques build within its premises by Jahangir and Shah Jahan, which include
the
Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and
Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque) and
Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace).
Chini-Ka-Rauza(China tomb),a Persian style tomb is built of glazed tiles and is dedicated to the memory of Afzal Khan, Prime Minister in the court of Akbar.
Itimad-ud-Daula Tomb, built by Empress NurJahan(Jehangir's wife) in memory of her father and
Akbar's Mausoleum with a blending of motifs from all major religions are the other attractions in Agra.
Excursion from Agra
Excursions can be made from Agra to interesting places in and around Agra.
Fatehpur Sikri, which lies 37 kms from Agra, was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar predominantly in red sandstone.Although he had planned this city as his capital, shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city and within 20 years the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore.
Mathura, 58 kms from Agra is famous as the birthplace of Krishna.Now it is one of the major pilgrimage centers for the Hindus and has become a prominent spiritual tourist attraction in India..Excuursions can also be made to Delhi, the capital city of India is known for its historical monuments marking the Mughal era and the freedom struggle in India. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan also known as the "pink city", with its palaces and forts bearing testimony to the glorious reign of Rajputs in India.
Haridwar and Rishikeshare pilgrimage centres for the spiritually inclined tourist.A trip to
Dehradun or
Mussorie are for those who want to enjoy the pristine beauty and adventure tourism offered by a hill station.
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