Visiting Agra means enjoying the true historical monuments which depicts the life of the Mughal emperor-Shah Jahan. It depicts the strength, power, architectural sense, greatness and craftsmanship of the Mughal emperors who ruled India from 15 century A.D.
The Agra fort is one of the main tourist attractions which are built with the red sandstone. It is so huge, grand and raised walls all over. Entering the gate of the Agra fort you will feel the echo and air of the mightiness and the grandeur the kings had.
Agra fort is one of the world heritage sites which come under the UNESCO. From the Agra fort the panoramic view of the Taj Mahal can be clearly seen when the sky is clear and there is sufficient sunlight during the day time.
The Agra fort was built by Akbar the great during his reign 1565-1573A.D. The Agra fort lies on the right bank of river Yamuna which is 2.5 km away from its bank. The perfectly polished red sandstone fort spreads across an area of 94 acres. The fort is the home of more than dozens of Mughal sculptured and dome shaped monuments.
The fort is known to have many significant events related to the Mughal dynasties. Babur had sent his son Humayun to capture the fort and Humayun returned with vast treasures and jewelries along with the priceless Kohinoor diamond which is the rare variety of incomparable diamond of the world. Humayun was coroneted as the king of the Mughal Empire in this fort.
This fort has been the site of various significant events in the Mughal Empire. The Diwan-e-Khas is also another famous attraction which was built by Shahjahan for conducting meetings with his personal ministers and other kings.
It was in the terrace of this Agra Fort in which Shah Jahan spent his years when he was jailed by his own son Aurangzeb. Shah Jahan would spend most of his time remembering his beloved Mumtaj Mahal while passing his time viewing the Taj Mahal. He was buried beside Mumtaj Mahal’s burial after he died inside the Taj Mahal.
Love, hatred, kingship, challenges and greatness –all mixed combinations of thoughts comes in minds while viewing the Mughal monuments. The historical monuments of the Mughal emperor constructed in several locations at Agra reminds of the unique skills and architectural sense the emperors and craftsmen of those centuries had!
Agra is famous for one of the wonders of the world–The Taj Mahal. Until you visit the Taj Mahal you cannot experience that serene, heavenly and magnificent creation of Shah Jahan who built this Mahal in remembrance of his beloved wife Mumtaj.
The Magnificent Taj Mahal -Must Visit At Least Once In Your Life
The Taj Mahal-who does not know the love and affection the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had for his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal on whose remembrance who died in the year 1630, the mausoleum was built. It took 22 years to finish the total construction of the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal was built on the banks of the river Yamuna and looks so huge and heavenly when I get the first glimpse of it. You will surely remain open eyed and startled for few minutes when you look into the total structure after you step your foot in the first entrance gate. You will forget everything-the breeze blowing, the white marble shining, the beautiful fountain sprinkling water, the green carpeted grasses on the two sides will surely take your breath away.
Sitting on the bench and clicking photograph with your lover or beloved will make you feel more close to your partner and build a very positive impact within you. Believe me! The shining marbles and reflection created in the light is awesome to view. The Taj Mahal is far more beautiful than what you see in photographs and pictures. So large, so magnificent, so splendid with every stone speaking the word of love and care, now I can really understand why people from all over the world spend their time and money to have the glimpse of this wonderful creation of the Emperor Shah Jahan.
I have heard that the full moon night view of the Taj Mahal is one of the extra ordinary achievements for the fortunate folks. The moon light shining on the white glazy marble will make you dreaming in the world of fantasy and fairy tale where the Taj Mahal seems to be constructed in the couch of the blue sky. Sometime in future, I am surely going to visit Taj Mahal on a full moon night!
Things to see & do in Agra:
Beside the Taj Mahal you will find the Yamuna River flowing, and on the sidelays the famous Masjid of the Muslims. As you travel across the landscapes of Agra you can re-discover what you have learnt in your History books. The Agra Fort is another marvelous piece of architecture which was also built by Shah Jahan in the 16th century. The red sandstone was used to build the entire fort with rich carvings and arts of both ancient and modern mixture.
From the Taj Mahal you can look around to see the Mehtab Bagh which has all the varieties of trees and shrubs and was the Mughal garden during the rule of the first Mughal ruler Babar who came to rule India in the year 1526A.D.
The Jama Masjid was built in 1649A.D which is also one of the famous mosques in Agra. Besides visiting the various forts, monuments, palaces, mosques there are exclusive stores and markets all around the city. Here you can buy those marble carved Taj Mahals offered at various ranges. Different home decorative items like wall hangings, lamps, shields, metal vases, marble statues can make you go crazy. Many handicraft emporiums are there where hand-made sculpture and stitched fabrics are kept for sale.
I have been to Taj Mahal numerous times. As Agra is just 300 Kms (approx.) from Kanpur, I prefer visiting Agra & Vrindavan for 2-3 days short escape. It’s 4 hours drive from my place in Kanpur.
