Agra

The Taj Mahal, a stunning tribute to love, defines this world-famous city. Agra also boasts many splendid monuments and forts. This iconic memorial makes Agra a major attraction in India. Founded in 1475, Agra quickly became a Mughal Empire stronghold. The Yamuna River flows beside this historic city. Visitors can explore breathtaking sites in and around Agra during their Taj Mahal visit.

Famous Tourist Attraction in Agra

Taj Mahal:

Universally known as one of the most famous and recognizable structures in the world, the TajMahal is also blessed as one the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Built by Mughal king Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century as an eternal monument to his beloved wife, MumtazMahal, this amazing white marble mausoleum took 20,000 workers 22 years to complete.Called “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity,” the Taj Mahal is a timeless tribute to love. Visitors admire its graceful beauty and stunning architecture. Its marble walls feature intricate inlays of precious and semi-precious stones in ornate patterns.

Agra Fort:

Agra Fort, built as a stronghold, towers over the meandering Yamuna River. It features the Moti Masjid and Shish Mahal. Visitors can explore and experience 16th-century pageantry.

I’timad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb:

Visitors can simply call this site the Baby Taj instead of its lengthy official name. People call this mausoleum a jewel-box for its small size and fine details. It sits in a vast garden with walkways and waterways. Like the Taj Mahal, the Baby Taj’s walls feature exquisite inlays of carnelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz in stunning floral patterns.

Kinari Bazaar:

While in Agra, don’t forget to take the time to stroll in the simpler destinations such as the local markets. A collective of many bazaars, the Kinari Bazaar is the typical bustling activity of shopping bundles and saris as throngs of local residents jockey through the crowded alleyways to perform their daily shopping duties. Even if you don’t have any purchases in mind, an hour or two of getting lost amid the teeming swarm of bodies can provide one with an energized spirit as well as a camera full of local color.

Akbar’s Tomb:

Venturing outside of the city for a short distance can allow visitors to view this vast and beautifully carved red-ochre sandstone tomb honoring Emperor Akbar. Decorated with stone carvings of deer, rabbits and langur monkeys, this tomb is set amidst a lush garden.

Fatehpur Sikri: 

This spectacularly well preserved “ghost town” of a fortified city is located a short drive from Agra, yet should not to be missed.  The Mughal Emperor Akbar built FatehpurSikri in 1569 as his capital, containing a stunning mosque and three palaces – Hindu, Muslim and Christian; one for each of his wives. The impressive and magnificent site reigned majestically for only 14 years, yet still appears to have been occupied just yesterday.