With its architectural simplicity,
perfect balance and proportion of structure, the taj mahal is perhaps the
most beautiful building in the world. The subtlety of the building, made
entirely with white marble, is enlivened by highlights of inlay and
calligraphy in other coloured stones. The gentle white gives it a quality of
weightlessness.
Agra has so much to offer to its
tourist as cultural and heritage city. When ever planning a trip to Agra,
the first and foremost name that strike your mind will be of course, The Taj
Mahal, which is considered as a "Eternal Gift of Love". But the
fact is that, Agra does not ends up with Taj Mahal itself. It has many other
architectural splendor of the city which reflected the glorious monuments of
medieval India built by great Mughal who ruled India for more than 300
years. So, to experience these unique feeling, you need to pack up your bags
and should step towards Agra.
Taj Mahal, Agra India
What the statue of liberty is to America, the pyramids to Egypt, and the
leaning tower of Pisa to Italy that is what the Taj Mahal is to India. It is
regarded as India's most acclaimed architectural wonder, which is consider
the eighth wonder of the world.
There
is no other monument in the world, which can match the beauty and grandeur
of the Taj Mahal. Set amongst the serene ambience of a well laid out garden
the massive marble structure of the Taj Mahal is awe-inspiring. It is
because of this everlasting charm that the Taj Mahal can boast of being one
of the most popular world heritage monuments on earth. Apart from the
tourist, it has become a regular feature of most foreign dignitaries to
visit this grandeur gift of Shah Jahan to his beloved wife, the empress
Mumtaz Mahal. "The world is divided between those who have seen the Taj
Mahal and those who have not" this is how Bill Clinton, the then
president of U.S.A, felt about the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal present itself in a different hue and colors at different time of
the day. It is one such place, where you wouldn't get bored even after
seeing them umpteen times. If you visit Taj Mahal in the morning you will
find it radiating some different color than what it would present itself the
rest of the day like The Taj at noon, the Taj Mahal at sunset, under the
full moon, against the setting sun, and against the rising ball of fire,
each time the mausoleum reflects various colors.
Agra Fort
Agra fort, which lies on the bend of the yamunna river , was built by the
emperor akbar between 1565 and 1574. Its imposing walls of red sandstone and
its gateways are decorated with coloured tiles echoing the traditions of
central asia. It was akbar's great endeavour to synthesize the two great
traditions of islam and hinduism and this is reflected in both his politics
and architecture.
Fatehpur
Sikri - The City of Victory
37 kms from agra is a city predominantly in red sandstone and is called
fatehpur sikri. It is one of the finest examples of mughal architectural
splendour .it was built by mughal emperor akbar during 1571 and 1585 and it
is the best example of the culmination of hindu and muslim architecture
though the city is in ruins, but the sunset over the ruins is sight to
cherish. The city was later abandoned due to scarcity of water.
Salim Chisti's Tomb
The tomb of salim chisti is surrounded by marble, geometrical lattice work
screens and the canopy above is inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Both hindus and
muslims pray to the saint for the fulfillment of the their wishes. The
buland darwaza (gate of magnificence) which towers above the courtyard of
the mosque was built by akbar probably following his victory in battle in
1573 - hhen gujarat fell to him.
Akbar's Tomb, Agra India
Akbar's tomb in the former Lodi capital, is a grand affair, which could not
missed out, once in Agra. Though it doesn't stand parallel to Taj Mahal, but
holds its position among the most visited place. Akbar started building his
mausoleum in the true Timurian tradition by pulling down most of the earlier
structure and redesigned it according to his wishes, but the final
construction was taken care by his son actually Jahangir.
Akbar's tomb is a medley of architectural styles, which display the
architectural trend of experimenting designing than harmony of designs.
Hindu element of architecture is evident in the sloping drip stones, finials
surmounting all the domes, balcony windows and pierced screens.
Itmad-Ud-Daullah
The exquisite tomb of itmad-ud-daulah on the left bank of the yamunna river
was built by noor jahan in memory of her father. This small but elegant
structure is built entirely in white marble, a feature that appeared for the
first time and was an inspiration for the taj mahal. The piedra dura or
stone inlay work here is of the highest quality, especially in the blend of
the colors of the semi-precious stones.
How To Reach Agra
Air:
Agra is one of the hottest tourist destinations in India and all facilities
have been provided for the easy access to this place. It has its own airport
which connects Agra with all the major places in India. The Agra airport or
the Kheria airport has all the major domestic airlines having their services
to this place of the Taj.
Rail:
Agra is a major railway station with almost all the trains from south
India, Mumbai and many trains to Calcutta stopping here. Agra city is
visited by the "Palace on Wheels" The city is well connected by
trains to almost every corner of the nation.
Road:
Agra has the national highway roads numbers, 2, 3, 11 passing through it.
So the premier tourist destination of India, Agra is also well linked by bus
service from all part of the country.
