Explore India’s Most Famous Landmark And More In Agra

Travellers from all over the world have chosen Agra as a destination at some point on their journey. Home to many of India’s most precious and culturally significant gems, it deserves your attention no matter how little or much you’ve travelled…

Sitting on the Yamuna River, Agra’s main attraction is undoubtedly the Taj Mahal. Majestic, alluring and picturesque, the skyline of the city would be completely different without the marble mausoleum and its iconic dome. Built between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan and 20,000 craftsmen to enshrine the remains of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this architectural masterpiece is recognised as the monument of love. You can’t visit the Taj Mahal just once in a day, as it changes so dramatically from dawn to dusk. Milky white in the early morning, dazzling orange before the sunset and shining like a pearl under a full moon, this changing light is culturally symbolic and significant.

While the Taj Mahal may pull you into Agra, there are many other attractions that should keep you in the city for at least a day or two. Tombs, mausoleums – not to mention the magnificent fort – are sprinkled here, there and everywhere. The Agra Fort is about three kilometers from the Taj Mahal, and also looks over the Yamuna River. Made of red sandstone, it has a radius of about three kilometres and a wall that stands at 70 feet! Dating all the way back to 1565, it was designed and built by Mughal emperor, Akbar the Great and boasts architecturally amazing buildings from his successors like the Pearl Mosque, Moti Majid and Jahangiri Mahal – all of which are important to the Mughal Empire.

Another attraction in Agra is Sikandra, which happens to be the tomb of Akbar. There’s an overwhelming serenity in the grounds of Sikandra, which Akbar began constructing himself and was later finished by his son, Jahangir, in 1613. The tomb has Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain influences and is square in design, remarkably different to other Mughal buildings, but follows suit with red sandstone and marble.

Another significant tomb in Agra is Itmad-ud-daula. It is considered the first draft and inspiration of the Taj Mahal as it was the first tomb in India to be made solely out of marble, finishing construction in 1628. It’s also the resting place of Mir Ghiyas Beg, the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built. Sitting on the banks of the Yamuna River and surrounded by a small, pretty garden, Itmad-ud-daula is a jewel of pure white, elaborate carvings and Indo-Islamic architecture.

Outside of the city but still within the district of Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost city now lying in
ruins that was built by Akbar the Great (no wonder he’s considered the greatest emperor in the Mughal era) in the latter half of the 16th Century. The city was the Mughal capital, but for just 12 years from 1573 – 1585, before it was abandoned by Akbar. Considering its short existence, the city contained palaces, mosques and living quarters for everyone from the army to the king’s servants. Now, the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri are perfect for a day trip from Agra.

Besides impressive monuments, there are also markets selling crafts and souvenirs and bustling alleyways that can open your eyes to the local life in Agra.

You can see these jaw-dropping monuments and take in everything that Agra has to offer on the Grand Heritage India Tour and Best Of India Tour with Travel & Taste. Exclusive to BBM readers, these tours are perfect for anyone that wants to travel through India comfortably at an affordable price, with hotel accommodation, a local guide and unique experiences.

The Grand Heritage Tour is 15 days at $999pp based on two people sharing an AC medium-sized car or $1499 for one person using an AC medium-sized car. The Best Of India Tour is 11 days at $899pp based on two people sharing an AC medium-sized car or $1459 for one person using an AC medium-sized car. These tours are available exclusively to BBM readers and won’t be found on travelandtaste.com.au. For full details, contact on +61 (0) 438 517 598 or [email protected] or visit www.bbmlive.com/travel-and-taste