Easily reached from Delhi is the ancient city of Agra, situated on the banks of Yamuna River, within the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is home to three World Heritage Sites: The Taj Mahal, the Red Fort of Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.
The city achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal sovereigns from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination. Agra is a vibrant centre of culture, art and religious philosphies. Handicrafts products such as inlaid work on marble, leather goods, footwear, brasswear, carpets, and jewellery, as well as embroideries, saris and silk fabrics are all to be found here.
Through the imposing red sandstone gateway of the Taj Mahal, the brilliance and symmetry of this marble structure cannot fail to impress. The walls are inlaid with semi-precious stones, and the reflection of the palace in the cool, clear pools in magical. As the sun vanishes, a soft pink tint shrouds the building and it takes on a mystical and magical air.
Fatehpur Sikri shared its imperial duties as a capital city with Agra, where a bulk of the arsenal, treasure hoards, and other reserves were kept at the Red Fort for security. During a crisis, the court, harem, and treasury could be removed to Agra, only 26 miles away, and less than a day's march. Innovations in land revenue, coinage, military organisation, and provincial administration emerged during the Fatehpur Sikri years.
The Red Fort of Agra is situated near the gardens of the Taj Mahal, and is called the red fort because the principal material used in its construction is red sandstone, taken from the quarry close by. The Hindi/Urdu name is Lal Quila. This was also a site of one of the battles during the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, and led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.
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Taj Mahal ~ In December 1631, Emperor Shah Jahan commenced the construction of this mausoleum, built in the memory of his beloved and favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, fulfilling one of the promises that he made to her as she lay on her deathbed: To erect a monument to match her beauty. The marble structure with its turrets and ornately carved walls and mirrored pools is one of the world's most familiar sights.
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Red Fort of Agra ~ This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.
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Fatehpur Sikri ~ Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.
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Chini Ka Rauza ~ A monumental tomb, notable for its dome of blue glazed tiles, and dedicated to the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan.
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Aaram Bagh ~ The oldest Mughal garden in India, and is situated about 2.5 kms north of Chin Ka Rauza. It was built by the Emperor Babur in 1528, who was temporarily buried there before being relocated to Kabul.
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The Soami Bagh Samadh ~ Construction began on this mausoleum in 1908 for Huzur Soamiji Maharaj, on the outskirts of the city. Often seen as the next 'Taj Mahal', it is widely believed that the construction will never end!
