Agra

Visiting Taj Mahal, the greatest epitome of love built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan on the banks of river Yamuna is the finest thing to do in Agra. This aesthetically sound ivory- marble mausoleum is the creation of workmen from around the empire and even Iran, who lost their thumbs after its construction to confirm its uniqueness. Starstruck already? If not, you will be once you pay it a visit.

The original inspiration behind the Taj is this Mausoleum built by the Queen of Jahangir, Noor Jahan. It was the very first edition to the marble creations of the Mughal Empire. If some peaceful time is what you crave for then cherishing this marble mosaic with local and Mughal architecture will be the idyllic evening for you.

A sandstone paragon appreciated for its finesse worldwide stands astoundingly near the gardens of the Taj Mahal. Nestled among its boundaries are beautiful palaces, mosques and audience halls that will surely take you on a trip to that era. Exploring the fort, you will come across numerous structures. It is not possible to observe all of them but make sure don’t miss out on the following:

Treasures of the Agra Fort

Ruins of the Akhbar’s Palace
Encounter the ruins of the mighty emperor’s sandstone palace and set your eyes into how magnificently he lived and died.

Akhbar’s Bengali Mahal
Wait, until you see the palace that turned the rumor mill crazy with stories of hidden housings beneath it. Sounds vicious, doesn’t it?

Shahjahani Mahal
Catch glimpse of the very first attempt made by Shah Jahan to turn this sandstone beauty into a marble marvel.

Khas Mahal
Rekindle with the story of Taj Mahal by visiting this eye-pleasing octagonal marble palace turned prison for Emperor Shah Jahan. The same place where he died watching over his precious Mumtaz resting in the Taj Mahal across the bank.

Babur’s Baoli
A three-story step well used earlier for the in fort water requirements is the favorite photo-stop in every traveler’s journal.

The much-loved place of the Mughals is now one of the best world’s heritage sites in India. This is the only Mughal palace-city-complex with inspirations taken from Hindu and Jain architecture. Eye-popping attractions to this complex are many including Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Ibadat Khana (House of Worship), Panch Mahal, Birbal’s house and Hiran Minar.
Don’t you hear the calls of wanderlust? I bet you do.

A lofty fort enclosing the ravishing tomb of mighty Akbar is the perfect pointer to describe this place. Built by Emperor Akbar himself, this fort is a masterpiece of his imagination and creation. Walking down beautiful lush green gardens with fountains and waterways will make you feel no less than a royalty.

A simple and elegant Hindu structure with Gujarati and Rajasthani essence is a hard find in the vicinity of Mughal structures. If it excites you, hear us out when we tell you that you will not be able to deny its beauty and the artistry that’s on display.

This fair takes place at the Kailash temple to pay homage to the destroyer Lord Shiva celebrating the appearance of Lord Shiva as a stone lingam.

A month-long fair devoted to Lord Shiva is an annual event at Bakteshwar and Agra. Spiritual dips into the holy waters of Yamuna and livestock and cattle on display are something you cannot miss during this time.

The jhakis navigates the street of Agra to reach out to that one base of the fair where an annual demonstration of Lord Rama’s marriage takes place. This becomes the vital center of attraction for the devotees and the perfect hotspot to appreciate the magnificence of Hindu religion.

10 days of merriment is celebrated in the crafts village of Shilpgram promoting craftsmanship, regional food, culture and traditional performances. This festival welcoming the spring season starts off with a grand convoy of decorated camels, elephants and drumbeaters. Get the best of all over India at just one place in one go.