TAJMAHAL

TAJMAHAL TOURIST PLACES IN INDIA

People from all around the world may not have heard of Agra, but everyone knows the beautiful ivory white-marble mausoleum, Taj Mahal, as the icon of love. This wonder of the world is the perfect example of the intricacy and brilliance of Persian and Mughal architecture. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Today, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it continues to hold the same magical appeal, attracting approximately eight million tourists a year. Viewing of the Taj Mahal is usually from sunrise to sunset, except Fridays. Night viewing of the Taj Mahal is only allowed on five nights of the month: the night of the full moon and two days before and after.

Address and Phone Number:

Taj Mahal, Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, +91 562 222 6431

Opening Hours: 6 a.m.–7 p.m.

2.AGRA GORT

As you enter and start to cross courtyard after courtyard, you realize that Agra has one of the finest Mughal forts in India. This red sandstone and marble architecture exudes power and grandiosity. Agra fort was primarily begun by Emperor Akber in 1565 as a military structure and was later transformed into a palace by his grandson Emperor Shah Jahan. Some of the most iconic structures in Mughal history are still a part of this fort, such as Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace), Diwan-e-aam (Hall of general audience) and Diwan-e-khaas (Hall of private audiences). The Amar Singh gate, which was originally built to confuse attackers with its dogleg design, is now the sole point of entry to the fort.

Address and Phone Number:

Rakabganj, Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, +91 562 296 0457

Opening Hours: 6 a.m.–7 p.m

3. Mehtab Bagh

Constructed just opposite the Taj Mahal, Mehtab bagh is a char-bagh (four garden) complex that is considered the ultimate viewing point of the magnificent marble mausoleum. The garden is open from sunrise to sunset and is considered a photographer’s haven because it is the point from where you can take some unique photographs of the Taj with a gorgeous backdrop.

Address:

Near Taj Mahal, Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Nagla Devjit, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Opening Hours: 6 a.m.–7 p.m.

4.FATEPUR SIKRI

Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The city itself was founded as the capital of Mughal Empire in 1571 by Emperor Akbar, serving this role from 1571 to 1585, when Akbar abandoned it due to a campaign in Punjab and was later completely abandoned in 1610.

The name of the city is derived from the village called Sikri which occupied the spot before. An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavation from 1999-2000 indicated that there was a habitation, temples and commercial centres here before Akbar built his capital.

The khanqah of Sheikh Salim existed earlier at this place. Akbar's son Jahangir was born at the village of Sikri in 1569 and that year Akbar began construction of a religious compound to commemorate the Sheikh who had predicted the birth. After Jahangir's second birthday, he began the construction of a walled city and imperial palace here. The city came to be known as Fatehpur Sikri, the "City of Victory", after Akbar's victorious Gujarat campaign in 1573.

After occupying Agra in 1803, the English established an administrative center here and it remained so until 1850. In 1815, the Marquess of Hastings ordered repairment of monuments at Sikri.


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