AGRA – THE CITY OF THE TAJ

Home to the magnificent and world famous structure- Taj Mahal, Agra is the city of Mughal architecture. With beautiful places to visit near the Taj Mahal, Agra is a great choice for a quick getaway with family and friends.

File:Taj Mahal 2012.jpgImage source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Taj_Mahal_2012.jpg

Taj has enamored the world with its stunning architecture and intricate designs for many centuries. For many decades it has stood as an epitome of love and passion that has found its place in world history. Taj Mahal was built as a symbol of love by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his favorite wife. This place holds together the love of the emperor and rests peacefully in togetherness. The picturesque backdrops, the beautiful fountains, the structure made of marble and semi-precious stones with green pathways to light up every heart, The Taj is a true beauty personified! Every year, thousands of visitors from world over to visit this magnificent structure to be a part of eternal beauty and relive precious moments of togetherness.

Besides this monumental structure, lighting up the evening sky in Agra, there are other places to visit that hold great significance in defining the history of this city. Few other places to visit near the Taj Mahal  are-

Fatehpur Sikri- Located at a reasonable distance from Agra, this beautiful fort city once served as the capital of the Mughals. It now holds famous structures like Buland Darwaza- the entrance to the fort, Salim Chisti Dargah, Birbal’s house, Jama Masjid, etc.

Agra Fort- A sister monument of the Taj, Agra Fort once served as the place of residence of reigning Mughal emperors. This stone and brick structure reminds you of great architecture that the Mughal’s were famous for. 
Swami Bagh Samadhi- This blissful and tranquil structure holds the ashes of Sri Shiv Dayal Singh Seth or Huzoor Swamiji Maharaj. The colorful blend of stone carvings and marble are a masterpiece in itself and has not been replicated nor is seen anywhere in the country.

Akbar’s Tomb- Located in Sikandra, this is one of the places to visit near Taj Mahal that is situated a couple of kilometers away and where the greatest Mughal emperor of all times, Akbar, lies in peace and tranquility in these premises. The beautiful structure is adorned with beautiful carvings and is different from other Mughal tombs.

Mankameshwar Temple- A revered temple amongst the Hindu’s, Mankameshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every day thousands of devotees throng the temple complex to pay their obeisance to the Lord and is said to one of the four ancient temples dedicated to the Lord.

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb- The inlay work and artistic carvings on the tomb are often considered to be an antecedent to the Taj. The structure was built by Noor Jahan in the memory of her father Ghiyas-ud-Din Beg and is one of the places to visit near Taj Mahal.

Other popular attractions include- Mariam’s tomb, Chini ka Rauza, Mehtab Bagh, Jama Masjid and Keetham Lake.

A true holiday experience awaits you in the historic and the wonderful city of Agra!