Agra

Agra is a city steeped deep in the history . It not only boasts of the beautiful Taj, often called Jewel in the crown of India , but also of two other world heritage monuments . It has been a city of importance far before the mughal period, and continues to remain the same.

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Monuments Taj Mahal Tagore called it one solitary tear on the cheek of time .Even though its more than three centuries old now, visitors throng the monument year after year, spellbound by the pulchritude this world-famous monument, also called the seventh wonder of the world. An epitome of mughal art, Taj Mahal is chiefly made of white marble. The radiance reflected by this wonder stone often had poets compare it to the early morning .Since it was built in the memory of Sultan Shahjahans beloved wife Mumtaz mahal, the monument never fails to emit an aura of romance coupled subtely with a melancholy , which evokes adoration even in hardest of cynics. The architecture of Taj Mahal is unique and heralded an new dawn for architechtural style in India.Symmetry along two sides of a central axis, new columnar styles, curvilinear forms, and symbolic decorations based on naturalistic plant motifs can all be found in this mesmerising monument. Red Fort An emblem of toughness, strength and resilience, giving a peep into the times when glory and valour where the order of the day .This palace is built with red sandstone and finds a place in famous literature like Sherlock holmes mysteries. A gigantic monument towering over 70 feet,it awes the viewers with its turrets and gateways. The main gate called the Hathi pol leads to a diwan-e-aam which is enclosed by a Macchi Bhawan . This palace has a splendid garden with massive flower beds , water cascades and fountains. The diwn-e-khaas is on the east of this Palace and has intricate architechture of floral designs on colourful stones . It is flaked by the famous Chittor Gate where King Akbar was known to display his honours and trophies. The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sikandara In addition to being a mausoleum to the greatest Mughal Emperor Akbar, The Sikandara tomb is also an amalgamation of Islamic and local architechture. While the massive entrance, the filigree stone work,

the layout of gardens points towards Islamic influence, the use of canopies , the pavilions speak of the local effect. The monument has a look of a stacked card building . Its a five level building with first being a podium of arches, next three being of red sandstone with flat roofs. Akbars grave lies in the basement which can be reached through a portico. This remains one of the most famous buildings of the mughal era. Where to stay Agra offers a wide choice of 5 star deluxe hotels for visitors who like to live life king size while travelling What to buy Agra is famous for zari work, marble handicrafts and embroidery work. Agra is also known for sweets like petha and snacks like dalmoth. A bevy of handicraft emporiums and sweet shops are scattered across the city