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Spend A Day In AgraNo history lesson or a romantic storytelling session is complete without the mention of Emperor Shah

Jahans devotion to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Their love was so strong that after her death, the emperor

erected a tomb in her name and memory, the Taj Mahal, seen to this day as the symbol of everlasting

love. This marble structure has been inspiration to many a poets penmanship, many a lovers heartbreak,

many a dreamers fantasies and many a womans jealousy.

So the question or the statement, 'how does one spend the day in Agra' is moot.

For if theres one thing every romantic in this world should do, as should the unromantic, is spend a day

marveling the emperors obsession in ensuring that the world would talk about him and the one true love

of his life for all time to come.

Situated on the banks of one of the holiest rivers in Indian history, the Yamuna River, this city is rich in

historical significance to the curious tourist as well as the accidental visitor. Steeped that it was in Mughal

rule, Agra is said to have links to even the Mahabharata age. The golden age of the city however began

with the Mughals, and the city is famous for its Mughal era buildings. Even though youre likely to think

of Taj Mahal as the first monument you associate with this city of love, not far behind are the Agra Fort

and Fatehpur Sikri, two other structures of bravery and sacrifice in Indian history. Together, this

triumvirate forms the three World Heritage sites as certified by the UNESCO.

Taj Mahal recently retained its status as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, after heavy lobbying and

pushing, when the New Wonders of the World list was being compiled. Even though there was never any

doubt that it would retain its rightful position, there was some apprehension, but as they say, alls well

that ends well. The Taj Mahal is said to be perfectly symmetrical and took around 22 years to make, at the

hands of more than 20,000 skilled labourers. The gate features 22 domes, one for each year that it took to

build it and the most elegant dome is the one that sits atop the tomb that houses Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra Fort, the fort where young Aurangzeb, the son of Shah Jahan, imprisoned him, has somewhatsinister exteriors, but makes way for interiors of great beauty. Shah Jahan is said to have gazed lovingly a

his beloved wifes mausoleum from the fort for eight years when he was jailed. The most noteworthy

buildings in the Agra fort are the Diwan e Am, the Diwan e Khas and the Moti Masjid. This fort bears all

the trademark of Mughal construction, with extensive use of marble and intricate designs and motifs on

the inner walls.

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Fatehpur Sikri, the third UNESCO site, is about 35 km from Agra, the land where Babar defeated Rana

Sanga in an epic battle in the town of Sikri. The fort, however, was built by Akbar, in a bid to make it his

headquarters. Owing to water shortage, Akbar had to leave it for Agra Fort.

Apart from these World Heritage Sites, there are a number of other monuments and erections that showwhy Agra was the Mughal capital during their reign of more than a century. The Baby Taj, Itimad ud

Daulah, was built by Empress Noor Jahan for her father. Though much smaller than the Taj, this tomb is

sometimes referred to as a jewel box. Akbars tomb,Sikandra, is about 15 kms from Agra Fort. Adhering

to a Turkic custom of building ones tomb when alive, Akbar is said to have planned and selected the site

himself for this.

The Jama Masjid, a large mosque in the name of Princess Jahan Ara, daughter of Shah Jahan, is also one

of the most famous structures. The Aram Bagh or the Garden of Relaxation is about 2.5 km north of the

Taj Mahal, and the winds rising from the Yamuna is said to keep the sweltering days of summer cool.

Adding to all this is the Mughal Heritage Walk, a one km walk that passes through some noteworthydestinations of Agra and supports local women and low income groups.

Agra is not about mausoleums and love stories alone. Today, it is home to some of the most sought after

artisans for their work with marble and pietra dura, stone carvings and inlay work. The city centre palace

the Kinari Bazaar, is the street of riches, famous for its jewellery shops.

Love, as they say, doesnt come cheap. And a visit to Agra tells you that even in a city of riches and

grandeur, a kings heartbreak speaks louder than all the richness put together.

Know more about us and to book your holidays visit:http://www.makemytrip.com/or call us at 1860-

500-5566

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