Some of India’s most important historical monuments are found in Agra. Mainly during the Mughal period. Placed on the banks of the Yamuna River. When Sikander Lodhi chose to make Agra the nation’s capital, this lovely city attracted attention from the general public. It became the capital city even during the reigns of Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. The Taj Mahal, Buland Darwaza, and the Agra Fort are the famous Historical monuments in Agra that you can explore during your Golden Triangle Tours. These monuments added the charm of Agra during the Mughal Period. The British had grown significantly in power by this time. Agra developed into an industrial city and a well-known tourist destination after gaining independence. Some of the well-known monuments in Agra were also included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Monuments in Agra
1) Taj Mahal
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, is located in Agra besides the Yamuna River. As a memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, his third wife, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, erected it. There is also the place of Shah Jahan’s burial. One of the most stunning buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal, was constructed in the 17th century using white marble. Over a year, more tourists than live in Agra walk through the lovely gates to view this magnificent building. The UNESCO World Heritage site was also listed. The rectangular Tomb is entered through a massive gateway with an arch and alcoves on either side. The entrance includes water channels and fountains, enhancing the monument’s beauty. This fantastic performance is perfect, even poetically, displayed in the Yamuna.
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631; it took 17 years to finish and took about 42 acres. Its structure included white marble from Rajasthan’s Makrana.
2) Agra Fort
The Red Fort of Agra also called the Agra Fort, or Lal Qila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located around 2.5 km northwest of the well-known Taj Mahal. Emperor Akbar built this massive historical monument in Agra using red sandstone along the Yamuna river’s banks. It is a magnificent example of Mughal artwork and construction. Some of the most stunning buildings within the boundaries of Agra Fort, such as the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i I Khas, Diwan-i I Aam, Moti Masjid, and Jahangiri Mahal. The pavilions of the fort provide breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal and Yamuna River.
3) Jama Masjid
Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan, constructed this modest mosque that is almost entirely made of red sandstone. This mosque is one of the biggest in the nation and is still an impressive work of architecture on its own. This outstanding famous monument in Agra is still in use as a significant mosque for the city. Thousands of devoted people gather at this mosque for special prayers every Friday. The Tomb of Salim Chisti is a part of the mosque complex.
4) Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri can be summed up as a unique blend of religious convictions and excellent architectural design. Akbar built it in honor of Sheikh Salim Chisti, whose prediction of the birth of a Mughal heir came true while Akbar was in the city of Sikri at the time. As a tribute to the prophecy, Akbar built this city and the majestic mosque Jama Masjid, which is still in use today. In addition, he constructed three palaces: a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Christian one for each of his favorite brides. The best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri, a marvel of Indo-Islamic architecture, is around dusk.
5) Akbar’s Tomb
Near Sikandra, on the outskirts of Agra, is Akbar’s Tomb, the 119-acre last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It was built between 1605 and 1618 and is regarded as a notable piece of Mughal architecture. The construction of this tomb, which was entirely made of sandstone and white marble, was personally overseen by Emperor Akbar. Like the graves of other notable Muslim emperors, Akbar’s tomb faces the rising sun rather than the Masjid of Mecca.
6) Itimad-ud-daula’s Tomb
The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula marks the transition between the first and second phases of Mughal architecture. This was the first structure made of pietra dura to be built alongside the Yamuna River’s banks. The combination of arched gateways and octagonal-shaped towers makes it an Indo-Islamic style of architecture. It seems like a jewel box set in a garden from the air if you gaze at Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb. This majestic mausoleum, which was constructed on the banks of the Yamuna, inspired the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders, which was completed later.