Holiday in Agra

About Agra

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal — arguably the most famous building in the world and a masterpiece that leaves every visitor in awe. The city on the banks of the Yamuna in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh was once the magnificent capital of the Mughal Empire and houses other world-class architectural jewels alongside the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal, built from 1632 to 1653 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his deceased beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a monument of eternal love. The perfection of its symmetry, the intricate inlays of semi-precious stones (Pietra Dura), and the play of light on the white marble make it unique. At sunrise, it glows pink, at noon it shines bright white, and at sunset it turns golden — each time of day reveals a different facet of its beauty. The Agra Fort, located just 2.5 kilometers from the Taj Mahal, is a massive fortress made of red sandstone that reflects the wealth and power of the Mughals. Within its walls lie intricate marble palaces, mirror halls, and shady courtyards. From the Musamman Burj terrace, where Shah Jahan spent his last years as a prisoner, there is a heartbreakingly beautiful view of the Taj Mahal. Itimad-ud-Daulah, often referred to as the "Baby Taj," is a charming mausoleum on the opposite bank of the Yamuna. As the first completely white marble Mughal building, it is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal and impresses with similarly delicate craftsmanship while attracting fewer tourists. Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal city located 37 kilometers west of Agra, is a ghost town of grand architecture. Emperor Akbar built this capital in the 16th century, but a lack of water forced him to abandon it after just 14 years. The perfectly preserved palaces, mosques, and courtyards are a fascinating testament to Mughal urban planning.