Magnificent, stunning, bewitching, sublime – words fail to describe this exalted labor of love that stands on the southern bank of the Yamuna river. One of the most astounding examples of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal is swathed in immaculate, ivory-white glory, a resplendent bulwark of precision and symmetry. Constructed by the grief-stricken emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his beloved consort, it's hard to believe that the gigantic edifice is actually a mausoleum that houses both of their tombs. The iconic structure has been constructed entirely out of marble and features outstanding artwork, including the stunning marble inlay work that is interwoven with precious and semi-precious stones. Calligraphic inscriptions from the Holy Quran surround the beautiful vaulted archways. The edifice, flanked by four pillars, has been constructed in perfect symmetry and appears identical from all the sides. At the absolute center of the monument lies the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal and beside hers, emperor Shah Jahan's, which was added later. The edifice was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and is one of the most recognized monuments worldwide.
Believed to be established by Lord Shiva more than 5000 years ago, the Mankameshwar Mandir is a famous place of worship for Hindus. A bustling market surrounds the temple with shops selling sweets and garlands which are offered to the deity. The actual temple is relatively small and is accessible by a fleet of steps as it is located lower than the ground level. A magnificent silver Shivalingam (symbolic representation of Lord Shiva), which can be seen from the entrance, is at the center of the temple. Smaller shrines of several Hindu deities such as Ram, Krishna, Hanuman and Narsimha occupy spaces in the complex and are also worshiped. One of the best times to visit the temple is during the evening aarti (a worship ritual) which is done amidst much fanfare. Follow the surge of devotees heading towards the temple, in case you are lost in one of the narrow lanes spread across the vicinity.
Often named in the same breath as the Taj Mahal, this landmark structure is fortified by 21-meter (70-feet) high walls, part of which skirts the river Yamuna. The Agra Fort gained prominence during the reign of Emperor Akbar and Shah Jahan. The fort's complex gives a great view of the majestic Jahangiri Mahal, dwarfing everything else surrounding the palace. The smooth contours of the Taj Mahal are hard to be missed from the Khas Mahal and Musamman Burj, that is only if you can take your eyes off the splendid polished color stones and gems that beautify the structures. Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i- Aam, Anguri Bagh and Machhi Bhavan are other historically important structures that are also the holders of the Mughal legacy. As a part of it is occupied by the Indian Army, entry to certain parts of the fort is restricted which thereby cuts the chance for visitors to view the magnificent Delhi Gate and the iconic Moti Masjid. If the white marble wonder is the royal symbol of an emperor's love for his wife, then the Agra Fort surely lives up to its status of a royal fortress. Built in such gigantic proportions, it is practically impossible to capture the fort in a frame from any one side.
Few structures in Agra can match up to the Taj Mahal in beauty and splendor. The tomb of I'timad-Ud-Daulah counts as one of them. Built between 1622 and 1628, the beautiful tomb was commissioned by Emperor Jahangir's wife, Nur Jahan in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The title I'timad-Ud-Daulah, meaning pillar of the state, was given to him for his exceptional services to the state. The magnificent tomb is one of the first Mughal monuments to be constructed entirely from white marble and is one of the hallmarks of the change in Mughal trend of using white marble instead of red sandstone. The tomb sits in the middle of a Mughal garden flanked by ornamental gates on all sides. Sterling floral inlay artwork adorns the structure. A marked difference between the artwork on this tomb and that of the Taj Mahal is the high amount of geometrical and meaty inlay work with Iranian influences as against the delicate floral patterns on the Taj. The structure, also known as the Baby Taj and considered as a pre-cursor to the Taj Mahal, is a monument of immense beauty and a must-visit site.
One of the most prominent structures of Agra Fort, the Jahangiri Mahal lies in the eastern part of the mammoth complex and is among the first buildings you would come across while on a tour of the fort. Built by Emperor Akbar for his son Jahangir (from which it derives its name), its primary function was to serve as a residence of the Rajput wives of Emperor Akbar. A splendid red sandstone structure, the building combines decorative features associated with Hindu, Islamic and Christian religions, depicting Emperor Akbar's liberal reign. The palace is marked by a marvelously arched gateway, with the interior of the palace comprising a courtyard, intricately carved pillars and cross beams; all of which are examples of Rajasthani architecture belonging to the early 16th Century. Also one of the intricately designed palaces of the Mughal era, the sight of the Jahangiri Mahal from the fort's entry point is truly majestic.
Located in Dayal Bagh, Soamibagh is a memorial to Shiv Dayal Singh, founder of the Radhasoami faith. Made of marble, the monument is aesthetically stunning and interspersed with elements from Hindu, Roman as well as Islamic architecture. Construction of the building began in 1904, and has been in progress for more than a 100 years. Innumerable faithfuls visit this beautiful monument on a daily basis. A wonder in white, Soamibagh, apart from its religious significance, is also visited by those who wish to admire its immaculate architecture.
Magnificent, stunning, bewitching, sublime – words fail to describe this exalted labor of love that stands on the southern bank of the Yamuna river. One of the most astounding examples of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal is swathed in immaculate, ivory-white glory, a resplendent bulwark of precision and symmetry. Constructed by the grief-stricken emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his beloved consort, it's hard to believe that the gigantic edifice is actually a mausoleum that houses both of their tombs. The iconic structure has been constructed entirely out of marble and features outstanding artwork, including the stunning marble inlay work that is interwoven with precious and semi-precious stones. Calligraphic inscriptions from the Holy Quran surround the beautiful vaulted archways. The edifice, flanked by four pillars, has been constructed in perfect symmetry and appears identical from all the sides. At the absolute center of the monument lies the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal and beside hers, emperor Shah Jahan's, which was added later. The edifice was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and is one of the most recognized monuments worldwide.
Situated in a densely populated settlement on the eastern banks of River Yamuna, Shri Parshwanath Digambar Jain Mandir is a revered place of worship for the followers of Jainism. Originally built in 1688, a beautiful idol of Tirthankara Parshva is encased behind a glass frame which is located on the first floor of the red structure. Located along the stretch of several Mughal heritages like Chini ka Rauza, Ram Bagh and Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulha, Shri Parshwanath Digambar Jain Mandir is worth a visit.
Experience the true essence of the city of Agra and learn more about its culture and history with Agra Beat. It is an organization which offers a large number of tourist activities and tours. With exciting activities like poetry, yoga with Taj, pigeon flying, kite flying, and many more, Agra Beat will surely be the highlight of your holiday. Learn how to cook Indian food, celebrate Diwali with an Indian family, or cycle around the leafy and historic lanes of the city along with expert tour guides. Whatever you decide to experience, you'll surely gather a lot of memories from this dream destination.
Established in 1848, the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest cathedrals in Agra and is the seat of Agra's Roman Catholic Archdiocese. The bright church building with its regal facade was designed by Rev. Fr. Bonaventure, an Italian architect. Though the church sustained significant damage during the freedom struggle in 1857, it has been restored to it's former glory.
Dressed in a bright coat of yellow and white, the regal church building hardly looks like it was built in 1923. Located on the Ajmer road, the historic St. Mary's Church was a gift from an affluent Agra family to the locals who were hoping for a church in the vicinity. The church is actively involved in various initiatives for social upliftment.
Believed to be established by Lord Shiva more than 5000 years ago, the Mankameshwar Mandir is a famous place of worship for Hindus. A bustling market surrounds the temple with shops selling sweets and garlands which are offered to the deity. The actual temple is relatively small and is accessible by a fleet of steps as it is located lower than the ground level. A magnificent silver Shivalingam (symbolic representation of Lord Shiva), which can be seen from the entrance, is at the center of the temple. Smaller shrines of several Hindu deities such as Ram, Krishna, Hanuman and Narsimha occupy spaces in the complex and are also worshiped. One of the best times to visit the temple is during the evening aarti (a worship ritual) which is done amidst much fanfare. Follow the surge of devotees heading towards the temple, in case you are lost in one of the narrow lanes spread across the vicinity.