In Uttar Pradesh, India, lies Agra, nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River, one of the cities full of historic treasures and architectural monuments of Mughal period. It was once a proud capital of the mighty Mughal Empire, which still attracts tourists because of its marvellous Mughal monuments. However, the architectural marvels are a testament to the greatness and extravagance of the Mughal dynasty that showcases the great Indian heritage. This blog will take you through the must-see Mughal-Era monuments in Agra.
Taj Mahal: The Epitome of Love
The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most admired historical monuments in Agra as well as across the globe, signifying eternal love. It is a mausoleum of emperor Shahjahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, commissioned in 1632. The beautiful lakes and flowering gardens add more charm to the already stunning Taj Mahal. The majestic edifice continues to attract millions of global tourists with its charm intact.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset (10 AM-5 PM)
Entry Fee: Indian Citizens – INR 50, SAARC and BIMSTEC – INR 540
How to Reach: The Taj Mahal is easily accessible by road and is just 2.5 kilometres away from Agra’s city centre. Agra has a well-connected railway station and an airport for those travelling from other cities.
Agra Fort: The Majestic Mughal Citadel
The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and magnificent monuments built by Mughals during the reign of Emperor Akbar. The Diwan-i-Khas, which hosted private audiences, and the Musamman Burj, where it is rumoured that Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, also add to the historical significance of Agra Fort.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Indian Citizens – INR 50, Foreign Tourists – INR 650
How to Reach: Agra Fort is situated just 2.5 kilometres from the Taj Mahal and is easily accessible by road. Agra’s railway station is also well-connected to the fort.
Fatehpur Sikri: The Abandoned City
Fatehpur Sikri, located approximately 18 miles from Agra, served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period during Emperor Akbar’s reign. Nevertheless, it had to be abandoned because there was a shortage of water. Fatehpur Sikri is still one of the popular tourist historical places in Agra because of its architectural beauty. One of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid represents Mughal magnificence.
Visiting Time: 6 AM-6:30 PM
Entry Fee: Indian Citizens – INR 40, Foreign Tourists – INR 550
How to Reach: Fatehpur Sikri is located approximately 40 kilometres from Agra. It can be reached by road, and there are local transport options available as well.
Itimad-ud-Daulah: The Baby Taj
Itimad-ud-Daulah is often known as Baby Taj and serves as a precursor to the Taj Mahal. In spite of being smaller than the Taj Mahal, Itimad-ud-daulah competes with its contemporary in exquisiteness and architectural splendour.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Indian Citizens – INR 30, Foreign Tourists – INR 310
How to Reach: Itimad-ud-Daulah is located in the heart of Agra, just 2 kilometres away from the Taj Mahal. It’s easily accessible by road.
Akbar’s Tomb: A Tribute to the Great Emperor
Akbar’s Tomb is situated at Sikandra and is one of the majestic monuments built during Mughal period to remember Akbar, who was the great Mughal emperor. The architectural style of the tomb combines diverse, religious and cultural elements such as Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism. Indeed, Akbar’s tomb is an embodiment of an inclusive and progressive monarch.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Indian Citizens – INR 30, Foreign Tourists – INR 310
How to Reach: Akbar’s Tomb is located in Sikandra, approximately 10 kilometres from Agra’s city centre. It’s well-connected by road, and you can reach it via local transport.
Read Also – 5 Historical Monuments In Agra You Must Visit
Mehtab Bagh: The Moonlit Garden
Mehtab Bagh, located directly opposite the Taj Mahal, was originally built by Emperor Babur as the ultimate viewing platform for the Taj Mahal. The garden gives breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal, particularly under the enchanting moonlight. It is a tranquil place for meditating and viewing the heavenly magnificence of the Taj Mahal from a distance.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Indian Citizens – INR 25, Foreign Tourists – INR 300
How to Reach: Mehtab Bagh is located just opposite the Taj Mahal, offering stunning views. It’s easily accessible by road, and you can visit it as part of your Taj Mahal tour.
Chini Ka Rauza: The Persian Marvel
Chini Ka Rauza is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, a Persian poet and scholar who was the prime minister during Shah Jahan’s reign. This hidden gem, Chini ka Rauza exhibits a unique combination of Persian and Mughal artistic styles.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
How to Reach: Chini Ka Rauza is located approximately 7 kilometres from Agra’s city centre and is easily accessible by road.
Mariam’s Tomb: A Forgotten Gem
Mariam’s Tomb is dedicated to the wife of Emperor Akbar and the mother of Jahangir. In some aspects, Mariam’s Tomb can barely match some landmarks in Agra. However, despite this, many efforts have been made towards refurbishing this magnificent tomb to make it one of the must-visit sites for scholars of history and architecture enthusiasts.
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Indian Citizens – INR 5, Foreign Tourists – INR 100
How to Reach: Mariam’s Tomb is located approximately 12 kilometres from Agra’s city centre and is easily accessible by road.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the Mughal era monuments of Agra are not just wonderful architecture but living pieces of evidence of the great Indian past and identity. These are great sites that take people into a rich era of wealth, art, and architectural ingenuity. Through that journey, you will understand more profoundly about the Mughal Empire’s legacies, as well as the everlasting grace of their creation.
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