5 Star Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Agra Near Taj Mahal

Built by the Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal is known all over the world as a symbol of Indian architectural marvels. Work began in 1631 and the monument of love took 22 years to reach completion. It is said that over 20,000 artisans and craftsmen were employed for building this enchanting mausoleum on the banks of river Yamuna.

The museum houses original drawings of the Taj Mahal and also sheds light on the precision with which the building was planned and built. The architect was even able to predict the exact time it would take to build such a magnificent edifice.

A mosque sits to the left of the Taj Mahal, used to this day for Friday prayers. It is built with red sandstone – a popular building material of the era – and marble. The Jawab is an identical structure that sits to the right of the Taj Mahal, built for maintaining symmetry of the complex. However, it is not used as a mosque because it faces west and away from Mecca.

The 16th century Agra Fort is an imposing fortress made from red sandstone with its mighty walls enclosing the erstwhile imperial city. There are several historical gems hidden within the walls of the Agra Fort, including the famous Moti Masjid, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khass, and Musamman Burj (the prison where Shahjahan died in 1666 AD. The Agra Fort is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

The royal city was founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the honour of Shaikh Salim Chishti. The magnificent city is located 26 miles west of Agra on the Sikri ridge in Uttar Pradesh. It has several notable buildings, including Naubat Khana, Taksal, Karkhana, Khazana, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khass, Sunhara Makan, Palace of Jodh Bai, Birbal’s house and the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti.

Commissioned by Babar, the garden is an early example of Mughal Gardens in India. It is said that the garden was built in the Islamic interpretation of paradise. Legend also has it that Babar himself was buried here for a while before being interred at Kabul. The garden showcases a definite Persian influence in its design and layout.

The samadhi sthal (resting place) of ‘Swamiji Maharaj’ the founder of Radha Swami Faith, the garden and the samadhi display exquisite architectural craftsmanship. Detailed carvings can be found on walls, pillars, and arches of the white marble building. It is a major centre for the Radha Swami faithful.

Situated inside the Surdas Reserve Forest, the Sur Sarovar is a picturesque lake with serene calm surrounding it. The lake is a major attraction among nature lovers. A wide variety of wildlife, birds and fishes are found here.

A major shopping centre of Agra, the Sadar Bazaar is located near the Agra Cantt. Railway Station. The market is known for high-quality handicraft, marble figurines and leather items. A wide variety of the famous Agra shoe is available here.

One of the four Shiva temples located at the four corners of the Agra city, the Mankameshwar is a famous temple among Shiva devotees. The temple is situated near the Agra Fort Railway Station, at Rawatpara.

The sanctuary is spread over 108 hectares and has over 300 different species of birds and wildlife. Clusters of migratory birds can be found here during the winter season. The sanctuary is located in Jalesar town of Etah district.