Top 10 historical places to visit in Agra
Who can be kept aloof from the historical charm of a city like Agra? With monuments and historical buildings at almost every corner of the city, it’s hard to resist a tour to these fantastic places. So, if you’re coming from the national capital, check for the Delhi to Agra train time and make further plans. Mentioned below are the top 10 historical places in Agra you should definitely visit.
1. Taj Mahal – One of the most famous tourist destinations on the planet, the Taj Mahal, is situated on the southern bank of river Yamuna. In 1983, the monument was declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, and it is also counted among the seven wonders of the modern world. Unbelievably, it brings approximately four million visitors per annum. So, if you’re planning to explore this beautiful monument then do check for your Delhi to Agra train time and make further arrangements.
2. Agra Fort – At a distance of about 2.5 km from Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, also known as the Lal Qila or Red Fort, is situated on the banks of river Yamuna. The garrison is amongst the finest forts in the country, and a UNESCO World Heritage site as well. Agra Fort was initially a brick fortress called Badalgarh, held by Raja Badal Singh, a Hindu Rajput king in the 15th century.
3. Grave of Itimad-Ud-Daulah – This historical tomb is situated on the western bank of river Yamuna, near the Yamuna Bridge Railway Station. At first glance it may look like a smaller version of the Taj Mahal, on the contrary, it’s believed this grave was the inspiration behind the establishment of the Taj Mahal. Locals often call the grave as the Jewel Box or Baby Taj.
4. Akbar’s Tomb – The Tomb of Akbar is an important Mughal architectural masterpiece constructed in 1600-1613 in Sikandra. It places the mortal remains of the greatest Mughal Emperor, Akbar. In 1600, Emperor Akbar himself began the construction of this grave. However, the construction of grave was finished by Jahangir, his son, after his departure in 1605.
5. Fatehpur Sikri – It was Emperor Akbar who commissioned the work of Fatehpur Sikri in the 16th century. The city was built to honour famous Sufi saint, Salim Chisti, whom the emperor revered as his mentor, and philosophical teacher.
6. Jahangiri Mahal – Jahangiri Mahal is the first monument that comes in the view once the you enter through the garrison’s Amar Singh Gate. Jahangiri Mahal was constructed by Akbar during the mid 16th century, as the residence of the Rajput wives of Akbar.
7. Khas Mahal – Khas Mahal, also called Aramgah-I-Mualla (rest house of the aristocrats) or Aramgah-I-Muqaddas, is situated inside the Agra Fort. It is the most amazing building in the garrison and was constructed by Shah Jahan during the early 17th century.
8. Diwan-e-Aam – Diwan-e-Aam was constructed by Shah Jahan during 1628-35. It was the spot where the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658) and his successors met the general population and heard their grievances.
9. Diwan-e-Khas – Diwan-e-Khas or Hall of the Private audience, was constructed by Shah Jahan in the year 1635, and was used by the emperor for holding assemblies and cultural events for significant guests like ambassadors, kings, and aristocrats in private, and to discuss the important matters of the state.
10. Moti Masjid – Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque is situated to the north of Diwan-e-Aam, complex inside the Agra Fort. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed Moti Masjid during 1648-54, as a place of worship for the royal members of the court.
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