Historic places to explore near Agra during a Taj Mahal Tour
By: Amit Kothiyal
Submitted: 2010-08-25 08:01:29 | Word Count: 428
Agra is famous for being the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of this mausoleum will give you a vivid remainder of India that was, in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Though people travel to Agra primarily to see the Taj Mahal, there are several other historic sightseeing destinations in Agra that you must visit when you are on an Agra tour.
AGRA FORT: Built by the great connoisseur of art, Emperor Akbar in the year 1565 A.D.; the Agra fort is a masterpiece in terms of design and construction. The premise of the fort is crescent shape, flattened on the East facing the river.
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There are number of other exquisite buildings inside the premise of Agra Fort like the Moti Masjid, Diwan-e-Am, Khaas Mahal, Jahangir's Palace, Diwan-e-Khaas, Shish Mahal and Musamman or Samman Burj. It was in Musamman that Shah Jahan was held captive in the year 1666 A.D before he finally died.
SIKANDARA: Sikandra is located in the suburb of Agra, only 13 Km away from the Agra Fort. This place acts as a fine stoppage for those on an Agra tour.
Sikandara is the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar and reflects the best of Hindu & Muslim architectures. Constructed in the year 1613 A.D. by Akbar’s son Jahangir, this monument is one of the well preserved architectures of India.
FATEHPUR SIKRI: Fatehpur Sikri is around 39 Km from Agra was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. It is an epic monument built in red sandstone. Though you will find this epic city almost ruined there are a number of other renowned places to be seen here like the Diwan-e-Am, the Diwan-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan.
Other notable places where you must visit during Taj Mahal tours are Itmad - Ud Daula and Chini Ka Roza. The Itmad -Ud -Daula was built by Empress Noor Jahan as a memorial of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. It is a beautiful building ornamented with intrinsic lattice work on marble. Chini Ka Roza is the tomb of Afzal Khan, the Persian poet who was the minister at Shah Jahan's court. This building lies just 1 Km beyond Itmad -ud -daula.
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Set out for a Taj Mahal tour today and experience the charismatic beauty of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Avail a Taj Mahal tour package to explore other historic destinations near Agra.
