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Set along the banks of the graceful Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a city drenched in history and rich cultural heritage. The Agra Monuments are some of the finest tourist attractions in India during your tour to India.
Amongst a host of monuments in Agra, the Taj Mahal is acclaimed as one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. The daunting structure was the brainchild of the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan and was built in the loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Considered as one of the three World Heritage Sites, apart from the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj is glory incarnate. It is the product of 22 years of toiling effort, great architectural brains, the rarest of gems and jewels and rich marble. The various stones used in its construction are red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Jasper from Punjab, Jade and Crystal from China, Coal and Cornelian from Arabia and diamonds from Panna.
The Agra Fort, another of the tourist attractions in India, is one of the imposing Agra monuments. It actually consists of the major structures, namely, the Delhi Gate, Amar Singh Gate, Akbari Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal. Built originally by Akbar in 1565, it was revamped in his own style by Emperor Shah Jahan. The red sandstone was actually replaced by marble pietra dura inlay in certain sections. Constructed in a semi circular plan, it boasts of towers, ramparts, bastions, and gateways. Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, this architectural tour de force is actually where the Mughals lived in the 16th century.
Another of the most visited tourist destinations in India, Fatehpur Sikri, is a city created by Akbar during 1571 and 1585. Speaking of meticulous planning and intelligence, this city is predominantly built in red sandstone. Located at about 37 km from Agra, it presents a healthy merge of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. This fact actually throws light on the religious tolerance of Akbar. The following attractions are found within the town of Fatehpur Sikri:
Diwan-I-Am
The Treasury
Daulat khana-I-khas
Palace of Jodha Bai
Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid
Birbal's Palace
Sunehra Makan
Diwan-khana-I-khaas
Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti
The Jami Masjid
Buland Darwaza
Turkish Sultana's House
Panch Mahal
Chini ka Rauza, Itmad - Ud - Daula and Sikandra Fort are some of the other tourist attractions in Agra.
Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information about Agra Monuments, booking for India travel tours, tour packages etc.
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