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A city of deep seated culture, reflecting its rich historical past, Agra graces the banks of the elegant Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh. Generally believed to have been founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi, the Ruler of Delhi Sultanate in 1504, the city stands as one of the favorite tourist attractions in India. On your tour to India, you will be simply mesmerized by your trip to Agra.
Considered as one of the choicest tourist destinations in India, the city of Agra houses one of the most famous and talked about structures of history - the Taj Mahal. Built in the loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the imposing structure was conceived by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. Agra, one of the three World Heritage Sites, the other two being the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, is magnificence incarnate. 22 years of toiling effort, great mastermind to see through, rarest of stones and rich marble went on to create this monumental symmetry of the Taj. In fact, stones including red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri, Jasper from Punjab, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Jade and Crystal from China, Coal and Cornelian from Arabia and diamonds from Panna were used in the exteriors and interiors of this stunning masterpiece.
The Agra Fort, another of the tourist attractions in India, consists of the major structures like the Delhi Gate, Amar Singh Gate, Akbari Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal. Started by Akbar in 1565, it was molded in his own terms by Shah Jahan. The red sandstone was actually renovated by using marble pietra dura inlay in parts. Built in a semi circular plan, it consists of towers, bastions, ramparts, and gateways. Located along the river Yamuna, this architectural work of genius is where the Mughals lived in the 16th century.
Fatehpur Sikri, the city constructed by Akbar during 1571 and 1585, is an epitome of meticulous planning and intelligence. Located at about 37 km from Agra, this city is primarily built in red sandstone. The most striking feature of this monument is the healthy blend of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture. This phenomenon actually sheds light on the facet of religious tolerance of Akbar. The following attractions are situated within the town of Fatehpur Sikri:
Diwan-I-Am
Diwan-khana-I-khaas
Turkish Sultana's House
The Treasury
Daulat khana-I-khas
Palace of Jodha Bai
Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid
Birbal's Palace
Sunehra Makan
Panch Mahal
Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti
The Jami Masjid
Buland Darwaza
Itmad - Ud - Daula, Chini ka Rauza, Sikandra Fort are some of the other tourist attractions in Agra - one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.
Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information about Agra, booking for India travel tours, tour packages etc.
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