Do you know Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire for more than 100 years? Such an impact the Mughals had on Agra that it's still synonymous with the Mughal city. Mughals had immense love for art and architecture that started during the reign of Emperor Akbar & reached its peak during the reign of Shah Jahan.
The Mughals created such grand & spectacular monuments that one of them is in the list of 7 wonders of the world, and some are in the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a hotel for a few hours in Delhi or an hourly hotel in Agra, and rent a cab to these marvelous monuments. Let's get started on these five stunning Mughal architectural monuments in Agra.
As Badshah (or Emperor) Akbar started the era of constructing these monuments, let's start with Akbar's Tomb.
I. Akbar's Tomb
Emperor Akbar started the construction of Akbar's Tomb in 1605. Akbar's son, Emperor Shah Jahan completed the tomb's final construction in 1613 after the death of Emperor Akbar. The main structure of Akbar's Tomb, i.e. Akbar's resting place lies in the center & has a 4-storeyed pyramidal shape. There is a park in front of the same. The boundary wall has four gates. Out of these four gates, the south gate is the most majestic one & is the main entrance gate.
Traveler Tip- Make sure to book an hourly hotel in Delhi or a day-use hotel in Agra from MiStay for a relaxing trip that helps you to check in at any time.
II. Fatehpur Sikri
Another masterpiece from the Mughals is Fatehpur Sikri. You can book an hourly hotel in Agra, as Fatehpur Sikri is about 40 kilometers away. Built-in 1571 by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. The architecture of the monument gets its inspiration from Asian & Arab tent accommodations. You can see, the reason why an interior compound is a group of pavilions set up in a certain geometry. Fatehpur Sikri houses Buland Darwaza, Salim Chisti's Tomb, Jama Masjid, and Queen Jodha Bai's Palace.
Traveler Tip- Delhi-Agra Expressway can make you reach Agra from Delhi in just 2.5 hours. So, what are you waiting for? Book hotels for a few hours in Delhi, rent a car & drive to the artistic monument.
III. Agra Fort
Another architectural classic from the Mughals is the Agra Fort. It is also known as the Red Fort of Agra & Qila-i-Akbari. Built in 1573 by Emperor Akbar, the entire Agra Fort is made up of red sandstone. As the fort is on the bank of the river Yamuna & near the spectacular Taj Mahal, you can enjoy the view of the Yamuna river & the Taj from the pavilions of the fort. The grand Agra Fort houses many monument treasures, like Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal, and Moti Masjid.
Traveler Tip- As Agra Fort lies about 2.3 kilometers from the Taj Mahal, you can book day-use hotel in Agra for a relaxing break. You can also schedule an hourly hotel in Delhi from MiStay for your stop after traveling back from Agra so that you can pay only for the time you stay.
IV. Taj Mahal
Who doesn't know the Taj Mahal? Listed in 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is one of the famous examples of Mughal architecture. How the creativity & artistic Mughals can be! The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, started the construction of the Taj Mahal in 1631 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Built entirely of white marble, the first look of the Taj Mahal makes your eyes sparkle! Spread over an area of around 42 acres, the majestic palace is rectangular in shape. Fountains & water channels add to the beauty of the Taj Mahal.
Traveler Tip- As Taj is the epitome of love, you can visit the Taj Mahal with your friends & family. Don't forget to book couple friendly hotels in Delhi. Another option is to book a hotel for a few hours in Agra for a relaxing halt so that you can check-in & check-out at any time of the day.
V. Baby Taj Mahal
Before the incredible Taj Mahal, the Baby Taj Mahal was the first structure to use the pietra dura. The Pietra Dura technique uses colored stones to make images. Built near the Yamuna bank & commissioned by Queen Nur Jahan (wife of Emperor Shah Jahan) in 1622, the Baby Taj Mahal was the first building to use entirely marble in construction.
The baby Taj Mahal is also known as the Itimad-ud-daulah Tomb. The architecture embodies a mixture of Persian and Islamic styles. The tomb is a dome-style structure with motifs & drawings of flora, trees, and other geometric carvings. The tomb's architecture inspired many other monuments built afterward.
Traveler Tip- As Agra is just two and half hours away from Delhi, it's better to book an hourly hotel in Delhi from MiStay & make a round-trip to Agra. If you are up for more than one day in Agra, then it's better to book an hourly hotel in Agra for an economical stay.
Final Words
Now, you have known these 5 exquisite masterpieces of the Mughal architecture. While exploring these old classic monuments, don't miss out on the famous petha (sweet dish) of Agra. Be sure to book hotels for a few hours in Delhi from MiStay so that you can pay only for the time you stay & can do flexible check-in.