Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal. Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled. The Taj Mahal, the one and only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realization of Emperor Shahjehans dream. One of the wonders of the world. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in the making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete this enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtakingly beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, see it by moonlight.

Open : Everyday, Sunrise -7.30 p.m. Entry fee from 6 a.m to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.- Rs. 100/-. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.- Rs. 10.50 Ph.: 360898

Agra Fort

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shahjehan.

The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like the Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khaas, Musamman or Samman Bur)- where Shahjehan died in 1666 A.D. Jehangirs Palace; Khaas Mahal; and Shish Mahal. Open: Sunrise to sunset. Entry Fee Rs. 10.50 Ph.: 364512

Chini Ka Rauza

This was constructed by Afzal Khan - a high official in the court of Shahjehan. Decorated by glazed tiles on the facade, the structure clearly depicts the Persian influence in architecture. Open: Sunrise to sunset.

Ram Bagh

One of the earliest Mughal gardens, it was laid out by Emperor Babar-the founder of the Mughal dynasty. It is said that Babar was temporarily buried here before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan. Open : Sunrise to sunset.

Sikandra

The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative fusion. Completed in 1613 A.D., it is one of the well-preserved monuments. Open: Sunrise to sunset. Entry Fee Rs. 10.50 Ph.: 71230

Itmad-ud-daulah

This exquisite marble tomb was made by Emperor Jehangirs queen, Nurjehan, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg during 1622-1628 A.D.

The craftsmanship at ltmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal. It was here t;at 'Pietra Dura- the inlay work on marble-so characteristic of the Taj- as first used. Open: Sunrise to sunset. Entry Fee Rs. 10.50

Mariyam’s Tomb

This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbars Goan Christian wife-Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional carvings. Open: Sunrise to sunset.

Jama Masjid

This building, with a rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648 AD by Shahjehans daughter, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh Salim Chisti and his grandson Islam Khan. Of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.

Radhaswami Samadhi, Dayalbagh

The headquarters of the Radhaswami sect. On the sprawling lawns here, is a beautiful marble temple under construction for almost 100 years. Open: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.