Whenever Agra is mentioned on the World map, it is only
associated with the Taj Mahal. Indeed, Taj is the most beautiful monument on
the planet. But the City Agra has a lot more to offer than just Brand Taj. Agra
is one of the vertexes of the golden triangle, Delhi and Jaipur being the other
two. I have seen people rushing back to Delhi or Jaipur after their Taj visit.
I have spent four years of my life in Agra and I am bringing
you few other facts and places which you need to keep in mind while traveling
to Agra.
1) Agra Fort
1) Agra Fort
The Sandstone Fort built by Akbar stands tall
on the banks of River Yamuna. A fort which was once the residence of the most
powerful family of India has different segments which are brilliantly crafted
and showcases the Indo-Persian architecture. Diwan-i- am (House of Common),
Diwan-i-Khas (House of Lords), Sheesh Mahal, Moti Masjid are favorite
attractions of the place. It has a prison cell where Shah Jahan was kept when
Aurangzeb became the king, Taj can be seen by the Window of the prison and he
must have spent days and nights watching the beautiful Taj before breathing his
last.
2) Itmad-ud-daulah
When you will be passing the Yamuna Bridge
in Agra, you would be able to see Taj on your right and Idmad-ud-daulah on your
left. Idmad-ud-daulah was built by Noorjahan and is a mausoleum of her father.
It is often termed as the baby Taj and is a special place for history buffs
because it is a transition building where Mughals were moving to Marbles from
Sandstone. Earlier Mausoleums like Humayun tomb or sikandra were built from
Sandstone and it was Noor Jahan which brought this Change and Mughals started
following her and then Taj Mahal was built by Marble. Otherwise, Taj would have
been a Sandstone building and all its charm would have been lost down the ages.
3) Sikandra
Located on the NH-2 or the famous Grand trunk
road, Sikandra is the tomb of Akbar the great. Sikandra has a large entrance to
the place which is an imitation of Buland Darwaza built by Akbar. Legends say
Akbar had chosen the place much before his death as his Mausoleum and he was
buried in the same place. It has grand Sandstone built complex and beautiful
Calligraphy has been done on the entrance and burial site.
4) Explore the remains of Fatehpur Sikri
Small town of Fatehpur Sikri lies on the
outskirts of Agra district, was once the capital of Akbar. Akbar laid
foundation of this town and shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra. Mughals
built this beautiful city with the biggest gateway ever made “Buland Darwaza”.
Naubat Khana, Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid are other main attractions out here. But
the reason why Akbar shifted his capital was due to this person whose grave is
buried inside the complex named “Salim Chisti”, the great Sufi saint who had
blessed Akbar for a baby boy. There are many legends floating in Fatehpur Sikri
about Akbar’s Navratans and Anarkali and if you love stories, the locals will
keep you engaged for long.
Antique buildings in Old city have stories
which have molded the city’s history to its current form. Agra is one of such
cities which had a glorious past but it is getting lost in today’s time. But
when we roam in area of Tajganj and Rakabganj which has craftsman still
practicing Marble or granite works you feel the city is still preserving its
beauty somewhere deep inside their heart.
6) Agra visit is incomplete without a box of Petha
A north Indian sweet “Petha” (made from the ash gourd vegetable
originated in Agra) and Agra
relation is inseparable. You can’t come to Agra and leave without taking boxes filled
with Petha. The City has very old shops serving people from ages. My favorite
would be “Gopal Das Pethe wale” on M.G.Road , opposite Shah talkies. So, if you
are coming to Agra, it is a must try for you.
Let me know if you have found or heard anything that can be added in the list.
I hope to hear from you guys !!
My first trip to Agra was a bit of a whirlwind, and I wound up spending most of my time around the Taj Mahal, but on subsequent trips I discovered that you're right, there is so much more to see. I quite liked the Agra Fort actually - I thought it was nicer and more interesting than the Red Fort in Delhi.
ReplyDeleteThat's what i feel..Agra fort is the best fort built by mughals
Delete