The Taj Mahal, Agra, India, an unforgettable experience!

The Taj Mahal, India

There is really no introduction required for one of the most beautiful man made creations in the world. But here goes - The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of Taj Mehal began in 1632, one year after Mumtaz Mahal's death.The mausoleum was completed in 1648. The beautiful monument was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The Taj Mahal is located in Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Inida.

The best time to visit Taj Mahal is during winters. Summers are too hot and because it is always crowded, it certainly helps if the weather is conducive. You wouldn't want to miss any part of this beautiful monument.It is indeed worth spending hours and hours at The Taj Mahal. I believe The Taj Mahal looks absolutely out of the world on a full moon night. If possible, book yourself for a visit to The Taj Mahal on a full moon night.

This is one beautiful monument and the experience is unforgettable!
I plan to visit The Taj Mahal on a full moon night someday soon.



First glimpse of this beautiful monument

Taj Mahal, Minerat


Plant motifs and Caligraphy on the Taj Mahal

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, India

Fatehpur Sikri entrance
Our next stop was Fatehpur Sikri (the city of victory). Fatehpur Sikri is one of the world heritage sites. It is around 39 kms from Agra. Yet another marvel of Mughal Architechture, it was constructed by Akbar in the beginning of 1570 in honour of the great renouned Sufi Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti. The buildings at Fatehpur Sikri reflect both Islamic and Hindu elements. When Saint Salim Chisti died, he was buried in the sikri. The tomb now stands in the middle of the courtyard of the Jama Mosque in the Fatehpur Sikri complex. The extensive jaali work on the exterior and interior is beautiful.

This world heritage site is a must visit. Make sure you have at least 3-4 hours, if not more, to see the entire complex. You can hire a car for this trip but for the last lap of your journey, you may have to take a local auto. Check out Wikipediafor more on this beautiful heritage site.
Courtyard in the Sikri Complex


Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti

Tomb of Akbar in Sikandra, India

Last year when we did Rathambore, Tonk and Amritsar, we managed to find time for a short trip to see Akbar's tomb in Sikandra, The Taj Mahal, and Fatehpur Sikri. Sikandra falls enroute to Taj Mahal. we stopped over at Sikandra where lies the Tomb of Akbar the Great. I was awe struck at how beautiful it is. It was built in 1605-1613. Akbar started building it. He selected the site for his Tomb. After his death the structure was completed by his son Jahangir. Located in Sikandra in Uttar Pradesh, this monument is a must see. If you are going to see the Taj Mahal, Sikandra will fall on your way.Keep an hour or two to see this amazing architechtural marvel.This beautiful structure has intricate work on the walls and ceilings. The caligraphy over the entrance to the true tomb of Akbar is absolutely amazing.




Intricate work on the walls of the Monument. View of inside the tomb.




Caligraphy over the entrance to the true tomb of Akbar