Monument of Love, Romance in Marble, Tear Drop on the Cheeks on Time, Crown of the Palaces …..so many more words and phrases have been described by scholars and poets about this beautiful building. For tourists ….. It is just … Superb, Whao…Amazing, Marvelous ……

Constructed between 1631-1653 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the tomb of his beloved queen, the magical allure of Taj Mahal has been drawing tourists from all around the world and is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal can be visited at many times, but may be one of the most amazing views are during the sunrise or sunset, when the sky forms a symphony of colors and the almost translucent marble of this eternal monument absorbs the magical light and reflects it, thus giving an unforgettable show from its gardens.

Important : Taj Mahal is open from Sun-rise to Sun-set on all days except every Friday. Tourist can stay inside the Taj Mahal for a maximum time of 3 hours on one entry ticket.

Agra Fort or Red Fort of Agra is perfectly preserved massive fort complex was the main residence of Mughal Emperors till 1638 when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses many palaces constructed by different rulers. Akbar Mahal, Jahangiri Mahal, Palace of Roshan Ara, Diwan-E-Am, Diwan-e-Khas, Moti Masjid are the main architectural sites inside the fort complex. However ,perhaps the most remarkable place inside is the Mutthamman Burz or Shahjahani Mahal where Emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of Taj Mahal was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb as per his desire to have the views of Taj Mahal. Even today, similar and uninterrupted views of Taj Mahal can be enjoyed.

Tomb of Itmad-ud-daullah or Baby Taj constructed in white marble is a jewel box shaped building by river side and is the first building erected in white marble by Mughals in Agra. Perhaps the idea of building Taj Mahal in white marble was inspired from here. The tomb was constructed by Queen Nur Jahan for the mausoleum of her parents. The Pietra-dura art ( or art of inlay work) stared getting patronage from the walls of this beautiful building.

Itmad-ud-daullah or Baby Taj is open to visitors for all days of the week from Sun-rise to Sun-set.

Sikandra at the out-skirts of Agra is the Tomb of Great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Built between 1603 and 1613 is an important Mughal architecture masterpiece. The dome in the center of the gardens is flanked by a wall with four gates of Muslim, Hindu and Christian architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri , the erstwhile capital of Mughals lies approximate 38 Kms west of Agra was founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571. Imperial buildings and palaces were constructed with-in a walled city. City got its name as Fatehpur Sikri or a City of Victory after Akbar’s victory over Gujrat. The palace complex has many architectural masterpieces like Diwan-E-Khas, Diwan-E-Am, Panch Mahal , Anup Talao, Treasury, Astrologer’s seat, Jahangiri Mahal and Buland Darwaja. White marble building has the grave of Sufi saint under an ornate wooden canopy encrusted with mother of pearl mosaic.

The palaces and the mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is open to visitors on all days of the week from Sun-rise to Sun-set.

Mehtab Bagh or Moonlit Garden on the north bank of river Yamuna opposite to Taj Mahal was the last of the eleven Mughal built gardens in the shape of Char Bagh. The gardens are perfectly aligned with Taj Mahal on the other bank and one can enjoy mesmerizing views of Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.

Mehtab Bagh is open to visitors from Sun-rise to Sun-set on all days year round. However, best time to visit Mehtab Bagh is just before Sun-set to enjoy the changing colours of Taj Mahal at dawn.

Bear Rescue Sanctuary and Elephant Conservation & Care Center are two other interesting places to visit. Run by an NGO Wildlife SOS, both are re-rehabilitation centers of  Sloth Bears and Asiatic Elephants rescued from miserable living conditions. Conservation centers house around 175 sloth bears and around 14 elephants. There is no entry fee to any of these centers, however as operated and run by an NGO, small donations are expected.

A mere hour's drive from the Taj Mahal, in the heart of the Chambal Valley, lies an oasis of tranquility set against a stunning backdrop, framed by the ravines and sandbanks. The calm waters of the Chambal River are best explored on boats. The gentle pace of the River Safari is designed to provide spectacular sightings of the gharials, muggers & turtles basking in the sun; the many migratory and resident birds flying sorties; the occasional glimpses of the Gangetic river dolphins breaking surface.