The Taj Mahal is a symbol of eternal love and a masterpiece of architectural brilliance. Today, I visited this world-famous monument.
Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, combining elements of Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. It is constructed of white marble and adorned with intricate carvings and inlay work.
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took approximately 22 years and 20,000 workers to complete. It serves as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan himself, who was later buried there.
Agra Fort.
Agra Fort is a magnificent historical fort located in Agra. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of Mughal architecture. It is built primarily of red sandstone and features a blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. The fort was initially built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 and later expanded by his grandson Shah Jahan.
Agra Fort served as the primary residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638. It was also a military base and played a crucial role in the history of the Mughal Empire.
Mehtab Bagh.
Mehtab Bagh, aka the Moonlight Garden, is a beautiful Mughal garden complex located in Agra, India, directly opposite the Taj Mahal on the banks of the Yamuna River. The garden was originally built by Emperor Babur in the early 16th century and later perfected by Shah Jahan. The garden spans about 25 acres and is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. It features symmetrical landscaping, reflective water features, and an octagonal pond that mirrors the Taj Mahal.
The man behind its perfection, Shah Jahan, had grand ambitions for Mehtab Bagh. He envisioned building a black marble mausoleum for himself as a counterpart to the white Taj Mahal, creating a harmonious twin structure across the river. However, this dream was never realized because his son, Aurangzeb, overthrew him and imprisoned him in Agra Fort. Shah Jahan spent the rest of his life gazing at the Taj Mahal from his confinement.
Grand Mercure Agra.
The hotel for my stay in Agra tonight was the Grand Mercure Agra.
Address: Fatehabad Road, 282001, Agra.