Located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is one of our country's most popular tourist destinations for good reason - its lovely monuments and legacy of the Mughal Empire - especially during its 17th-century golden age - the most legendary of which of course is the Taj Mahal.
On a recent visit here, I checked into the fine, low-cost Bhawna Palace, one of the best low-cost hotels in Agra, in the northwestern Sikandra district - one of its busiest and poshest. I then beguiled away a morning strolling through the district, which among other things is home to Sikandra Fort and its grand tomb of the 17th-century Mughal emperor Akhbar. Despite the traffic on the streets, it felt different from the other parts of this city, and on this morning, as the sun slowly rose in the sky, the air was much crisper than usual, making for some lovely moments.
My next stop, seven kilometers away from my hotel, was of course the Taj, famously the world's most famous monument to love, finished in 1653 for emperor Shah Jahan to honor the deceased Mumtaz Mahal, his favorite wife. Buying a ticket for 60 rupees, I entered through the western gate and finally was able to drink in the mausoleum's sheer grace and majesty. Seeing the Taj Mahal in person, I fully understood why it's considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World: its mesmerizing classic design, amazing engineering, inlay art on almost part of its glittering marble surface - all help make it an extraordinary symphony of architecture. I learned interesting new facts, such as the fact that the entire structure rests on a plinth of ebony wood, which is famously erosion- and shrinkage resistent. And while there were of course thousands of other visitors there with me - many taking pictures of the Taj itself or themselves in front of it - my sense of wonder at what I was seeing never flagged.
I also walked over to the narrow lanes of the nearby Taj Ganj neighborhood, where I had read that impressive shots of the Taj Mahal can be taken from the rooftops of local hotels - and sure enough, it proved true, as you see above. I then browsed several local galleries and picked up a few beautiful items to bring home as mementos of my Agra visit.
After a good long while at the Taj and its surrounding neigborhood, I moved on to one of this city's other most important monuments, the red-sandstone Agra Fort, a half-hour drive away. Built on the Yamuna River in the mid 16th century, it was the seat of the Mughals and covers 38 hectares, with walls 70 feet high. I crossed its various boulevards and peeked into many amazing and elaborately carved halls, feeling transported back centuries into the magnificent courts of the Mughal emperors.
Then in the evening, I went to Sanjay Place, a bustling and noisy area near the city's railway station with many restaurants and street-food stands. Here I feasted on paani poori, biryaani, masala dosa, and other wonderful delicacies to cap off a wonderful day, then went back for a comfortable restful sleep at the Bhawna Palace.
The next morning after a hearty breakfast, I went on an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, a town 40 kilometres outside Agra, which is another amazing historical gem because it was actually the first capital of the Mughals, though only briefly, from 1571 to 1585.
I was amazed by what I saw here, starting with the gargantuan Buland Darwaza (above), the triumphal entrance to the imperial complex that is the world's highest gateway. Then there are a pair of extraordinary palaces, Panch Mahal with its five levels and myriad pillars and the huge Palace of Jodha Bai, housing the imperial court's women. After a a long but fascinating day, I returned to my hotel for another sound night's sleep before departing the following morning, leaving in the conviction that for travellers who appreciate beauty and history, Agra is truly a city that can satisfy their passions, and should be on everyone's must-visit list.
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