Around Delhi

Taj Mahal Taj Mahal. Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificance, unrivalled. The Taj Mahal, the one and the only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realization of Emperor Shahjehan's dream. One of the wonders of the world. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in the making. An estimated 20,000 men worked to complete this enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtakingly beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, see it by moonlight.

 

Agra Fort The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shahjehan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like the Moti Masjid -a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Musamman-where Shahjehan died in 1666A.D. Jehangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal; and Shish Mahal

 

Fatehpur Sikri(39 kms) An epic in red sandstone. A city of yesteryears, today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. A sonless Akbar had gone to Sikri to seek blessings of a Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. When his son was finally born , he in gratitude, constructed his capital cityand named it Fatehpur Sikri. The beautiful marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti still attracts thousandswho seek blessings of the reserved saint

 

 

Itmad-ud-daulah This exquisite marble tomb was made by Emperor Jehangir's queen, Nurjehan, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg during 1622-1628 A.D. The craftsmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that of Taj Mahal. It was here that 'Pietra Dura'-the inlay work on marble-so characteristic of the Taj-was first used.