Agra

Empress Nur Jehan built Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, sometimes called the Baby Taj, for her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg, the Chief Minister of Emperor Jahangir. Located on the left bank of the Yamuna river, the mausoleum is set in a large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways. The mausoleum itself is set on a base about 50 meters square and about 1 meter high. The mausoleum is about 23 meters square. On each corner are hexagonal towers, about 13 meters tall. Small in comparison to many other Mughal-era tombs, it is sometimes described as a jewel box. Its garden layout and use of white marble, pietra dura, inlay designs and latticework presage many elements of the Taj Mahal.

The Jama Masjid is a large mosque attributed to Shah Jahan's daughter, Princess Jahanara Begum, built in 1648, notable for its unusual dome and absence of minarets.

The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river. The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers.

Aram Bagh : Unable to bear the intense heat of Agra, Babar created one of his first gardens, Aram Bagh, on the banks of the Yamuna. It was designed in the classical Persian style and the pavilions he built on the banks of the river were his favourite haunts. There, amid wafts of cool breeze from the river, Babar would rest and enjoy the fragrance of the blossoming fruit trees and listen to poetry or music.Aram Bagh, had traditional waterways running through the middle with the gardens laid out symmetrically on either side and fountains in the middle. Raised platforms were laid out with water running all around. Two pavilions with inner and outer chambers were built on the banks of the river. The paintings on the roof of the inner chambers and in some of the outer chambers are still discernible. An interesting feature is the drawing of a fairy in one of the corners giving credence to the statement that the Mughals built their gardens on the Gardens of Paradise'' theme. Babar died in 15

Mariyam Tomb : This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbar's Goan Christian wife-Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional carvings. and is on the Delhi- Agra highway.

Fatehpur Sikri : 37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone and is called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.

Radhaswamy Satsang, Dayalbagh : The main attraction of Dayal Bagh is the samadhi of the 'Sat Guru Maharaj' in white marble, with in lay work of semi-precious stones. It is under construction since 1915 A.D. but the construction work is a bit slow. The mini model of the actual 'Samadhi' is kept in a room in 'Swami Bagh', which can be seen after the permission of the Secretary. Above this platform will be constructed a two-storied building, with four minarets at each corner and a big dome in the center. Previously its estimated cost was about 50 lakhs, which has increased now. It is a piece of marvelous artistic work on the pattern of the Taj in white marble with floral designs in other coloured stones. Whatever work has been completed so far, is of immense artistic value and worth visiting. Near the Samadhi, there is a good colony, meant for the followers of Radha Swami faith. Dayal Bagh or Radha Swami's Samadhi worship, has its own Municipal system, own banks, own agricultural land,