Agra
We started our Trip from Kolkata to Agra to visit my brother place and also to relish myself the beauty of Mughals... when ever you visit Agra ensure that along with visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous places to visit in Agra, make sure you visit Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is just 40 km south-west of the city. A fitting example of Mughal architectural grandeur, Fatehpur Sikri is built in red sandstone and is a beautiful monument in Agra.
Per legend, Akbar visited the Sufi saint, who lived in Sikri, Sheikh Salim Chishti to seek blessings that an heir be born to him. After being blessed with three sons subsequently, Akbar built the city of Fatehpur Sikri to honour the saint. A World Heritage Site, this place is steeped in history and to witness the ruins of this site are a constant, evocative reminder of the flourishing bygone era.
Buland Darwaza
It was built in 1575 to commemorate Akbar’s triumph in Gujarat. You will have to climb a steep flight of steps to reach this 54-meter gateway, designed in coloured stone and marble.
There is an inscription from the Quran as you reach the gateway – “The world is a bridge, pass over it, but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour may hope for eternity.”
The tomb of Salim Chishti:
You will notice a beautiful white marble structure as you move around the courtyard. It is the tomb of Salim Chishti and it stands out visually against the red sandstone structures that surround it.
Dargah of Salim Chishti
As you move north from the mosque, you will see the dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti. Pilgrims often come to offer prayers here and it is renowned for its intricate lattice work.
Jami Masjid:
After you cross the Buland Darwaza, you will enter the Jami Masjid, which can also be accessed through the Badshah Darwaza. It is renowned for its architectural replica of the mosque in Mecca with interiors having Hindu and Persian motifs. Outside, you will see an expansive courtyard with large arcades on three sides and a prayer hall on the fourth side.
Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience:
Also known as the “The Jewel House” or “The Ekstambha Prasada” (Palace of Unitary pillar), you will find this in the middle of the court. As you approach it, you will see a life-size game board. The central portion of this chamber has a circular throne where Akbar sat to inspect his treasures. Interestingly, the acoustics of this royal chamber prevent noise from travelling outside.
Khwabgah or Chamber of Dreams/Khilawatkada-I-Khas:
This was essentially a chamber for leisure. The first floor which had Akbar’s private room was frequented by ladies from the harem. The emperor retired here for his afternoon siesta and for relaxation at night.
The Panchmahal on our right hand side. There are five-storeys that taper to single kiosks at the top. It was like a house of cards where each of the five storeys was stepped back from the previous one. Akbar enjoyed beautiful evenings, the full-moon nights and the cool breeze sitting in the top kiosk. This Mahal was connected with haram on the third floor from where his wives could join him. All the storeys originally had stone jaalis on their sides – these walls are now removed. There are in total around 176 columns in it none of which are similar to each other.
Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience:
Also known as the “The Jewel House” or “The Ekstambha Prasada” (Palace of Unitary pillar), you will find this in the middle of the court. As you approach it, you will see a life-size game board. The central portion of this chamber has a circular throne where Akbar sat to inspect his treasures. Interestingly, the acoustics of this royal chamber prevent noise from travelling outside.
Anup Talao
Also known as “The Peerless Pool or Kapur Talao”, this tank has been witness to numerous performances by Tansen. During festivals, the whole tank used to be filled with coins handed out during and after his performances. You can almost hear resonances of the waning music.
Some of the other tourist attractions include:
Diwan-i-Aam or The Hall of Public Audiences
Ibadatkhana or The Hall of Religious Discussions
Palace of Jodha Bai
Birbal Bhawan
Karawan Sarai and Hiran Minar
Mariam’s House
Ankh Michauli
If you visit this fortified ancient city during sunset you will be rewarded with a sight to cherish. The red sandstone acquires a fiery shade even as the sky is filled with myriad strokes of colour, and somewhere as the two merge – it is sheer poetry to the eyes.
We started our Trip from Kolkata to Agra to visit my brother place and also to relish myself the beauty of Mughals... when ever you visit Agra ensure that along with visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous places to visit in Agra, make sure you visit Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is just 40 km south-west of the city. A fitting example of Mughal architectural grandeur, Fatehpur Sikri is built in red sandstone and is a beautiful monument in Agra.
Per legend, Akbar visited the Sufi saint, who lived in Sikri, Sheikh Salim Chishti to seek blessings that an heir be born to him. After being blessed with three sons subsequently, Akbar built the city of Fatehpur Sikri to honour the saint. A World Heritage Site, this place is steeped in history and to witness the ruins of this site are a constant, evocative reminder of the flourishing bygone era.
Buland Darwaza
It was built in 1575 to commemorate Akbar’s triumph in Gujarat. You will have to climb a steep flight of steps to reach this 54-meter gateway, designed in coloured stone and marble.
There is an inscription from the Quran as you reach the gateway – “The world is a bridge, pass over it, but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour may hope for eternity.”
The tomb of Salim Chishti:
You will notice a beautiful white marble structure as you move around the courtyard. It is the tomb of Salim Chishti and it stands out visually against the red sandstone structures that surround it.
Dargah of Salim Chishti
As you move north from the mosque, you will see the dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti. Pilgrims often come to offer prayers here and it is renowned for its intricate lattice work.
Jami Masjid:
After you cross the Buland Darwaza, you will enter the Jami Masjid, which can also be accessed through the Badshah Darwaza. It is renowned for its architectural replica of the mosque in Mecca with interiors having Hindu and Persian motifs. Outside, you will see an expansive courtyard with large arcades on three sides and a prayer hall on the fourth side.
Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience:
Also known as the “The Jewel House” or “The Ekstambha Prasada” (Palace of Unitary pillar), you will find this in the middle of the court. As you approach it, you will see a life-size game board. The central portion of this chamber has a circular throne where Akbar sat to inspect his treasures. Interestingly, the acoustics of this royal chamber prevent noise from travelling outside.
Khwabgah or Chamber of Dreams/Khilawatkada-I-Khas:
This was essentially a chamber for leisure. The first floor which had Akbar’s private room was frequented by ladies from the harem. The emperor retired here for his afternoon siesta and for relaxation at night.
The Panchmahal on our right hand side. There are five-storeys that taper to single kiosks at the top. It was like a house of cards where each of the five storeys was stepped back from the previous one. Akbar enjoyed beautiful evenings, the full-moon nights and the cool breeze sitting in the top kiosk. This Mahal was connected with haram on the third floor from where his wives could join him. All the storeys originally had stone jaalis on their sides – these walls are now removed. There are in total around 176 columns in it none of which are similar to each other.
Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience:
Also known as the “The Jewel House” or “The Ekstambha Prasada” (Palace of Unitary pillar), you will find this in the middle of the court. As you approach it, you will see a life-size game board. The central portion of this chamber has a circular throne where Akbar sat to inspect his treasures. Interestingly, the acoustics of this royal chamber prevent noise from travelling outside.
Anup Talao
Also known as “The Peerless Pool or Kapur Talao”, this tank has been witness to numerous performances by Tansen. During festivals, the whole tank used to be filled with coins handed out during and after his performances. You can almost hear resonances of the waning music.
Some of the other tourist attractions include:
Diwan-i-Aam or The Hall of Public Audiences
Ibadatkhana or The Hall of Religious Discussions
Palace of Jodha Bai
Birbal Bhawan
Karawan Sarai and Hiran Minar
Mariam’s House
Ankh Michauli
If you visit this fortified ancient city during sunset you will be rewarded with a sight to cherish. The red sandstone acquires a fiery shade even as the sky is filled with myriad strokes of colour, and somewhere as the two merge – it is sheer poetry to the eyes.
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