Agra is most known for containing one of the seven wonders of the modern world - the Taj Mahal. This finest example of Mughal architecture attracts thousands of tourists and visitors, who admire its magnificence and beauty. Take the following tour to see the marvelous attractions in the Taj area!
1) The Great Gate
The Great gate is the main gateway (darwaza) to the Taj Mahal Complex and represents a gorgeous monumental structure of early Mughal architecture. Originally built of marble, the gate features vaulted ceilings and walls in geometric designs, decorations with floral motifs, and wonderful archways, which mirror the shape of the tomb's archways.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Varun Shiv Kapur
2) Museum Taj Mahal
Museum Taj Mahal is also known as Jal Mahal and is situated within the Taj Mahal complex. Established in 1982, the museum features a main hall and three galleries, which display a variety of exhibits related to the construction of the Taj Mahal, including antiquities, Mughal miniature paintings, manuscripts, royal documents, examples of calligraphy, jade and porcelain objects, plans and drawings of the Taj Complex.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Dainis Matisons
3) Taj Mahal Mosque
Taj Mahal Mosque is located on the western side of the magnificent Taj Mahal. The mosque is made of beautiful red sandstone and consists of four fine octagonal towers and three graceful domes. Its ceilings and walls are beautifully decorated with wonderful calligraphy, inscriptions of passages from the Muslim Holy Scriptures, and the name of Allah.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Dcastor
4) Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This outstanding example of Mughal architecture unites elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marvelous jewel of Muslim art in India is one of the universally admired masterpieces of world heritage and an eternal monument of true love.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Thuresson
5) Jawab
Jawab is another red sandstone building, located on the the eastern side of the glorious Taj Mahal. It was built with the purpose of counterbalancing the mosque and maintaining the symmetry of the design of the Taj Mahal Complex. Jawab is decorated with beautiful flower designs and is used as a guesthouse.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Carlton Browne