Mughal Architecture in India: From the Taj Mahal to Agra Fort
Mughal Architecture in India: From the Taj Mahal to Agra Fort
Experience the Best of Mughal Architecture in India
Millions of holidaymakers travel to India each year, captivated by its awe-inspiring Mughal architecture. Embark on a Golden Triangle India tour and witness the magnificence of Mughal architecture in India like never before.
The Taj Mahal attracts a vast number of visitors due to its status as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there’s much to marvel at when your Indian break includes an Agra adventure.
There’s nothing quite like Mughal architecture in India, which originated in the mid-16th century. We’ve picked out a selection of our favourite places in the Uttar Pradesh region below to give you a head start on putting together your Indian holiday wish list.
Agra Fort
The unmistakable Red Fort of Agra was completed in 1573 and was originally used as a residence by the Mughal emperors. Like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having been granted this protection in 1983. The red sandstone construction lies beside the Yamuna River and features Jahāngīr’s Palace, the Palace of Mirrors, the Pearl Mosque and the Octagonal Tower, and other stunning sights.
There are also gorgeous gardens you can enjoy when you need a rest from walking around the fascinating buildings. Experience a perfect day of history, architectural marvels, and relaxation at the amazing Agra Fort. Discover the captivating allure of Agra Fort's architecture and indulge in its rich heritage.
Jama Masjid
You’ll find Agra’s biggest mosque, Jama Masjid, a short distance from Agra Fort. It was completed in 1648 by around 5,000 workers and dedicated by Shah Jahan to his daughter, Jahanara Begum.
It’s still in use today and visited by thousands of worshippers and tourists. It’s one of India’s largest mosques, and the detail and skill that’s gone into creating it is quite incredible.
Fatehpur Sikri
There aren’t many holiday destinations that give you the opportunity to explore an ancient ghost city. However, that’s exactly what a day trip to Agra can offer. Fatehpur Sikri is a 148-acre site built on and soon abandoned by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century.
There’s lots to see within Fatehpur Sikri, including Panch Mahal Palace, Buland Darwaza (also known as the Gate of Magnificence) and the Tomb of Salim Chishti. Buland Darwaza is a sight to behold. Standing at 54 metres, it’s an imposing structure made of sandstone and marble that will take your imagination back in time. Fatehpur Sikri is another of Agra’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is guaranteed to be an experience you’ll never forget.
Akbar's Tomb
You’ll find Akbar’s Tomb just outside of Agra in a suburb called Sikandra. It’s the final resting place of Emperor Akbar, and work on it was completed in 1613 by his son. The estimated cost of the tomb was £1.5m rupees, and you can see the astonishing amount of thought and detail that went into it.
As with many buildings of the period, red sandstone and white marble were used throughout, and the result is a unique and well-preserved tribute to this famous Mughal Emperor.
Mehtab Bagh
The stunning gardens of Mehtab Bagh provide an area of calm and tranquillity close to the Taj Mahal. As well as being a lovely relaxing spot to unwind, Mehtab Bagh is an ideal location to take photographs of India’s most well-known tourist attraction.
If you’re able to go at sunrise or sunset, not only will the weather be cooler, but you’ll have the chance to capture what could be the most amazing photographs you’ve ever taken.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
This Mughal mausoleum was completed in 1628 and has stood the test of time for almost four centuries. It’s well known for a few things, including being the first tomb in India to be made entirely from white marble.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb is often referred to as the ‘Baby Taj’ given its likeness to the much larger Taj Mahal, which is only around 20 minutes away by road. The close proximity of Agra’s architectural attractions means you can cover so much during your day trip, creating an unbeatable collection of memories in the process.
The Taj Mahal
We’ve saved the most popular attraction in Agra until last. There’s no other building on the planet quite like it. It was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took approximately 20,000 people two decades to construct, which gives you an idea of how extraordinary it is. This iconic building is known all over the world as a symbol of love.
Exploring the Taj Mahal’s architecture is an experience that will always be in your heart. No holiday to this part of India is complete without appreciating its sheer scale and beauty. Starting or ending your Agra day trip with a visit to the Taj Mahal will undoubtedly be the highlight of your time in Uttar Pradesh, as it is for the millions of people who come to appreciate its splendour every year amongst all of the other stunning Mughal architecture in India.
There’s so much more we could say about the impressive Mughal architecture in India and the sights we’ve highlighted above. However, there’s no substitute for seeing them up close in person - words can’t do them justice.
Our Essential Delhi and Agra India Tour is a great value holiday that will bring these landmarks, and more, to life.
Seeing the stunning Mughal architecture in India is too good to put off for another year, so please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to book.
