Agra (It's more than just the Taj)

[anshjain97]

Agra is one of THE most popular destinations in North India, however many visit Agra for a short period only- many make just a day trip, see the Taj and leave. Sure, the Taj is downright magnificent, and who can blame them for a long day trip from Delhi for one attraction? But as is often the case, a city with a mega famous sight often has equally spectacular sights which are not too famous and get left out. Which is why I decided to keep 2 nights for Agra, when we went to Delhi in December.









Agra was the capital of the Mughal empire from 1556 to 1658. Today, apart from the monuments, Agra is a shabby, chaotic mess of a city (but with great food).

Having arrived from Delhi in the afternoon, we decided to visit Mariam's tomb first. Mariam was the only Hindu wife of emperor Akbar.



The tomb is not well maintained, owing in part to how few tourists visit the place.









Very close by is the complex of Akbar's tomb, a much bigger one.






The gate.

[tod2]

Truly magnificent buildings but what appeals to me and knocks my sox off is the mosaics. Absolutely fantastic!

[anshjain97]

The interior:





















Now going back towards the gate.



I couldn't have too much of it. Worth even more photos while exiting!









This is another structure in the Akbar's Tomb complex itself. Sorry, I have no idea what exactly is it though.

[anshjain97]

So, next day we decided to visit the Taj Mahal. Unfortunately it was one of the foggiest days in a long time in Agra and that made seeing it difficult.

Here is the entrance gate to the Taj complex.



The Taj is basically a mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan which houses his wife Mumtaz Mahal.









Somewhere beyond this reflecting pool is the Taj Mahal. It is easily visible on clear days.









Ooh, there it is! Can you see? Don't worry, neither could I...






























From here, the gate had disappeared.



This minaret too had an abrupt ending.



I tried to bring some of my technical knowledge of photography into use. I just had to get a decent shot. Here are the best of my attempts.









The Taj is one of those structures which looks deceivingly small in pictures but appears majestic in reality.

[anshjain97]

Fancy a ride?



Next up is Agra Fort. A fort has stood here from around the 11th century but the current version was built by the Mughals, in the late 16th century.
























My camera had conked off while in the fort so couldn't take pictures of all the picture-worthy stuff.

[Deleted]

Gorgeous photos, anshjain. I like the fog shots, because it is an enexpected way of looking at such an iconic view. It adds mystery and coolness to what is normally a blindingly "hot" place.

And yes please, I would like a camel cart ride!

[Deleted]

This is a great report, because it cannot be denied that even somebody like me only thinks of the Taj Mahal when Agra is mentioned. Luckily, I am still the sort of person who reads guidebooks, so I would never go there with a total lack of knowledge of anything else worth seeing. Your photos most definitely prove that there are quite a few things!

[anshjain97]

Making our way to Mehtab Bagh, the park right across river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal.






The fog persisted well into the afternoon, unlike usual winter days when fog is only heavy in the mornings. Right across to the Taj Mahal.






Emperor Shahjahan wanted to build the 'Black Taj' as his own mausoleum in Mehtab Bagh, right across from his wife's tomb in the Taj Mahal, but he was imprisoned (declared incompetent to rule after falling sick) by his son Emperor Aurangzeb and the Black Taj never finished construction- just fragments of it lie about.









Mirza Ghiyas Beg was a Persian who moved to Emperor Akbar's court in order to improve his family's financial status. He began an important figure in the empire, whose children worked as wives, mothers and generals of Mughal emperors. He was awarded the status of Itmad-ud-Daula (Pillar of the State). His tomb is located in Agra.

[Deleted]

It's great to see photos of empty places, because so many people are convinced that India is full of crowds at all times.

[bixaorellana]

This is a truly beautiful and impressive report, Ansh! I have to echo Lizzy about the foggy Taj photos. They are not only lovely, but I also got a better sense of the place than from the gazillions of Taj/reflecting pool shots I've seen. I'll also echo Kerouac about the empty spaces. They add so much to the grandeur of the monuments and are a relief from all the tourists parading through photos of many famous places.

Of course the Taj is beautiful, but certainly less dazzling after seeing the exquisite workmanship and jewel-like perfection of Akbar's tomb. Seeing it does make the sad state of Mariam's tomb even sadder, though, as i must have been magnificent at one time.

The only thing I ever knew about Agra was from literature, when this or that character visits the great sights. What a treat to get this photo essay from our own modern-day reporter!

[htmb]

Excellent photos, Ansh, despite the fog.
I, too, am impressed by the gorgeous mosaics.
Thanks for bringing us this different look at Agra.