The Taj Mahal is a historical monument popular all over the world. Its popularity is partly due to its stature as One of the Seven Wonders of the World, and partly due to its impeccable beauty and design. The Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century, but it's such a magnificent work of art that even many modern day buildings fail to match the breath-taking beauty of this magnificent structure.
Every year, flocks of tourist head to Agra so that they can get a good look at the Taj Mahal. It's really a treat to witness such a monument with one's own eyes. But the popularity of the Taj Mahal often overshadows many other amazing monuments near its vicinity. We want to bring your focus on such structures as well, because if you come to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, then it's best time to visit other nearby monuments as well. Just like the saying - "The more the merrier" - if you're taking a trip to the Taj Mahal then it's even better if you visit other nearby attractions along the way.
So without further ado, we bring to you five popular historical monuments that are situated near the Taj Mahal.
During the era of the Mughal dynasty, Agra used to be the capital of India until the year 1638. At that time, the Agra Fort served as the primary residence of the Mughal kings and rulers. Today, it has become a historical monument that attracts many tourists. The fort is much like a city in itself - one that is surrounded by huge walls. It has an overall area of 94 acres and the height of the walls measure up to a massive seventy feet. Agra fort is located at approx. 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort is also named as Red Fort Agra or famous as historical monuments of Agra. Agra Fort si also declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Agra Fort is the fort in India where all of the Mughal Emperors lived.
The Agra fort is a wonderful attraction for tourists because of three main reasons.
1. Due to its historical significance.
2. Due to its impressive design - white marble interiors with red sandstone exteriors.
3. The Agra Fort is not just a single monument. It is actually home to a number of smaller monuments such as the Delhi Gate, Jahangir's Hauz, Shish Mahal, and The Muthamman Burj.
View MoreThe tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah is another famous building which is only 25 minutes away from the Taj Mahal. During the reign of king Akbar, a Persian by the name of Mirza Ghiyas Beg was appointed as a court member. Mirza became Akbar's treasurer and earned the title of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, meaning the Lord Treasurer. His daughter Nur Jahan later ended up marrying Akbar's son Jehangir. After Mirza's demise, Nur Jahan built the tomb in memory of her father. The monument is not just a single tomb but a mausoleum, as it also houses the tombs of Jehangir as well as a few other Mughal rulers.
This monument resembles the Taj Mahal, which is why it's also known as 'Bacha Taj' (meaning Baby Taj). Its artistic design is of such high quality that the many believe the Taj Mahal was actually inspired from its design. This monument is undoubtedly a symbol of magnificence, both artistically and historically.
View MoreSikandra is a suburban area in Agra district which is mostly famous as the location of Akbar's tomb. This monument is also made of red sandstone and white marble. In fact, red sandstone and white marble structures are commonly used in these monuments as they were a popular artistic choice for royal buildings in the Mughal era.
The tomb, like most buildings constructed by the Mughal dynasty, is a beautiful piece of art. But apart from the design and interiors, even the outer setting is amazing. There are gardens and parks which have many rabbits, peacocks, and deer roaming around. The gardens themselves are eye-catching and lovely. One of the best part of this attraction is that it's not as crowded as Taj Mahal even during peak seasons. As such, visitors can experience calmness and serenity when touring this monument.
View MoreFatehpur Sikri is a town in Agra that was the capital of Mughal empire from 14 years - from 1571 to 1585. Also named as "City of Victory" It is a very unique town that is located on the top of a rocky ridge. Fatehpur Sikri is a popular attraction for tourists as it is home to a number of amazing monuments from the Mughal era. FAtehpur Sikri is also declared as UNECSO World Heritage Sites in the year of 1986. Most of the monuments in Fatehpur Sikri were built during the 16th Century. However, many of those monuments were renovated by the British during the 19th century.
A few of the major attractions in Fatehpur Sikri are Jama Masjid, The Ibadat Khana, Hiran Minar, Panch Mahal, Birbal House, Diwan-i-am, Diwan-i-khas, Tomb of Salim Chisti, and Buland Darwaza.
View MoreThis historical monument was built in the year 1635. It serves as the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, who was a minister for Shah Jahan. The front area of the building is made up of glazed tiles. As glazed tiles were an artistic style of construction popular in China, so the Mughal rulers called them 'chini'. That is how this monument got its name as Chini Ka Rauza. Unlike many other Mughal era monuments, this structure is not as grand or lavishly built. However, its essence and beauty lies in its simple and plain design. The interiors also contain many intricate designs that are a treat to the senses. It is just one kilometre away from the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah.
View MoreThese are the five popular tourist attractions that are all close to the Taj Mahal. With some proper planning, all these monuments can be visited in a day or two. The Taj Mahal has received immense popularity, and rightly so. But these hidden treasures of the Mughal era are also worth touring. So if you're planning a trip to Agra anytime soon, make sure that you visit these beautiful monuments along with the Taj Mahal.
Enquire NowPackages | Destination | Details |
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1N / 2D Agra Trip from Delhi | Delhi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Delhi | More |
2N / 3D Agra Trip from Delhi | Delhi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Delhi | More |
3N / 4D Trip To Delhi & Agra | Delhi - Agra - Delhi | More |
1 Day Taj Mahal By Car | Delhi- Agra - Delhi | More |
1N / 2D Taj Mahal Trip from Goa | Goa - Delhi - Agra - Delhi - Goa | More |
1 Day Taj Mahal by Train from Delhi | Delhi - Agra - Delhi | More |
1N / 2D Taj Mahal Tour from Bangalore | Bangalore - Delhi - Agra – Delhi - Bangalore | More |
1N / 2D Taj Mahal Tour (Agra) from Mumbai | Mumbai – Delhi - Agra - Delhi - Mumbai | More |
1N / 2D Taj Mahal Tour (Agra) from Chennai | Chennai – Delhi – Agra - Delhi - Chennai | More |
1N / 2D Taj Mahal Trip from Goa | Goa - Delhi - Agra - Delhi - Goa | More |
1N / 2D Taj Mahal Trip from Hyderabad | Hyderabad - Delhi - Agra - Delhi - Hyderabad | More |
4N / 5D Delhi Agra Jaipur Trip | Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi | More |
8N / 9D Taj Mahal Delhi Jaipur Luxury Tour | Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jaipur - Samode - Delhi | More |
8N / 9D Taj Mahal with Varanasi | Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Varanasi - Delhi | More |
9N / 10D Spa Ayurveda and Taj Mahal Tour | Delhi - Agra - Rihikesh - Delhi | More |
10N / 11D Agra Rishikesh Haridwar | Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Haridwar - Rishikesh | More |
11N / 12D Taj Mahal & Tiger Tour | Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Umaria - Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi | More |
11N / 12D Buddhist Tours | Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Vaishali - Kushinagar - Lumbini - Kapilvastu - Sravasti - Balrampur - Lucknow - Delhi | More |
15N / 16D Taj Mahal Kashmir Ladakh, Srinagar | Delhi - Agra - Leh - Chumathang - Tsomoriri - Leh - Khardongla Pass - Leh - Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar | More |
19N / 20D North India with South India Tour | Delhi - Varanasi - Agra - Jaipur - - Udaipur - Ajanta - Ellora - Mumbai - Madurai - Trichy - Tanjore - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai | More |