Things to do in Uttar pradesh

The Fort of Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a gigantic structure of the sixteenth century portraying brilliant Islamic architecture. The great Mughal Emperor Akbar was the creator of it. Shah Jahan, later on, utilized marbles to include more adornments to it. This huge monumental marvel stands on the bank of River Yamuna. It was built in 1565 - 1573 for Emperor Akbar. Till the year 1638, this fort served as the primary residence of the royal families of the Mughal dynasty. There were several underground sections of this Fort, which were obliterated by intruders including the British, Marathas, and the Jats. The British later on, stationed their forces inside this Fort. Even today, a major area of this colossal fort is strictly limited to the usage of armies.
The Pearl Mosque is said to be a significant aspect of this spot. However, it is not available for viewing for the travelers. The place on the right side of the mosque is an open area kept for the kings listening to their subjects. Also, located inside the fort is the Nagina Masjid or Jewel or Gem Mosque, which is a 17th-century creation along with the Meena Bazaar. From the hall, you can also see the Taj Mahal. On the outskirts of this fort, is an octagonal tower in which Shah Jahan was kept as a prisoner by his son.

The other places to visit here include Khas Mahal, Musamman Burj, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, and Moti Masjid. Jahangiri Mahal is also a major attraction, where you can discover many intriguing things including a dark stone bowl, which used to be the bathing place for the Mughal kings. This Fort, still today, proudly stands as an epitome of the golden Mughal Era.

Chini ka Rauza is a funerary monument in Agra having the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah. Famously known as scholar and poet, he was the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Built in 1635, the tomb faces the city of Mecca. People from different corners of the world visit the monument for its unusual architecture. The structure is plain having a sultanate style proportional dome. The fa�ade of the monument has glazed tile work, known as kashi or chini in Mughal era edifices.

The town of Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and it served as the capital of the Mughal Empire till 1610. The structures of the city are predominantly built in red sandstone. This palace city is surrounded by walls on three sides and a lake on the fourth side. The city is organized in the shape of a rhombus.
Though abandoned, and therefore, surrounded by an air of melancholy, Fatehpur Sikri yet proudly stands as a maiden showing off her beauty. When you tour around this city, if you can give wings to your imagination, you can witness history unfolding in front of your eyes as in this very courtyard of Akbar, Birbal won over everyone with his wits and Tansen displayed his musical skills.

Seikh Salim Chisti Dargah is the first name, which comes to the mind when one is paying a visit to Fatehpur Sikri. Buland Darwaza is another popular tourist destination of Fatehpur Sikri, which is the gate of Jama Masjid. It carries the inscription, which reads, The world is a bridge, pass over it but build no houses on it. After entering through the Buland Darwaza, you get to witness Jama Masjid, which is a congregational mosque. The unique feature of this mosque is the row of chhatri over the shrine. The next stops on the itinerary route are the Diwan- i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, which are respectively the hall of public and private audience, respectively. Other important tourist attractions here are Fatehpur Sikri Fort, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai's Palace, Birbal's House, Khwabagh, Hiran Minar, Naubat Khana, Samosa Mahal, Courtyard of Daulat Khana, etc.

Itmad-ud-Duala is considered the draft of the Taj Mahal and hence, is nicknamed as Baby Taj Mahal. It is also described as a jewel box as it is priceless in terms of architectural brilliance. It is one of the famous architectural structures built in the Mughal era. This marble structure was constructed by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The construction began in 1622 and lasted till 1628. The marble lattice structure forms the highlight of the monument.
The history of the tomb is engraved in a large stone, which has been preserved inside the monument. Four Persian styled gardens surround the mausoleum from all the four sides, thus forming a quadrangular shape. The floor of the structure has been constructed with hand cut marbles.
Once you enter the monument, you will be greeted with sights of sheer royalty and elegance. Colorful paintings line the walls of every chamber and corridor. Geometric patterns can be observed all throughout the structure. The use of the Islamic style of architecture is visible in the way arched entrances, intricate marble screen work, carved floral patterns, and octagonally shaped minarets have been used.
The tomb of Itma-ud-Daula is quite calm and peaceful. It depicts the Mughal architectural style in such a manner that a visit to this monument will render in you a feeling that you have taken a step back in time and traveled to that period when Agra was ruled by the Mughals.

Jahangir Palace, situated inside the Agra Fort complex, is one of the largest and popular visiting places in Agra. The palace was built by Mughal king Akbar for his favorite son Jahangir, and that is why this fort was named as Jahangir Palace. The style of the architecture of this palace is a unification of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles like the Gujarat-Malwa-Rajasthan style. The palace was structured in such a way that it could provide the best comfort and richness to the emperor, prince and their wives. The building was made of costly and high-quality white marble, stones, crossbeams, etc. The Khas Mahal, the internal beautiful part of this palace was made exclusively with white marble to keep the building cool in the hottest summer time. The Musamman Burj, an octadic tower is situated beside the Khas Mahal, where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan spent his last life as a prisoner for seven years. The prettiest and colorful part of this palace, designed in Hindu architectural style is the Shish Mahal (Glass Palace), used by the queens of the palace as a dressing room. Another popular part of this palace is Anguri Garden, built in the typical Mughal style, where the kings used to spend time for relaxation. Also, there is Hauz-i-Jahangir, a huge bowl situated in front of the palace made by a single stone, which was used to accommodate aromatic rose water. For visiting this beautiful historical palace, you have to buy entry tickets. Photography, videography, and footwear are allowed in the premises.

Taj Mahal, lying on the historic Agra city, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Emperor Shah Jahan, the Great Mughal ruler, built it as a remembrance for his beloved third spouse, Empress Mumtaz Mahal. This marvelous edifice was built way back in the 17th century and is amongst the best structures depicting Mughal architecture. It is also declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Numerous tourists from all over the world flock here to witness this amazing landmark and leave the place with awe. Shah Jahan believed that the Taj Mahal symbolized the tears that fell from the Sun's and Moon's eyes.
As per the Persian Language, the Taj Mahal represents the Crown of Castles. Uttar Pradesh is the land from where it ascends. Even the most imaginative and creative minded guests are left awe-struck after viewing this marvel. The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble acquired from Makrana in Rajasthan. This structure has some amazingly intricate work done in the interiors. At the interior portion of the Mahal, you will find water fountains, which make the landmark progressively astounding. The eccentric sight of the smooth flowing Yamuna River nearby, adds up to its magnificence.

Visitors can witness this marvelous spectacle during the evening on five days in a month. This program includes a full moon night as well as, nights before and after it. The timings are between 8:30 PM to 12:30 PM with a maximum of 400 people each night in eight groups of 50 people for 30 minutes each.

The Taj Nature Walk allows tourists to have a look at the lesser-known side of Agra. The tour lets people take a walk across the green belt area on the right bank of the river Yamuna. The 9 km long trail has grass mounds, watchtowers, etc. to admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal. The area is also abundant in flora and fauna, including as many as 46 varieties of flowers.

The Tomb of Akbar, also known as Sikandra Fort, is a very famous visiting place located in Sikandra, Agra. The Tomb, constructed in 1604 - 1613, is nearly 14 km away from the great Taj Mahal. According to the Mughal tradition, this magnificent tomb was designed by Emperor Akbar the great for himself before he expired, but after his death in 1613, Jahangir completed the rest of the construction work, covering the area of around 119 acres. The monument, resembling a pyramid, is a five-story building and was built of white marble with the high-quality red stone in the basement, where the actual tomb of Akbar lies. The architecture of this tomb is a combination of Indian and Persian styles, wherein some parts of the building like gardens, balcony, and entrance gate are influenced by the Islamic style of architecture. The false tomb is situated on the ground floor, whereas the main tomb is surrounded by a 105 sq. m wall made of glossy white marble, situated in the basement. The main building has four pyramid shaped pillars, made of red stone and white marble, which portray the splendid architecture of the Mughal and Islamic era. After Akbar's death, the tomb building was considered as a royal residence for Akbar's, Sahajahan's and Aurangzeb's families. After entering the building premises you will find a Garden, designed in Mughal style and you may be able to spot animals if you avoid the rainy season. The tourists are not allowed in the basement, where the main tomb is placed, because of the storage of many priceless and traditional ornaments, weapons, and historical assets. For visiting this famous place you have to buy entry tickets and pay charges for carrying cameras.