The magic of new beginnings
Destination : Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Indian heritage has a special place for Mughal architecture. The Mughal dynasty was established after the victory of Babur at Panipat in 1526. During his five-year reign, Babur took considerable interest in erecting buildings, though few have survived. His grandson Akbar built widely, and the style developed vigorously during his reign. Among his accomplishments were Agra Fort, the fort-city of Fatehpur Sikri, and the Buland Darwaza. Akbar's son Jahangir commissioned the Shalimar Gardens in Kashmir. Mughal architecture reached its zenith during the reign of Shah Jahan, who constructed the Taj Mahal, the Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, and the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore. The end of his reign corresponded with the decline of Mughal architecture and the Empire itself. Bringing in visitors from around the world, the Mughals had built monuments of ostentatious designs, elaborate splendor and impressive stature. Indian architecture flourished under the Mughals, as most of them were great builders who appreciated art and creativity. In the 300 years of their rule, a number of forts, palaces, mosques, mausoleums, gardens tombs, were built across the country which became a defining moment of our culture.
When we think of a trip to India, the first name which tops the list is the Taj Mahal. One of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site the Taj Mahal has about 4 million visitors annually. Hence, when we decide to begin a journey, we want to begin with the best. Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful example of Mughal architecture. In the words of Tagore, the Taj Mahal rises above the banks of the river like a solitary tear suspended on the cheek of time. It is an embodiment of love, joy and embracing the loss of a loved one. One could say it was grief that built the Taj Mahal and it was sorrow that saw it through sixteen years till completion.
Agra is also famous for its local food. Mughlai cuisine is the trademark of Agra and has a variety of scrumptious dishes all flavored with dried nuts. A trip to Agra is always incomplete without Petha. The big burst of sugar in your mouth takes you back in time to the childhood days of your Dadi cooking the best sweets ever. Bhalla and other chat specialties make a colorful palate. Breads like Bedai, Bedmi puri, Paranthas all make great accompaniments to a gravy of the most satisfying meal you will ever have. For the art enthusiasts, Kinari Bazaar offers a good exhibit of the local handicrafts, jewelry, spices, fabrics, marble artefacts and of course snack stalls.
UP is also home to 2 other UNESCO heritage sites – the magnanimous Agra Fort and the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. A visit to both these places will take you back in time to the era when people lived their fairy tale dreams. There are also spiritual places like Banke Bihari & Iskcon Temple and wildlife sanctuaries like Bharatpur National Park around Agra which make the trip interesting for every kind of visitor.
Indian heritage has a special place for Mughal architecture. The Mughal dynasty was established after the victory of Babur at Panipat in 1526. During his five-year reign, Babur took considerable interest in erecting buildings, though few have survived. His grandson Akbar built widely, and the style developed vigorously during his reign. Among his accomplishments were Agra Fort, the fort-city of Fatehpur Sikri, and the Buland Darwaza. Akbar's son Jahangir commissioned the Shalimar Gardens in Kashmir. Mughal architecture reached its zenith during the reign of Shah Jahan, who constructed the Taj Mahal, the Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, and the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore. The end of his reign corresponded with the decline of Mughal architecture and the Empire itself. Bringing in visitors from around the world, the Mughals had built monuments of ostentatious designs, elaborate splendor and impressive stature. Indian architecture flourished under the Mughals, as most of them were great builders who appreciated art and creativity. In the 300 years of their rule, a number of forts, palaces, mosques, mausoleums, gardens tombs, were built across the country which became a defining moment of our culture.
When we think of a trip to India, the first name which tops the list is the Taj Mahal. One of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site the Taj Mahal has about 4 million visitors annually. Hence, when we decide to begin a journey, we want to begin with the best. Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful example of Mughal architecture. In the words of Tagore, the Taj Mahal rises above the banks of the river like a solitary tear suspended on the cheek of time. It is an embodiment of love, joy and embracing the loss of a loved one. One could say it was grief that built the Taj Mahal and it was sorrow that saw it through sixteen years till completion.
Built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his
beloved wife, Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal reflects the sky, so it is pinkish in the
morning, milky white in the evening and golden by moonlight. Legend has it, the
changing colors signify the changing moods of his wife. My personal favorite
time for visiting the monument is at night by the moonlight. It would be difficult
to walk away from the beauty of the site without a song in your heart.
The white-marbled colossal
structure built on the banks of River Yamuna, was completed in 22 years to
(1632-1653). The heritage monument which combines elements of Islamic, Turkish
and Persian architectural designs has created a truly ethereal vision. About 28
different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used for adorning the
Taj. The four minarets, if observed carefully are tilted outwards, to save the
main structure in case of a natural calamity. The calligraphy carved on the
walls are mostly taken from the holy book of Quran.
Agra is also famous for its local food. Mughlai cuisine is the trademark of Agra and has a variety of scrumptious dishes all flavored with dried nuts. A trip to Agra is always incomplete without Petha. The big burst of sugar in your mouth takes you back in time to the childhood days of your Dadi cooking the best sweets ever. Bhalla and other chat specialties make a colorful palate. Breads like Bedai, Bedmi puri, Paranthas all make great accompaniments to a gravy of the most satisfying meal you will ever have. For the art enthusiasts, Kinari Bazaar offers a good exhibit of the local handicrafts, jewelry, spices, fabrics, marble artefacts and of course snack stalls.
UP is also home to 2 other UNESCO heritage sites – the magnanimous Agra Fort and the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. A visit to both these places will take you back in time to the era when people lived their fairy tale dreams. There are also spiritual places like Banke Bihari & Iskcon Temple and wildlife sanctuaries like Bharatpur National Park around Agra which make the trip interesting for every kind of visitor.
Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow. The
more you explore the world, the more you fall in love with it. If you would
like to experience the real Agra with us reach out at (91)-9819524980 or heritagetrips18@gmail.com.
For details on other trips visit our website - www.heritagetrips.net.
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Don’t call it a dream,
call it a plan.
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