Agra was once the capital of the Mughal empire and the memories of that era still linger in the Mughal monuments. The architectural splendour of the forts, mausoleums and the palaces is the vivid reminder of the Mughal capital city. Agra is known for the beautiful Taj Mahal, but the city has several other grand monuments such as Agra Fort, Jami Masjid, Itmad-ud-daulah tomb and Akbar's Mausoleum.

Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is the most famous monument of Agra city. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal is an immortal work of art. The white marble edifice erected by the emperor on the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, is a grand tribute to love. The mausoleum built in the Indo-Persian style of architecture has been extolled by the world as the paragon of beauty. The beauty of Taj Mahal is multifaceted, the spectacle it unfolds on a fullmoon night is entirely different from that at the dawning of the day. Construction of the Taj commenced in 1632 and completed by 1654. Around 20,000 people worked for 22 years to complete the Taj Mahal. Expert craftsmen were from brought from parts of Asia and Europe.

Agra Fort
Agra Fort is located 2 kms north-west of the Taj Mahal. There are many fascinating building inside the fort complex like Jehangir's Palace, Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Octagonal Tower, Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jodha Bai's Palace, Anguri Bagh etc.

Jami Masjid
Jami Masjid is located near the Agra Fort on the way to Kinari Bazar. The mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1647 A.D. An inscription over the main gate of the mosque indicates that it was built in the name of Shah Jahan's daughter Jahan Ara.

Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb
Itmad-ud-daulah tomb is situated on the other side of the Yamuna river, about 6 kms from Taj Mahal and 1 km north-west of the Agra Fort. The tomb was built by Noor Jahan, wife of Emperor Jehangir, as a memorial of her parents Mirza Ghiyas Beg and his Begum. Built between 1622 and 1628, the tomb also has the distinction of being the first marble building built by any Mughal king. This Indo-Islamic style building is two storeyed and has four octagonal minars on the four corners. The mausoleum is small but many of its design elements foreshadow the Taj Mahal.

Chini - Ka- Rauza
The Chini-Ka-Rauza is 1 km north of the Itmad-ud-daulah. This is the tomb of Shah Jahan's chief minister Afzal Khan and his wife. The square shape tomb is surmounted by a huge tomb and its walls are paved with multi-coloured enamelled tiles (Chini) in the Persian style. It was built by Afzal Khan in his own life time who died in Lahore in 1639.

Ram Bagh
Further 2 km north of Chini-ka-Rouza is the Ram Bagh garden. Constructed in 1528 by Mughal Emperor Babar, the garden is the earliest Mughal garden. It is said that Babar had a temporary buried here before being finally interred at Kabul in Afghanistan. Ram Bagh is a favourite haunt for the local people as well as tourists.

Akbar's MausoleumAkbar's Mausoleum is located 10 kms to the North-west of the Taj Mahal. The tomb is situated in the centre of a large garden and four identical red sandstone gates. Akbar himself started the construction of his tomb but it was completed by his son Jehangir in 1613. Akbar's Mausoleum is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles.

Mariam Tomb
Mariam Tomb is the tomb of Akbar's Goanese queen. The tomb is situated 13 kms away from the city on the Agra- New Delhi highway. Built in 1611, the red sandstone tomb is decorated by excellent carvings.