TAJ MAHAL

Wonder of the World: To people the world over, the Taj Mahal, mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Shah Jana's chief wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is synonymous with India. Its curving, gently swelling dome and the square base upon which its rests so lightly is a familiar image from hundreds of brochures and travel books. The Taj is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular buildings of the world. Renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it counts among man's proudest creations and is invariably included in the list of the world's foremost wonders. As a tomb, it has no match upon earth, for mortal remains have never been housed in greater grandeur.

Lovers die, but love shall not and death shall have no dominion…

A commemoration of the memory of Shahjahan's beloved wife, Taj Mahal is indeed India's rich tribute to womanhood.

Fatehpur Sikri

This magnificent fortified city remained capital of the Mughals between 1571 and 1585 when Emperor Akbar was the emperor. Fatehpur Sikri is a day's visit from Agra.

The magnificent Durgah Mosque contains elements of Persian and Hindu designs and is believed to be an imitation of the mosque at Mecca. The entrance of the Mosque is through the opulent Buland Darwaza.

Fatehpur Shikri's beautiful mosque, known as Durgah Mosque, contains elements of Persian and Hindu design and is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca. The main entrance is through the impressive Buland Darwaza, the gate of victory. Outside the gateway is a deep well where local daredevils leap from the top of the entrance into the water. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble dargah or tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti. Akbar came to the saint four centuries ago to beget a son; childless women visit his tomb today too. I had basically gone for this reason as my sister Asha too had no child so I tied a thread at the jali - carved marble lattice screen. When the kids grew up I took them once again there and untied the rope with their hands.

Akbar used the eastern gate of the mosque, known as the Shahi Darwaza - King's gate.

Palace of Jodha Bai is to the northeast of the mosque and entrance to the old city. Jodha Bai was the Hindu wife. The architect is a blend of Hindu columns and Muslim cupolas. The Hawa Mahal - palace of the winds is a projecting room whose walls are made entirely of stone latticework. Palace of the Goan Christian wife MARYAM is close to the Jodha Bai Palace.

Then you have the Panch Mahal, five-storey palace used by the ladies of the court. The Treasury, known as Ankh Micholi (hide and seek) is where the treasury was kept. Diwan-I-Khas, the hall of private audience known as the jewel house is unique for its interior design. Diwan-I -Aam just inside the northeastern gate is the hall of Public Audience. Besides the Diwan-I-Aam is the Pachisi Courtyard, set out like a gigantic game board. It is said that Akbar played the game pachisi here using slave girls as the pieces.

Naubhat Khana, where musicians would play. The Diwan-Khana-I-Khas (Khwabgarh) was Akbar's own sleeping quarters. Beside the Khwabgarh is the tiny but elaborately carved Rumi Sultana or Turkish Queen's House. Then there is the Hathi Pol or elephant gate. There is also the Hakim's House and a fine hammam-or Turkish bath besides it.