Agra was the imperial capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries and therefore has palaces, tombs, forts and gardens. The Taj Mahal has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world. I have seen a number of the wonders of world from the Great Wall of China, to the pyramids in Egypt, the Parthenon in Athens, Machu Picchu in Peru to the Coliseum and Forum in Rome, but I think I was more moved by seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise than any of these others. It is really spectacular and much more impressive close up. It took 22 years to complete and commemorates both the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, and his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 1653. There is the impressive Lotus pool leading up to the Taj, a beautiful tomb chamber, filigree marble screen carved from a single block of marble, wonderful calligraphic panels of Koranic verses above the arches and a beautiful Pietra Dura. This name for the marble facade is not all white, but has intricately carved floral designs inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones. It is really amazing to see it close up.
The decorative elements, in addition to the pietra dura, include carved relief work of flowering plants, foliage and vases found on the lower portions of the walls, and beautifully inlaid calligraphy. There is also a three-domed mosque to the west of the Taj Mahal.
