The Great Mughal Emperors and their patronage

The Mughal period was an age of thought and renaissance. Though the features of the Sultanate architecture remained Persian in style, but the Mughal Emperors gave a new direction and dimension to the architecture. Except Aurangzeb all the emperors were great builders.
Babur invited the disciples of the famous Albanian architect, Sinan to India to build mosques from Constantinople. He built many mosques in Agra. The Kabuli mosque of Panipat still reminds us of Babur's contribution in the field of architecture.
He was very much interested in planting the gardens too. He built the Aaram Bagh in Agra where he used to rest. He was also buried here. The Mughals also planted the Nishant Bagh of Kashmir, Shalimar Bagh at Lahore and Pinjor Bagh at Punjab, which are still famous for their beauty.
In Humayun's buildings, the ornamentation was of Iranian design. For some years Sher Shah ruled in India and he too gave a new direction to the architecture. The Old fort in Delhi was built by him and it is a legacy of art. Constructed in 1545 the Qila-i-Kunha mosque is one of the best specimens of architecture. The mosque of Sher Shah at Sahasram is a milestone and on its basis Humayun's Tomb of Delhi and Taj Mahal in Agra was built that calls for a perfect Taj Mahal Tours in India.
As Akbar became the emperor there was enormous development in architecture. Akbar had lot of resources and enough time to build on a large scale. He built many buildings with guests houses, sarais, Minarets schools and tanks. His forts at Lahore, Agra and Allahabad are still famous. His architecture reflected Iranian, Rajasthani and Turkish influences. Some of his great works that's still stands proudly are Fatehpur Sikri, Panchmahal, the palace of Jodha Bai, Diwan-i-am, Diwan-i-Khas and Buland Darwaza.
During Jahangir's time, to adorn the buildings, the pietra dura was adopted. The Jahangir Mahal in Agra fort is a great achievement of this period.
Shah Jahan's period is called the "Golden Age of Architecture". Among the many buildings built by him the Taj Mahal well reflected the synthesis of different architectures that Mughals adopted. The specialty of the Taj Mahal is the big white double dome and four long minarets on four corners. The ornamentation is lesser but its beauty is matchless.
The splendor and greatness of the Taj Mahal can be witnesses by many ways. You can either opt for same day Taj Mahal Tour or go for a 3 day all time favorite Golden Triangle tour.
Whether you choose any the Taj Mahal tour matches its glamour.

About the Author

Author is an eminent and experienced Content Writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. he has written several articles on India Tour Packages, wildlife tours and Indian Maharaja etc. Currently, he is rendering service for Go Heritage India Journeys

A Brief Brochure on Taj Mahal Tours

One of the Seven Wonders of the World is located in the city of romance Agra, in northern part of Uttar Pradesh, which is easily accessible from all parts of India. Taj Mahal is situated between the gardens on the bank of River Yamuna. It is massive complex, which includes mosque, a guesthouse and the mausoleum, housing both the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. Moreover, the four waterways divide the gardens enhancing the beauty of Taj.
Best Time to Visit Taj Mahal-
Although, you can visit the edifice in any month of the year, however, the best time depends on the weather of Agra that is winter season (October-March). No matter you have seen the Taj Mahal Tours for 10 times but still when you return back 11th time you will find it breathtaking as it has always been. In addition to this, you can experience different aura to it at different times, like, seeing it early in the morning will come up with a pinkish glow and as the day passes it turns into milky white. But the most breathtaking view of the monument is under moon light, which is beyond explanation. You can capture all this with same day Taj Mahal Tour also.
Timings-
You can visit taj between 6:00 am to7:30 pm except Friday, although, the people who have to go for afternoon prayers (namaaz) can enter it on Fridays as well. These timings have been set by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The entry fee for foreigners is Rs. 970 whereas for Indian nationalist it is Rs. 20 during day time and Rs. 110 at the time of sunrise and sunsets.
How to Reach-
Taj Mahal in Agra is approx 204 km to the south of Delhi. However you can reach their by any mean but air is the fastest mode of transport. The city has its own airport around 7 Km from the city center. You can also travel via trains like Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express. Other than this you can also reach the place via road by hiring buses or taxis.
Other Attractions-
Most of you must be thinking that what all to watch in the city other than Taj Mahal. Not to worry as the city boasts of a number of monuments that is quite magnificent such as Agra Fort, Akbar's Tomb, Fatehpuri Sikri, Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb and many more nearby.

About the Author

Author is an eminent and experienced Content Writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. he has written several articles on India Tour Packages, Chardham Yatra andBadrinath etc. Currently, she is rendering service for Go Heritage India Journeys.