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Agra lies on the banks of the Yamuna River in India. This medieval city was found by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in the year 1506 and had achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658. It is a major tourist destination today and tourists from all over India and the world come here to admire the fascinating architectures here. Some of the splendid Mughal era buildings include Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri , all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Mariyam's Tomb is also an important tourist attraction in Agra. Mariyam's Tomb, Agra is a unique tomb which was built out of red sandstone. The tomb was completed in 1611 AD in the memory of Akbar's Christian wife from Goa, Mariyam. This beautiful structure is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. There are numerous other places of interest besides the Mariyam's Tomb in Agra. The Taj Mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the World and on the World Heritage list tops the list. This ‘tender elegy in marble' built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as the final resting place for his beloved Queen, Mumtaz Mahal. It is done in white marble and took over 22 years to complete. More than 20000 workers toiled day and night to complete this magnificent structure. The main structure is set amidst landscaped gardens. While on three sides it is surrounded by high walls, the rear is bound by the river Yamuna. The Jama Masjid is another popular attraction, with a rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648 AD by Shahjahan's daughter, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh Salim Chishti and his grandson Islam Khan. The assimilation of Iranian architecture is a feature of the Jama Masjid. Other places of interest include the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and much more.
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