Will upload photo when get chance

AGRA

Home of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the abandoned capital of Fathepur Sikri.

Agra has been the poorest of all the places we have been to which makes you wonder where the money from tourism goes. Not that anyone would stay here more than a couple of days. To see the Taj Mahal in all its splendour then walk out of its complex into the litter lined streets, home of the stray dog, herd of cow and rubbish eating pigs is a sad reflection of a once great city.

The Taj Mahal is a magnificent structure constructed by Shan Jahan, the Mughal Emporer who built it for his 3rd wife who died shortly after giving birth to their 14th child. The Emporer is also buried here after dying under house arrest by his eldest son and heir who did not agree with his father's next project of building a similar structure but out of black marble for his own tomb as it would cut into his inheritance.

Agra Fort is the bigest and best example of a Mughal Fortress in Northern india. This is where the Emporer lived and you can catch a glimpse of the Taj Mahal from the balcony's of his palace. The room where the emporer was improsned has one of the best views of the mausoleum. The precious stones that once decorated the fort have now gone due tot tourists stealing them from its marbelled walls.

The ancient ruins of Fathepur Sikri again stand magnificent looking down on a modern day Agra and its hard to imagine the once grand, red coloured walls housing a royal court. Another Mughal Emporer lived here with his 3 wives, one of Hindu religion, 1 Muslim and 1 Catholic, oh and his 300 courtesans. This busy and obviously tired man even had his bedroom overlooking the ladies only swimming pool!!