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Sikandra, Tomb of Akba

Though in the city of Agra it is the Taj Mahal that attracts the most attraction from the world over the city has much more to offer. Once you are at Agra you will be amazed at the architectural heritage of the city. The Taj Mahal for sure is the feather in the cap of the city but the other must visit includes the tomb of Akbar at Sikandra.

Akbar himself started the construction of the majestic monument though his son Jehangir completed it. Akbar had started the construction of the monument in the style started by his ancestor Timur. Though Jehangir did not like the style much and he designed the structure again. The drastic changes made at the design level of the monument made it to turn out well but at the same time it does not reveal the best balance between style and concept. Nearby is the tomb of mariam Zamani Jehangir's mother in red sandstone. The monument is enclosed in the gorgeous green gardens. You will come across this large walled garden on your way to Delhi. The entry to the monument is through a gigantic gateway called the Buland Darwaza.

The gateway has been inspired by the gateway constructed in Fatehpur Sikri after the successful invasion of Gujarat by Akbar. The gateway of Sikandra has been beautifully done with huge mosaic patterns on it. The decoration has been done with the proper use of the white and the colored marbles. The mosaics follow the floral and geometrical styles. To add to the elegance of the structure the four minarets have been made in the wondrous white marble. These minarets on the spectacular gateway appear remarkable with the use of the white marble on the red sandstone. The calligraphy of the kind was done for the very first time is a perfect example of grandeur. Till date the splendor of the calligraphy may be felt. The tomb lies in the center of the garden that has been constructed following the char bagh style. It is noteworthy that even the architecture of Taj Mahal follows the char bagh style. You will reach the emperor's tomb a pyramidal structure after walking through the char baghs. There is an open terrace atop the tomb. The terrace is enclosed within huge panels of jail screens. It has a replica of the sarcophagus. The real tomb of the great emperor Akbar lies in the basement. The basement of the monument may be reached from a portico. You will find the portico stunningly beautiful with the stucco paintings. The paintings with the floral designs in gold, blue, and green carry the flavor of Persia. These are the best pieces of work seen on any of the Mughal buildings. Amongst the many examples of the excellence of the Mughal architecture Sikandra has a place of its own. Though the crowning dome is missing the monument on the whole is amongst the most marvelous works of the Mughals.

The marvelous monument may be easily accessed in Agra. The city of Agra is well connected with other major cities like Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi through rail and road. When in Agra you may opt for a taxi, tempo, local bus or an auto rickshaw to reach Sikandra. The monument is well within the city limits in the west. Travelers to the land may even avail the facilities of the prepaid transport for visiting Sikandra.