AGRA and FATEHPUR SIKRI

Agra was the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th and 17th centuries before it moved to Delhi . Today it is a bustling city of over a million inhabitants, with some superb monuments, especially of course the Taj Mahal. We arrived at Agra at midday after visiting Fatehpur Sikri in the morning. We had lunch and a swim at the Trident Hotel before visiting the Taj Mahal to see it as the sun went down. It was very expensive to get in (£20 each), but it was worth every rupee, even though the next day, when we went a second time, entry was free as it was a Friday. It was quite staggeringly beautiful.

	Agra street scenes
	An evening market and some children playing

Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571- 1585. It was built of local red sandstone by Akbar, but was abandoned after 14 years, perhaps because of shortage of water. A fascinating place to visit on our way from Bharatpur to Agra.

	Diwan-i-Khas and its pillar within
	Panch Mahal and the view into the valley
	Inside the Dargah Mosque
	and the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti
	a visitor in red and girls in pink climbimg steps up to the mosque

AGRA

  Agra was the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th and 17th centuries before it moved to Delhi . Today it is a bustling city of over a million inhabitants, with some superb monuments, especially of course the Taj Mahal. We arrived at Agra at midday after visiting Fatehpur Sikri in the morning. We had lunch and a swim at the Trident Hotel before visiting the Taj Mahal to see it as the sun went down. It was very expensive to get in (£20 each), but it was worth every rupee, even though the next day, when we went a second time, entry was free as it was a Friday. It was quite staggeringly beautiful.

	Agra street scenes

	Agra street scenes