Itimad UD Daulah Trip

Location :
Itimad-ud-Daulah is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh in India. Agra is 204 km from Delhi, the capital city of India.

About the Itimad ud Daulah Tomb :

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is situated at Agra in Uttar Pradesh, India. 6 years before the Taj Mahal was built, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah was already standing majestically to inspire Shahjahan in building the most splendid tomb of the world - the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal or Taj Mahal. This mausoleum in a shape of silver jewel box in marble houses the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the father of the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan. After Noor Jahan married the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Mirza Ghiyas Beg was appointed the Lord Treasurer of the Empire or Itimad-ud-Daulah.

Arhitecture of Itimad ud Daulah Tomb :

The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah marked a significant departure from the Mughal style of architecture. It best exemplifies Islamic style of architecture. It is one of the first tombs to be built in marble. Built on the banks of River Yamuna, the designs and patterns of the mausoleum were later used in building the Taj Mahal. The Tomb has a Central Asian dome structure. The waterways and paths are laid out in a geometrical pattern- a feature also found in the Taj Mahal. Its paved pathways are flanked by lush green gardens. Inlaid semi-precious stones in pietra dura style were first used in the construction of the tomb, which is later used in the design of the Taj. The intricate carvings on the wall of the tomb include flowers, trees, fruit, animals and birds as well as wine jars and even people. The jali screens set in arched recesses and the four small minarets rise at the four corners of the small tomb structure are splendid. Due to the intricate carvings on the marble and marble screen work its gives an impression of a majestic and gallant object.

Climate :

In summer, between March and June, the temperature soars up to 45°C during the day. Dry, searing winds heat up the ground and make it difficult to venture outdoors. Light cottons are the best clothing, except in winter, when light woollens are required. The temperature is around 28°C during the day, but can go down to 4°C at night.

How to Reach :

Air : Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Eidgah bus stand. Major airlines operate daily tourist shuttle flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Banglore.
Rail : The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station that is well connected to Delhi, Varanasi and other cities of Utter Pradesh Rajasthan. Trains like Palace on Wheel, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express are the best choices if you want to reach Agra from Delhi.
Road : Many National Highways connect Agra to all major Indian cities. Express and A/C bus services are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gualior and Jhansi. 'Idgah' is the main bus terminal in Agra.

Best time to visit :

From November to February.