Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh : One of the seven wonders of the world. Built of white marble by Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalize his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Construction time 1630 to 1648 AD.

Taj Mahal is a matchless white marble monument of beauty and eternal love designed by Iranian architect Istad Usa. Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor built this in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to complete this spectacular monument and 20 000 people were deployed to work on it. 1000 elephants transport the marble slabs to the site.

The emperor was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the great red fort for eight years but was buried in the Taj. During his imprisonment he had a view of the Taj. Like a jewel, the Taj sparkles in moonlight when the semi precious stones inlaid into the white marble on the main mausoleum catch the glow of the moon. It is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines.

Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh : At 53.5 m, it is the highest gateway in India. Built by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his conquest of Khandesh in Gujrat.

Salim Chisti's tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh (1572) : Built after Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti's death. Tomb venerated by Hindus and Muslims.

Bada Imambara , Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh : Asia's largest vaulted hall.

Photos of Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Bada Imambara