We woke at 5:30 to meet our guide in time to get to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Our tour guide from the day before at Agra Fort took us through explaining not only the history, but the architecture, materials, and construction of this magnificent building. (20,000 workers for 22 years!) Across the river is the site for the black matching Taj Mahal that was never built.

We returned to our hotel for breakfast, then left for Fatehpur Sikri, another fort complex on the way to Jaipur. Built by Mughal emperor Akbar, it served as the capital for only a few years (1571-1585) being abandoned when the well ran dry. A different tour guide, a beautiful place, but fanatic street vendors at the mosque. Note the interesting juxtaposition of the Star of David and the swastika. Both symbols predate and have nothing to do with the Jews or the Nazis.

More pix of Fatehpur Sikri…

Here are some random pix of a festival happening in Agra and from the road…

Study Questions:

1. Research the stories behind the Taj Mahal. How was it built? Why was it built? What happened to the builder?
2. Research the Mughal emperors. Why was Akbar akbar? Where was he before and after Fatehpur Sikri?