Love Agra? Check Out These 7 Places To Relive The Mughal Era

Delhi, how do I even start? In my heart, it'd forever be Dilli. And while this city is now looked at as a highly-modern, anti-cultural (minus the lanes of Chandni Chowk), and everything cool, deep down, it will always be Shahjahanabad, the creation and abode of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The Mughal era can be seen in every corner, from the Red Fort and Humayun Tomb to Jama Masjid and Qutub Minar. What sits side by side with these wonders are the buzzing markets, the narrow alleys of Old Delhi, which would take you back in history.

Key Sites: Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid

Best Time To Visit: October to March

Entry Fees (approx.): Starts at INR 35 for Indians and INR 550 for foreigners 

Major Attractions: Qutub Minar, India Gate, Lotus Temple

Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Pro-Tip: 10 Monuments You Must Visit On Your Delhi Darshan

Ajmer in Rajasthan is where you will find the spiritual significance of the Mughal times. All the Mughals, including Akbar, valued this city, mainly because it houses the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The Dargah has the tomb of the Sufi saint, Muslim Sufi saint Garib Nawaz, making it a cultural landmark that can't be missed. It's peaceful, it's historic, and adding to its beauty is the Ana Sagar Lake. To make your visit more vibrant and culturally driven, head to Pushkar (~ 38 minutes away), especially during the Camel Fair. 

Key Sites: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Taragarh Fort

Best Time To Visit: October to March

Entry Fees: No entry fee to visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah, INR 25 (Indians) and INR 100 (foreigners) for Taragarh Fort 

Major Attractions: Ana Sagar Lake, Nasiyan Jain Temple

Nearest Railway Station: Ajmer Junction

Nearest Airport: Kishangarh Airport (KQH)

Pro-Tip: Top Attractions In The City Of Ajmer

Srinagar was a summer resort of the Mughals, and it still stands tall as one of the most go-to vacation spots. And why wouldn't it? It looks straight out of a painting; everything is so symmetrically architectured, there are fountains and flowers in every corner, and of course, the peaceful Dal Lake with floating houseboats that make the city ten thousand times more heavenly. The Mughal horticulture can be clearly seen in Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. Adding to the feel are the local markets with Kashmiri crafts and spices, making the city a whole lot vibrant.

Key Sites: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi

Best Time To Visit: April to October

Entry Fees (approx.): Starts at INR 20 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners 

Major Attractions: Dal Lake, Hazratbal Shrine

Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport (SXR) 

Pro-Tip: 10 Stunning Places To See In Srinagar

The name itself is proof that Aurangzeb played a crucial role in shaping Aurangabad into what it now is. This is where you can step into history without facing the issue of overcrowding, as the footfall is something that you can easily bear. The major highlight is Bibi Ka Maqbara, also known as the Taj of the Deccan or Mini Taj Mahal. Also, the City of Gates is a gateway to the famous, rock-cut Ajanta and Ellora Caves. 

Key Sites: Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort

Best Time To Visit: November to February

Entry Fees (approx.): Starts at INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners 

Major Attractions: Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (IXU)

Fatehpur Sikri, which was the Mughal Capital for a while, was the first planned city commissioned by the emperor Akbar. Just an hour away from the Taj Mahal, what interests me about it is how museum-like the city looks. Every building, like the red sandstone Palace of Jodha Bai, has a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. There are courtyards that look like they are still frozen in time, refusing to abandon history, which, is gold for any tourist looking for some cultural influence in today's world!

Key Sites: Buland Darwaza, Diwan-i-Khas, Jama Masjid

Best Time To Visit: October to March

Entry Fees (approx.): INR 50 for Indians and INR 610 for foreigners 

Major Attractions: Salim Chishti’s Tomb

Nearest Railway Station: Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Agra Airport (AGR)

The grandeur of Gwalior knows no bounds, still. I mean, the Gwalior Fort was called "the pearl amongst fortresses of Hind" by Mughal Emperor Babur, so who are we to question its beauty? The entire city is strategically centred around this hilltop fort and is a city with not just Mughal but also Rajput influence. There are palaces, mosques, and tombs, along with vibrant bazaars, to make the city a must-visit for history and non-history buffs alike. 

Key Sites: Gwalior Fort, Tomb of Tansen

Best Time To Visit: October to March

Entry Fees (approx.): INR 30 for Indians and INR 250 for foreigners 

Major Attractions: Jai Vilas Palace, Sun Temple

Nearest Railway Station: Gwalior Junction

Nearest Airport: Gwalior Airport (GWL)

While Jaipur didn't have a direct influence of the Mughal era, you can see the historical significance in the Mughal-Rajput hybrid when it comes to palaces and forts, like the City Palace, Jal Mahal,  and especially Amber Fort. The "Pink City" is colourful, full of culture and tradition, and is a perfect place to channel your desi diva energy in full force. Plus, I 100% vouch for Rajasthani delicacies and street food, especially Pyaaz Kachori and Chana Jor Garam.

Key Sites: Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, City Palace

Best Time To Visit: October to March

Entry Fees (approx.): Starts at INR 50 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners 

Major Attractions: Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar

Nearest Railway Station: Jaipur Junction

Nearest Airport: Jaipur Airport (JAI)

Pro-Tip: Your Guide To An Awesome Day In Jaipur