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Four
kilometers from Agra
is the mausoleum of Akbar. Construction of this beautiful monument was
started by Akbar himself. This structure is a perfect blend of Hindu,
Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. But Akbar died before his
mausoleum could be completed and his son Jehangir completed it.
Jehangir made many modifications in the original plan of the building.
The structure gives an excellent idea as to how the Moghal art was
developing. From the Humayun's tomb in Delhi to Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra
finally to the Taj Mahal.
Sikandra is named after Sikander Lodhi. The tomb has
three-storey-minarets on its four corners. These minarets are built in red
sandstone with stunning inlay work of marble.
And of course langur monkeys wait on the walkways to be fed. The
mausoleum is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The Baradi palace in the
gardens was built by Sikander Lodhi. On the road from Sikandra to Agra are
several tombs and two 'Kos Minars' or mile stones.
The Mausoleum
A broad paved causeaway leads to the tomb, which has five storeys and is
in the shape of a truncated pyramid. The main tomb has a unique square
design which is unparalleled by all other Mughal buildings.
Ground Floor 
The
ground floor has spacious cloisters on all the four sides except in the
middle of the southern side. The cloisters are divided by the numerous
bays by massive piers and arches. Each bay measures 22 feet square. A
vestibule, which has been ornamented very profusely with exquisite
carvings, occupies the centre of the southern side, aritstic paintings and
inlay work in geometric and floral designs.the tombstone of Akbar is
placed in the middle of this room. Akbar's daughters, Shakrul Nisha Begum
and Aram Bano are also entombed in this floor.
Second Storey
The second storey has an arcaded verandah on each side, which is composed
of 23 bays. The use of an ornamental arch and square pillar has brought
about a unique composition.
Third And Fourth Storeys
These storeys are smaller in size than the ones below it. They have an
identical arrangement of arches supported on pillars and chhatris attached
on he exterior to each facade.
Fifth Storey
The fifth storey is entirely in white marble as against the lower
storeys, which are finished in red stone.
TIMINGS & ENTRY FEES
Foreigners: Rs 245/-
Indians: INR Rs 10/-
Open on all Week Days.