Akbar was a Mughal emperor who was also a great connoisseur of the arts. He had many works of archi- tecture constructed, all incorporating various styles into their designs. The emperor began construction on his tomb in Sikandra, near Agra, in 1605. The building was completed by his son, who finished the structure using designs and methods not originally intended, like leaving out a crowning dome. The tomb of Akbar is an arcuate structure built from red sandstone and white marble. On each of its four sides, the grand portals are inlayed with complex mosaics.

Location
The small town of Sikandra is 4 km from Agra and is located to the west of the city. It can be easily reached from Agra. The city of Agra is well connected by air with Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Delhi. It has good rail and bus connections with major Indian cities. To reach the monument, one can either use taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw, or local buses. Travelers can also avail of the prepaid transport for excursions in and around the city limits, including Sikandra.

History
Akbar himself started the construction of the majestic monument though his son Jehangir completed it. Akbar had started the construction of the monument in the style started by his ancestor Timur. Though Jehangir did not like the style much and he designed the structure again. The drastic changes made at the design level of the monument made it to turn out well but at the same time it does not reveal the best balance between style and concept. Nearby is the tomb of mariam Zamani Jehangir's mother in red sandstone. The monument is enclosed in the gorgeous green gardens. You will come across this large walled garden on your way to Delhi. The entry to the monument is through a gigantic gateway called the Buland Darwaza. The gateway has been inspired by the gateway constructed in Fatehpur Sikri after the successful invasion of Gujarat by Akbar. The gateway of Sikandra has been beautifully done with huge mosaic patterns on it. The decoration has been done with the proper use of the white and the colored marbles. The mosaics follow the floral and geometrical styles. To add to the elegance of the structure the four minarets have been made in the wondrous white marble. These minarets on the spectacular gateway appear remarkable with the use of the white marble on the red sandstone. The calligraphy of the kind was done for the very first time is a perfect example of grandeur. Till date the splendor of the calligraphy may be felt. The tomb lies in the center of the garden that has been constructed following the char bagh style. It is noteworthy that even the architecture of Taj Mahal follows the char bagh style. You will reach the emperor's tomb a pyramidal structure after walking through the char baghs. There is an open terrace atop the tomb. The terrace is enclosed within huge panels of jail screens. It has a replica of the sarcophagus. The real tomb of the great emperor Akbar lies in the basement. The basement of the monument may be reached from a portico. You will find the portico stunningly beautiful with the stucco paintings. The paintings with the floral designs in gold, blue, and green carry the flavor of Persia. These are the best pieces of work seen on any of the Mughal buildings. Amongst the many examples of the excellence of the Mughal architecture Sikandra has a place of its own. Though the crowning dome is missing the monument on the whole is amongst the most marvelous works of the Mughals.