Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah / Baby Taj Agra (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Built by & Information)

Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah / Baby Taj Agra Entry Tickets Prices

Tourist Type	Amount (Rs.)
Domestic/Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC country visitors	30
Foreign tourist	310
Entry Below (Children Below Age 15)	Free

---

Also referred to as “Baby Taj”, I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb Agra is a mausoleum of a minister in the Mughal court. I’timad-ud-Daulah (earlier known as Mir Gheyas Beg) was the father of Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir. And she got this tomb built.

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah in Agra stands gracefully amidst a Charbagh-style garden. The beautifully landscaped garden and intricate inlay work on marble captivate anyone who visits the place. If you’re in Agra, you must visit this one-of-a-kind structural landmark of the city.

It was the first tomb in India to be made entirely of marble. It marked the transition from the earlier Mughal establishments of red sandstone to full-fledged white marble marvels. It’s also considered to be an inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

While I’timad-ud-Daulah’s tomb may lack the magnificence of many Mughal-era structures, it’s proof of the artistic prowess of the time. It’s an embodiment of their lavish artistic sensibilities.

Where is the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah?

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is in the Moti Bagh area of Agra. It’s 6 km away from Taj Mahal, on the way to Mehtab Bagh. The mausoleum stands as a large jewel box along the banks of the Yamuna River, looking like a smaller replica of the Taj Mahal.

Image Gallery of Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah / Baby Taj Agra

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

History of I’timād-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

As per the legends, Mir Gheyas Beg (or Itimad-ud-Daulah) was a Persian nobleman. He was on his way to India with his wife, Asmat Begum, when they visited the court of Emperor Akbar.

After visiting Akbar, Mir Beg eventually joined the court. He rose through the ranks to become a minister of Akbar’s court and his trusted treasurer. Later, Jahangir bestowed him with the title of Itimad-ud-Daulah. Jahangir also married his daughter Nur Jahan.

Nur Jahan commissioned the construction of the mausoleum in his father’s memory in 1622. It took six years of labour to construct this Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. When it was ready in 1628, it became the first Mughal structure in India to be constructed entirely of white marble.

The tomb reflects the polished personality of Mir Gheyas Beg. It also shows the artistic abilities of Nur Jahan, who silently ruled the Mughal Empire from behind the curtain during her time.

Architecture of I’timād-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is in the center of a Charbagh-style garden. The white marble tomb is square in plan, with one turret in each corner. These turrets are crowned by domed kiosks known as chhatris.

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb architecture displays the Persian architectural influence on Islamic style. You’ll find floral, geometric and tree-like patterns throughout the building. The interior is made more appealing by using bold inlaid designs in white marble.

Each facade of the building has three arches. The central arch acts as the entrance, while the other two on the sides are closed by jaalis (latticework screens).

The interior is geometrically divided into nine chambers. The central one is the largest of all, holding the cenotaph of Itimad-ud-Daulah and his wife. Four corner chambers of the tomb building have tombstones of Nur Jahan’s other relatives.

The garden is divided into four parts by shallow water channels sunk in the middle of paved pathways. They’re covered with green grass, and each has a rectangular pool with a fountain.

Things to do at Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah

1. Visiting the tomb building – Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, even if lesser-known, is no less than other Mughal-era tombs in its beauty. The building doesn’t only have the cenotaph of Itimad-ud-Daulah but also his wife and other relatives of Nur Jahan. As you walk through the corridors, passing different chambers, it takes you back in time. There’s an ambiance of calm and introspection inside.

2. Marvelling at the architecture – The Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is a mark of a transitional phase in Mughal architecture. The interiors are adorned with intricate design works and semi-precious stone inlays on white marble. The balance between red sandstone and white marble shows how artistic the Mughals were. Each detail, from the archways to the garden layout, offers a glimpse into their vision.

3. Soaking in the serenity – Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb garden is a place of peace and tranquillity. It’s a beautiful garden covered with green grass and beds of vibrant flowers. Trees and shrubs are also planted on the land. Apart from the garden, you can also spend time at the Yamuna River gallery, from where you get a charming view of the river. Find a quiet corner and take a moment to reflect in this serene environment.

I’timād-ud-Daulah Tomb Timings and Entry Fees

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah in Agra is open throughout the year. You can visit it on any day you want. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb's opening time is from sunrise to sunset.

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb ticket price is ₹30 per person for Indian nationals and SAARC and BIMSTEC country visitors. For tourists from other countries, the entry fee is ₹310. Children below 15 years of age don’t need a ticket for entry.

Best time to visit Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah

You should visit the tomb in the winter season (between November and February). During the winter months, the weather in Agra is pleasant for exploration. Visit in the early morning hours, just after sunrise, for the best experience. Evening hours, during sunset, are also good.

Time to explore Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah

It takes an hour or two to explore Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. It contains cenotaphs of several people apart from Itimad-ud-Daulah (or Mir Geiyas Beg). You can explore the rooms and check out the captivating architecture or spend time by the river reflecting upon yourself.

How to reach I’timād-ud-Daulah’s Tomb?

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is close to the city center. It’s 8 km from Idgah bus stand and 9 km from Agra Cantt railway station. Its distance from Agra airport is 11 km. The nearest international airport is in Delhi (213 km away).

Now, here are the different ways to reach Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb –

By bus – Buses are available to take you to the tomb. The nearest bus stop is in Belanganj, 2 km away. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are available at the bus stop.

By auto/e-rickshaw – Auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws are easily available in the city. You can take one for your tomb visit.

By cab/taxi – A private cab or hired taxi is the most comfortable way to visit Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. They’re easily available from the top car rental companies in Agra. You can book one and explore the Tomb and other nearby tourist places.

---

Make the most of your Agra tour by booking a Agra tour package with us. At Agra Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, we offer a wide range of packages to suit a variety of clientele. To know more about us, please fill the Contact Us form.

Location Map for Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah / Baby Taj Agra