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John Hessing's Tomb: The Red Taj of Agra

Discover Agra's hidden gem: The Red Taj Mahal, a serene 19th-century tomb with Mughal-European architecture, honoring a Dutch Colonel.

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John Hessing's Tomb, also known as the 'Red Taj Mahal,' is a 19th-century mausoleum in Agra built in memory of Colonel John William Hessing, a Dutch military officer who served the Maratha Empire. Constructed by his wife, Anne Hessing, the tomb is a smaller-scale replica of the Taj Mahal, built with red sandstone. Located in a quiet corner of a Catholic cemetery, it offers a serene and historically intriguing experience.

A brief summary to John Hessing's Tomb (The Red Taj Mahal)

  • 125, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Agra, Kripal Colony, Sanjay Nagar, Pashupati Colony, Civil Lines, Uttar Pradesh, 282002, IN

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photographs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery grounds require some walking.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the tomb and the cemetery.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as the cemetery may have specific timings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Agra Fort, exit and head east towards Mahatma Gandhi Road. Turn left onto Mahatma Gandhi Road and walk approximately 1.5 kilometers. Look for Kripal Colony; the tomb is at 125, Mahatma Gandhi Rd. There are no entrance fees for the tomb, but cemetery is often closed and that there are no official timings listed.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus heading towards Civil Lines. Alight at Kripal Colony and walk south on Mahatma Gandhi Road for about 500 meters. The tomb is located at 125, Mahatma Gandhi Rd. Bus fares in Agra typically range from ₹10 to ₹20.

  • Taxi/Auto-Rickshaw

    From the Taj Mahal, hire an auto-rickshaw to John Hessing's Tomb, 125, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Kripal Colony. The ride should take 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a typical auto-rickshaw ride in Agra costs ₹50-₹150.

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Discover more about John Hessing's Tomb (The Red Taj Mahal)

Nestled within the Padretola, or Padresanto, Roman Catholic Cemetery in Agra, John Hessing's Tomb, often called the 'Red Taj Mahal,' presents a unique blend of Mughal and European influences. This lesser-known monument was commissioned by Anne Hessing in 1803 as a memorial to her husband, Colonel John William Hessing, a Dutch military officer who served in the Maratha Empire. John Hessing, born in Utrecht in 1739, had a long and varied military career before becoming Commandant of Agra Fort. He died in 1803 while defending the fort against the British. His widow, Anne, deeply affected by his death, built this tomb in his memory. The tomb's design reflects the late Mughal style, using red sandstone instead of the white marble of the Taj Mahal. The structure includes a square platform with octagonal platforms at each corner, iwans on each side, and a double dome with an inverted lotus and kalash finial. The interior features a central chamber with a stone cenotaph bearing inscriptions in English. The surrounding gardens add to the peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection. The cemetery itself dates back to the 16th century and contains graves of various nationalities, offering a glimpse into Agra's diverse history. Visiting John Hessing's Tomb provides a unique opportunity to explore a lesser-known historical site and appreciate the architectural heritage of Agra, away from the crowds of the more famous Taj Mahal.

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