Founded as capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, this industrial city on the Yamuna River has more than its fair share of lavish buildings. For over a century, the Mughals constructed opulent forts, palaces and mausoleums here, culminating in possibly the world’s most famous structure – the Taj Mahal.

See:

• Taj Mahal – Emperor Shah Jahan’s domed memorial for his second wife took 20,000 people over 20 years to build. The results are, in a word, spectacular. Constructed from semi-transparent white marble and intricately decorated with carved flowers and thousands of coloured semi-precious stones, the Taj is a wonder that must be seen to be believed.
• Akbar’s Tomb – This memorial to the famous Mughal ruler is constructed from red sandstone and inlaid with geometric designs in white marble. The tomb is surrounded by a beautiful garden where you can spot deer, monkeys and peacocks.
• Agra Fort – Emperor Akbar’s enormous sandstone structure seems more like an ancient city than a mere fort. Marble palaces, exquisite mosques, halls, courtyards and gardens are laid out inside the citadel’s double walls, which also provide a nice view over the river towards the Taj Mahal.
• Itimad-ud-Daulah– This nobleman’s tomb, known affectionately as the ‘Baby Taj’, shares many design elements with its big brother.

Experience:

• The Mehtab Bagh Gardens – A Persian-style park on the riverbank, which provides a lovely view of the back of the Taj – minus the crowds. Wallowing buffalos and water birds add to the peaceful atmosphere.
• Taj by Moonlight – If you’re in Agra around the full moon, head to one of the many rooftop restaurants for the ultimate romantic dinner. Watching the Taj Mahal’s marble domes gleaming in the moonlight is something you will never forget.

Secrets of the City:

• Chini-Ka-Rauza – This little-known mausoleum for a Mughal poet features colourful glazed tiles, painted floral designs and fantastic views.
• Pumpkin Sweets – A local speciality of Agra is petha – a soft, square sweet made of pumpkin, sugar syrup and rosewater.