If you could devote a day or two (the trip can span even more), the city of Agra has a great deal to offer to its guests. Though the chimerical Taj Mahal is the piece de resistance here, the city has a fascinating fort, tombs and gardens. However lesser known sites these gardens and tombs may be, there exists among these a historical link that can never ever be underrated. And which is more, the city is all popular for its extensive leather industry that produces a number of designer and local items to load your bags while you say good bye to this city that stands for the whole of India.


Begin your day with an eye feasting of the Taj Mahal as it catches the rays of the morning sun, setting forth an aura of mystique all around it. As you become cognizant of the amazing history that the Taj is ready to unfold and delve deep into what gave rise to such an extravagant expression of love, you actually come to know, experience and appreciate the magnificent edifice. The exquisite beauty of Queen Mumtaz Mahal has perhaps found its expression in every minute work of art that embellishes the Taj. And if you have a heart that can feel and eyes that can see, you will observe the wild passion of the king that lies behind.

Moving away a distance of 2½ km from the Taj Mahal gets you to the Tomb of Itimadu-ud-Daulah. Here lies buried Mirza Ghyas Beg and his wife Asmat Begum who were the parents of Mughal emperor Jahangir's queen Noor Jahan. If someone calls it a lesser known monument in Agra, never ever agree with him. For, history of Agra cannot come full circle if you miss a single monument or historical site in the city. There's much history that you can indulge in here. Find out why it is called the 'Baby Taj'.

Less than 2 km from the Taj Mahal is the imposing Agra Fort that reminds you of the architectural capabilities of the Mughal emperor Akbar the Great. And as you step into the fort through the grand gateway called Delhi Gate, you come to see the grand courtyard, the Hall of Public Audience, the Hall of Private Audience, the Khas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal. It was customary with the Mughal kings to build mosques the forts, you will also observe the Nagina Masjid and the Meena Masjid which were only meant for the royal families.

At a distance of 3 km from the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is the landscaped Ram Bagh Gardens. Greatly influenced by the Persian background, the Mughal emperors in India made up their mind to create such wonderful gardens. The garden was a brainchild of the Mughal emperor Babu, however, additions were made by queen Noor Jahan. The Mughals have the credit of creating splendid gardens all over the country. These wonderfully laid out gardens came into existence as they envisaged the Paradise that the pious Muslims will be presented with when they leave for their final abode.

A visit to the tomb of the prime minister of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan could also be of interest to you. If so, you should head straight to Chini Ka Rauza, that is positioned 1 km north of Itimadu-ud-Daulah's Tomb. Here, you find entombed Allama Afzal Khan Mulla of Shiraz who was also a renowned poet and scholar.

While taking a peep into the brilliant past of the Mughals, you can never leave behind the very historical Sikandra, where the Akbar the Great lies buried. As you enter the premises, notice if the arched gateway has any similarity with the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri. Observe beautiful calligraphy, elegant paintings and the overall architecture of the structure.

You can also choose to make a trip to Fatehpur Sikri that has been many a time called the deserted or the ghost city. Though built by Mughal emperor Akbar, it was forsaken after the emperor's death due to inadequate supply of water. It is the place where Akbar's wife Jodhabai was blessed with a son. So, a visit to the tomb of the Shaikh Salim Chishti who blessed the queen becomes mandatory. Fatehpur Sikri symbolises a phenomenal blend of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. The Panch Mahal, the Buland Darwaza and the Jama Masjid are famous sites to see here.

Leaving the city without picking some interesting souvenirs is almost blasphemous. So, be ready to start on a shopping spree through the popular marketplaces of Agra. Shopping in Agra was a favourite pastime with the Mughal kings and it can be so with you too. Marble work, leather work, brassware, textiles are other works of art and craft abound in the markets of Agra. Shop for shoes, bags, belts, rugs, carpets and other items at Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road.