Location: 6Km from the city center towards the Southern edge of the city
Located on the banks of the still river Yamuna, the Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, as the final resting place of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took a little over 22 years to be completed(1630 -52). A Persian architect, Ustad Isa along with almost 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers are given the credit of having designed this masterpiece.
The structural pattern of Taj reflects a distinct amalgamation of Islamic, Turkish, Persian and Indian style of structure. It is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque and several other palatial buildings. Notice the red sandstone gate that will escort you to Taj. It has sacred scriptures of Koran inscribed all over it. There are four minarets that add further splendour to the Taj. The cenotaphs of the Emperor and his queen lie just below the central Tomb under the canopy of semi-precious stones. It is here that they lie- united in life and death

Location: Near Taj Mahal on the left bank of the river Yamuna
Itmad-Ud-Daulah (‘pillar of the State’) is a title that was conferred upon the father of Noor Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. This tomb, built in the memory of this selfless server of the state, was commissioned by Noor Jahan. It appears in the middle of the famous and well-known Persian Gardens on the bank of the river Yamuna. The structure is fully done up in yellow marble with beautiful black and white inlay work. Being a precursor to the grand Taj, this monument is also often referred to as ‘Baby Taj’ or ‘Jewel Box’.

Location: 2.5 Km North west to Taj Mahal.
If you are looking for a fitting start to explore the city of Agra, the Agra Fort can be a good point of commencement. Built of red sandstone, this mammoth structure will surely remind you of the Red Fort in Delhi.
The Agra Fort has a number of sub- structures and was commissioned by Emperor Akbar in 1565A.D.
Nagin Masjid: This mosque, built inside the premises of the Agra Fort encases one of the most ornamented prayer halls in the city. Also known as the Jewel Mosque, this magnificent structure was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan to enable the royal ladies to have recreation and buy baubles from the famous Mina Bazar that could be accessed from the balcony of the Nagina Masjid
Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Am: Diwan-i-Khas was built by Emperor Shah Jahan with the intention of entertaining the foreign ambassadors and notable dignitaries in a lavish manner. Made up in pure white marble, this architectural splendour is replete with solid silver, gold and semi-precious stones. Among the two thrones that adorn the Diwan-i-Khas, one meant for the Emperor, is made of white marble while the other comprises of Black slate in which the royal guest is supposed to be seated.
Diwan-i-Am was built by the emperor in 1628. This was the place where the king listened to the complaints of the general Mass. Built in Red Sandstone, the Diwan-i-Am still holds fragrance of Roytitley and valor of a royal durbar(court).
Jahangir’s Palace: Emperor Jahangir’s Palace is another architectural wonder that is located within the Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Jahangir himself in 1611A.D., the charming palace has a monolithic tank very near it. This is also known as Hauz-e-Jehangiri and is in the shape of a bowl. This is about 6 meters high and has a diameter of 8 meters
Musamman Burj: Musamman Burj is the sprawling private hall of Emperor Shah Jahan. Built very close to the Diwan-i-Khas, this piece of architecture also reflects the uniqueness of style and technique of the Mughal craftsmen
This structure houses a majestic pavilion that is a must-see for any traveler to Agra. This is because Musamman Burj is the place from where, the senile Shah Jahan used to admire the Taj Mahal, his symbol of love for his beloved wife, when he was imprisoned by his own son Aurangzebe. Musamman Burj also is the place where the great emperor died in captivity in 1666.

Location: 45 Km from Agra.
Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the empire of Emperor Akbar from 1571-1584. Located around 45km from Agra, this city was built by combining the twin villages of Fatehpur and Sikri. It was dedicated to the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who had predicted the birth of the Emperor’s son.

Built in red sandstone, the city is a paradise to the lovers of art and architecture. The distinct amalgamation of the Islamic, Persian and Hindu style of architecture reveals the tolerance and generosity of the renowned ruler. Fatehpur Sikri is enriched with many historical monuments such as
Buland Darwaza: A majestic entrance that was built by Akbar to commemorate his win in the battle of Khandesh in Gujarat in 1573
Panch Mahal : A five storied pavilion that was meant to be the place of relaxation and recreation for Emperor Akbar. This comprises the highest peak in Fatehpur Sikri and is a testimony of the superlative level of ingenuity and excellence that Mughal craftsmanship had achieved
Jama Masjid : Built in 1648A.D, this is the biggest Mosque in Agra and is dedicated to Princess Jahanara Begum, the unparallely beautiful daughter of Shah Jahan. It can be accessed after moving through the Buland Darwaza
Sheikh Salim Chisti tomb: A tomb dedicated to the Sufi Saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti is situated within the complex of the Fatehpur Sikri.
Private taxis and Luxury buses are available from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri. This is also a heritage site declared by the UNESCO

Location: 13Km from Agra
Located within 13km from the city of Agra, Sikandra houses the Mausoleum of the mighty Emperor Akbar. Also dubbed as the ‘Gateway of Magnificence’, this fort built in sandstone of a hue of red ochre, is set amidst a lush green garden. In keeping with the Tartary Custom, Akbar had commissioned the building of his own tomb during his lifetime. Akbar’s son Jahangir completed the construction of this pyramidal tomb in 1613A.D. This outstanding structure is once again a celebration of the assembly of different styles of architecture and marks a distinct departure from the typical Mughal Style.
Sikandra is an extension of the city of Agra itself and hence can be easily accessed by autorickshaws, taxis and buses.

Location: 70 Km from Agra
Bateshwar is a sleepy little temple town about 70km from the city of Agra. It derives its name from the principle deity of the town, Bateshwarnath. The town is also adorned with as many as 108 temples along the bank of the river Yamuna. Most of these have ornamental ceilings and decorative walls. Apart from being a haven for the followers of the Shaivite sect, this town is also famous for the cattle fair that is held every year during the month of November.

Location: 55 Km from Agra
Bharatpur was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733A.D. though earlier it bore the name of Mewat, now it is better known as the Kheoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. This is undoubtedly an orinithologist’s paradise as hundreds of species of the plumed creatures flock down here from different corners of the world.
Before the onset of monsoon, innumerable birds from Siberia, Tibet, China even the far-off Europe come down to the Kheoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. Some of the most spotted and craved for varieties of these birds include Egrets, Storks, Herons and Cormorants that make about 10,000 nests a year.
The Sanctuary can be best accessed by cycle rickshaws. Boating facilities within the sanctuary is also available for the tourists