Sightseeing enthusiasts will truly be in their element on a holiday or short trip to Agra, with an abundance of worthy sights on hand. A sightseeing itinerary based on the major and most popular structures and locations can easily be spread across a number of days; while the numerous smaller monuments and less high-profile sites can be fit in somewhere between the big ones or visited as and when they are encountered on walking tours of the city. The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the city’s notable sights and invariably the first place on most visitor agendas, often followed by Baby Taj (Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb) and the Agra Fort.

Agra Fort
Emperor Akbar built this famous fort in 1565, largely out of red sandstone. Notable features include its mosques, gardens, courts, palaces, baths and gateways; with the Palace of Mirrors, Pearl Mosque, Garden of Grapes and Fish Pavilion among the most popular.

Chini Ka Rauza
This elaborately decorated mausoleum was built by Chini Ka Rauza Mulla Shukrullah Shirazi, a poet and previous prime minister during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jehah. The structure, which was completed in 1639, features a façade covered with glazed tiles, the materials for which are believed to have come from China. Other sections of the tomb are notable for their bright colour schemes.

Fatehpur Sikri
Travel 37kms out of Agra to Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient city that was once the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1570 to 1586. Notable sights in the almost perfectly preserved city include the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and Buland Darwaza.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb
The earthly remains of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the father-in-law of Emperor Jehangir, are housed within this traditional mausoleum with a magnificent garden setting. The wife of Jehangir, Empress Noorjehan, was responsible for the building of the tomb in 1622. Locals, visitors and travel literature commonly refer to the tomb as Baby Taj.

Jami Masjid
Among the most magnificent mosques in the city, Jami Masjid was built in the mid-17th century under the guidance of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan’s daughter, Jahanara Begum. The building, whose name means ‘Friday Mosque’, is made largely from sandstone with some smaller areas made from marble.

Mariyam's Tomb
This tomb was built in 1611 as the final resting place for Mariyam, a wife of Emperor Akbar. The outside is typical with its red sandstone finish, while inside are some excellent wall carvings. The structure was created as a barahdari initially; then with the reconstruction of the building’s four façades, it was fashioned into a tomb by the Mughals. A crypt was added beneath the central compartment, access to which was provided by the red stone stairs that were also constructed.

Mehtab Bagh
Located on the opposing bank of the River Yamuna from the one on which the Taj Mahal is situated, Mehtab Bagh is a historic place with a name meaning 'Moonlit Garden'. It is one of the best sites from which to truly appreciate the splendour of the Taj. At night, the reflection of the mausoleum in the pool of Mehtab Bagh provides the ultimate in romantic scenes; while the rich vegetation and greenery, provided by over 40 different plant species, is best appreciated during the day.

Sikandra
Otherwise known as the Tomb of Emperor Akbar, this interesting structure displays an eclectic mix of Hindu and Mughal styles and is the combined work of Akbar and his son Jahangir. The mausoleum was completed in 1605 and is a mix of red sandstone and marble, with the former suggesting traditional influences and the latter suggesting newer ones.

Soami Bagh Samadh
The earthly remains of Huzur Soamiji Maharaj (Shri Shiv Dayal Singh) are located in the mausoleum known as Soami Bagh Samadh located on the outskirts of the city. This much revered character was responsible for establishing the Radhasoami Faith and his tomb is now considered a sacred place among followers of the religion. The construction of Soami Bagh Samadh commenced in 1908 with additions having been made gradually ever since. Notable features of the Samadh include the unique carvings in stone and marble.

Taj Mahal
Emperor Shah Jahan built the marble mausoleum that is the Taj Mahal as a tribute to his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, whom he lost when she passed away during the birth of their 14th child. The structure is often considered the ultimate ‘monument to love’ and took a total of 22 years and the efforts of some 20,000 people to see completion.

Agra is home to a lot of great sightseeing but even if you tire of the likes of the Taj Mahal, there is still much to keep you occupied. The city’s incredible dining and entertainment is rich and colourful; while there are also activities and the great outdoors to enjoy beyond Agra’s borders.

Attend a festival. With India as a whole enjoying a large number of vibrant and colourful festivals throughout the year and Agra seeing some especially lively and enthusiastic celebrations, visitors should consider planning their holiday to coincide with one of the larger events. The 10-day-long Taj Mahotsav festival in February for example, is an ideal time to enjoy a holiday in Agra.

Dine on Mughal food. With the local cuisine combining the best of Mughal influences, eating out can be one of the most culturally-oriented experiences available to visitors. Head for a classy restaurant and enjoy upmarket interpretations of popular dishes or try your luck at places where the locals like to hang out for a more authentic and traditional taste. While out and about, there are also plenty of chances to sample local snacks and delicacies care of a variety of street vendors.

Do sunset at the Taj. However magnificent you found the Taj Mahal in the light of day, nothing compares to the experience of watching the sun go down behind it. For the best view, head to Mehtab Bagh on the opposite side of the river from the mausoleum where you can catch the Taj’s reflection in the garden pool and, should you have a half-decent camera, capture some of your best shots of this awesome building.

Go shopping. No trip to Agra is complete without purchasing a replica of the Taj Mahal from any of the many market stalls located around the structure; and having acquired one, you can then spend your time checking out the other products on sale such as clothing and handicrafts. Carvings in rosewood are popular, as are wearable items such as saris, sandals, skirts and headwear. For lovers of Indian cuisine, markets offer the full range of herbs and spices as well as tea and pickled foods. Several malls are on hand for those visitors wishing to buy popular branded goods.

Take a daytrip. Within reasonable driving distance of Agra are a large number of destinations that are worth visiting: Lucknow, Karipur and Jaipur all have some worthy sites to see and activities to pursue. If you are prepared to make an overnight trip, then cities such as Allahabad and Varanasi are also well worth making an effort to see.