Begin your day with a scrumptious breakfast of Bedmi, a truly delectable food speciality, prepared with exotic spices that will make your palate burst with flavours. Then, head out to view the majestic grandeur of the Taj Mahal, the city’s treasure trove of architectural brilliance. The dazzling white mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a true depiction of the excellence of Mughal architecture. The symmetrical and harmonious structure will take your breath away and steal your gaze. The beauty of the white marble, delicate carvings, floral motifs and landscaped gardens will answer why the structure earns such applause from anyone who comes here. Strangely, it is said that the colour of the marble appears different throughout the day depending on the time. It might look either white, golden or pink to the eye during different hours.

When the astute beauty of the monument allows, head over to the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive structure is built with red sandstone and used to serve as the main residence of Mughal emperors. There is much to see around you while you are here. Within the monument, you will see several impressive structures like palaces, mosques and gardens.

Head next to the Taj Museum, another tourist attraction, built on a raised platform with a quadrangle projection. You will be greeted with the sight of three galleries and a chief hall spread across two grand storeys. Feast upon the display of a timeless era through 121 antiquities, broadly categorised into Mughal era miniature paintings, various manuscripts, decrees by the government, calligraphy specimens, arms, utensils, paintings and marble pillars. One of the most impressive displays in the museum is the painting of Emperor Shah Jahan with his wife Mumtaz Mahal in an ivory-encased ornamental frame made of wood.

Enjoy Agra’s delightful culinary experience, served with local specialities and Mughal cuisines before heading to Mehtab Bagh, the last of eleven gardens built by the Mughals along the banks of Yamuna. It is believed that Shah Jahan himself found this garden ideal to view the magnificence of the Taj Mahal. The 25-acre garden holds a similar romantic appeal for visitors as the monument that it looks upon.

Once you overcome the picturesque beauty of the Mughal garden, head to another site of cultural heritage in Agra, the tomb of Itimad–ud–Daulah. Also popular by the names ‘Jewel Box’ or ‘Baby Taj’, the tomb is thought to be the inspiration behind the construction of the Taj Mahal. Interestingly, in India, this monument is the only one to be built entirely with white marble.

Make time to visit the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, renowned for its rich avian diversity. It attracts a wide variety of resident and migratory birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

End your day on a spiritual page with a visit to Mankaeshwar Temple, a heavily footed pilgrimage site for Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ancient temple carries the symbolic features of the North Indian architectural style, including shikhara, intricate carvings and sculptures. Due to its historical significance, the temple plays a major role in promoting and preserving the ethos of local culture in the region.