Agra

Agra’s greatest claim to fame is as the site of the Taj Mahal , mausoleum of the Indian Mughal empress Mumtaz Mahal, and built by her husband the emperor in her memory. A staggering sight notwithstanding its status as almost a stock image, the poignancy of the white marble architectural masterpiece led poet Rabindranath Tagore to describe the Taj as “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity.” While the rest of the city can feel a bit crowded with souvenir vendors and tour guides longing to help you preserve your memories of the Taj, the Agra Fort , a well preserved red brick structure built by Emperor Akbar, and Mughal gardens await the traveler ready to look a bit deeper. Likewise, an overnight or two will afford the chance to contemplate the Yamuna river while sampling local petha candy or savory snacks called chaat. Don't leave without also visiting the splendid Baby Taj . You won't regret it.