I see tourists visit ONLY the Taj Mahal and leave Delhi thinking there are no other good places to visit. But let me tell you, that’s completely wrong. There are so many other breathtaking historical places that will make you wonder how it was even built without any technology.
So, buckle up because now I’m going to tell you about places that are breathtaking and not many tourists know about. But before I tell you about the next breathtaking monument or fort, I’m sure you’d be tired after visiting the Taj Mahal, which is full of people. So, to rest, the 3rd place would be best for you. But before that, let me tell you about nearby locations which you can visit quickly.
1. Agra Fort: 1.3 kilometres away from the Taj Mahal (~ 3 minutes). This massive red sandstone Agra Fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Want the vibe and color of the Colorado Plateau in India? Visit Agra Fort. Its red sandstone will amaze you, and you won’t stop taking selfies and making videos. Explore its grand palaces, audience halls, and the octagonal tower with distant views of the Taj.
I’m sure you loved the architecture of the Taj Mahal, and you wish you could see more architecture like that. Well, fear not. I have one more for you. Actually, this is the place that was built before the Taj Mahal, and the Taj Mahal is a copy of this one. This place is often called The Baby Taj.
2. Itimad-ud-Daulah (The Baby Taj): 4.2 kilometers away from the Taj Mahal (~ 9 minutes). Itimad-ud-Daulah was built by Empress Nur Jahan. This tomb was built as a tribute to her father. Similar to the Taj Mahal, this tomb was crafted entirely from white marble and decorated with pietra dura marble inlay work.
It’s like a hidden gem that not many tourists know about.
Now, enough with forts and tombs. How about visiting one peaceful place full of flowers and trees that will give you some peace of mind? Well, you don’t need to leave Delhi for that because the next place is:
3 Mehtab Bagh: 5.9 kilometres away from the Taj Mahal (~ 14 minutes)
(Note: Even though it sits directly across the river, vehicles must cross the nearest bridge to get there).
Located directly next to the Taj Mahal. It’s on the right side across the Yamuna River. While everyone is busy visiting different places and stuck in a crowd, you can come here and rest. And if it’s already evening? Well then you can watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal, totally crowd-free.
4 Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra): 15 kilometres away from the Taj Mahal (~ 32 minutes). Located in Sikandra on the city’s outskirts, the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. This grand mausoleum blends Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, and Jain architectural motifs. I bet you that it’ll feel otherworldly to you.
5 Fatehpur Sikri: 51.1 kilometres away from the Taj Mahal (~1 hour 5 minutes). Situated, this deserted 16th-century red sandstone redoubt was once a short-lived Mughal capital. Highlights include the massive Buland Darwaza gateway and the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti. Drive out to the ghost city.
Note: You can cover these places in just a day. Many tourists like to go to Agra Fort from the Taj Mahal, then visit Akbar’s tomb, and have lunch there. Then they travel back to the Baby Taj and end the day at Mehtab Bagh with a beautiful sunset.