Did you know that Agra has over 264 ASI-certified monuments? Beyond the Taj Mahal, the quaint city is rich with forgotten monuments.

Here are a few to explore on your next trip.

1. Hessings Tomb Hessings Tomb or ‘Red Taj Mahal’ is a smaller but accurate replica of the original, built by Anne Hessings for her husband John — a Dutch soldier who died serving in the Maratha Army in Agra.

2. Chini Ka Rauza Constructed in 1635, Chini Ka Rauza by the Yamuna river is a beautiful example of Indo-Persian architecture with its huge dome and colourful designs on the outside walls. It is also the resting place of Afzal Khan Aalmi, a Persian poet in Jahangir’s court.

3. Mariam’s Tomb The resting place of Akbar’s Hindu wife Jodha Bai, the building is a mix of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Situated on a raised platform, the tomb is surrounded by gardens on all four sides, and it looks exactly alike on both sides — the entry and exit.

4. Itmad-ud-Daulah Also known as the ‘Bachcha Taj’ (Baby Taj), Itmad-ud-Daulah is a testimony of a daughter’s love for her father. Built by Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir, for her father Ghias-ud-Din Beg, the building has beautiful carvings with gardens on all four sides.

5. Ram Bagh This garden was built by Babur’s order when he came back to Agra after defeating Ibrahim Lodhi in the Battle of Panipat. Originally named Aram Bagh, it was renamed by the Marathas when they gained control of the city.

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