Agra, India

Travelling in a hired car with a driver, we drove down to Agra from Delhi. Our wild Sikh driver battled his way along a road crowded with trucks, cars, bicycles, cattle carts and pedestrians. We had several minor crashes, but nothing serious.

Agra is a city in northern India, located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is renowned for being the home of the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the world. The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

In addition to the Taj Mahal, Agra has other notable historical and architectural attractions, including the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Agra Fort is a massive fort built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and later modified by his successors.

Agra has a rich historical and cultural heritage, reflecting its significance during the Mughal era. The city attracts millions of tourists from around the world who come to admire its architectural marvels and learn about its historical legacy.

The Taj Mahal was even more beautiful than I expected – I had not realised the intricate patterns on the white marble used in its construction were made with inlays of semi-precious gems.