Agra

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, and for most visitors that alone justifies the journey. This ivory-white marble mausoleum, built by a Mughal emperor as a monument to his beloved wife, is even more breathtaking in person than in photographs, especially in the soft light of dawn when its domes seem to change color. It stands as one of the most beautiful buildings ever created.

There is more to the former Mughal capital than its most famous monument. The massive red-sandstone Agra Fort, a palace and citadel overlooking the river, and the perfectly preserved abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri nearby complete a remarkable trio of imperial sites. Many travelers visit as part of India's Golden Triangle circuit alongside Delhi and Jaipur.

The best time to visit is the cool, dry season from roughly October to March, when sightseeing is comfortable. Summers before the monsoon are searingly hot, and winter mornings can bring fog, so an early start is wise in more ways than one.