Taj Mahal --Get There Early

No trip to India is complete without making the trek to Agra, which is not the prettiest city. Once you step into the gates of the Taj Mahal, all the noise, grime and pollution of Agra fades away. I'd recommend arriving at sunrise to appreciate this impressive mausoleum without the crowds. The white marble facade with the rich colorful inlays and carvings are so intricately detailed -- it's no wonder the Taj took over 20 years to complete. It's hard to imagine a man loving his wife so much that he built this enormous complex in memory of her. These days that just doesn't happen no matter how much money you have. Imagine Bill Gates doing this for his wife? The grounds are a peaceful respite from the hectic hustle and bustle of Agra. You won't feel rushed here nor have the urge to leave and continue on with your itinerary. Take a stroll and simply admire the beauty of your surroundings and the finest display of Mughal architecture. The other stand alone structures in the complex are also worth noting as they also contain beautiful carvings and paintings. They also offer you different views of the Taj worth photographing. Open everyday from sunrise to sunset (except Fridays).