Buland Darwaza
The towering gate.
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A Mughal city of red sandstone about 36 km from Agra, founded by Emperor Akbar as his capital in 1571; it remained the capital until 1585 and was completely abandoned by 1610, so its palaces and mosques survive almost intact, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has two parts. The royal complex holds palaces and halls, including the five-storey open Panch Mahal, the Diwan-i-Khas with its unique carved central pillar and the queens' palaces with their wide courtyards. The second is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, entered through the Buland Darwaza, a towering gate more than 40 m high above a tall flight of steps; in its courtyard stands the white marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, with astonishingly fine marble screens. The royal complex costs ₹610 for foreign visitors, per the ASI Agra circle, while the mosque area is free, per visitor guides, with modest dress and shoes off. Touts and self-appointed guides are common, so agree on any price first.
The towering gate.
Five open storeys.
Marble lattice.
About 36 km west of Agra
About 36 km, roughly an hour by car; you can pair it with the Taj Mahal on a long day.