To say that Agra is synonymous with the Taj Mahal would not be making a declaration too sweeping or surprising . This universally regarded wonder is a testament to both the architectural finesse of the Mugal Era and the level of the crafts man ship and vision that was prevalent. but the Agra doesn't being and end at the Taj; in fact it would be dismissing the city's rich history to not take into account other places and spots that have played their role in documenting the past. And then moving forward form just experiencing the past in Agra. The city's local culture is a full of so much energy that you will need to take minute to stop and look around to truly appreciate everything that is happening around you.

Marvel in marble
This is probably the most well-known 'secret' of Agra, ad understandably so, as this yamuna-overlooking-mausoleum was the first tomb in india to have been built entirely out of marble. despite being constructed before Taj, and also setting a precedent in terms of marble constrction and pietra dura art it is still popularly known as baby taj. it is the tomb of mir ghiyas Beg, the farther of NurJahan (jahangir 's wife)
     On the exterior of this structure one can see many a wone glass, done inthe pietradurastyle, which was amusedlyexplain to us as having been doneby Nur jahan to appease one of jahangir's  many indulgences. the construction of the building was complected in 1628CE, with multiple chambers for the royal and prime minister . The scene stealer at this monuments was the pietra dura work. This form of arts invloves making pictorial mosaic work using stones and semi precious stones, and in this casefitting them into themarblebase. the sheer detailof this work make you stop and marvel at the patience and skill that would be required to produce such beauty.