Chini ka Rauza, Agra (must see)

Chini ka Rauza is a funerary monument containing the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, a scholar and poet who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The tomb was built in 1635. This outstanding mausoleum features eight beautifully indented arches in the octagonal chamber, wonderful multicolored glazed tiles, beautiful decoration, and a great Afghan-style bulbous dome.

Chini ka Rauza is considered a milestone in Indo-Persian architecture, as it is the very first building in India that has been exclusively decorated by the glazed tile works. The most distinctive feature of the tomb is the colorful tiles or chini, from which the mausoleum gets its name. The tomb is rectangular in shape and is constructed mainly of brown stone. The walls of the tomb are adorned with inscriptions and colored tiles that give the structure a distinctive look.

Why You Should Visit:
The art form using glazed tiles in decorating this place is something rare to find and is really beautiful.
Poorly maintained but open 24 hours a day and one can enter freely (or simply tip the guard).
Very close to Itimâd-ud-Daula (Baby Taj), and the Yamuna River behind it provides a great backdrop.