The Mausoleum of Akbar the Great is situated about 10 km from Agra, in Sikandra. Akbar started the construction but it was completed by his son Jahangir in 1605. It is built partially in red sandstone and in marble, with a mixture of Hindu and Muslim design elements. It can be seen as a transition between the older architectural style, based on red sandstone and the new, with marble as the main element and finer ornaments and carvings.

The complex consists of two buildings, one being the mausoleum and the other a gigantic gate, connected to each other via a wide paved walkway. The gate, known as Buland Darwaza (gateway of magnificence) itself consists of a huge archway and 4 marble minarets. It is more impressive than the mausoleum itself, which is wider but not as overwhelming.

The architecture of the mausoleum is very interesting as is it a good example of the mixed construction with sandstone and marble. If you stand too long on the courtyard, you might be harassed by the monkeys, which can become very aggressive at times. Inside the mausoleum, you find the cenotaph in a very small sober room.

Given the Mughal tradition of building magnificent tombs for men and women of high status, it comes as no surprise that the mausoleum of the most distinguished Mughal ruler was one of the finest and most ambitious structures of its time.

Akbar's mausoleum (daily dawn to dusk; Rs 235), a majestic composition of deep-red sandstone and cool marble designed by the emperor himself and modified in 1605 by his son, Jahangir, borders the roadside at Sikandra, 10km northwest of Agra. Rickshaws charge at least Rs 60 to make the round trip, or you could hop on any bus bound for Mathura from the Agra Fort bus stand.