Fatehpur Sikri

About 40 km from Agra stands Fatehpur Sikri, a city of red sandstone that the emperor Akbar built as his capital, then abandoned after only about fourteen years, in 1585 (likely due to a water shortage). Today it's a beautifully preserved UNESCO site: a ghostly Mughal capital with palaces, a mosque, and the famous Buland Darwaza gateway.

A great half-day option if you have extra time and an interest in Mughal history. It's easy to combine with the road to or from Jaipur.

Akbar's abandoned capital