ITC Mughal: Power Symbols, Incredible Architecture And Luxury All In One

At its peak one of the most formidable kingdoms across continents, the Mughal Empire was a picture of prodigious power and prosperity and the grandeur is what this palatial 233-room hotel was inspired by. Set in the erstwhile capital of the dynasty, the only Indian hotel a winner of the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture not only retains romantic medieval allure but sits in close proximity to belts of renowned forts, museums and monuments, heart-stirring attractions of which include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Ornate fountains, large outdoor rain showers and rolling expanses of lush greenery at the spa – the largest in the country at that-along with paradisiacal landscape features such as snaking water channels and blooming trees cleverly mirror the elemental luxuriousness of Mughal magnificence. In-house restaurants Pehwari and Taj Bano honour the region’s epicurean heritage and manner of fine dining by way of delectable cuisines and sophisticated interiors, promising not just a gastronomic affair unrivalled by any other in the city but also an experience reminiscent of the magic of feasting in the warmth of tents amid a cold desert terrain.

TOP DRAW: Recreation is the name of the game of ITC Mughal; keep active with rounds of tennis, croquet, badminton or jogging at the comprehensive fitness facility or take it easy with a stroll around the nature trail or butterfly zone. For a bigger slice of adventure, drive an ATV around the specially-built dirt track or ride a six-seater tandem bicycle with friends to explore the sprawling grounds. Games of chess, billiards or air hockey before a nightcap at Maikhana, a swanky bar serving the finest beverages and snacks, can also be enjoyed at the well-appointed lounge.

NEARBY: Much as a big part of the destination has made way for the new and the shiny, Agra continues to exude rich old-world charm and maintain excellent preservation of the myriad historic sites, making it an unmissable spot on every sightseer’s list. Aside from checking out the distinguished must-sees, uncover more archaic secrets at Jama Masjid and the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or chalk up some good karma by volunteering at the bear and elephant rescue facility Wildlife SOS.