When you think of the Taj Mahal, your mind instantly goes to the gleaming white marble dome of Agra, glowing under the sunrise. It is a monument known across the globe as the ultimate symbol of love. But what if we told you that the iconic monument in Agra isn’t the only “Taj” waiting to be explored in India?
Scattered across different states, there are five other incredible structures that either look strikingly like the Taj Mahal, were deeply inspired by it, or actually paved the way for its creation.
If you are planning an escape to India to see its rich heritage, adding these lesser-known gems to your travel bucket list will give you a completely unique, crowd-free perspective of the country’s architectural history.
1. Bibi Ka Maqbara (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra) — “The Taj of the Deccan”
If there is one monument in India that feels like a mirror image of the Taj Mahal, it is Bibi Ka Maqbara. Located in the city formerly known as Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), this stunning mausoleum is often affectionately called the “Dakkhani Taj” (Taj of the Deccan).
The Story Behind It
While the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Bibi Ka Maqbara was commissioned by Shah Jahan’s grandson, Prince Azam Shah. He built it in the late 17th century to honor his mother, Dilras Banu Begum (posthumously known as Rabia-ud-Daurani).
What Makes It Special
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The Architect Connection: In an incredible twist of history, the chief architect of Bibi Ka Maqbara was Ata-ullah, the son of Ustad Ahmad Lahori—the main designer of the original Taj Mahal in Agra!
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The Design: It features four towering minarets, a large main dome, octagonal screens, and manicured gardens with flowing fountains.
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The Difference: While the Agra Taj is made entirely of pure white Makrana marble, Bibi Ka Maqbara uses marble only for its main dome and grave chamber, while the rest of the structure is finished with high-quality polished plaster that mimics the look of marble.
2. The Red Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh) — A Wife’s Tribute to a Dutch Soldier
Most tourists leave Agra seeing only the white Taj Mahal, completely missing the small but beautiful Red Taj Mahal located just a few kilometers away. Tucked inside the Roman Catholic Cemetery, this structure is a brilliant miniature built out of red sandstone.
The Story Behind It
This tomb tells a unique tale of international love. It was built in 1803 by Ann Hessing, the grieving widow of John William Hessing, a Dutch military adventurer. Hessing had traveled to India to fight as a mercenary and eventually died while defending the Agra Fort for the Marathas against British forces.
What Makes It Special
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A Role Reversal: Unlike the original Taj, where a husband built a monument for his wife, this is a rare instance of a wife building a grand tomb to immortalize her husband.
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The Architecture: It is roughly one-fifth the size of the grand Taj Mahal, but it perfectly mimics the double-dome structure and side alcoves, rendered in deep red sandstone instead of white marble.
3. Mahabat Maqbara (Junagadh, Gujarat) — The Whimsical, Gothic Taj
If you want to see a structure that looks like a cross between the Taj Mahal and a fairytale palace from a fantasy movie, you must head to the dusty streets of Junagadh in Gujarat. Here stands Mahabat Maqbara, one of India’s most architecturally unique and underrated structures.
The Story Behind It
Constructed in the late 19th century, this mausoleum houses the tomb of Mahabat Khan II, one of the Nawabs of Junagadh.
What Makes It Special
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A Fusion of Styles: Unlike the classic Mughal style, this monument features a wild, beautiful blend of Gothic, Islamic, European, and Hindu architecture.
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The Spiraling Minarets: The most striking features are the four minarets surrounding the tomb. Each minaret has a whimsical, winding spiral staircase wrapped around its exterior, leading up to the top balconies.
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Intricate Artistry: Look closely to find French windows, heavy Gothic columns, and silver-plated doors decorated with delicate carvings.
4. Humayun’s Tomb (New Delhi) — The Red-and-White Predecessor
Can a monument be a “replica” if it was built before the original? Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi is often described as the blueprint for the Taj Mahal. If you want to understand how the architecture of the Taj Mahal evolved, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is where your journey should begin.
The Story Behind It
Built in 1572, this grand mausoleum was commissioned by Empress Bega Begum for her late husband, the Mughal Emperor Humayun.
What Makes It Special
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The Architectural Spark: When Shah Jahan set out to build the Taj Mahal nearly 60 years later, his architects heavily relied on the geometric symmetry, double-dome design, and garden layouts of Humayun’s Tomb.
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A Feast of Sandstone: Instead of white marble, this monument is built using a striking contrast of deep red sandstone and white marble trim, set inside a vast, peaceful Persian-style Charbagh (four-quadrant garden).
5. Shahzadi Ka Maqbara (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) — The Nawabi Tribute
Hidden within the famous Chota Imambara complex in the historic city of Lucknow is Shahzadi Ka Maqbara, a delicate, small-scale replica of the Taj Mahal.
The Story Behind It
This quiet monument was built in the 19th century as a tomb for Princess Zinat Asiya, the daughter of Muhammad Ali Shah, the third King of Awadh.
What Makes It Special
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Lakhnavi Style: Built on a much smaller scale, it is constructed using traditional lakhauri bricks and finished with a brilliant white plaster coat to replicate the grand marble look of the Agra monument.
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Peaceful Surrounding: It stands alongside a long water channel with decorative fountains, creating a peaceful, reflective view that instantly reminds visitors of the Yamuna riverfront in Agra.
Planning Your Indian Heritage Tour
India’s architectural landscape stretches far beyond its most famous postcards. Exploring these five lesser-known monuments will take you off the beaten path, away from the tourist crowds, and deep into the fascinating stories of India’s past.
If you are planning an epic journey to explore these spectacular heritage sites, keeping an eye on the top India key attractions for 2026 is the perfect way to design an unforgettable itinerary.
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