I spent a few days of my trip to India exploring Agra. Of course, the first places I visited in the city were the majestic Taj Mahal and the ancient Red Fort. After touring these complexes, I decided to check out some of the attractions located further from the city center and went to see the Chini ka Rauza mausoleum. I'll say right away, it’s definitely not the most interesting place in Agra, but I had some free time, so I decided to explore some of the less touristy parts of the city.
Chini ka Rauza: An Ancient Mausoleum on the Banks of the Yamuna
The Chini ka Rauza mausoleum is the burial place of a man named Afzal Khan, a poet who served as the chief minister under Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal. Inside the mausoleum, there are two tombs, and according to online sources, the second tomb is where Afzal Khan's wife is buried.
The mausoleum was constructed during the official’s lifetime, between 1628 and 1639. In the past, Chini ka Rauza was part of a larger complex, which included a riverside promenade, a garden, and two towers (one of which still stands). A staircase once led to the Yamuna River, but very little of it remains today.
In the past, the most notable feature of the mausoleum was its decorated facades. The walls of the tomb were covered with vibrant Chinese tiles adorned with floral patterns in various shades. I read that the mausoleum's name came from this material, as "chini" means "from China."
Today, Chini ka Rauza is a rather mundane structure, and almost nothing remains of its former grandeur. On the day of my visit, there were no tourists at all. The mausoleum is located quite far from the city's main attractions, and the surroundings reflect this—there's a large amount of garbage right next to the walls of the complex, and cows are grazing and resting in the area.
How I Got to the Mausoleum
I took a taxi from my hotel in the outskirts of the city, and the cost of the ride was 520 rupees (summer 2024). To book the ride, I simply typed Chini ka Rauza into the Uber app search.
The entrance to the mausoleum is free of charge. You can combine your visit here with a trip to the Itimad-ud-Daula tomb, which is known as the "Baby Taj." It is located about one kilometer from Chini ka Rauza.
Have a nice trip!
