A few places fit better than Agra in the "India is a land of contrasts" stereotype. The home city of the Taj Mahal has hardly any appeal besides its amazing monuments and, once done with the list of "must-see" and "must-do", there's only one thing most visitors want to do: leave.

We would typically support this decision, except there is an alternative to the overwhelming offer of many bad restaurant and countless "best" views of the Taj Mahal: it's The Oberoi Amarvilas.

Amarvilas is an incredible resort at walking distance from the Taj Mahal, of which offers the actual "best view". Spending a night there makes for a fairy tale-like experience, but for the many who visit the Taj Mahal on a day trip from Delhi, it's the best place to stop for lunch or a break right before, or after, visiting the world's wonder. 

The food is good, but the reason to go is actually another: it's always a shame to get out of the Taj and be overwhelmed by shouting souvenir sellers looking to rip you off. Amarvilas provides the perfect antidote to that: a quiet and peaceful environment to relax and enjoy one more look at the Taj from a (very) privileged perspective.

Order a sandwich or a salad - the continental choices of the menu are better than the Indian - and enjoy your break. It'll help you have have good memories of Agra, and not only of its monuments, when you leave.