Places to Visit in Agra

One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal stands tall at the south bank of the river Yamuna in Agra. Taj Mahal or the “icon of love” is one of the best places to visit in Agra and the most popular tourist destinations in India.

Agra Fort is one of the first-ever monuments in India to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It was constructed by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in the 16th century. Initially, it used to be a Rajput fort called ‘Badalgarh’ which was rebuilt into the Agra Fort.

The construction of the fort was finally completed in 1573 with the help of more than 4000 workers who took around 8 years to build it. It has also been a witness to major historical events like the First Battle of Panipat, the defeat of Humayun from Sher Shah Suri and the death of Shah Jahan.

Another Mughal mausoleum on the bank of the river Yamuna, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb is one of the best places to visit in Agra. The architecture and interior are known to be inspired by that of Taj Mahal’s as it also has traces of white marble from Rajasthan amidst the red sandstone. And for the same reason, it is also known as the “Baby Taj”.

Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal is not as well known as the other places to see in Agra but is worth visiting. The gurdwara is dedicated to the ninth guru of Sikhs who is Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The place where it is built is where Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji voluntarily offered his arrest to Aurangzeb.

Mehtab Bagh in Agra stands at the North of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort along the bank of river Yamuna. This is one of the many hidden places to visit in Agra. The garden is a char bagh which is a quadrilateral garden layout inspired by the four gardens of paradise mentioned in the Quran. The garden stands perfectly in symmetry with the view of the Taj Mahal.

Akbar’s Tomb was built by Jahangir in 1613. If you’re a history buff, this is one of the best places to visit in Agra for you. The tomb is built in red sandstone and holds some of the most stunning marble designs.

The Jama Masjid is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. Built on lines similar to the one in Delhi, this mosque too is an architectural splendour. The construction of this mosque was started in 1839 by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah Bahadur.

The mosque is rich in history and is one of the favourite haunts of history enthusiasts. The mosque has a central prayer hall with eleven massive arches. The pillars  in the mosque are covered with beautiful and intricate carvings that are reminiscent of Indo-Islamic art.

Address:
Located in Tahseen Ganj, Husainabad, Lucknow.

Timing:
The mosque remains open to visitors for all days of the week from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. However, you should try to visit the mosque during the early hours of the day, so that you can admire the architectural splendour of the mosque with ease.

A landscape of verdant greenery awaits you in the sprawling gardens of Anguri Bagh that is located in Khas Mahal in Agra Fort.

The Sikandra Fort homes the great emperor Akbar’s Tomb. The fort is known for its magnificent gates, tombs, and red sandstone designs which makes it one of the most visited tourist places in Agra. The fort is also known for its architecture which is a blend of Islamic and Hindu designs.

Taj Nature Walk has been developed by the Social Forestry Division of Agra. The trail serves as a great place to enjoy amazing views of the Taj Mahal. It also has many watchtowers along the trail from where you can view the Taj Mahal from different angles. The trail homes some very unique varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees.

Made out of myriad hued tiles of chini, this is one of the most unique historical places to visit in Agra which was built in 1635. The mausoleum is perched on the banks of River Yamuna and charms the visitors with stunning Indo-Persian architecture. The unique building extensively uses glazed glass windows.

If you get tired and saturated with all the Mughal architecture and monuments, this is one of the best places to see in Agra and wind off. Dolphin Water World is north India’s biggest water park.

Wildlife SOS is a rescue and conservation organization in Agra. Their campus is located in the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. The organization also works on rescue operations and conservation of bears and have recently opened the bear rescue facility for visitors.

Hailed as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, Diwan-i-Aam is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra. It is famous as the place where Shah Jehan used to have his meetings with the public and heard their problems. It is a stunning specimen of architecture and fascinates everyone.

Fatehpur Sikri, situated near Agra, India, stands as a magnificent testament to Mughal architectural grandeur. Commissioned by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period. Its red sandstone structures, including the Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, and the intricately carved Panch Mahal, exhibit exquisite craftsmanship and cultural fusion. The city's layout reflects Akbar's vision of unity among diverse religious communities. However, Fatehpur Sikri's abandonment due to water scarcity underscores the precarious balance between ambition and environmental constraints. Today, it remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivating visitors with its historical charm and architectural marvels.

Kinari Bazaar in Agra is a bustling market located near the iconic Jama Masjid and close to the famous Agra Fort. Known for its vibrant energy, this marketplace offers a diverse range of goods and is a must-visit for tourists looking to experience the local culture. The narrow lanes of Kinari Bazaar are packed with shops selling an array of traditional items such as jewelry, textiles, bridal wear, and handicrafts. It’s a treasure trove for those interested in picking up exquisite zardozi embroidery, intricate marble inlay work, or beautifully crafted leather products, for which Agra is renowned.