9 of the Best Places to Visit in Agra

Agra, the vibrant city in Uttar Pradesh, offers a lot of interest to an enthusiastic traveler by dint of its exquisite historical places, glorifying the rich Indian culture and history. So, skim through this list of tourist and sightseeing places near and around Agra to make your stay unforgettable.

Places to Visit in Agra

6 Historical Places to See in and Around Agra

Taj Mahal, an attraction to cover in one day

Agra Places to Visit Taj Mahal

The foremost activity in your schedule ought to be a day-long trip to the most prized piece of Mughal architecture in India – the famous Taj Mahal, celebrating through the ages the unmatched love Emperor Shah Jahan had for his wife, Mumtaj Mahal.

Getting Here:

Since the areas around do not permit diesel or petrol vehicles, you need to avail either battery operated buses, horse driven tongas, or rickshaws to reach.

Once You Reach:

 Access the monument through any of its west, east or south gates. After navigating the tomb complex, enjoy the serenity of the mausoleum. Take only a money pouch with you as bigger bags are not allowed. Couples may choose to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal in a full moon night. If time permits, take a rickshaw to pay a short visit to the Mehtab Bagh gardens.

Relevant Details:

Food is strictly prohibited inside the premises, so head to the variety of hotels nearby such as Peshwari, Esphahan, or Mumtaz cafe and try out delicacies like malai kofta, and jayfelles (a toasted sandwich) to cool a raging tummy. There is no ban on cameras, but you cannot take pictures inside the monument.

Timing:


6 A.M to 7 P.M (closed on Fridays); try visiting during early morning or evening, from October to March, to savor the breathtaking spectacle of color variations the monument undergoes with changes in the sky.

Every month the monument remains open on the prescribed night of full moon, as well as 2 nights before and after. You just need to make the booking 24 hours earlier.



Agra Fort, a historical sightseeing spot

Places to Visit Agra Fort

Standing along the banks of the Yamuna River, this fortress of red sandstone and marble, also known as Lal Quila, Red Fort, or Fort Rogue is another architectural splendor that captivates the eye.

Getting Here:

Local transports like cycle rickshaw, auto rickshaw, local buses, and taxis from either the railway station, airport or bus stands (like the Idgah Bus Stand or Tai Depot) will help you to reach the place. You can also come here directly after visiting the Taj, take a rickshaw and you will reach within 15-20 minutes.

Once You Reach:

Take a tour of the room of mirrors or Sheesh Mahal, the bathing bowl, the pearl and gem mosques, and the peacock throne.

Relevant Details:

Entry fee is required for children above 15 years. Audio guide facility is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Hindi, and Bengali. It is advisable to carry water and light food since nearly 3 or 4 hours may be needed to completely explore the accessible parts of the fort, (about 70% is occupied by Indian Army). Also, carry your identity cards, and of course your camera but keep your mobiles switched off.

Timing:


Everyday 6 A.M to 6 P.M

The best time to turn up is from November to February.



Itimad-ud-Daulah, a valuable destination for avid history lovers

Agra Tourist Places to Visit Itimad-ud-Daulah

A visit to this magnificent tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Nur Jahan’s father, ought to be on the bucket list of chiefly those who have a keen eye for artistic precision. Owing to its marble lattice screens, this “Baby Taj Mahal” deems to be even more delicate than the incomparable original.

Getting Here:

You may combine it in your trip to Agra Fort since the 4 km journey takes only 30 min by a shared auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) from the Fort.

Once You Reach:

Feast your eyes on the exquisite buildings of red sandstone, the main tomb in white marble, the cenotaphs of Nur Jahan’s parents and the stunning details of the inner walls.

Relevant Details:

Security is extremely tight, and big bags, food, and drinks (except water) are not allowed. You may complete lunch in one of the local restaurants like “Filmy Zayka”, and “Peshwari”.

Timing:

Everyday 6 A.M to 6 P.M


Akbar’s Mausoleum, another architectural wonder

Agra Sightseeing Places to Visit Akbar’s Mausoleum

Sprawling over 119 acres, this tomb of Emperor Akbar in Sikandra, is another architectural marvel worth seeing. Demonstrating intricate geometric patterns in white-marble, it makes one take note of Akbar’s imbibing of the Tartari tradition, (the norm of building one’s tomb in his lifetime).

Getting Here:

You may take a bus or a taxi that is headed to Mathura from Bijli Ghar bus stand and get off at the mausoleum.

Once You Reach:

Explore the actual tomb placed in the basement, the mausoleum of red sandstone, and its inlaid panels. Don’t miss a round of the tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, or Jodhabai, situated nearby.

Relevant Details:

Food stalls, washrooms, and lockers are available where you may subdue your hunger pangs as well as refresh yourself.

Timing:

Everyday 6 A.M to 6.30 P.M



Keoladeo National Park, a place of interest near Agra

Agra Visit Place Keoladeo National Park

Attracting more than 230 species of birds, Keoladeo National Park, previously known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a major tourist hotspot. An artificial park, it seeks to protect the nearby area from getting flooded in the monsoons.

Getting Here:

You may hire a bus or a private vehicle from Agra to reach Bharatpur.

Once You Reach:

Take delight in seeing hundreds of migratory birds as well as aquatic birds native to distant lands like Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Siberia.

Relevant Details:

There is no need to worry about food or accommodation facilities as both are well-provided around the premises. You may check in at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge or opt for 3-star hotels and resorts located nearby.

Timing:

6 A.M to 6 P.M (summers) and 6:30 A.M to 5 P.M (winters); though you may plan a trip anytime for viewing the residential parks, the perfect time is between August and November, and for watching migratory birds, it’s ideal to turn up sometime from October to March.



Fatehpur Sikri, a destination for the day

Famous Places to Visit in Agra Fatehpur Sikri

Founded by Emperor Akbar in 1569, Fatehpur Sikri reflects the grandeur of Persian courts in its elaborate patterns and style. Built entirely of red sandstone, it is surrounded on three sides by a wall, while the fourth side sports a lake. Keep an entire day to cover all the sightseeing places strewn in and around the complex.

Getting Here:

State transport buses from Agra would take you to Fatehpur Sikri.

Once You Reach:

Stunning buildings around the area include the Buland Darwaza, the Jama Masjid, the Diwan-i-Aam, the Ibadat Khana, Anup Talao, Mariam-uz-Zamani’s palace, Naubat Khana and Birbal’s house.

Relevant Details:

You may take a small water bottle inside, but eatables, camera, and tobacco products are strictly prohibited. You must also keep your mobiles switched off. Avoid carrying large bags, for a lot of time may be wasted in security checking. Head to Ganapati Resort close-by for food and any other necessity.

Timing:

6 A.M to 6.30 P.M; pop up in anytime between October and March.

3 of the Best Things to do in Agra

After a long day of extensive sightseeing, if your heart craves to indulge in something not too strenuous, you may take a look at some exciting activities perfect for keeping you engaged without demanding much of physical exertion.

Spend an interesting day at Kinari Bazar

Famous Things in Agra Kinari Bazar

Meander through the narrow lanes behind Jama Masjid to reach the colorful marketplace, Kinari Bazar. From jewelry, and marble work to spices, and fabrics – you’d find everything here – even if you need to nudge with roaming cows and elephants on your way.

Getting Here:

To reach this place, you can take an auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw or local bus from wherever in Agra you are.

Once You Reach:

Shop wedding jewelry like choora, sehra, and gold, and silver garlands from both wholesale and retail shops. This is also the destination for designer costumes and accessories. Make sure to bargain hard before buying anything.

Relevant Details:

There are numerous restaurants where you may have lunch or dinner after a hard day shop hopping.

Timing:

Show up anytime between 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on all days except Sundays, when it remains closed.


Make Your Evening Romantic by Seeing Kalakriti Dance Drama Show

Agra Famous Things Kalakriti Dance Drama Show

At Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center, a short 80-minute dance drama outlining the story behind the establishment of the Taj Mahal is performed every evening.


Getting Here:

It would take approximately 20-30 minutes for any private vehicle or bus from Agra to reach the center.

Once You Reach:

Enjoy the saga of the eternal love of Emperor Akbar for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal in the show, “Mohabbat” that appears in both Hindi and Urdu languages. Moreover, headphones are handed out for other language translation. There is also a marvelous light and sound show, manifesting a big 12’x12’ replica of the Taj Mahal.

Relevant Details:

Book tickets online if you wish to secure a convenient place in advance.

Timing:

The play is staged every day after 6 pm


Shop Randomly at Sadar Bazaar

Agra Famous Things Sadar Bazar

Your desire to carry home a part of Taj Mahal ought to find fulfillment here. One of the most famous markets of Agra, Sadar Bazaar specializes in a wide variety of items from shoes and leather works to table tops, coasters, and classy vases.


Getting Here:

Being close to Agra Cantt Railway Station, you may hire a taxi or auto rickshaw to get here.

Once You Reach:

Look for apparels, accessories, and footwear of diverse types with most items being quite pocket-friendly.

Relevant Details:

It remains open on all days except Tuesday.  Treat yourself to a whole lot of unusual goodies at the roadside chaat shops.

Timing:

Anytime between 11 am and 11 pm; it remains open all days of the week


Other than exploring the city conventionally, you may also opt for an adventurous cycle tour around Agra with a well-informed guide, or take an offbeat cuisine tour through the local food market. Both are supposed to give you a taste of the social life of the city and make you experience its pulse in the truest term

Last reviewedDecember 22nd 2017
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