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.
6 Historical Places to See in and Around Agra
Taj Mahal, an attraction to cover in one day
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.
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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
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.
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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
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.
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Akbar’s Mausoleum, another architectural wonder
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).
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Keoladeo National Park, a place of interest near Agra
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.
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Fatehpur Sikri, a destination for the day
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.
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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
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.
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Make Your Evening Romantic by Seeing 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.
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Shop Randomly at Sadar Bazaar
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.
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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