Best Places To Visit In Agra

A day or two in Agra is plenty to see the key city landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The majority of visitors arrive in the early afternoon from Delhi or Jaipur. On their arrival day, they will go to Mehtab Bagh to see the beautiful sunset vista of the Taj Mahal. There is, however, a 'world' beyond this majestic monument that gives plenty fuel for Agra sightseeing activities. Here is a list of things to visit in Agra and its surroundings that will make your trip absolutely memorable. There are numerous Mughal-era structures, forts, and monuments with significant historical significance in Agra and its surrounding suburbs.

Agra is a city located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, and is most famous for the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city has a rich history and culture, and is home to several Mughal-era monuments and buildings that are considered to be architectural masterpieces. Here are some of the top places to visit in Agra:

What is the best time to visit agra?

September to March is the finest season to visit Agra because the heat has subsided and the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing. Spend a day strolling through the Taj complex, taking in the splendour of this majestic structure.

The Best places in Agra to travel to are

Taj Mahal: 

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their 14th child. The white marble structure is adorned with intricate carvings, inlaid precious stones, and calligraphy. It's a must-visit place in Agra and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Agra Fort: 

Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a formidable structure built of red sandstone. It was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD and served as the main residence for the Mughal emperors. The fort has several palaces, halls, and a mosque within its walls, and its architecture reflects a fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles. The fort offers a great view of the Taj Mahal from the top of its walls.

Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: 

This tomb, also known as the "Baby Taj," is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. It is the first tomb in India to be entirely made of marble and is known for its intricate inlay work and fine marble screens. It was built by Noor Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father.

Mehtab Bagh: 

Mehtab Bagh is a beautiful garden located across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. It offers a great view of the Taj Mahal at sunset, and is a popular spot for photography. The garden was built by Emperor Babur in the 16th century and has been recently restored.

Fatehpur Sikri: 

Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient city located around 40 km from Agra. It was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a short period. The city is known for its well-preserved palaces, courtyards, and halls, and its architecture reflects a fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles.

Akbar's Tomb: 

The tomb of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, located in Sikandra, is a grand mausoleum complex with beautiful gardens, courtyards, and halls. The tomb is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture and is a fine example of Akbar's interest in syncretic culture.

Dayal Bagh: 

Dayal Bagh is a peaceful and serene place and a religious site for the Radhasoami faith. It is known for its beautiful architecture and gardens, and it's a great place to relax and meditate. The site has a temple, a museum, and a research center dedicated to the Radhasoami faith.

Jama Masjid: 

Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Agra and was built by Shah Jahan's daughter, Jahanara Begum, in 1648 AD. The mosque is an important place of worship for the Muslim community and is known for its beautiful architecture and calligraphy.

Mughal Heritage Walk: 

The Mughal Heritage Walk is a guided tour that takes visitors through the narrow lanes of the old city to explore the Mughal heritage of Agra. The tour provides an insight into the city's rich culture and history and allows visitors to discover hidden gems and local stories that are often missed by tourists.

Ram Bagh: 

Ram Bagh is the oldest Mughal garden in India and was built by Emperor Babur in 1528. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful gardens, fountains, and canals. The garden was designed in the traditional Mughal style, with symmetrical lawns, flower beds, and water channels. It is a peaceful spot and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Chini ka Rauza: 

This tomb is located close to Itimad-ud-Daulah's tomb and is dedicated to Afzal Khan, a Persian poet and Prime minister during the reign of Shah Jahan. The tomb is known for its Persian style of architecture and is adorned with intricate tile work and calligraphy.

Moti Masjid: 

Moti Masjid is a beautiful mosque located within the Agra Fort complex. It was built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century and is known for its pearl-white marble structure and intricate carvings.

Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal: 

This is a Sikh place of worship located in Agra and is dedicated to the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. The gurudwara is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

Traditional Bazaar: 

Traditional Bazaar are popular markets in Agra that are known for its traditional jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It's a great place to shop for traditional Indian handicrafts and textiles and is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Traditional Bazaar include most of the central part of city, namely Bijlighar, jogri Bazaar, fubwara, kinari bazaar, raja mandi, daresi, pipal mandi, rawat para, sindhi market and more.

Sikandra: 

Sikandra is a suburb of Agra and is known for its beautiful gardens and tombs. The area is home to several Mughal era monuments like Akbar's tomb and is a great place to explore the Mughal heritage of the city.

Keetham Lake(Sur Sarovar): 

Sur Sarovar, also known as Keetham Lake, is a scenic lake on the Agra-Delhi highway (NH 2). The Agra Bear Rescue Facility, a facility dedicated to rehabilitating previously captured "dancing bears," is located nearby. The lake has been designated as a Ramsar site that is protected since 2020. This bird refuge is home to about a dozen different types of resident and migratory birds. This attractive adventure-seeking tourist destination features a big lake and various man-made islands that add to its beauty. Keetham Lake has a pentagonal shape.

Wildlife SOS: 

A large property with a rehabilitation centre for rescued elephants and guided tours is available. This is an excellent option for animal lovers. Spend a day learning about Wildlife SOS's amazing conservation work. By including Agra hotel pickup and drop-off, you may avoid the stress of travelling on congested public transportation.

Dolphin Water Park: 

Amusement park/water park featuring rides, a wave pool, water slides, and Chinese and Indian restaurants. Dolphin Water World Park, which opened in 2002 and spans 14 acres of land dedicated to fun, cuisine, frolic, and rides that are magnificent super excited experience, roller coasters, water and conventional rides, and so on. The Water Park is the largest water park in North India, located on the outskirts of Agra City on National Highway - 2 (Agra Mathura Road) in Runkata. Since then, the water park has been a popular source of amusement and enjoyment for both city people and tourists.

Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity

Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity operate in about 123 countries. They all work to provide houses and care for the world's homeless, ill, and orphans. The one in Agra houses several nuns who care for orphaned children, the elderly, and the homeless.

Points to remember when visiting Agra:

• The list of places to visit in Agra is not exhaustive and there are many other interesting and unique places to explore in the city
• The cost of entry and opening hours for each location may vary, it is recommended to check before visiting
• It is always recommended to be aware of your surroundings and to take safety precautions when travelling to any destination.
• The best time to visit Agra is between October and March, as the weather is pleasant and comfortable during this time of the year.
• Agra is a popular tourist destination, so it's advisable to book accommodation and tickets for the major attractions in advance to avoid disappointment.
• It is also recommended to hire a local guide to get the most out of your visit and to learn more about the history and culture of the city.
• Respectful dress is always required when visiting religious and historical sites, so be sure to dress appropriately.
• It is recommended to carry a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved when visiting the monuments.
• Taking photographs and videos are allowed in most places but it is always better to check before clicking.