There are many places to visit on the Agra trip. The most popular tourist destinations are the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Sikandra Fort. The most populous city of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a major tourist destination because of its many Mughal-era buildings. Be it a solo trip, a family vacation, or a visit with friends, there are many more interesting places to visit along with the Taj Mahal which makes this city a more unique place.
From historical sites and hopping from one fort to another at Fatehpur Sikri, crowded streets, vibrant shopping markets to buy some amazing stuff, and lip-smacking fares to treat, Agra offers a memorable vacation.
Below is a list of the best places to visit (in detail) in Agra:
1. Taj Mahal :
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is situated on the bank of the river Yamuna in the city of Agra (India). Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement.
Taj Mahal has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being a masterpiece recognized all across the world. The ornate architecture and alluring designs attract the most.
2. Agra Fort :
Agra Fort is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Agra Fort was one of the most important forts during the Mughal period. It was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar.
Agra Fort is also called a walled city and is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History unfolds in front of your eyes as you walk as many impressive structures like Moti Masjid, Jahangir Mahal, Machchhi Bhawan, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khass, and Khas Mahal are present inside the Agra Fort.
3. Fatehpur Sikri:
Fatehpur Sikri, a town in Agra District, is one of the key historical monuments belonging to the Mughal era and a top tourist attraction in Agra. The town was built and established by Akbar and later abandoned in 1610. Like all the other tourist places in Agra, it also features the Indo-Islamic architectural style and is constructed using red sandstone.
4. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb:
Another Mughal mausoleum, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, is situated on the left bank of the river Yamuna, next to Chini-ka-rauza. It is also known as the “Baby Taj” as it also has traces of white marble just like the Taj Mahal. The tomb was built by Nur Jahan in 1628, nearly 5 years after her father’s death. The semi-precious stones and designed jali screens from white marble light up the interiors of the tomb.
5. Akbar’s Tomb:
Akbar’s Tomb was built by Jahangir in 1613. This is one of the best places to visit in Agra. The emperor got his tomb monument constructed while he was alive as his final resting place. His son Jehangir finished the complete construction. This monument is the perfect symbol of Mughal architecture as the building is constructed mainly from red stone.
6. Moti Masjid :
Also known as Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 on the bank of river Yamuna. The mosque is well known for its delicate designs that are typical of Shah Jahan’s era of reign and the mosque is made entirely of white marble. The mosque shines like a pearl on a moonlit night which gives it the name “pearl mosque”.
7. Sikandra Fort :
Fort home of the great emperor Akbar’s Tomb. The fort is also known for its architecture. Akbar himself designed this fort, which is a blend of Islamic and Hindu designs. The tomb exhibits exceptional artistry of marble upon the red sandstone used in the building of the tomb and minarets and it also has historical gardens built by city architect Sikander Lodhi and the famous Baradi Palace.
8. Jodha Bai ka Rauza :
Jodha Bai ka Rauza was built by Akbar for his favorite queen Jodha. The monument is the best example of the fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture which makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra. It is the biggest palace in Fatehpur Sikri made of red sandstone like all the other palaces. The place also has distinct Gujarati and Rajasthani architectural patterns and beautifully painted blue ceilings.
9. Mehtab Bagh :
Mehtab Bagh in Agra stands at the North of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort along the bank of river Yamuna. The garden was designed as an integral part of the Taj Mahal complex 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. It is also said that the garden had a spot from where Shah Jahan would watch the moonlit Taj Mahal, thus giving the garden the name of Mehtab Bagh. It is an ideal place for a photo shoot because of its enchanting views, thus, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra.
10. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity :
In 1946, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity to provide free service to the poorest of the poor. It was established officially by a group of 12 members on 7 October 1950. Today, the organization has over 4,500 members. All of them work to provide homes and care for the homeless, sick, blind, disabled, homeless victims of floods, epidemics, etc, and orphans across the world. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity runs in 123 countries approximately. The one in Agra serves as a home to several nuns caring for orphaned children, the elderly, and the homeless.
Must visit this place once and spend some time with people living there, care for them and donate anything you wish. You are sure to realize your privileges and come out a better person filled with gratitude and a heart full of kindness and respect for the nuns.
11. Wildlife SOS :
Wildlife SOS is the Agra Bear rescue and conservation organization in Agra. It is the largest Sloth Bear Rescue Facility in the world. Established in 1999 by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. Their campus is located in the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. The organization also works on rescue operations and the conservation of bears and has recently opened a bear rescue facility for visitors. The Education Conservation Walkway in this facility is the first-ever in the country and these are great ways to learn about bears and their conservation. Must visit this place to know how they have worked over the years and what facilities they provide for veterinary care as well as geriatric care for sloth bears.
12. Taj Nature Walk :
Taj Nature Walk has been developed by the Social Forestry Division of Agra. The place is best known to be a great place to enjoy amazing views of the Taj Mahal. Even it has many watchtowers from where you can view the Taj Mahal from different angles. One can also spot more than 46 kinds of flowers, animals like blue bulls, jackals, hares, and birds like parakeets and Kingfishers
13. Gurudwara Guru ka Taal :
Guru ka Taal is near Sikandra in Agra. This gurudwara was built in the memory of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and is visited by lakhs of devotees every year to pay respects and seek blessings. The place where it is built is where Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji voluntarily offered his arrest to Aurangzeb.
Guru ka Tal is a historical Sikh pilgrimage place. The structure dates back to the 17th century and at that time the place served as a reservoir of rainwater which was used for irrigation purposes. Later, it was constructed into a gurudwara with the beautiful architecture of red sandstone in some places and marble in most.
14. Jama Masjid :
One of the biggest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid in Agra is also known as the Friday mosque. Built in 1648 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is famous for its intricate designs, carved red sandstone, and unique architecture. The mosque is situated right across from Agra Fort and is one of the most well-known tourist places in Agra.
The mosque was dedicated to Shah Jahan’s daughter, Jahanara Begum. Besides the beautiful designs on the tomb and the red sandstone construction, one can also easily spot the influence of Iranian architecture, the design is unique with a fountain at the center and supported by four kiosks in the courtyard.
15. Dolphin Water Park:
Historical structures have always been an attraction for travelers, but it is also one of the best places to see in Agra. Dolphin Water World is north India’s biggest water park. Besides a water park with thrilling rides, it is an amusement park and a fast food plaza as well. Along with slides like clusters, wave pool, multilane water slides, kids’ train, and carousel caterpillar the park is a complete package for a fun-filled day out for the family and friends.
16. Traditional Bazaars :
Traditional bazaars of Agra are a must-visit for all shopping lovers. There is much that you can shop such as handicrafts, artifacts, leather stuff, semi-precious stone jewelry, carpets, and more. It is also one of the largest markets for textiles and embroidery. If you are in the mood for shopping for some leather products visit Sadar Bazaar.
Must visit Kinari Bazaar to shop for items like handicrafts, glassware, rugs, leather, and textiles. For those who are looking to fill their bags with some silk products and silk saris, Subhash Bazaar offers a stunning getaway.
17. Chini ka Rauza :
One of the most unique historical places to visit in Agra was built in 1635. The mausoleum is located at the eastern bank of the river Yamuna. It is the mausoleum of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s prime minister, Afzal Khan who was also known as Maula Shukrullah. The unique building extensively uses glazed glass windows. The tomb displays its unique architecture with colorful intricate work is found in the brackets, balcony, and on chajja. It was named Chini -ka-rauza because of the glazed tiles that are said to be brought from China. Also, the monument is situated between beautiful gardens and is renowned for its blue-glazed tiles.
18. Anguri Bagh :
Anguri Bagh was built by Shah Jahan in 1637, that is located on the east of Khas Mahal in Agra Fort. The place is best to visit in Agra to relish some tranquil moments and take a dive into the history of Mughals who ruled Agra in the past. Known for its thick creepers, this garden was known for harvesting the choicest of grapes and flowers throughout the year and was decorated with many marvelous paintings of gold. The garden has a hall and is embellished by various tanks that ensured the water supply to the ponds and baths of this garden, a marble-paved platform with a fountain in its center, and hammams decorated with wall paintings in Royal blue and gold.
19. Machhi Bhawan :
Macchi Bhawan also known as Fish Mahal is located opposite the Diwan-i-Khas in the Agra Fort. This building is the treasury for imperial ornaments and jewels, arched galleries, and beautiful courtyards, it used to be a place where many functions and harems were organized.
20. Diwan-I-Aam :
Diwan-i-Aam is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra. It is also known as the Hall of Audience. This is where the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan used to hold public meetings with the people and attend to their problems. It is a spectacular combination of finesse and design that fascinates everyone.
Many renowned writers like Jean Baptiste Tavernier and Francois Bernier have written about it in their memoirs. The gorgeous beauty of this site gives a grand appearance and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Agra as you can witness some of the finest structures ever built which is another example of Shah Jahan’s love for marble because of its columns and ceilings(painted in gold).
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