Agra is a well-known city resting on the bank of river Yamuna, in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. Agra is one of the most populous city in Uttar Pradesh and is regarded as the top North India tourist places. It is popular among tourists because of its Mughal style architecture and world heritage sites. Agra along with Delhi and Jaipur is included in Golden Triangle, while Agra, Lucknow, and Varanasi collective known as Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc. Though Agra is largely associated with Mughal empire but the reference of this can be found in Mahabharata, which is an ancient Indian epic. The city is well connected via rail, road, and air. You may also opt to visit Delhi first and then transfer to Agra via bus or train route. Take a look at the Top places to visit in Agra, which would be beneficial for you, if you are planning to visit this city, which has some masterpiece architectural examples.

Taj Mahal

Places to visit in Agra

Taj Mahal is the first name, which would come in our mind while talking about Agra. The city “Agra” is sometimes referred as “City of Taj”. Taj Mahal is not only the famous monument in Agra or Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most popular monument in the world. Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the world and also is listed amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The grandeur and splendid architecture of this famous monument need no introduction. The monument is the display of Mankind’s achievement. This masterpiece was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and it took about 22 years with more that 20000 labors to finish this finest and perfectly symmetrical example of architectural excellence. Verses of Holy Quran are inscribed on it and the monument is set amidst the beautiful garden. This is the most important landmark of the city and one of the top places to visit in Agra.

Agra Fort

Places to visit in Agra

Agra Fort, well known as Red fort is another famous attraction in Agra after Taj Mahal. It is also listed in UNESCO World’s Heritage Site and is the example of architectural masterpiece. The fort was renovated by Mughal emperor Akbar and was later converted into a palace during is son (Shah Jahan) reign. The fort has some important buildings inside it like Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Diwan-e-Aam (Public hall), Diwan-e-Khas (Private Hall), Shish Mahal (mirrored palace) etc. It appears that this paradise was concealed by its forbidden exterior. This fort has a big historical significance, it was here that Shah Jahan was kept as a prisoner by his son Aurangazeb. Shah Jahan used to gaze at Taj Mahal from this fort for the last eight years of his life. You can’t  ignore this fort when you are here, as it is second most important places to visit in Agra.

Fatehpur Sikri

Places to visit in Agra

Fatehpur Sikri is 35 kilometers away from the city of Agra. It was built by Akbar 1570 in order to move his capital to this place. Later he abandoned it, due to the shortage of water. The place displays lots of important buildings of historical importance and is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will behold the perfect combination of Islamic, Indian and Persian architecture here. Some of the important buildings in Fatehpur Sikri includes Buland Darwaza, Birbal’s house, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal. Fatehpur Sikri should be in your list of places to visit in Agra if you want to catch the glimpse of Mughal grandeur.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah

Places to visit in Agra

Itimad-Ud-Daulah is referred as jewel-box or baby Taj. The tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is considered as the draft of Taj Mahal. This tomb represents the second phase of Mughal architecture using white marble, the example of the first phase being Humayun tomb or Akbar tomb, where red sandstone was primarily used. It was built by Empress Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The construction of this landmark is excellent and one must definitely visit Itimad-Ud-Daulah on his trip to Agra, to catch the excellence of the second phase of Mughal architecture.

Akbar Tomb Sikandra

Places to visit in Agra

Akbar Tomb is located in Delhi-Agra highway and is about 13 kilometers from Agra fort. One can visit this place. You may stop at this place while on your trip to Agra. Akbar Tomb, Sikandra is regarded as the last resting place of Mughal emperor Akbar. It is set amidst the lush garden with deer, rabbits, and langurs which are commonly found here. Jahangir, Akbar’s son completed the construction of this tomb in 1613 and 99 names of Allah have been inscribed on it.

Ram Bagh

Places to visit in Agra

Ram Bagh is the oldest Mughal garden in India and was built by Babur in 1528 on the bank of river Yamuna. It is about 3 kilometers from Taj Mahal. The garden is designed in such a way that the temperature here is pleasant throughout the year owing to the wind of Yamuna and greenery of the garden. Originally this garden was named as Aram Bagh which in English means “The garden of relaxation”. It is the place where Babur chose to relax and spend his leisure moments.

Mankameshwar temple

places to visit in agra

There are four ancient temples located in the 4 corners of Agra. Mankameshwar is one of those four temples. It is dedicated to lord Shiva. It is near to all the important landmark of the city. Located near Jama Masjid, about 1 kilometer from Agra fort and 2.5 kilometers from Taj Mahal, you may visit this temple with historical significance on your way to Agra fort. This temple might also interest you because it is surrounded by markets which are here from Mughal era.

Other notable places to visit in Agra are Jama Masjid, Mariam’s tomb, Mehtab bagh, Paliwal park, Keetham lake, Guru ka Taal, Mughal heritage walk etc. Agra is one of the important place in India with rich historical significance. Agra should be in the bucket list of every traveler, it is a must visit place before you die. Have you ever been to Agra before? Share your experience in comments.


saurabh

Saurabh is a traveller and writer. He loves to share his daily travel experience. He also comments on Bollywood and Reality TV Shows.

12 Comments

Harsh Gupta · December 21, 2016 at 8:32 am

I love Agra for its history and of course Taj Mahal. Thanks for sharing such an indepth guide about exploring the city, 🙂

chris · December 20, 2016 at 4:56 pm

Wow so much to do and see! Awesome tips man thank you

Our Seaside Baby · December 19, 2016 at 8:43 pm

I’m half Indian (my father was from Kolkata) so have visited many times including Agra. I took my son to India for the first time this summer, it was such an amazing experience. 🙂 In Agra, I’ve only been to the top 2 on your list and if I ever return I will definitely look at the other beautiful attractions you list 🙂 They all look incredible! Polly

Charity Valenzuela Marces · December 19, 2016 at 12:23 pm

I always admire India for its artistic flair. The intricate details on their architecture are oozing with its “Royal” history and heritage. The Itimad-Ud-Daulah and Fatehpur Sikri are amongst the most admirable. Of course, Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the best.

Katie · December 18, 2016 at 5:14 pm

The Taj Mahal has always been on my list and I am only recently starting to learn how many amazing things are in Agra to see and visit! Thanks for sharing!

Faith · December 18, 2016 at 4:56 pm

Ah who doesn’t have the taj mahal on their bucket list – you couldn’t call yourself a traveler if you didn’t

Rhiannon · December 18, 2016 at 3:53 pm

Oh, Agra is so beautiful! I visited back in 2012 but due to an unfortunate incident at the hotel I was staying at was only able to see Taj Mahal! I would so love to go back some day and tick some more places off of this list – especially Agra Fort, which looks absolutely beautiful. Will keep this post in mind when I do head there 🙂

Misa · December 18, 2016 at 1:06 pm

I only know about Taj Mahal but the other places looks even mre tempting and beautiful, I want to see them now… it all looks so different from Europe 🙂

Amalia · December 18, 2016 at 7:11 am

India is still in my to-visit list for a very long time 🙂 would love to visit Agra in the future! Beautiful architectures!

Erica M Poyauan · December 18, 2016 at 6:18 am

so many good places to visit in Agra! what is the nearest airport to this place by the way? Is this only accessible by train or bus? I’d love to come here next year!

    saurabh · December 18, 2016 at 6:31 am

    Hi Erica, you may visit Delhi by flight and then travel to Agra. You may also reach Agra by Train or rail route.

runawaybrit · December 17, 2016 at 10:11 pm

Nothing can ever really prepare you for your first view of the Taj Mahal. I have been lucky enough to see it twice, and each time I was mesmerised. I didn’t really like Agra much the first time I went (my friend was very sick and we stayed in a horrible guest house), but when I went last year I liked it better. There is just so much to see and do in India.

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