20 Best  Places To Visit in Agra (2023)

Places To Visit in Agra

Agra is along the Yamuna River, one of the largest tributaries of India’s legendary Ganga river. This gem is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit while on vacation in India. You can book a flight ticket from New Delhi to visit the Agra district and book a hotel online before your stay. In our discussion, we look at some of the best places to visit in Agra, where to stay, activities to engage in, and everything else you need to know.

There are many attractions in this city that date back over four centuries. Visitors have a lot to feast their eyes on and lots of activities to make the tour enjoyable. Some buildings are historical, with antique architecture and vibrant décor. There are beautiful gardens along the banks of the river Yamuna, exotic wildlife, magnificent pavilions and more. You’ll also glimpse the Taj Mahal, one of the World’s Seven Wonders.

20 Best Places To Visit in Agra

Here are the 20 best places to visit in Agra Includes:

1. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the famous places to visit in Agra. It’s open every day between 6.00 am to 7.00 pm except Fridays. There is an admission fee for grown-ups and teenagers; however, kids below 15 are allowed for free. Visitors cannot carry toys, food, cigarettes, lighters, or other items.

The Taj Mahal is located next to the banks of the River Yamuna. The story behind this site is more like a love story or a fairytale. Emperor Shah Jahan of the Mughal Empire was the most romantic man of his time. Sadly, he built this historical site in memory of his deceased wife, Madam Mumtaz Mahal. He wanted to express his love and sadness for his late wife.

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous wonders of the world. If you plan to visit India, it should be on your itinerary. However, many people visit this site to glimpse the architectural wonder. Therefore, getting there early and having a local guide knowledgeable about the place and tickets is important.

Besides the amazing structures, you can breathe fresh air around the neighborhood.

You can’t get enough of this place; many people visit it yearly. This stunning place has magnificent buildings with a beautiful interiors made of marble, and it is one of the best places to visit in Agra.

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2. Agra Fort

Agra Fort is an important historical site that you should visit in Agra. Like the Taj Mahal, it dated back to the Mughal era and got its name from Akbar, the ruler of the period ending 1605. It is one of the best places to visit in Agra.

Agra served as the Mughal Empire’s capital city, and the fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site around four decades ago. This fort symbolizes the Mughal dynasty’s power, generosity, and strength. Agra Fort has located 200 km from New Delhi capital city of India and 2.5 kilometers from the Taj Mahal.

Visitors can access the spot between 6.00 am to 6.00 pm every day. However, the prices are different, with foreigners paying more than locals.

3. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is approximately 40 kilometers from the district of Agra. It’s one of the best places to visit in Agra. Akbar built the city. However, it was abandoned as early as 1610. One thing that makes this town unique is that the buildings comprise predominantly red sandstone.

It’s a UNESCO heritage site and houses several other structures, such as Salim Chishti Tomb, Jama Mosque, Jodha’s palace, and Buland Darwaza. The building is a great art and has both Islamic and Indian encampments.

There is a mix of tradition and religion, and the place was built in honor of Sheikh Salim Chishti. He predicted the coming of the famous Emperor Mughal, and Akbar also built three stunning palaces for his different wives representing their diverse religions.

Some of the best hotels near the majestic Fatehpur Sikri include Joey’s, Hostel, Hotel Taj Resort, and Taj Hotels and convention center. Flight ticket booking is straightforward since you can do it online.

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4. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

The Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb site is a Mughal mausoleum along the Yamuna river banks. It’s a historical place that is beautifully designed. It’s also known as the jewel box and comprises beautiful gardens, various buildings, and an ancient tomb.

The building’s architectural design and interior decoration derive inspiration from the Taj Mahal. Another name for this site is Baby Taj.

Beautiful walkways and water courses crisscross the garden, with the building occupying at least 23 square meters. Its walls comprise white marble with stone carvings encrusting the outside. Beautiful images of wine bottles, banquet vases, and cypress trees exist.

The tomb came into existence in 1628 thanks to Nur Jahan, Jahangir’s beautiful wife. The white marble illuminates the tomb to create a spectacle.

5. Akbar’s Tomb

If you’re a fan of history, Akbar’s tomb is one of the best places to visit in Agra. This tomb was built in 1613 by Jahangir and had some amazing marble decorations and designs. It consists of red stone and stands out as a stylish structure. Inside, there is the Akbar tomb, which is surrounded by mysterious drawings and marble details.

Although Akbar didn’t complete building his tomb, his son Jahangir did. It took up to four years to complete the entire structure. However, there were raids on the tombs in subsequent years. The structure was restored in the early years of the 20th century. It’s a historical site, and its preservation holds much insight into Emperor Akbar’s life.

Another outstanding feature is the big gate with white marble specs and panels. The tomb is in an underground chamber, and you feel connected to the mystical past as you approach it.

A wall surrounds the tomb, and the pavilion presents the tomb of Akbar. However, this is not the true tomb since the original remains of the emperor were burnt to ashes.

6. Moti Masjid

Moti Masjid, also known as the Pearl Mosque, is a remarkable structure at the Yamuna riverbanks. It was built in 1648 by Shah Jahan. Although it’s not as popular as the Taj Mahal, it’s one place you wouldn’t miss when visiting places in Agra. The most striking thing about this building is the admirable white marble, antique designs and attractive architecture.

This mosque’s location is breathtaking as it rests on a sloppy area with the sides comprising fine-looking walkways. Undoubtedly, tourists in Agra can’t get enough of the pearl mosque.

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7. Sikandra Fort

The Sikandra Fort is another collection of Akbar’s Tomb, built around 1605 by Jahangir. It is located 13km from Agra Fort, Mughal’s tomb, and one of the best places to visit in Agra.

This fort consists of a large garden surrounded by tall walls and a structural gateway in the midsection. The entire garden comprises four chambers with long terraces containing a water body in the middle.

The terraces have tanks with beautiful fountains overflowing. There is a pavement that visitors follow to access this ancient tomb. In addition, five buildings assume a pyramid shape.

This fort is popular because of the magnificent gates, red stone buildings, and tombs. Therefore, thousands of tourists come to the fort to witness this historical sensation.

The architectural design has a significant influence on Hindu culture, especially the openings and balconies. Moreover, the stone carvings are classic. As you get closer to the tomb, you’ll notice this structure’s square design, a unique feature.

8. Jodha Bai ka Rauza

Jodha Bai ka Rauza is a traditional palace, and just like the Taj Mahal, there’s a love story behind its design. It’s named after one of Akbar’s favorite queens, approximately 1km from the Fatehpur railway station.

Jodha Bai ka Rauza is one of the oldest and largest monuments in the Fatehpur Sikri complex and one of the best places to visit in Agra. As per historical records, Akbar took the reigns of Malwa, but there was a lot of resistance from other ancient kings.

Akbar used diplomacy to resolve such conflicts and would marry princesses from the Rajput clan. Jodha Bai was a sibling to Man Singh, a powerful Jaipur emperor.

The famous emperor Akbar built this monument in memory of his wife, Jodha Bai ( Mariam-UZ Zamani Begum). It’s a symbol of peace between the Hindu and Muslim communities, and that’s why it’s popular amongst tourists.

9. Bateshwar

Bateshwar is a small town along the River Yamuna banks. It’s approximately 70km from Agra City and derives its name from Lord Shiva. This sanctuary is famous among the Hindu community and has many temples that pilgrim visit all year round. It’s a sacred location after the dam’s voyage. There is a lot of reference to Mahabharat, Ramayan, and Matsya Purana.

Besides the religious attachment, the buildings are ancient, with architecture dating back hundreds of years. There are beautiful paintings and scriptures of plants, and it is one of the best places to visit in Agra.

The Jain temples are also here, and Jain pilgrims adore this place. Bateshwar is popular because of the yearly cattle fair, which dates back four centuries. The shopping extravagance coincides with the annual prayer months. Here traders, visitors, and saints.

Some animals in the fair include camels, horses, oxen, and goats. Also, you’ll find spices, utensils and furniture. The beauty of this place is that visitors get to experience authentic Indian experiences.

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10. Mehtab Bagh

Featuring a crescent shape, this part is among the eleven gardens on the riverbanks of Yamuna. Mehtab Bagh is located in the northern area of Agra Fort and Taj Mahal along the Yamuna riverbank. This special place is peaceful and has a lush green garden, and Muslims are emotionally attached since the Holy Quran’s four gardens inspire it.

A Mughal emperor built it in the early 14th century, and the Taj Mahal and many other historical structures hadn’t been built. After years of disrepair, Shah Jahan rebuilt this historical park to protect the Taj Mahal from sand erosion.

Indeed, you can view the Taj Mahal from this location just like Shah Jahan would in the olden days. It’s also known as the Moonlight garden, and couples love this place to relax and take beautiful photos.

The garden is functional with many plants, such as guava, hibiscus, and citrus. If you’d like an excellent sunset view, Mehtab Bagh is certainly one of the best places in Agra.

11. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity

Mother Teresa is renowned and famous because of her contribution to works of charity. In the Agra district, this is clear through the Missionaries of charity, a shelter for nuns who care for the less privileged.

This center was established in 1950 by Mother Teresa to give support and care to the needy. Currently, over 4500 catholic nuns work in over 600 missions in 133 countries.

You can visit the home and spend time with the orphans, homeless, sick, and elderly. Most tourists who come to Agra donate money out of compassion and kindness, and it is one of the best places to visit in Agra.

The center in Agra has a home for children suffering from various forms of disabilities, such as mental or physical. The nuns also distribute medicines in dispensaries and homes. They also conduct empowerment classes for women and visit homes to teach religious studies.

12. Bear Rescue Facility – Wildlife SOS

Wildlife SOS is a shelter for animals and nature conservation in Agra districts. The bear center is unique because it’s the largest in the world, and wildlife SOS and the forest department in India established it close to two decades ago. It’s home to at least 130 bears and other wildlife species.

It’s also a research center that offers specialized care to bears. Sick bears are also well taken care of, among other things.

The advantage of this shelter is that the doctors are qualified, and the team is fully dedicated to caring for homeless bears. There’s also a laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment such as a theatre, ultrasound, x-ray, and dental suite. It is one of the best places to visit in Agra.

Another amazing feature of this sanctuary is the weaning area for small cubs, which also acts as a rescue center for baby bears. If you love nature and conservation, then wildlife SOS is a must-place to visit in the Agra district.

13. Taj Nature Walk

Walking around parks with beautiful trees and hummingbirds is magical, and the Taj nature walk offers everything in one package. The district of Agra has several conservation projects to preserve Agra as a historical site, and Taj Nature Walk is one of them.

Visitors and local people walk around the Taj Mahal and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You’ll have time to watch nature from the towers on the pathway. Also, there are breathtaking trees and flowers, and you can enjoy a cool air breeze. That’s not all; rare birds such as kingfishers, parakeets, and more exist. It is one of the best places to visit in Agra.

Additionally, there are small paths that mushroom everywhere, and it’s a nice place to explore the shortcuts to the countryside.

The garden covers 70 hectares of land and is a paradise with stunning views. You can also have an unrestricted view of the Taj Mahal at this location. The Yamuna river flows quietly along the trail, and there are many places where you can view different plants and bird species.

The ground features valleys, rifts, grass mounds, and ridges. Various flower species include jackals, hares, blue bulls, and more.

14. Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal

Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal is less popular than the other sites in the legendary Agra district. However, you can treat your eyes to some historical architecture in this shrine. Guru Ka Tal is also a historical place pilgrims meet to commemorate Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Each year devotees visit this area in their remembrance. The site was constructed in the seventeenth century as a water collection point. It’s here that the Guru offered his hands for arrest. It is one of the best places to visit in Agra.

As a rainwater reservoir, locals could cultivate and use the water for irrigation. Then, a red sandstone building with marble touches was erected at the site. Out of the twelve towers built in Tal, only seven are still standing.

15. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is a large Indian mosque located in Agra city. And one of the best places to visit in Agra. It’s a beautiful piece of art with intrinsic designs and historical architecture. Emperor Shah Jahan dedicated this mosque to his daughter, Ms. Jahanara Begum.

Like most Indo-Islamic buildings in Agra, this building is made of red sandstone for a magnificent appeal. The tomb has a unique design that awes visitors and residents.

It estimated the construction cost at 1M rupees and opened its doors around 1656 AD. There are a large courtyard and three dome-shaped structures along the terrace.

The original building was captured during the 1857 revolt against the British. Luckily, the iconic structure still stands tall with renovations and repairs to boost its appearance.

16. Dolphin Water Park and Friends Gokulam

Dolphin Water Park is a cool place to relax after a long day. It’s a large water body in India, and you’ll find a luxury park. Besides, there’s a hotel that serves fast and other delicacies. There are lots of activities for the entire family, such as the water slides. It is one of the best places to visit in Agra.

The place was established in 2002 and sat on a 14-acre park. It’s a great place to have fun with family and friends. The giant pool is massive, and you can enjoy many water games. Also, there are other activities, such as merry-go-round rides and the dolphin express kid train.

During celebrations, many people gather here to have fun and enjoy happy moments. There is also the Friends Gokulam, an amusement park in Agra and like the Dolphin site, there are lots of activities to indulge in. This city waterpark is suitable for visitors, family including older people.

17. The Bagh Restaurant

The Bagh restaurant is a good option if you’re visiting Agra and looking for a place to stay. There is a lot of space where children can play and grown-ups can relax. It occupies twelve acres and has an outdoor pool to cool off on a hot summer day. It is one of the best places to visit in Agra.

There are parks around where you can visit and see the wildlife. For instance, the Agra and Keoladeo national parks are just nearby. There are historical sites, such as the Taj Mahal, which you can visit during your stay. The rooms are spacious, with stunning bathrooms, ornate fabrics, and furnishings. The food is sumptuous, with a highlight of Indian and Islamic cuisine.

18. Indo-Islamic Bazaars

A visit to the district of Agra won’t be complete without a shopping spree at the traditional bazaars. The markets are a beehive of activities, and visitors have time to sample local varieties. Many classic items include handicrafts, leatherware, rugs, textiles, saris, glassware, and more. Also, there are many hotels where you can get delicious meals. It is one of the best places to visit in Agra

19. Chini Ka Rauza

Chini Ka Rauza is a historical site in Agra that dates back to 1635 and is one of the best places to visit in Agra. This temple is along the river Yamuna banks and is a great tourist attraction. These architectural designs draw aspiration from Indo-Persian. The windows comprise glaze glass, while the chini tiles feature vibrant colors like orange, green, yellow, and turquoise.

There are inscriptions, drawings, and letters from the holy Quran. Inside the inner chamber are the last resting place of Afzal Khan, a famous poet and an officer of Shah Jehan’s court.

20. Anguri Bagh

Anguri Bagh means a great harvest of ripe grapes and beautiful flowers. In the olden day, loyal princesses would rest in this garden. Also known as the grape garden, the place is more attractive with a beautiful green landscape. This picturesque sanctuary is located in Agra Fort at Khas Mahal, one of the best places to visit in Agra.

Anguri Bagh is deeply rich in history, and there are nice monuments that take you back in time. The gold paintings are astonishing, and the landscape has tanks and fountains that add to its beauty.

The main area has a large hall and small rooms in a semi-circular pattern. There is a spacious courtyard at the front side where fountains overlook the beautiful garden.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for classic adventure, the Agra district is the place to be. It has a lot of historical buildings with traditional architecture that dates back many years. You can book cheap flights, and visitors from all walks of life visit this historical site. Other than that, there are beautiful gardens and luxurious hotels where you can relax and taste Indo-Islamic cuisines.

You can walk along the pathways and view the exotic wildlife if you’re a nature lover. Undoubtedly, the Taj Mahal is the most outstanding monument of this historical site and one of the places to visit in Agra. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy your visit to Agra and indulge in various activities.

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