Agra was an abode to the greatest Mughal rulers of the medieval times and their contribution to the world of architecture that left a mark on eternity. This city is the treasure house for some of the most glorious and majestic edifices of the Mughal Empire. A masterpiece that has left generations of people spellbound by its innate beauty. The Taj Mahal to which Indian has been synonymous to the people outside, a symbol of eternal love, is housed in Agra.
Agra attracts millions of tourists from all across the globe each year and the number is not falling for the beautiful things and memories this city has to offer is forever. Its resplendence is not bound to its architecture but also to its rich heritage, delicious food, labyrinthine market places and many more. You will take home a bag full of souvenirs and a chest full of memories.
Here’s a list of the top 15 things to do and tourist places to visit in Agra.
1) TAJ MAHAL
A monument so majestic that books have been written on its magnificence, several poets have tried to capture its beauty, but none have ever succeeded to truly describes its multi-dimensional splendour, for its not possible to pen down the true essence of this magnum opus, Taj Mahal.
The symbol for immortal love, its beauty is still unrivalled. Shah Jahan the creator of this grand edifice made sure the world would know of his unbounded love for his Begum for eternity.
If one truly wants to understand how it actually feels to be in presence of real beauty, come to the Taj Mahal. This place has alone attracted millions of tourists and is not just the most visited place in Agra, but all across India.
2) FATEHPUR SIKRI
Fatehpur Sikri or The City of Victory is a town located in the Agra district. This town acquired its name after Akbar’s victorious Gujarat campaign in 1573. This grand city was initially entirely built from red sandstones.
Also known as the palace city for it is guarded by walls on three side and lake bordering the fourth side. The city’s designs are confluence of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles, especially Gujarati influences can be seen all across. This city has immense significance for the getting insights into the Mughal period.
This place is definitely worth exploring for it’s among the best places to visit in Agra.
3) AGRA FORT
Agra Fort, the seat of the great Mughal emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until Delhi took place of Agra as their capital city. This grand piece of architecture was an endowment of the great Mughal ruler Akbar. Agra fort was the gem of the capital city of Mughals and was often referred to the walled city. Within the Agra fort are some of the most beautiful monuments like Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass, Diwan-i-Am, Machchhi Bhawan and Moti Masjid.
It has been put on the list of UNESCO World Heritage site and is a major tourist place. Travelers all across the world pay visit to this masterpiece. It’s definitely one of the most famous places in Agra.
Housed inside the great historical Agra Fort, Jahangir Mahal, a true testimony to the architectural skills of the Mughals. This palace was made by Akbar in honor of his son Jahangir but it was mainly used by the Rajput wives of Akbar as their principal zenana. Jahangir Mahal has been adorned with some intricate ornamentation of Hindu and Islamic designs. The entire palace has profusely used designs that are elaborately symmetrical and has the essence of a variety of religion which accounts for its uniqueness.
You’ll get a glimpse of this beautiful palace as soon as you step into the Agra fort. This monument has secured a place among one of the most visited tourist places in Agra.
4) MEHTAB BAGH
Mehtab Bagh, the perfect viewpoint for witnessing the sublimity of the symbol of eternal love that is the Taj Mahal. This place was made to embellish the experience of the traveler wanting to immerse himself in the peaceful and overwhelming experience of gazing at the Taj Mahal.
Embroidered with lush green Mughal Styled gardens, graceful tiled fountains and large octagonal ponds with clear water, this place will truly purify your senses. A perfect place for romantic picnics and for spending some quality family time in tranquillity.
This is one of the best places for sightseeing in Agra.
5) HUMAYUN’S TOMB
Humayun’s Mosque is among the earliest monuments of Mughal periods. Located in the Kachhpura village of Agra, this house of worship is not at its original state and much has been lost through the passage of time. But still, it provides a deep look into the very early architectural style of Mughals. The Persian inscriptions engraved in the walls suggest that it was constructed around 1530.
If you are fascinated by Mughal History and don’t want to leave any stones unturned in your tour of Agra, then you should definitely visit this place.
6) KHAS MAHAL
Khas Mahal or ‘Aramgah-i-Muqaddar’ is also among the beautiful creations of Shah Jahan. This palace is wedged in between Anguri Bagh and a river.
Khas Mahal is truly a piece of art for it contains a plethora of intricate floral ornamentation and symmetrical geometrical patterns throughout the complex, from the dados to the ceiling. All embellished with vibrant royal colours like blue and gold. The traces are still visible.
This is one of the best places to visit in Agra and you should definitely go to this palace.
7) JAMA MASJID
Jama Masjid, also referred to as Jami Masjid or “Friday Mosque” one of the most massive mosques in India. Another masterwork of Shah Jahan, this house of worship (for Muslims) is built opposite to Agra Fort. The composition of Jama Masjid is of red Sandstone and pristine white marbles, Shah Jahan’s most favoured choices for materials. Royal blue colour is used to paint its walls and ceilings.
The mosques stand on a slightly uplifted platform is centred around the great swarming bazaars. This was done to provide this beautiful monument a viewing advantage so that even distant people could witness its glory.
Jama Masjid is among the most famous places in Agra and visiting this place should be present in everyone’s itinerary.
8) ANGURI BAGH
Anguri Bagh, built by Shah Jahan in 1637, was made to furnish an exalted place with verdant foliage and lush greenery decorated with diverse flora, where the wives of emperors and royal ladies could rest and spend their leisure time with tranquillity and calmness.
This complex is profusely adorned with intricate floral ornamentation on white marble embellished with gold plating. It also once had an abundance of beautiful paintings. This place should be absolutely visited on your trip for its one of the most famous places in Agra.
Humanyun’s Mosque is among the earliest monuments of Mughal periods. Located in the Kachhpura village of Agra, this house of worship is not at its original state and much has been.
9) DAYAL BAGH
The “Garden of the Merciful”, Dayal Bagh, positioned in the metropolitan Agra in western Uttar Pradesh. This is the sect of Radha Swami Faith and is the residence place of the its 8th revered leader (Sant Satguru).
A co-operative community where the disciples or inhabitants of this sect live an active life adapting to the spiritual notions and idea of their faith. This place is particularly famous for the fact the its contraction has been going on for a century as it is guided by the belief that construction should be perpetual.
Made with pure white marble with exquisite glided rococo, this places’ beauty is something to behold. It attracts a lot of tourists and is one of the best places for Agra sightseeing.
10) KALAKRITI MOHABBAT-E-TAJ SHOW
Take a cultural and historical dive into the medieval ages at the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center in Agra. It’s a place where they take you to the times when Agra was ruled by the Muhghals, through Dramas, dancing and singing.
One of the most notable shows of this convention is the Kalakriti Mohabbat-e-Taj Show. This shows give you a peek into the love affair saga of Mumtaj Mahal and Shah Jahan. The artists beautifully portray the characters and try to give a notion of their royal lifestyle. The highlight of the show is the revealing of a very detailed replica of Taj Mahal blossoming from a lotus shaped platform.
Attending this show is worthy of going into your itinerary as it one of the best things to do in Agra.
11) TOMB OF I’TIMAD-UD-DAULAH
Regarded as the offspring of the Taj or Baby Taj Mahal, Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is an exquisite mausoleum located on the eastern banks of Yamuna river, in the city of Agra. This place has also been given the epithet of “Jewel box” of Agra.
Pristine white marbles of Rajasthan are used to construct this exquisite tomb. A cornucopia of refined floral designs with a mosaic of semi-precious stones can be seen all over the structure. The beautiful shadows formed form the rays of sunlight penetrating through decorated screens are truly something to behold.
Make sure not to skip this mausoleum out of your list of places to visit for it’s among the most beautiful structures in Agra.
12) KINARI BAZAAR
Only going through the beautiful monuments and structures is getting a bit monotonous? Then for exploring the famous labyrinthine Bazaars of Agra sprawling with masses. One of the most well-renowned market places in all of Agra is the Kinari Bazaar.
Famous for selling some the finest jewellery in the city, Kinari Bazaar is must visit site. This place has developed a name for marketing some of the finest jewellery in Agra. Not only that its straggling with a dense network of colourful market of a wide range of things from fashionable clothing to outlets selling intricate marble work. Kinari Bazaar also provides a variety of snack stalls for the most delectable meals.
Going through the narrow streets of this busy market is a among the best things to do in Agra.
13) MAMA CHICKEN
Famished from exploring all the corners of Agra? It’s time to satiate your stomach cravings at the sensational Dhaba (casual eatery), Mama Chicken. This is a heaven for all the gluttons out there.
As contradiction to what the name suggests, this place also serves some of the most pleasant tasting veg dishes. But the Non-Veg food here is unparalleled. The chicken dishes it serves is tastes something out of this world. Its softness, its texture, its thick gravy, its tenderness and its spicy blend of colours like red, yellow and brown is enough to make someone drool at the sight of it.
One of the most loved and famous places of Agra by the locals and also by tourists.
14) SUBHASH EMPORIUM
End your journey of Agra by taking some beautiful souvenirs at Subhash Emporium. Agra reeks of places where one can acquire marble products and handicrafts. But this store has dominated this field from the 60s. The quality and the diversity in products marketed at this place is still unmatched.
Made from the finest marbles of Rajasthan and the expertise handiworks on the items provide some stunning masterpieces.
This place is well renowned all across Agra for selling the top-drawer marble products.
15) JAHANGIR MAHAL
Housed inside the great historical Agra Fort, Jahangir Mahal, a true testimony to the architectural skills of the Mughals. This palace was made by Akbar in honor of his son Jahangir but it was mainly used by the Rajput wives of Akbar as their principal zenana.
Jahangir Mahal has been adorned with some intricate ornamentation of Hindu and Islamic designs. The entire palace has profusely used designs that are elaborately symmetrical and has the essence of a variety of religion which accounts for its uniqueness.
You’ll get a glimpse of this beautiful palace as soon as you step into the Agra fort. This monument has secured a place among one of the most visited tourist places in Agra.
