Agra is home to the Taj Mahal with two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. History, architecture, love all together create the magic of Agra, and hence, makes for a must-visit destination for anyone living in or visiting India.
Agra is present on the banks of River Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh, and is a popular tourist destination as it is home to the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is a preview into the architectural history and legacy of the Mughal's with two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. History, architecture, love all together create the magic of Agra, and hence, makes for a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting India.
In addition to its historical treasures, Agra offers a vibrant market scene where visitors can indulge in shopping for marble handicrafts, leather goods, and local sweets like petha. Agra is also well known for its marble artifacts which are best bought in the Sadar Bazaar or Kinaari Bazaar area. The bustling bazaars around the Taj Ganj area provide a glimpse into traditional Indian markets, offering a unique cultural experience.
Agra's cuisine, known for its Mughlai influences, is a treat for food enthusiasts, featuring iconic dishes like Mughlai chicken, kebabs, and biryanis that reflect the city's royal culinary heritage. It is as famous for its Petha (a sweet made from pumpkin and flavored with rose water and saffron). Be prepared to be astounded, amazed, inspired and thrilled. However, be a little cautious about conmen in the guise of unofficial tour guides and fake handicrafts.
Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal is located on the banks of River Yamuna in Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world.
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which stands for the Crown of Palaces in the Persian language. The tomb is laid out in a rectangular shape and can be approached through a massive gateway which has an arch and alcoves on either side of it. There are water channels and fountains in the entrance which makes the monument even more spectacular.
Spread in an area of about 42 Acres, the construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and it took 17 years before it was completed in 1648. It was constructed with white marble obtained from Makrana in Rajasthan.
Agra Fort, Agra
The Red Fort of Agra is an architectural masterpiece, built by Emperor Akbar in 1573. It is located on the right bank of the River Yamuna and is made entirely of red sandstone. The historical fort was once the residence of the Mughals until 1638. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Agra Fort is a symbol of Agra and is so massive that it is often referred to as a walled city. Within the premises of Agra Fort lie the most exquisite structures like the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i I Khas, Diwan-i I Aam, Moti Masjid and Jahangiri Mahal. Some part of the Agra Fort is used by the Indian Army is off-limit to public access. View of Yamuna River and Taj Mahal from the fort's pavilions is mind-stirring.
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
Fatehpur Sikri is a town present at a distance of 40km from Agra and is a famous tourist attraction. The city is predominantly made of red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 1571 century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is essentially a fortified city built by the king and had been the capital of his Empire for fifteen years. Presently a UNESCO world heritage site, it is home to Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and Tomb of Salim Chisti among many other famous monuments.
Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar to honour Sheikh Salim Chisti, whose prediction of the birth of a Mughal heir came true while Akbar was visiting the then city of Sikri. In honour of the prophecy, Akbar built this city and Jama Masjid, a stunning mosque which is still in use today.
Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Agra
Also known as the "Baby Taj Mahal", the tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah is a Mughal mausoleum and often regarded as a copy of the Taj Mahal. This is the first tomb in India made entirely of marble. The tomb was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mir Gheyas Beg, who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan.
The tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah was the first structure to make use of pietra dura and the first to be built on the banks of the Yamuna River. It basically consists of Indo-Islamic architecture, with the use of arched entrances and octagonal shaped towers. This magnificent mausoleum, built on the banks of Yamuna, was to inspire the construction of one of the wonders of the world "Taj Mahal" in the later years.
Tomb of Akbar, Agra
Akbar's Tomb is located in Sikandra, on the outskirts of Agra and spreads over an area of 119 acres. The tomb is an important architectural masterpiece of the Mughal era, it was built between 1605 and 1618. Built entirely out of sandstone and white marble, Emperor Akbar himself oversaw the construction of this tomb until his death. The main tomb is surrounded by a beautiful garden that was designed by Akbar himself.
Jama Masjid, Agra
The Jama Masjid at Agra is a seventeenth-century structure and is one of the largest mosques built by the Mughals in India. This splendid monument is visible from the Agra Fort with the Agra Fort Railway station right between the two structures.
The Jama Masjid is built mainly of red sandstone and white marble that stand as a testimony to the magnificent Mughal architecture. It has a fountain at the centre and is supported by four kiosks in the courtyard. The inlaid panels of work here are quite similar to that of Taj Mahal and are common to all the monuments and structures built by the Mughals in Agra. Every Friday, special prayers are conducted at this mosque which is attended by thousands of devotees.
Chini ka Rauza, Agra
The Chini ka Rauza is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Built between 1628 and 1639 and has a marvellous fusion of the Indo-Persian style. It is the first monument of its kind to be decorated by glazed tile work, known as chini.
The tiles for the mausoleum are known to have been imported from China which makes the monument even more striking with their color embellishments and artwork. Although the enamels and inlay work is wearing off due to climatic conditions and absence of renovation, the Chini ka Rauza is a fantastic example of long-gone style and architecture.
Mehtab Bagh, Agra
Mehtab Bagh is located just north to the Taj Mahal and overlooks the Agra Fort and Yamuna river on the opposite side. Perfectly aligned with the gardens of Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh provides a picture-perfect view of the Taj from the fountain at the front of the entrance gate.
The splendid Mehtab Bagh has four sandstone towers, one each at the corner with a huge octagonal tank right in the centre. Mehtabh Bagh is now a horticulture delight with scores of vibrantly blooming floral plants and medicinal herbs, besides the umpteen fruit trees, which add to the beauty of the park. It is a popular sunset spot among the photography fanatics and nature enthusiasts.
Jhangir Mahal, Agra
The Jahangir Mahal, stands tall in the Agra Fort complex. Built by Akbar, in the 17th Century, this Red Sandstone marvel is a multi-storeyed palace with a series of courtyards running from north to south, along the eastern fort wall. One of the most popular tourist places in Agra, the Jahangir Mahal served as a private residence to Akbar’s son and successor, Jahangir. The Jahangir Mahal is one of the first buildings you would come across when you enter Agra through the Amar Singh Gate.
Wildlife SOS, Agra
The Wildlife SOS is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates wild animals and forests. It is known worldwide, especially for its efforts in rescuing sloth bears and elephants. The Agra Bear Rescue Facility is the largest sloth bear rescue facility in the world housing 130 sloth bears. The Elephant Care and Conservation Centre, located halfway between Agra and Mathura, rescues and rehabilitates abused and captive elephants.
To visit any of the conservation facility of Wildlife SOS, email or phone in advance to book a time slot. There are 3-4 slots available per day. The package facilitates a guided tour of the area and the presentation of a well-informed documentary showcasing the rescue of dancing bears and their recovery.
Best time to visit Agra
The perfect time to visit Agra is in the winter season (November to March) when the weather is perfect for sightseeing. April-June is the summer season in Agra which is scorching hot and not a good time to visit. July-September is the monsoon season in Agra when the weather can get humid at times.
Conclusion
Agra is a real jewel of Uttar Pradesh, because the city has all the attractions which attract travelers from all around the world who visit this city completely immerse themselves in allure and charm of this fascinating city.
Agra is filled with wide range of popular tourist attractions from Taj Mahal to marvelous Agra Fort which promises a memorable journey experience for every traveler. So pack your bags and embark on the journey by following this travel guide and explore the top places of Agra.
