On the banks of the Yamuna River, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, 206 kilometers (128 miles) from Delhi, India’s capital, Agra comes forth when it comes to being the most populated city in Uttar Pradesh, and 24th in the whole of India. In addition to heritage hotels in Agra, there is also an abundance of nature, culture, and history, not forgetting the rustic yet vibrant street filled with vendors each competing to offer the best price. One of the most notable markets is the Old Spice Market. Other amazing places to tour include the all-time famous Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, which was a Mughal stronghold during the British invasion, the tomb, and garden at Tomb of Akbar the Great, and Itmad-ud-Daula, also known to the locals as Baby Taj. With this small insight in mind, come and take a look at these top things to do in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Scroll down to find out more.
1. Visit the lesser-known Sandali Mosque - contributed by Tour Guide, Farman Guia Turstico
Near the Taj Mahal is a memorial to Kandhari Begum, the first wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The protected structure is known as Sandali Mosque and is a popular spot for cats to gather. This is apt since the late queen is said to have been very fond of cats.
Sandali Mosque
Address: Dashehara Ghat Rd, Dharmapuri, Paktola, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India
Opening hours: Open 24 hours (daily)
2. Drop by the Taj Carnival - contributed by Tour Guide, Farman Guia Turstico
Agra, the City of Love, occasionally boasts the vibrant Taj Carnival. Walk underneath the twinkling lights as you explore various booths selling unique goods. You’ll find colored mugs, patterned teapots, different types of cloth, and more. If you need a snack while walking around, try the Natural Fresh Fruit Roller Coaster ice cream. Watch as they spin a machine by hand to create the treat.
3. Walk through the halls of Moti Masjid
There is no shortage of historical and cultural places in Agra. Among them is a white marble mosque built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1660 for his second wife. Displaying Indo-Islamic architecture, this magnificent mosque is one of many historical items located inside Red Fort and showcases part of India’s rich history and culture.
Walk through the halls of this historical mosque that have borne witness to hundreds of years of history and countless Muslim followers and leaders walking and praying inside it.
Moti Masjid
Address: Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003, India
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4. Explore Agra Fort's Anguri Bagh
Anguri Bagh is a historical courtyard located inside Agra Fort. It showcases a formal charbagh-style garden design and has several fountains and water channels that were once used to brighten the courtyard and make it a nice place for the then Thai emperor to walk around in and relax. Well-maintained to this day, this serene and wonderful courtyard is open for locals and tourists to enjoy. Experience what it was like for Thai royalty of yore to walk through this courtyard.
Anguri Bagh
Address: Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003, India
Opening hours: 6am - 7:30pm (daily)
Agra Tour Guide
Monika
Namaste! I am working as a tour guide since 2010 have license from ministry of tourism and cultural government of India, I am masters in Indian history specialized in Medieval. Namaste is the way we greet each other and meaning of Namaste is we respect you and bow to the soul enshrined in your body considered the part of GOD/energy "OM" I am working as a tour guide since 2010 I am masters i... Read more
Tours by Monika
5. Take a tour of the Taj Mahal (from USD 40.0)
Located on the south bank of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is one of the most toured UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. It is easily identifiable by its distinctive Ivory-white marble. Enjoy a one- to three-hour tour exploring this amazing mausoleum all along as you marvel at the unique architectural designs while learning all you need to know about the palace’s history. The Taj Mahal receives roughly eight million tourists every year, making navigating through the crowd and long queues at the entrance a challenge but an experience worth it all.
Taj Mahal Private Tour with a Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
6. Explore Mehtab Bagh (from USD 61.0)
Enjoy a two to four-hour adventure exploring Mehtab Bagh, a garden complex located on the opposite side of River Yamuna, adjacent to the Taj Mahal. This Charbagh complex lies north of Agra Fort and offers magnificent views of the Taj Mahal. During this tour, you get to visit Nagla Devjit Etmadpur, Agra India, and if you choose to watch the sunset at Mehtab Bagh, it is always an experience matched by none.
Mehtab Bagh Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
7. Go on a guided Agra Fort tour (from USD 34.0)
A trip to Agra Fort will shave approximately one to two hours of your time, but every second of your time will be worth it all. Located in Agra, India, the Agra Fort was home to the Mughal Dynasty emperors. Enjoy a private tour at the timing of your convenience accompanied by a local guide who will guide you to the best locations in the fort. The Marathas were the last Indian rulers who occupied this fort before it was captured by the British back then when Agra was the capital city of India.
Agra Fort Entrance Ticket With Guided Tour
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
8. Visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah (from USD 6.0)
The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah also goes by the name ”Jewel Box” or “Bachcha Taj”. A trip to this Mughal mausoleum will cost you approximately two to four hours of your day. In this self-guided tour of ”Baby Taj,” you get to see all the best, less-visited sites in Agra that offer breathtaking vistas. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself losing track of time. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged at your convenience at an extra charge.
Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
9. Admire the beauty of Jahangir Palace
Located within the walls of the Agra Fort, Jahangir Mahal palace was home to Mughal empress Nur Jahan until her passing in December 1645. Jahangir Mahal was the palace that was used by the Rajput wives of Akbar and it is currently one of the surviving buildings of Akbar’s reign. The palace features the Hauz-i-Jahangir, a huge bowl carved from a single stone block and it was used as a fragrant rose water container.
Jahangir Palace
Address: Rakabganj, Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003, India
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 7am - 6pm (closed on Fri)
10. Marvel at Chini Ka Rauza
Located on the eastern banks of River Yamuna, about 0.62 miles (1 kilometer) north of Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, Chini ka Rauza is known for its “kasha” or “chini”, a type of glazed tile work used in Mughal era buildings. This funeral monument contains the tomb of Allama Afzal Mullah that was built-in 1635. He was the prime minister of the Mughal Emperor Sha Jahn. It has a unique exotic architecture and an imperial style uneven dome.
Chini Ka Rauza
Address: Katra Wazir Khan, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006, India
11. Visit the Kanch Mahal
Famous for its beautifully square-shaped Mughal architecture, the Kanch Mahal is known for its copious use of tiles in its construction, its beautifully decorated exterior decorated with flowery creepers, geometrical design, and artistically curved red inlaid stones. Kanch Mahal is surrounded by an outstanding garden with magnificent causeways, tanks and water channels. The mansion is located near Akbar’s Tomb and it was used as haram (the residence for royal ladies) before it was converted into a hunting lodge by Jahangir.
12. Explore the Tomb of Akbar the Great
Built between the years 1605 and 1613, the tomb of the great Akbar is an influential piece of architectural masterpiece built by Jahangir, son of Emperor Akbar. The tomb is perched on a 119-acre (48-hectare) land in the suburbs of Agra about 8 kilometers (5 miles) to the city center. At one point, Akbar’s tomb was looted and his bones burnt during the rebellion of the Jats during the reign of Aurangzeb. The tomb was constructed using red sandstone decorated with inlaid panels with a geometric, calligraphic and floral design.
13. Learn about local history and culture at Jama Mosque (from USD 70.0)
Enjoy a three-hour tour learning Agra’s traditions, history, and architecture as you explore the cold city and the spice market. Discover Jama Mosque in Agra, India’s largest temple and the goddess temple found near the Old Market, with the assistance of a private tour guide. As much as food and drinks are not provided, the market has so much to offer during your expedition. Pick-up and drop-off at any location within Agra are offered.
Private Heritage Walking Excursion In Old City includes Spice Market Jama Masjid
Duration: 3 hours
14. Watch a play at Kalakriti Culture and Convention Centre (from USD 48.0)
Mohabat The Taj show at the Kalakriti Cultural and Art Center offers the chance to watch a 1 hour and 20-minute show complete with a huge Taj Mahal replica, art, dance performance that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Buy your ticket and get the chance to watch as the Emperor Shahjahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal’s story unravels right before yourself in an amazing light and sound show.
Skip the Line: Mohabbat The Taj Show Admission Ticket
Duration: 70 to 80 minutes
Explore the history of Agra, Uttar Pradesh
In everything we do there is always a story that comes attached to it. With this list as your guide, explore the best of Agra as you walk down history lane, visiting the best historical sites packed with intriguing architecture and the best scenic views in the whole of Agra.
History
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