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.
Good to know:
- According to Weather Spark, the best time to visit the city if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors is from late March to early May and from late September to late October.
- Although Agra doesn't have its own tourism website, visitors can learn more about the city on Uttar Pradesh Tourism's website, which has information on points of interest, how to get here, food, and more.
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Getting to and around Agra
If you are starting your Indian adventure in Delhi you’ll probably want to take the train to Agra. You could take a car but really, when it comes to India, train travel is the way to go. India is well-known for its railway network and it is labeled one of the best in the world. If you take the train, you get a real glimpse at the vast and varied landscape of India. To get to Agra, your best bet is to get a booking on the 12050 Gatimaan Express, rated one of the most reliable rides to Agra. The prices range from about 15 to 25 USD depending on if you travel first class. It’s important to note that when planning your trip to Agra, keep in mind the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Once you arrive at the Agra Cantonment, the main train station of Agra, you’re going to be jumping at the bit to see some of those historic monuments and architecture. But you need to get your mode of transport figured out first. A rickshaw is always a good bet, and there’s nothing quite like whizzing around a city in an auto rickshaw, but you can also hire a taxi. Just keep in mind to agree on a price before you ride and you can find helpful price quotes around the train station before you start trying to bargain a price. Charges are usually 1 USD or above.
12050 Gatimaan Express
Price: from 15 USD
Opening Hours: Departs Delhi 8:10 am and arrives Agra at 9:50 am
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes from Delhi
Website: Indian Rail Website
1. Go on a guided Agra Fort tour
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.
It’s easy to lose yourself in the marbled walkways. The Agra Fort stands as one of the most impressive examples of Mughal architecture in India. It’s open on all days, unlike the Taj and also adheres to the sunrise to sunset hours of operation. Price of admission is about 8 USD for foreign visitors.
2. Take a tour of the Taj Mahal
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.
When getting to the entrance of the Taj, get ready to be inundated with offers to buy cheap trinkets and key chains from merchants. You’ll most likely be followed until you get the entrance with pleas to purchase no matter how you refuse. But once you get the Taj, you can see why it holds so many captivated. The marble minarets and stunning architecture as well at the intricate, jeweled designs are breathtaking. No photography is allowed within the main mausoleum and there will be quite a wait to get a glimpse inside. Admission to the Taj Mahal will run about 15 USD, so it’s the priciest admission of the historical sites listed in this article.
Sometimes you’ll be part of a group tour that specifically mentions the gem stones and jewels in the Taj’s architecture. These kind of tours are very common, especially because they help promote certain jewelry and gem shops in Agra who sell the famous Star of India. So named for the star like design that appears on the stone when the light catches it. If shopping isn’t for you, then this is an unnecessary addition to your day in Agra, but if you want a unique souvenir and wish to take a piece of India and Taj home with you, The Star of India is a great option.
Tip from tour guide
Considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is a landmark like no other. Built to immortalize the undying love of a man for his wife, it is an iconic symbol of love and India’s most recognized monument. If you love architecture and travel photography, chances are that you have either already been there or are dying to go! There are three seasons in Agra: the hot season (April to June), the rainy season (July to September), and the (mild) dry season (October to March). October to March is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal weather-wise, when temperatures average from 15 to 27°C (59–81°F)
3. 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)
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. 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
6. 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)
7. Explore Mehtab Bagh
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.
Book Tours : Mehtab Bagh Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide
8. Visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah
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.
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
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.
14. Watch a play at Kalakriti Culture and Convention Centre
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.
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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