Located on the bank of majestic Yamuna River, Agra is the only city in India where in every few steps 12`. Brimmed with Mughal architecture, culture, history, cuisines, and glory, Agra was once the royal capital of Mughal Empire. Today, comprising of 3 UNESCO world heritage places and Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra takes the pride of being the most visited tourist place in India as well as in the world. Agra has been listed in the top 50 most famous tourist destinations in the world.
Over the course of time, Agra has witnessed the rise, peak, and fall of Mughal Empire and today it manifests the exaltation of Mughals exquisitely. With this blog post I have tried to cover all the places to visit in Agra. So without beating much around the bush, let’s get into the treasure trove of architectural wonders.
Taj Mahal
Does it need any description? I think NO. And believe me, \nobody can describe the splendor of Taj Mahal either. The finest specimen of Mughal architecture and craftsmanship, Taj Mahal is today one of the Seven Wonders of the World and of course a UNESCO heritage site. Worldwide regarded as the ‘Symbol of Love’, Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of her beloved Begum Mumtaz Mahal. Built of white marbles and incorporated with spectacular Mughal & Persian architectural designs, Taj Mahal took reportedly 20 years to get completed working 20,000 labors day in and day out.
The Emperor had died and his Begum too but the testimonial of his deep love still rejuvenate the love in people for their loved ones. The exterior decoration and interior designs are so enigmatic that they spellbind everybody. Whosoever had the glimpse of this wonderstruck, had become the admirer of it including Rabindranath Tagore and Rudyard Kipling. Taj Mahal is so impressive so captivating that it makes people forget everything at its first sight. This place should definitely be in your bucket list. Taj Mahal is on the top in the list of places to visit in Agra and Uttar Pradesh.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is not only a monument but an entire city that houses a cluster of several marvelous monuments and edifices. Founded in 1669, Fatehpur Sikri is an illustration of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s architectural inclination and excellence. Built of red sandstones transported from Rajasthan, Fatehpur Sikri took nearly 15 years to get completed. But as soon as the construction got completed, Emperor had to desert the imperial city in 1585 due to the scarcity of water.
Encompassed completely by the 11 km long fortification, Fatehpur Sikri houses a set of grand palaces of his Begums, impressive mosques, colossal harem, and lush gardens. Though every single pebble of Fatehpur Sikri is absorbing, Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace, Panch Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-E-Aam, and Birbal’s Palace are some of the major attractions inside the Fatehpur Sikri.
Today, known as a UNESCO world heritage site, Fatehpur Sikri was once the royal capital of Mughals during Akbar’s regime from 1571-85. The gripping carvings and the grandiose architectural styles are indeed a visual treat to the eyes in Fatehpur Sikri. Though Fatehpur Sikri is 35 km from Agra but travelers consider it one of the famous places to visit in Agra.
Agra Fort
Located on the edge of Yamuna River and spreading in an area of 94 acres, Agra Fort is yet another architectural wonder built by Akbar. The fort existed even before Akbar’s regime but he revamped it from head to toe. Situated at the spitting distance from Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is the testimony of grandeur of Mughals. It served as the royal capital of Mughals for almost 70 years and always remained the nerve center of their reign. Built of red sandstone, Agra Fort is fortified by the indestructible walls and sky-reaching gateways. The structure of fort is so entrenched that there aren’t any possibilities to breach the walls.
Maybe, that’s why it always remained the citadel of Mughal politics. Constructed with Indo-Muslim architectural style and integrated with striking handwork, this majestic fortress houses numerous stellar palaces and buildings. Sheesh Mahal, Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid, Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, Muhammad Burg, Nagina Masjid, and Diwan-e-Khas are some of the edifices that underline the sumptuousness of Agra Fort. Agra Fort is one of the beautiful places to visit in Agra.
Akbar’s Tomb
I don’t think that the majesty of Mughal Empire would be same without Akbar. This is yet another architectural wonder designed by him. The great emperor seemed to be in love with the red sandstone, so he chose the same for his tomb too like his earlier constructions. Spreading in an area of 199 acres and flanked by the four white-marbled spires, Akbar’s Tomb impeccably exhibits the Akbar’s inclination towards art, architecture, philosophy, and of course the governance.
The intricate carvings, stucco paintings, and elaborate artwork say it all. The construction of this Mausoleum was started by Akbar himself in late 16th but in between, he died, so his son Jahangir completed the construction exactly as Akbar had designed. Inside the Mausoleum, there is also the tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, one of the chief consorts of Akbar, which was built by her son emperor Jahangir.
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
Not heard this name very much in history? Right? Well, for a short introduction, he is the father of Noor Jahan, the most beloved Queen of Emperor Jahangir. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb was commissioned by Noor Jahan herself in the memory of her father. We all know, during Jahangir’s regime, Noor Jahan was in the driving seat of reign. So she built this wonderstruck in the honor of her father and made him a part of history from an unknown person.
Embellished with painstaking paintings, striking carvings, and incredible stonework, Itimad-us-Daula’s Tomb resembles the structures of Tal Mahal and is the first monument in India that is completely built of marbles. The beautiful lush gardens accentuate the splendor of this complex further.
Shopping in Agra
If I won’t talk about the shopping in Agra, I would be like someone invited you to a birthday party and hasn’t offered the cake. Agra is a city that really takes back everyone through the glorious memory lanes of Mughals be it architecture or the traditional Bazaars. If you want to see and buy the best embroidery handicraft and artifact in the world, visit Kinari Bazaar of Agra. Agra’s the most famous marbled-work and handlooms are found here. The glittering light of mirror items will dazzle your eyes.
If you want to feel the royal stateliness of Mughals, visit Sadar Bazar. From the ethnic wears to authentic jewelry, bridal veils, grooms turbans, glassware, footwear, rugs, and to decor items, Sadar Bazar offers everything of each category. The market is always brimming with the locals as well as tourists, so make sure you don’t miss any corner to explore. Who knows your much-craved thing is there only. So, if you want to explore the city’s markets thoroughly, give an entire day. You can get public transport from any places to visit in Agra.
Best Time to Visit Agra
Agra is the tourism hub in India. Do you still consider about the best time to explore the city? If yes, then you shouldn’t. Whenever you would visit the city, you’ll find it draped like a newly bride. The touristic beauty in Agra always remains in full swing. So visit anytime that suits you the most. The city will greet you with its full splendor. Yeah, if you’re concerned about the weather, you can give a second thought to your plan of visiting Agra in summers because summer days are extremely hot in Agra. Wouldn’t it be bad that you’re in front ‘Symbol of Love’ but the heat doesn’t let you feel the love?
So you can avoid summers just for your sake otherwise the charm of Agra remains same even in summers. Ideally, winters and Monsoon months are the best time to explore Agra. Imagine the vibes you would have if it’s raining and you’re in Taj Mahal with your loved ones. So visit Agra during these seasons, you’ll find a pleasant and alluring surrounding all around. Decisions are yours for places to visit in Agra.
How to Reach Agra
I don’t think this question needs a detailed answer. Agra is the backbone of Indian Tourism and is located abreast of the national capital, New Delhi. So, you can assume the transport connectivity of Agra. You can get Agra conveniently from any corner of the world. If you’re going by airways, Kheria Airport is the best possibility. Located just 7km from the main city, Kheria Airport has regular flights connecting Agra to the major cities of India.
‘Raja ki Mandi’ and ‘Agra Cantt’ are the most approachable railheads for Agra which are 4.7km and 4.9km away respectively. If we talk about the road network, Agra is way superior to other cities of India because the city is located on the Golden Triangle of the Tourist Circuit. The frequent buses connect Agra to the nearby cities. To commute within the city, there are plenty of possibilities such as bus, auto, taxi, rickshaw, battery-rickshaw, tempo and tonga. Local transport facilities are available for places to visit in Agra.
Agra is a testimony of heyday period of Mughals. Here, the list of historical monuments goes endless. I must tell you to keep a pen and paper with you so that you can pen down the name of every architectural wonder. In every step, you’ll find a spectacular monument that would seem to eclipse the previous one. Taj Mahal certainly overshadows the grandeur of other monuments but once you’ll be in front of them, they would make you forget the world. This is all about places to visit in Agra.