Those who love city tourism and historical places should consider exploring Agra. The Taj Mahal is also one of the most prominent heritage attractions in India. However, apart from the Taj Mahal, there are a lot of historical tourist places in Agra to explore that will reveal the true character of the city.
How to reach Agra?
By air: The city has a military airbase that is not connected to any other part of India. The Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is well-connected with all prime Indian and foreign destinations, is the closest domestic and international airport to Agra. There are several ways for travellers to get to Agra from here, including hiring a cab, booking a taxi or taking a bus.
By rail: Agra has five railway stations, including Agra Cantt, Raja ki Mandi, Agra City, Agra Fort Railway Station, and Idgah Railway Station. Trains run regularly between Agra and other cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior and Jhansi.
By road: With its impressive road network, Agra is well connected with its neighbouring cities and states. State buses and roadways connect Agra with several cities and towns, such as Delhi, Gwalior, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jaipur.
15 tourist places in Agra you can’t miss
There are plenty of scenic views to see and interesting things to do in Agra, especially for tourists interested in history. Discover Agra’s historical heritage attractions, whose beauty will elevate your Agra Travel experience to a whole other level.
Taj Mahal
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Standing tall on the southern bank of the Yamuna river in Agra, the Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. Taj Mahal—commonly referred to as the “icon of love”—is the most visited tourist destination in India and one of the best places to visit in Agra.
It is considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture. Shah Jahan built the ivory-white marble mausoleum as a tribute to his favourite wife, Mumtaz. At the site of the monument, the king and queen’s tombs are now located.
As part of its status as a world heritage site, the Taj Mahal is also recognized as a masterpiece by UNESCO. Walking through the Taj Mahal will make you feel as if you are walking through history. The magnificent gates of the Taj Mahal draw more visitors than the population of Agra every year!
Agra fort
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An Agra tourist place, this heritage site is located close to the Taj Mahal. A massive fortress covering over 380 thousand square kilometres, this structure is the second most significant in the city. History records that the fort was built before the Mughal Empire ruled over the country. Akbar, however, rebuilt this sandstone fort in the 16th century to give it a new look.
There are many attractions in the Agra fort, such as the Delhi Gate, Moti Masjid, Nagina Masjid, Hall of Private Audience, Lodhi Gate, Hall of Public Audience, and the Musamman Burj.
Fatehpur Sikri
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The town of Fatehpur Sikri is located 40 kilometres from Agra and is an important place to visit in Agra. The city of Fatehpur Sikri was founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571 and is made up almost entirely of red sandstone. For fifteen years it was the capital of the king’s empire and a fortified city. There are many famous monuments at this UNESCO world heritage site, including Jama Mosque, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Buland Darwaza, and the Tomb of Salim Chisti.
How to reach: You can either drive or take a train from Agra Fort Railway Station to reach Fatehpur Sikri. There are public buses running every hour from Agra’s Idgah Bus Stand to Fatehpur Sikri during the day.
Akbar’s Tomb
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Akbar’s tomb covers an area of 119 acres and was constructed by the emperor himself. It is located in the suburbs of Agra, on the Mathura road (NH2), eight kilometres west of the city centre. The tomb is especially noted for the geometric patterns in the sandstone structure, the four-tiered pyramid, the marble pavilion, the white minarets, and the inlay on the panels. A well-kept garden surrounds the mausoleum, where one can view the massive tomb.
Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah
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The tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah is commonly known as the ‘Baby Taj Mahal’. It is the first tomb built entirely of marble in India. In 1665, Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, commissioned this tomb for her father, the minister Itimad-ud-daulah (later known as Mir Gheyas Beg). Featuring an arched entrance and octagonal towers, the building faithfully depicts Indo-Islamic architecture.
Mariam’s Tomb
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Mariam’s Tomb is the final resting place of Mariam-uz-Zamani Begum, Akbar’s wife and Jahangir’s mother, and is located about a kilometre north of Sikandra. Although considered largely plain in comparison to the various Agra visiting places, Mariam’s Tomb is a large sandstone structure with elaborate carvings covering its outer walls.
The tomb’s architecture contains elements from both Islamic and Hindu styles, which were popular during the reign of Akbar and Jahangir. Mariam’s grave is located under the surface of the tomb, segmented by crisscrossing corridors, as is the case with most Mughal tombs.
Mehtab Bagh
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The Mehtab Bagh is one of the most scenic spots in Agra, just north of the Taj Mahal, and overlooking Agra Fort and the Yamuna river on the opposite side. The garden offers views of the Taj Mahal as well. There are said to have been 11 pleasure gardens built by the Mughal emperor Babur, and this Bagh was the last one. It’s a lovely place for leisurely strolls, thanks to the walkways, fountains and pavilions.
Jama Masjid
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Agra’s Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and is known for its unique architecture and intrinsic designs. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Agra, situated right across from the Agra Fort.
It was built by Shah Jahan for Jahanara Begum, his daughter. Whether you want to marvel at the designs on the tomb or the red sandstone construction of the mosque, these Islamic structures will leave you in awe.
Khas Mahal
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A private palace commissioned by Shah Jahan for his daughters Jahanara and Roshanara, Khas Mahal is flanked on one side by the majestic Yamuna and on the other by Anguri Bagh. The construction of Khas Mahal was completed in 1640, and it is one of the most important historical Agra places to visit. Khas Mahal is adorned with heavily veiled ceilings and alcoves in the walls that once held portraits of Mughal rulers. The beauty of the Khas Mahal lies in its pools, fountains, ornate balconies, and marble domes.
Chini Ka Rauza
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Amid mesmerising gardens and the blue glazed tiles, known as Chini Mitti (Porcelain) at the time, Chini Ka Rauza is a sight to behold. This monument honours Shah Jahan’s prime minister Afzal Khan Aalami and is located in Etmadpur. This magnificent monument is decorated with floral designs in Persian style, and its most striking feature is the beautiful tomb reminiscent of Afghan tombs. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring this fascinating monument in Agra.
Anguri Bagh
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Anguri Bagh, also known as the Garden of Grapes, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Agra. This enchanting tourist destination is adorned with red sandstone in the south, north, and west, and an attractive Khas Mahal in the east. The Mughal empress’s ladies used to take leisurely strolls in this area. The park features 85 symmetrical gardens, a gorgeous fountain and a charming pool which make it a lovely place to visit.
Dolphin Water Park
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Inaugurated in 2002, Dolphin World Water Park stretches over 14 acres of terrain and is packed with slides, roller coasters, water and other rides. Aside from that, it has an amusement park, a children’s play area, a locker room, and more, making it the most fun amongst Agra tourist places. A variety of rides and fun games are available at this water-based theme park, as well as separate swimming pools for children and adults.
Timings: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
How to reach: The water park is located just off the NH-2, and can be reached by car.
Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
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Located 20 kilometres from Agra on the Delhi-Agra Highway (NH2), Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species. Located on an area of 7.97 square kilometres, the bird sanctuary was designated a national bird sanctuary in 1991. The beautiful Keetham Lake makes it a wonderful place to unwind with family and friends.
There are 106 kinds of birds that migrate to Sur Sarovar every year. Further, it is also home to numerous species of birds such as the Little Gerb, Common Teal, the Purple Heron, the Cattle Egret, Darter, and Pintail.
How to reach: The sanctuary is located just off the NH-2 and can be reached by car.
Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal
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One of Agra’s most popular spiritual attractions, Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal is a prominent Sikh pilgrimage attraction. Located in Sikandra, near Agra, the Gurdwara commemorates the surrender of Guru Teg Bahadur to Aurangzeb. Built out of red stone like the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, this monument attracts thousands of devotees who flock to the site year after year to pay their respects to the Guru.
Chhatri of Raja Jaswant Singh
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The Chhatri of Raja Jaswant Singh is designed like a canopy with arched pillars. Believed to be Agra’s only Hindu monument built during the Mughal Empire, it was constructed between 1644 and 1658. Rani Hada, a princess from Bundi in Rajasthan, who was married to Raja Amar Singh Rathore, is commemorated by the monument. With its jali or stone meshwork, it is a fascinating combination of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles.
FAQs
What are the top restaurants in Agra?
There are many excellent restaurants in Agra, including the Mughal Room, Pinch of Spice, Only Restaurant, Brijwasi, Zorba the Buddha, and Bellevue.
How many days does it take to explore Agra?
Around 2 days should be enough to visit the historical beauty of Agra.
Which is the best season to visit Agra?
Autumn and winter are the best times for visiting Agra as the heat has dissipated and the weather is pleasant.
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