Must See Places in Agra boasts of having one of the seven wonders of the world and three UNESCO world heritage sites, the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri nearby. Agra is a delight for history and architecture lovers. The medieval city located on the banks of the river Yamuna, it is one of the most visited cities by tourists in India.
Strategically located at the heart of India in the mundane plains between the Ganga and Yamuna, Agra had been a religious and commercial centre for centuries, but it matured and perfected itself only when the Mughals made it their home. Agra is not only famous for its Mughal art and culture but is also known for its food, chat, and the famous Panchi ka Petha. The city even after being one of the hottest cities of the country, is visited in high numbers every day.
The nightlife might not be something worth mentioning but the beauty that this old city acquires at the night makes you love it and relish every bit of it. Peoples’ hearts here are as grand as the Buland Darwaza, the sight of Taj Mahal is as sweet as the Petha for the eyes, and shopping on the streets in the sunny afternoons is as chatpata as the famous Daal Moth. Come to the city for a weekend’s exploration of architectural marvels such as Fatehpur Sikri, the feel of an old city, and to know for yourself what is this city described as a paradise in Mahabharta so popular for.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah
One of India’s first Mughal tomb to be made completely out of marble, the 21-meter high Itmad-Ud-Daulah represents the sheer magnificence of Mughal architecture and is considered among the top places to visit in Agra. Decorated with white marble from Rajasthan and semi-precious stones such as cornelian, topaz, and jasper, this tomb was built by Empress Nur Jahan and was dedicated to her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg.
Fatehpur Sikri
Located at a distance of 35 kilometers from Agra, the city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar, who even moved his Mughal capital to this place for a short time. One of the best places to visit when in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri has a number of tourist attractions such as the 54-meter tall Buland Darwaza, Birbal’s House, and the Jama Masjid.
Akbar’s Tomb
Another tourist attraction in Agra is Akbar’s tomb residing in a land space of around 119 acres. Commissioned by Emperor Akbar himself in the year 1600, the construction of the tomb was completed by his son, Jahangir. Inscribed with the 99 names of Allah, this beautiful sandstone tomb is carved with images of deer, rabbits, and langurs.
Sikandara Fort
While you are visiting Akbar’s tomb, you can also marvel at the rich architecture of the Sikandara Fort, which encloses Akbar’s tomb. Made of deep red sandstone, Sikandara Fort is situated amidst a large garden, which is divided into 4 distinct portions. In addition to the rich artistry, Sikandara Fort offers landscape garden, water fountains, and water channels to its visitors, making it among the best places to visit in Agra.
Jama Masjid
One of the top places to visit in Agra, the Jama Masjid is a historic mosque, located in the Chandni Chowk market of Agra. This mosque is dedicated to Princess Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s daughter, and was built in the year 1648. It is renowned for the unusual dome shape and can accommodate over 25,000 people.
Moti Masjid (or Pearl Mosque)
Located in the Agra Fort, Moti Masjid was built during the rule of Shah Jahan. This architectural wonder is also known as the Pearl Mosque as its exteriors shine like a pearl in bright sunshine. Built during the year 1648 to 1652, Moti Masjid is erected on sloping ground and is among the best tourist attractions in Agra.
Ram Bagh
One of the oldest gardens in India, Ram Bagh (originally known as Aram Bagh or Garden of relaxation) was built by Emperor Babur in the year 1528 on the banks of the Yamuna river. Located to the north of the Taj Mahal, Ram Bagh was designed to keep it cool even during peak summer days. For nature and garden lovers, this is among the must-visit tourist places in Agra.
Jodha Bai Ka Rauza
This palace of one of Akbar’s queens, Jodha Bai, is located in the vicinity of the Jahangiri Mahal. Located in the city of Fatehpur Sikri, the palace architecture is a combination of Rajasthani and Gujarati designs. The palace also has wall slits through which you can also see the Taj Mahal.
There are numerous other places to visit in Agra such as the Chīnī kā Rauza, dedicated to Shah Jahan, and the Mariam tomb, dedicated to Mariam, the Christian wife of Emperor Akbar, making Agra a must-return travel destination.
Taj Mahal
Located on the banks of the Yamuna, the magnificent Taj Mahal remains among the must-visit places to see in Agra. Declared World Heritage site in 1983, this monument of love
between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, is a treat to watch during the day and night (especially full moon nights). Built at a cost of over 30 million rupees (in the years 1632-1653), Taj Mahal has 4 surrounding minarets that are slightly tilted outwards to prevent them from falling on the main structure.
