Top 8 Places to Visit in Agra Taj Mahal is an icon of India, drawing millions of tourists to the city of Agra every year. This breathtaking landmark is every bit as incredible as you’ve imagined. But while most travelers might be eager to escape Agra’s pushy touts and exhausting crowds as soon as they’ve left the Taj Mahal, you should consider sticking around a bit longer.
The Taj Mahal is just one of many amazing places to visit in Agra. While here, you can explore the historically significant Agra Fort; experience the impressively beautiful Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah; see one of the largest mosques in India at Fatehpur Sikri; and find respite in Mehtab Bagh, a serene park in the shadows of the Agra Tourism.
Animal lovers, take note: Agra boasts two compassionate wildlife projects (the Agra Bear Rescue Center and the Elephant Conservation and Care Center) that welcome tourists to learn about some of India’s most beloved creatures.
Don’t let other tourists convince you there’s nothing to see in Agra besides the Taj Mahal. Plan your trip to this heritage hot spot with our list of the top attractions in Agra.
Taj Mahal
It is among the most Top 8 Places to Visit in Agra. Taj Mahal is the Beauty of Agra. Talking about the construction of that point: The symbol of love is an ivory-white marble mausoleum (from Makrana in Rajasthan) on the right of river Yamuna as we all know Shah Jahan constructed this, one of the seven wonders of the world, Agra Tour Packages.
Taj Mahal has three gates: East, West, and South Gates. When You enter inside Taj Mahal it’s worth experiencing the place. Talking about the view of the Taj Mahal at night: You can view the Taj Mahal at night only five days a month including full moon nights and two nights before and after the full moon. Only 400 people are allowed at that time. About the timings of other days except for Friday the timings are: Open 30minutes before sunrise and closes 30minutes after sunset.
For newlyweds this place is awesome and if you want to explore more about the ancient times. Do visit the Taj Mahal and take beautiful pictures and make memories.
Agra Fort
Agra fort is built for Akbar by Mughal Architectural styles. It is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna and is made entirely of red Sandston. This fort is also called as Red fort, was designed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
This place was built as a private palace for Akbar’s son Jahangir. And it is considered as a Historical Place of Agra with Beautiful design and as the symbol of Mughal art. Regarding the Entry fees for Indians, it is INR 40, for Foreigners the price is INR 550, for children below 15years it’s free. You can reach the Taj Mahal from Red fort within 5 10minutes by walking Top 8 Places to Visit in Agra.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb
On the banks of the Yamuna River sits another one of Agra’s exquisite structures: Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. The mausoleum contains the remains of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a Persian official who served the Mughal empire, as well as his wife.
Legend has it that this jewelry box-like tomb was actually the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, earning it the nickname “Baby Taj.” The red sandstone and marble structure features 13-meter-high hexagonal towers on each corner.
The most noteworthy thing about this attraction, though, is that it was the first structure to use pietra dura, the iconic Indian inlay technique that uses semiprecious stones to create decorative floral designs in marble. You’ll see exquisite geometric patterns, depictions of vases and cups, and delicate flower bouquets from floor to ceiling of the graceful structure–reminiscent of those on the Taj Mahal.
Despite its beauty, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb gets far fewer visitors than other attractions around Agra, making it an ideal place to appreciate the lovely features without the crowds Top 8 Places to Visit in Agra.
Mehtab Bagh
Located to the north of the complex of the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh is a square-shaped garden complex on the banks of the River Yamuna. It is in perfect sync with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River. It is a popular spot for photographers for a captivating view of the sunset. It is one of the top places to visit in Agra in the evening thus remains flocked by travelers throughout the year.
This spectacular garden sports four towers right at each corner of an octagonal tank. The reflection of the Taj Mahal in the tank, particularly on full moon nights, is a sight to behold. Blooming flower plants and medicinal herbs besides fruit-bearing trees abound the garden. It is a perfect symbol of the Mughal architecture with a layout of 4 gardens. The large water tank on the east of the structure ensures that the whole area is properly irrigated Top 8 Places to Visit in Agra.
Fatehpur Sikri
This used to be the capital of Mughal Empire at one point of time. The place was established by Akbar but later he abandoned it in 1610. It is built completely using red sand stones and is known for huge structure called Buland Darwaza that goes up to the height of 54 m .
Fatehpur Sikri is located 40 km from Agra and this city is fortified from many directions. This is also a UNESCO world Heritage site and notable attractions here include Jodha Bai’s palace, Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, tomb of Salim Chishti, etc.
This place reminds of the beautiful and splendid art and architecture that medieval India is known for and one just cannot resist from appreciating the beauty of the place.
Akbar’s Mausoleum
For nearly 50 years, emperor Akbar the Great ruled the Mughal kingdom, tripling its empire to include most of the northern half of the Indian subcontinent. His remains (along with those of two of his daughters) can be found at what is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra, Akbar’s Mausoleum.
The complex features a marvelous sandstone and marble tomb with striking marble inlay in a variety of colors. The structure is surrounded by Mughal gardens that are home to deer, antelope, monkeys, and even a few peacocks.
If you happen to travel with a compass, whip it out at this site. You’ll notice that the tomb faces east–a contrast to nearly all other Mughal tombs, which point toward Mecca, Top 8 Places to Visit in Agra.
Agra Bear Rescue Facility
Between its reverence for cows and its temples dedicated to specific creatures, India has a fascinating relationship with animals. But not every tradition has been kind to four-legged creatures. Case in point: Dancing sloth bears.
For thousands of years, India’s Kalandar community has poached sloth bear cubs, driven a red hot poker and coarse rope through their muzzles and yanked on the string to force them to put on painful “performances” for a paying audience. India prohibited the cruel practice in 1972. However, the mistreatment continued–leaving animal rights activists, such as Wildlife SOS, to save the victimized bears.
You can see around 130 of these rescued dancing bears playing, foraging, and climbing trees at Agra Bear Rescue Facility. Visits to the center include a tour guided by an expert who can shed light on India’s vanishing wildlife and conservation efforts. It’s an insightful experience, and all proceeds go toward rehabilitation efforts.
Chini ka Rauza
After visiting Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, head one kilometer north to see Chini ka Rauza, a funerary monument that houses the tomb of Afzal Khan Shirazi, who served as the prime minister for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
While not nearly as well preserved as other attractions in Agra, the Indo-Persian structure is noteworthy for being the first monument to feature chini, a distinctive decoration made from turquoise, yellow, green, and orange glazed tiles. As the name of the building suggests, each of its tiles were imported from China–an impressive feat during the 17th century, when this monument was constructed. Step inside Chini ka Rauza to see an array of detailed paintings and Islamic inscriptions.
After visiting the Chini ka Rauza, you can take a 10-minute walk south to see the ruins of the Tomb of Sultan Parwiz, who was the brother of Shah Jahan, Top 8 Places to Visit in Agra.