CategoriesHeritage Travel Guide Uttar Pradesh By Bon Travel India

9 Best Places to Visit in Agra During Your Taj Mahal Tour

Agra Tourism- Best Places to Visit in Agra Uttar Pradesh

Seeing people from around the world every day, Agra is one of the top visited destinations in the world, known for housing India’s most prized possession. An important heritage site, tourism in Agra is made more beautiful by its beloved Taj Mahal. Listed as a world heritage site under UNESCO, the beauty of this symbolic structure of love is enough to capture the hearts of its visitors. A heritage city, Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire, glimpses of which can be seen even today in the city’s art, architecture, and culture, making for a truly wonderful experience. Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Jama Masjid, are among the heritage sites that you can explore on your visit to the city. Explore the local markets of Sadar Bazaar, Subhash Bazaar, and Kinari Bazaar, and take back with Agra’s fine handicrafts as a memorable souvenir to remember your journey by.

9 Must-See Places in Agra Sightseeing Tour

  • Taj Mahal
  • Agra Fort
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra
  • Itimad-Ud-Daulah
  • Mehtab Bagh
  • Ram Bagh
  • Mariyam’s Tomb
  • Jama Masjid

Also Check Out: Popular Uttar Pradesh Tourism Packages

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal Agra

An amalgamation of the architectural prowess of the Mughals and the cultural influence of India birthed one of the most documented and photographed buildings on the face of the earth, the Taj Mahal. Even poets and language experts find it hard to explain the beauty and experience of Taj Mahal through words.

This unprecedented beauty was the idea of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who wanted to dedicate a structure to one of his many wives, Mumtaz Mahal. She died in the year 1631 while giving birth to her 14th child. However, it later became the mausoleum of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. Covering almost 17 acres (42 hectares) of land, this structure stands majestically on the right bank of Yamuna River. Once in there, you will find out for yourself why Taj Mahal comes first in the list of best places to visit in Agra.

In building Taj Mahal, artisans not only from the entire empire but also from central Asia and Iran were called. The white marble used in Taj Mahal was from Makrana in Rajasthan while the other precious and semi-precious stones used everywhere in the edifice are from various regions of India. It took about 12 years to complete the main mausoleum structure and many more years for surrounding structures and decoration work.

There are three gates to enter which lead you to a forecourt, an area in front of the main gate, which has tombs of two other queens of Shah Jahan on the south-east and south-west sides. After entering the main gate you will confront the big courtyard of Taj Mahal, which is a spacious garden. The garden is divided into four quarters by shallow water canals and accommodates pavilions on the sides. The main tomb is a perfect square having minarets in all four corners. A red sandstone mosque is constructed on the western side and a Mehman Khana is on the eastern side of the main tomb.

Many history buffs after their tour in Taj Mahal in Agra believe that it is the only mausoleum that breaks the unsaid law of symmetry in Mughal tombs. The structure is unsymmetrical, as it is backed by the Yamuna River, which left no area to complete a symmetry. However, there is an interesting belief that Shah Jahan had planned to construct a replica of Taj Mahal with black marble on the other side of the Yamuna River, which would have made the Mughal symmetry tradition evident. But there is no evidence to support these rumors of the Black Taj.

Also Read: Must Visit UNESCO Heritage Sites in India

Agra Fort

Agra Fort Uttar Pradesh

Agra Fort is the most visible testimony of the Mughal Emperor, the great Akbar’s rule. It is an imposing citadel that is a whole world of wondrous buildings, plenty of beautiful walking space, intriguing craftsmanship, and unbelievable stories. However, subsequent rulers, notably Shah Jahan, contributed and expanded the Fort to restamp their identity on it.

Interestingly, this fort is said to date back to the Mughal era, initially built by Ibrahim Lodhi and later reconstructed by Akbar. Reconstruction started in 1565 and took about 8 years to complete the construction.

Agra Fort is spread over a massive area of 94 acres, however, most of the buildings are constructed in the first half of the fort, this makes it a perfect sightseeing destination in your Agra tour. Amar Singh Gate, dedicated to the Amar Singh Rathore, is the main entry gate to the fort. It has an outer and an inner gate with a wall topping a height of 70 feet. The outer wall has a circumference of a mile and a half.

Exploring the Agra Fort is walking to different sections of the fort which are connected to one another and you can enter them consecutively. The expedition starts from the Jahangir Mahal, on the right side just after entering the fort, which has many small sections with notable designs carved on every gate and on the roof. Several rooms have windows with a river view from their back. The next marvel is the Angoori bagh, a white square courtyard, which was the living space of royal ladies. Khas Mahal, a personal pavilion used by the daughter of Shah Jahan, is a Bengal-inspired structure with Bangla roof patterns and latticed windows that cast wonderful shadows during sunrise and sunset. There are various other edifices built inside the Agra Fort which mainly include the Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-aam, Machchi Bhawan, Colvin’s grave, Moti Masjid, and Akbari Mahal. Some of the sections are restricted for tourists, but nonetheless have amazing outer architecture that is worth exploring. Shah Buri is yet another interesting section in the fort, where Shah Jahan was kept as a prisoner for 8 years until his death by his son Aurangzeb.

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Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Fatehpur Sikri was a planned city, whose idea was initiated in the year 1571, something 450 years earlier. Mughal Emperor, Akbar, was the mind behind its creation and made it their imperial capital. Drive on the NH21 for 38 kilometers towards the west while visiting Agra to reach the Fatehpur Sikri. It was home to a popular Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the same saint who prophesied that Akbar would have three sons, at a time when Akbar was not getting a child from his wife. After the birth of Jahangir, Akbar decided to build a city on the saint’s land. It took about 14 years to plan and build Fatehpur Sikri on a rocky and barren ridge.

One of India’s biggest mosques, Jama Masjid is built at the centre of Fatehpur Sikri. The city is built around the Jama Masjid where aristocrats and delegates are accommodated comparatively on a higher level than the normal public. The main highlight of Fatehpur Sikri is the Fatehpur Sikri fort and structures built inside this fort. Diwan-i-aam and Diwan-i-khas present on the northwest corner of the royal complex were built to revive Persian tradition and architecture. Other important structures in Fatehpur Sikri are the Panch Mahal, Bukand Darwaza, Birbal’s Palace, Hiran Minar, and Jodha Bai Palace.

Despite all implementation, Akbar had to abandon Fatehpur Sikri after keeping it the capital for about 15 years. The capital city was transferred to Lahore during this time. The reason Fatehpur was abandoned may be the scarcity of water or a strategic decision. But soon it became a ghost time with very little population residing. Nonetheless, this vast complex has been almost completely preserved. Every attraction in the city feels like a newly built structure, not something built centuries ago. This is the reason everyone once explored this top tourist place near Agra.

Also Read: Heritage Tourism Destinations in India

Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra

Akbar Tomb Sikandra Agra

Mausoleum of the most prosperous Mughal ruler, Akbar, Akbar’s Tomb is a beautiful structure with much more subtle architecture and decoration. The mausoleum houses the mortal remains of Akbar, who himself completed this structure in his lifetime. It is a square structure that is surrounded by a big garden from all sides. It is believed the place used to be a garden prior to this structure being built, but the addition of this tomb makes it one of the best places to visit in Agra.

The complex has the main tomb in the exact center from where four raised walkways with water channels lead to all four sides of the outer wall. On the eastern, western, and northern side of the circumferencing wall are dummy gates while the southern wall has the main entry gate of Akbar’s Tomb. The southern gate itself is a grand structure with much intricate work of famous artisans that many confuse the southern gate as the main tomb. The southern gate has a superb decoration with a red sandstone base and colored stones used in geometric and floral patterns everywhere on the structure. On entering through the gate, you can see the arched platform of the main tomb on a lower platform, with two-storey chhatris projecting intervals of facades. The main structure is a five-storey edifice with a pyramidal shape and a white marble top.

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Itimad-Ud-Daulah

Itimad-Ud-Daulah Agra

Agra’s architectural treasures extend beyond the Taj Mahal, offering a serene wonder known as the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the “Baby Taj” or “Jewel Box.” This 17th-century marvel, known as the “Jewel Box,” is a testament to pioneering Mughal artistry, with its gleaming white marble facade and intricate marble latticework screens, known as Jali work, filtering light, and adding an air of ethereal beauty to the tomb’s chambers.

The tomb’s inner sanctum contains the cenotaphs of Itimad-ud-Daulah himself and his wife, Asmat Begum. The central chamber holds the cenotaphs of Itimad-ud-Daulah himself and his wife, Asmat Begum. The interior walls are adorned with floral motifs, with predominantly red hues a signature element of Emperor Jahangir’s reign. The ceilings themselves are works of art, with their network of concentric circles a testament to Mughal innovation in decorative design.

Four grand gateways, constructed from red sandstone and adorned with bold white marble inlay, provide access to the tomb complex. The eastern entrance welcomes visitors, while the western one overlooks the Yamuna River. The remaining gates, positioned north and south, are symbolic, maintaining the tomb’s perfect symmetry.

The tomb’s serene garden, divided into four quadrants by water channels and walkways, reflects the Mughal concept of char bagh, a four-quartered paradise. The tomb sits majestically at the center, a jewel nestled within a verdant oasis.

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Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh Agra

Although present just on the opposite side of the Taj Mahal, the Mehtab Bagh predates the history of Shah Jahan’s mausoleum. Most probably established by the Mughal Emperor Babur, it served as an escape from the scorching heat of summers. But it also now is a popular tourist attraction in Agra. The design of this garden incorporates various elements that thrive under the open environment and define the potential of Babur’s central Asian roots.

Centuries later after its establishment, now the garden is transformed into a prime location offering a unique viewpoint to see the Taj in a perfect yellow light of the evening. Unlike the bundle of visitors gathered to see the Taj Mahal from the front, Mehtab Bagh provides a more serene atmosphere, allowing to create a picture-perfect memory without the crowd.

Furthermore, an interesting legend suggests that Shah Jahan had envisioned building a black marble replica of the Taj Mahal in the area of Mehtab Bagh, but no archaeological or any other evidence supports this theory. It is more likely that people in earlier times misunderstood the pavilions in the garden and water channels for the beginning of this rumored structure.

Nevertheless, Mehtab Bagh is one of the best tourist places to experience something unique. You can witness the vision of great artisans of the past successfully pouring out through their creations from the most perfect angle there can be to see the Taj Mahal.

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Ram Bagh

Ram Bagh Agra

Ram Bagh was one of the gardens that gained attention from all the Mughal rulers, and also had some contribution from most of their emperors. The name changed a lot, from its inception in 1526 till the 18th century, when Marathas adopted its current name. The park was planned and built by Babur taking inspiration from gardens he had seen in Samarkand, which is modern-day Uzbekistan.

Ram Bagh, used to be a notable beauty during its most praised time of the Mughal’s reign and still is unequivocally a paradise for photography lovers, a best sightseeing place in Agra. During Mughal rule, the place was used for pleasure activities and upholding meetings. Babur used to make his strategies for governance during his rapidly growing empire at this very spot. However, after the Mughals, Ram Bagh fell into a state of disrepair until it was introduced to restoration in colonial rule by Britishers over India. But the British used Ram Bagh only for recreational purposes like picnics and honeymoons.

Ram Bagh Garden was built beside Yamuna to draw water directly through the river with the use of water-buckets. That water then used to travel through the paved descending terrace, which distributed this water into a network of canals, cascades, and tanks. These paved terraces also work as walkways and divide the park into quarters. There are three levels of this garden, first comes the flowers and vegetation part, then comes the flowerbeds enclosed by stone paved terraces and kiosks, and third are structures, terraces, and tanks in the end. The structures on the high side of the terrace at the end of the Ram Bagh overlooks the river view.

However, the river landscape from RamBagh could be the best reason to include this attraction in your list while visiting Agra. The recorded memoir of Babur mentions Ram Bagh, with the name of Bagh-I-Gul-Afshan, many times.

Most of the things are made with red sandstone completely except some of the edifices that are covered in white coats. Colossal walls enclose the garden with corner towers crowned by pillared pavilions at their top. The northern and southern side of the park has a row of ruined houses and towers.

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Mariyam’s Tomb

In the city of Taj, Agra, Mariam Tomb is another edifice that validates the significance of Love. This tomb is dedicated to the wife of one of the most prosperous rulers of Mughal Dynasty, Akbar. However, it was built by her son, Jahangir, who built it next to the resting place of Akbar itself. Mariam’s tomb complex is surrounded by a lush environment and extreme serenity, so it also works like a picnic spot for families. From a distance, it looks like a perfectly shaped miniature with all the detailed work resting amid greens.

Mariam’s Tom is a square structure with a perfect symmetrical plan. It is built over a raised square platform. It can be entered from any of the gates on all four sides. After entering, you will realize that it is a labyrinth of corridors surrounding a small central chamber in the middle. The middle Chamber goes a level down into the ground, a basement where the gravestone of Mariam is placed, behind the closed bars.

However, popular belief says that this tomb was made by the Mughal ruler, Jahangir, archaeologists and history buffs do not think alike. This is because the complex has real entry gates from all sides, unlike Mughal structures where back entrances are usually a dummy and not an actual entry. This concludes the belief that this structure was prior a pavilion, which later was turned into a mausoleum by the Mughals. Whatever the history, this structure is a must visit attraction in Agra.

Also Read: Famous Temples in India

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid Agra

A huge monument, Shahi Jama Masjid, suddenly lurks out to you as you move through the marketplaces in the western area of the Agra Fort. This humongous monument stands as a stunning edifice that makes the landscape a hundred times more beautiful. Jama Masjid stands on a large and high plinth that can be reached with just a few 35 stairs. The structure is built from Red Sandstone, as most of the Mughal structures, and looks almost similar to other grand Mughal mosques from afar. But, the fine carvings and subtle uniqueness in the complex architecture is what makes it stand out from other tourist places and intrigue most tourists.

After entering, you will find yourself in a large courtyard, with a beautiful and neatly erected fountain. Three sides of this courtyard are neatly structured with cloisters that lead to the main hall. The main hall is present at the western end of the mosque. The main hall is a rectangular shaped structure with five compartments and three large doms at the top. These domes are the top draw of Shahi Jama Masjid. Unlike other mosques, the domes here are works of creative artisanship. All three have inverted lotus and kalash finials and the curved surface has a white zig-zag pattern that suits the color contrast.

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