Visiting Agra? Whether you are going for a day trip or going for a few days, here is all what you need to know about Agra. A city of beautiful attractions of the past history of India. Undoubtedly, thousands of tourists visit Agra every year to fall in love with Taj Mahal. Yes, the place is one of the famous tourist destinations known for the majestic Taj Mahal.
But, visiting to Taj Mahal should not be your only reason to visit Agra, there is a lot to discover and experience in the city. Letβs start with the best places to visit in Agra, I am not listing all the places here, I am just writing about the best places, which one should visit and which are worth visiting in Agra.
Lets explore – What to do in Agra?
- Magnificent Taj Mahal:- The most beautiful architectural gem of India, Taj Mahal is a must to visit. One of the seven wonders of the world, it is a symbol of love. Fascinating white marble architecture will amaze you definitely. Hats off to the craftsmanship of architects β Ustad Ahmad Lahouri and Ustad Isa who designed this wonderful monument. Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal as an ode of love. A visit to Taj Mahal is essential to experience its exquisite beauty.
Tips-
- Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
- It is open for sightseeing from 6 AM to 6.30 PM, better to reach 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset.
- Avoid long queues for purchasing tickets, instead purchase tickets online on website of Archeological Survey of India.
- While booking tickets, pay attention to the two options β Only Taj Mahal ticket is for only outer area. If you want to go inside the monument, then buy tickets for Taj Mahal with Mausoleum.
- Enjoy sunrise or sunset at Taj Mahal, you feel great watching the changing colors of the monument.
- Try to plan your visit on full moon night, Taj Mahal looks awesome in the light of moon.
- Make sure that you do not carry any prohibited items with you.
- Historic Agra Fort:- Walk through the beautiful Agra fort and explore its inspiring structures and architecture. The Fort was built by Akbar and it was the residence of the Mughal Emperors of India. The fort is made in red sandstone and some part in white marble. There are many palaces, halls and mosques inside the fort. You can still witness the signs of old rich history of the fort inside. The fort has its own charm, located just 2.8 kms from Taj Mahal and is worth visiting. Spend a day exploring the beauty of the fort as well as the stepwells, and palaces. Today, the Agra fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tips-
- Agra Fort is open everyday from sunrise to sunset.
- Avoid long queues for purchasing tickets, instead purchase tickets online on website of Archeological Survey of India.
- Take a guide along with you, they will show and explain you each and everything about the fort. He will tell you stories related to the fort and palaces inside it.
- Do not carry eatables along with you as they are not allowed inside the fort.
- Impressive Fatehpur Sikri:- Fatehpur Sikri is another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural heritage of Mughal Emperor built by Akbar to honor Sheikh Salim Chisti. Fatehpur Sikri, Akbarβs residence is just 40 kms from Agra city. The monument is visited by thousands of tourists due to its historical relevance and architectural beauty. There are palaces, museums, halls, mosques, and public buildings in the city. Akbar was known for his loyalty, he built three palaces for his Hindu, Muslim and Christian wives. His loyalty is reflected in the style and design of masjid inside the monument too, where you will find traits of a mosque, a temple and a church. The best example of craftsmanship of Mughal architecture can be seen in charming Jodha Baiβs palace; you will be amazed by the regality of Mughals.
Tips-
- Agra Fort is open all days of the week.
- Avoid long queues for purchasing tickets, instead purchase tickets online on website of Archeological Survey of India.
- Sariska Bird Sanctuary is just 20 kms from Fatehpur Sikri; you can visit that too with prior planning.
- While going to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra, do remember to buy toll for up, down; if you will return from the same road.
- Amazing Mehtab Bagh:- Mehtab Bagh is located very close to Taj Mahal, it is one of Mughal styled gardens built by Emperor Babur. Spend sometime with your family or friends and just relax while admiring the beauty of the garden. This garden is the best spot to enjoy stunning views of Taj Mahal as there is a reflection pond which reflects the image of Taj Mahal. You can find vibrant flowers, trees, fountains, walkways inside the garden.
Tips-
- Mehtab Bagh is open all days of the week.
- The best time to visit the garden is sunrise or sunset.
- Jama Masjid: – Located opposite the Agra Fort, the Jama Masjid is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Agra. It is also known as Friday Mosque or Jami Masjid. Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan in the honor of her beloved daughter Jahanara. Its design and architecture signifies the classic and artistic style of Mughal Era. A large number of Muslim devotees offer prayers here, every Friday.
Tips-
- Jama Masjid is open all days of the week.
- There is no entry fee, but if you wish to take a camera along with you, then you have to pay.
- Make sure that you remove your shoes before entering
- Remember to wear proper covered clothes. So no shorts or short dresses or tops with uncovered shoulders.
- Do cover your head before entering.
