Agra is a city of wonder and beauty. It's the home of one of the world's most iconic monuments, the Taj Mahal. But Agra has much more to offer than just that – from its vibrant cultural and historical heritage to its delicious cuisine, this city is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting India. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the best places to visit in Agra, things to do in Agra, food to try in Agra, shopping destinations in Agra, and more! So join us on a journey through this incredible city as we explore everything that makes it so special.
Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is about 200 km from Delhi. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1658.
Mughal Emperor Akbar built the city of Fatehpur Sikri near Agra in the 16th century. The city was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a short time, before the Emperor Akbar abandoned it and moved his court to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Agra.
The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the most famous building in Agra, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Over 3 million visitors come to see the Taj Mahal every year.
Agra Fort is another popular tourist destination in Agra. The fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and served as the main residence of the Mughal rulers until 1638 when Shah Jahan moved his court to Delhi. Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is one of the largest forts in India.
The Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb is often referred to as the "Baby Taj", due to its similarities with the Taj Mahal. The tomb was built by Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg in 1622 . The tomb is also considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.
The Mehtab Bagh is a large garden situated on the opposite bank of the river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal. The garden was originally built by Emperor Babur in 1526 and was used by an emperor to view the beauty of the Taj Mahal across the river. The garden has since been restored, and is a popular destination for tourists.
There are plenty of things to do in Agra, whether you're interested in history, culture, or just want to see the Taj Mahal. Here are some of the top things to do in Agra:
Visit the Taj Mahal: Of course, no trip to Agra would be complete without seeing the Taj Mahal. This iconic mausoleum was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Spend a few hours exploring the complex, and make sure to take plenty of photos!
Explore Agra Fort: Another must-see while in Agra is Agra Fort. This imposing fort was also built by Shah Jahan and served as his primary residence during his reign. The fort is massive, with several palaces and courtyards within its walls, and provides great views of the nearby Taj Mahal.
Visit Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: Another interesting tomb worth visiting is that of Itimad-ud-Daulah, often called the Baby Taj due to its similar design. This tomb was built by Nur Jahan, wife of Shah Jahan (and aunt of Mumtaz Mahal), for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. It's a beautiful building in its own right and definitely worth a visit.
See Fatehpur Sikri: Fateh pur Sikri is an ancient Mughal city a short drive outside of Agra. It served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a time and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to several impressive structures, including several palaces and mosques, making it a great day trip from Agra.
Shop at Sadar Bazaar: If shopping is more your thing, then head over to Sadar Bazaar. This bustling market has been around since the 17th century and sells everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. You can also find some delicious local street food here!
Mughlai cuisine is the most popular fare in Agra. This style of cooking was brought to India by the Mughals, and it combines elements of Indian, Persian, and Central Asian cuisines. The food is often rich and heavy, with plenty of spice and flavor. Popular dishes include kebabs, biryanis, curries, and kormas.
There are also many street food options available in Agra. Samosas, chaat, pakoras, and jalebis are all popular choices. You can find these snacks being sold at almost any time of day or night.
If you're looking for something a little lighter, there are plenty of good options for breakfast and brunch in Agra as well. Fresh fruit juices, omelets, parathas, and chai are all readily available.
There are a number of shopping options available in Agra. From street markets to high-end malls, there is something for everyone. For those looking for traditional Indian goods, the street markets are the best option. These markets sell everything from spices to clothing to jewelry. bargaining is expected, so be sure to haggle! For those not interested in bargaining, there are a number of malls scattered around the city. These malls usually have fixed prices and offer a variety of international and local brands.
Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, and for good reason. The city is home to some of the most iconic sights in the country, including the Taj Mahal.
However, with such popularity comes large crowds and long lines at the major attractions. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed trip, then you should visit during the shoulder or off-season.
The best time to visit Agra is from October to March. This is when the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring all the city has to offer. However, this is also when Agra sees the most tourists, so be prepared for crowds at the top attractions.
If you don’t mind braving the heat, then you can visit Agra during the summer months of April to September. The weather will be hot and humid, but you’ll find fewer tourists around. Keep in mind that many businesses close down during this time due to the lack of tourism.
Agra is a city full of culture and historic sites, making it an ideal destination for any traveler. Whether you are looking to explore the many monuments or more modern attractions, Agra has something for everyone. With our guide, we hope that you now have all the necessary information to make your trip memorable. So start planning now and let Agra show you why it's one of India's most popular tourist destinations!
