Home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a sneak peek into the architectural history with other UNESCO World Heritage Sites as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. History, architecture, romance all together create the magic of Agra and hence makes for a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting India.
Located on the banks of river Yamuna, History fanatics, as well as architecture buffs, can have a ball here with the sheer expanse of the Mughal art and culture on display. Apart from its monuments, the city also has some exciting stuff for foodies – including the famous Agra ka Petha and amazing chaat and Lassi.
However, be a little cautious about conmen in the guise of unofficial tour guides and fake handicrafts.
Places to Visit
Taj Mahal
What is widely considered as the most beautiful building in the world, Taj Mahal is located in the historical city of Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, it is among the finest edifices of Mughal architecture. Recognised by the UNESCO as a world heritage site, this monument is also considered to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Every year visitors numbering more than the entire population of Agra pass through the magnificent gates to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking monument, and only a few leave disappointed. Shah Jahan said about the Taj that it made “the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes“.
The Taj Mahal stands for the Crown of Palaces in the Persian language. It rises from the dust-beaten earth of Uttar Pradesh, but even the wildest imaginations leave visitors underprepared for this world wonder. Covering an area of approximately 42 Acres, the Taj Mahal was constructed using white marble obtained from Makrana in Rajasthan.
Rabindranath Tagore described it as “a teardrop in the cheek of eternity” while Rudyard Kipling said it is “the embodiment of all things pure“. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and took 17 years before it was completed in 1648! The tomb is laid out in a rectangular shape and can be approached through a massive gateway which has an arch and alcoves on either side of it. The Taj, so majestic from the exterior, has equally splendid artistic work done in the interiors. There are water channels and fountains in the entrance which makes the monument even more spectacular. The reflection of this majestic spectacle in the Yamuna is almost poetic in its perfection!
Fatehpur Sikri
Located at a distance of 40km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a perfect one day trip from Agra. A city predominantly made of red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is essentially a fortified city built by the king and had been the capital of his Empire for fifteen years. Now a UNESCO world heritage site and a famous tourist attraction, it is a fine example of Mughal architecture. Fatehpur Sikri is home to Jodha Bai’s palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and a Tomb of Salim Chisti among many other famous monuments, each of which, is an integral part of the Indian heritage.
A unique blend of architectural excellence, as well as religious beliefs – sums up Fatehpur Sikri. This monument was built by Akbar to honour Sheikh Salim Chisti, whose prediction of the birth of a Mughal heir came true while Akbar was visiting the then city of Sikri. In honour of the prophecy, Akbar built this city and Jama Masjid, a stunning mosque which is still in use today. He also undertook the construction of three palaces for each of his favourite wives, one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian. An Indo-Islamic Masterpiece, Fatehpur Sikri is enclosed by an 11 km long fortification wall which has various gateways.
Agra Fort
An architectural masterpiece, The Red Fort of Agra or Agra Fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1573. It is, in fact, a massive fortification located on the right bank of the River Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh and is made entirely of red sandstone. The fort was once the ersthwhile residence of the Mughals until the year 1638. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and lies at a distance of 2.5 kilometres from another wonder of the modern world – The Famous Taj Mahal. The area of Agra Fort is so massive that it is often referred to as a walled city. Made from red sandstone brought to Agra all the way from Rajasthan, this imposing structure is as majestic as it is beautiful and delicate.
Agra Fort is one of the most special monuments built by the Mughals and has richly decorated buildings. It is the perfect example of the Mughal style of art and architecture and is one of the most visited tourist spots in Agra. Built purely out of red sandstone, this expansive architecture stands out against the soft azure of the sky. Within the premises of the fort lie the most exquisite structures of the Mughals like the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i I Khas, Diwan-i I Aam, Moti Masjid and Jahangiri Mahal. Each and every one of these edifices has remarkable handiwork and ornamentation that make this place a delight for every history and architecture lover. You can also get a splendid view of Taj Mahal from the Agra Fort!
Itimad – ud – dauhla Tomb
Often referred to as the “Baby Taj Mahal”, the tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah is a Mughal mausoleum and often regarded as a copy of the Taj Mahal. This is the first tomb in India made entirely of marble. It is the tomb of Mir Gheyas Beg (later known as Itimad-ud-daulah), who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan. Visiting Itimad-ud-daulah’s Tomb is like taking a step back in time into Agra’s history.
The tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah marks the transition from the first phase of the Mughal architecture to the second. This was the first structure to make use of pietra dura and the first to be built on the banks of the Yamuna River. It basically consists of Indo-Islamic architecture, with the use of arched entrances and octagonal shaped towers. If you take a bird’s eye of Itimad-ud-daulah Tomb, it looks like a jewel box set in a garden. This magnificent mausoleum, built on the banks of Yamuna, was to inspire the construction of one of the wonders of the world “Taj Mahal” in the later years.
Mehtab Bagh
Located just north to the glorious wonder called the Taj Mahal and overlooking the Agra Fort and Yamuna river on the opposite side, Mehtab Bagh is one of the last Mughal gardens and one of the most scenic spots in Agra. Perfectly quadrilateral in shape and colloquially known as the Moonlight garden, the stunning Mehtab Bagh is the last one of the eleven similar Mughal- built garden complexes along the Yamuna bank. Laid out in just the right symmetry and perfectly aligned with the gardens of Taj Mahal, the garden provides a picture-perfect view of the Taj from the fountain at the front of the entrance gate. Mehtab Bagh is a popular sunset spot among the photography fanatics and nature enthusiasts.
The splendid Mehtab Bagh has four sandstone towers, one each at the corner with a huge octagonal tank right in the centre. It is believed that Shah Jahan especially got the bagh designed for his personal interests so he could come up here and admire the infinite beauty of his favourite piece of art. On the moonlit nights, the clear reflection of the wondrous Taj Mahal in the waters of the park is a sight beyond description. Mehtabh Bagh is now a horticulture delight with scores of vibrantly blooming floral plants and medicinal herbs, besides the umpteen fruit trees, which add to the beauty of the park.
Agra Shopping
Agra is primarily known for its monuments, forts, palaces and mausoleums, but, hidden behind these architectural wonders are the traditional shopping centres and bazaars. It is home to some of the finest handicraft and artefacts markets. The shopping scene in Agra is buzzing with markets, department stores, retail outlets and local bazaars.
Most of the major shopping complexes are situated near the Taj Mahal, the most famous ones being Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. If you want to buy ethnic clothing, footwear and accessories, you need to head out to the Sadar Bazaar. The Kinari Bazaar is home to a wide choice of handicrafts, along with marble, glassware, rugs, leather and textiles. Apart from offering exquisite items, these bazaars are also reasonable providing umpteen opportunity to practice your bargaining skills.
Tomb of Akbar
The final resting place of the great Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Tomb of Akbar is an important architectural masterpiece of the Mughal era. Located in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra, the tomb is believed to have been built between 1605 and 1618. Although the tomb is the place where one of the greatest emperors of India is buried, the Mughal gardens around it present a beautiful and cheerful facade. Built entirely out of sandstone and white marble, Emperor Akbar himself oversaw the construction of this tomb until his death. However, the construction of Akbar’s Tomb was completed by his son Salim. Unlike the other tombs of famous Muslim kings around the world, the Tomb of Akbar faces towards the rising sun instead of Masjid of Mecca
The tomb is situated in Sikandra, the outskirts of Agra and spreads over an area of 119 acres. The main tomb is surrounded by a beautiful garden that was designed by Akbar himself. His wife’s (Mariam-uz-Zamani Begam) tomb is also located in Sikandra about a kilometre away from Akbar’s Tomb. The main structure of the tomb is built out of sandstone and a portion is made from marble. Following Tartary traditions, that state that one must see-through the construction of one’s tomb themselves, Akbar lived through the construction of his tomb and built a beautiful garden around it.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid at Agra also known as ‘Friday Mosque’ is a seventeenth-century structure and is one of the largest mosques built by the Mughals in India. Constructed under the reign of Shah Jahan in 1648, Jama Masjid is dedicated to his favourite daughter Jahan Ara Begum. This splendid monument is visible from the Agra Fort with the Agra Fort Railway station right between the two structures. Jama Masjid has huge significance in the Indian history and culture and has been intricately designed with multi coloured marbles and sandstone.
The Jama Masjid is built mainly of red sandstone and white marble that stand as a testimony to the magnificent Mughal architecture. The design of Jama Masjid is unique. It has a fountain at the centre and is supported by four kiosks in the courtyard. The interior walls have scriptures in the Persian style praising for Shah Jahan and Jahan Ara. The inlaid panels of work here are quite similar to that of Taj Mahal and is common to all the monuments and structures built by the Mughals in Agra. Every Friday, special prayers are conducted at this mosque which is attended by thousands of devotees. The Tomb of Salim Chisti is a part of the mosque compound.
Chini Ka Rauza
Dedicated to the memory of the Prime Minister of the court Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Chini ka Rauza is a funerary monument situated on the eastern bank of the Yamuna river in Agra. Also known as China Tomb, ‘Chini’ meaning ‘from China’ and ‘Rauza’ meaning ‘tomb’, the shrine is the final resting place of the Persian scholar and poet. Built between 1628 and 1639, the architecture of Chini ka Rauza is a marvellous fusion of the Indo-Persian style.
The monument located 1 km north of Itimad-ud-daulah’s Tomb, is hidden away in an alcove of trees and is usually an unusual but a happy discovery among tourists. It is supposedly the first of its kind to be decorated by glazed tile work. The tiles are known to have been imported from China which makes the monument even more striking with their colour embellishments and artwork. Although the enamels and inlay work is wearing off due to climatic conditions and absence of renovation, the Chini ka Rauza is a fantastic example of long-gone style and architecture.
Wildlife SOS
Established in 1995, Wildlife SOS is a laudatory initiative started by a group of individuals to work in the direction of protecting and conserving wildlife, maintaining quality habitats, and safeguarding rich biodiversity. Focusing on creating sustainable livelihood measures, the movement makes elaborate efforts to protect the depleting environment. From the majestic elephants to terrific tigers, sloth bears to other endangered animals, this is a commendable manoeuvre to help save the jeopardising planet by educating people about the hazards of animal captivity, poaching effects and reptile hunting etc., and make a difference. The organisation works tirelessly to rescue wildlife in distress, work against animal cruelty and collaborates with different communities to educate them about conserving and preserving the rich wildlife.
Wildlife SOS is most popularly known for their applaudable work of saving around 600 ‘dancing bears’ from the tribal people. Not until long ago and sometimes even now, the tribals trap bears and train them to dance for the people as a mode of street entertainment, in return for few bucks. While the process is all about animal abuse, the bears also go through a lot through the tough training in order to be tamed. Wildlife SOS is an initiative to save the poor creatures from the clutches of this brutality. The rescued bears are treated with great care at their rehabilitation centres and are put in an artificially modified natural habitat. In addition to this, Wildlife SOS also has several other active projects on leopards, reptiles and environmental conservation in general.
Must Try Food in Agra
1. Mughlai Restaurant Pinch Of Spice
2. Good Vibes Cafe
3. Indian Restaurant Joneys Place
4. Biryani at Golden Street Restaurant
5. Buffet at Bon Barbeque
6. Sankara Vegis Restaurant
7. Swastika Vyanjan & Tiffin Center
8. Bikanervala Indian Restaurant
9. Rooftop Cafe Roofmates
10. Bob Marley Cafe & Restaurant
How To Get Here
One of the most important tourist destinations in the country (and in the world), connectivity to Agra has been well developed and is continuously improving over time. Most tourists club Agra with Delhi and/or Jaipur and the road/train network is excellent from both of these places, as well from other places in India. Agra is a place of major historical importance and it is well connected to the other cities in India as well. For people coming from long distance, taking a flight to Delhi and driving from there is recommended.
By Air
The nearest airport is Kheria airport (8km) but it has a direct flight only to Gwalior and Khajuraho. If you are coming by flight, the nearest airports are in Delhi (4hrs), Jaipur (3 hours) and Lucknow (7hrs)
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport (AGR)
Tentative return flight prices to Agra Airport (AGR) from major cities in India.
By Road
Agra is situated on the Golden Triangle of the Tourist Circuit. It is connected to Delhi by NH2.The Taj expressway, one of the best roads in the country, connects Agra to Delhi via Greater Noida, and you can easily drive from Delhi to Agra in 3 hours. The Taj expressway is a great way to reach Agra if you are coming from Delhi. However, during the winter months, you should avoid using the expressway early morning and late night, since it is surrounded by dense fog causing frequent accidents. There are frequent buses from Delhi to Agra – most buses start from Anand Vihar terminus in Delhi.
By Train
There are four major railway stations in Agra, the most common being Agra fort and Agra cantt. These stations are very well connected to a lot of major cities, specially other tourist places nearby Agra for eg Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi etc. Taj express and Shatabdi are two of the fastest train on this route, establishing great connectiving with the national capital, and they have a good schedule for visiting Agra.