Places to Visit in Agra: 10 Best Tourist Attractions
Places to Visit in Agra: 10 Best Tourist Attractions
If you are planning for an Agra Tour and looking for best places to visit in Agra to make you journey something very special and unforgettable then, you are at the right place to get your answer as in this comprehensive blog, I’ll in-depth discuss about the must visit places in Agra.
Agra is such a lovely tourist places enriched with the unparalleled blend of rich culture, royal heritage, architectural brilliance, and timeless history which all can easily be seen through every step. Being the part of the Golden Triangle India, Agra has various tourist attractions to visit and the Taj Mahal is the most famous among all however, there are several places such as Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar Tomb, Jama Masjid, Chini Ka Rauza, Mankameshwar Temple, and Wildlife SOS which all we discuss in this blog. Agra seems perfect for every traveler and presents its highlights accordingly whether you are planning family holidays, honeymoon tour, group tour, heritage trip, architectural exploration, or visiting here very first time to explore the treasure of Incredible India. Yet, it is needed to plan your journey and select the best places to visit in Agra accordingly and for this, I’ll help you to figure it out within this post.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 best places to visit in Agra along some useful information, tips and guidance which help you to discover the City of Taj effortlessly!
Top 10 Places to Visit in Agra
Agra is the living legacy of Mughals highlighted with magnificent attractions connected with rich culture, heritage, history, and, architecture. As here is the well-curated list of Top 10 Places to visit in Agra.
Taj Mahal, Best Places to Visit in Agra
Taj Mahal, the pride of India needs no introduction, it is already world famous, designated as the one of the Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taj Mahal is the symbol of eternal love as it is connected with the divine love between Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent white-marbled architecture is a token of love to Shah Jahan’s dearest wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in during the child birth. This finest architecture took approximately 22 years (between 1632 and 1653) to build completely with the help of about 20,000 workers, and artisans from unique stones, marbles etc. Taj Mahal is featured with perfect symmetry, the inlay work, the reflecting pools, and the changing hues marble which all together add glitter in its charm and ranks it top in the list of best places to visit in Agra.
Entry Fees : INR for 50 Indian Nationals, INR 1100 for foreigner, free for ages <15
Visiting Time : 30 minutes before sunrise, and, 30 minutes before sunset
Best Time to visit : Early morning
Ideal Duration : 3 to 4 hours
(Note : Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday and have to plan +INR 200 for main mausoleum access)
Agra Fort
Agra Fort, another fine example of the Mughal architecture apart from Taj Mahal, which is already designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic red sandstone architecture was commissioned by the greatest Mughal emperors – Akbar between 1565 and 1573, spanning over the 94 acres and featured with palaces, audience halls, mosques, and gardens. Holding a great historical, heritage and architectural significance as it was the royal residency of the Mughal emperors until 1638. From the Agra Fort, there is direct view to Taj Mahal which makes it a great place to capture some iconic photographs of it from a distance which makes it one of the perfect Agra tourist places.
Entry Fees : INR for 50 Indian Nationals, INR 650 for foreigner, free for ages <15
Visiting Time : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to visit : Early morning, and, late afternoon
Ideal Duration : 2 to 3 hours
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, also known as the Baby Taj is another one of the places to see in Agra during your journey. This exquisite Mughal mausoleum was built by the empress Nur Jahan in between 1622, and, 1628 dedicated to her father – Mirza Ghiyas Beg. This iconic white architecture was the first white marble tomb, built from pure white Makrana marble, and extensive use of Pietra Dura architecture style. As it looks like very similar to Taj Mahal, and in miniature form as it is nicknamed as “Baby Taj”.
Entry Fees : INR for 25 Indian Nationals, INR 300 for foreigner, free for ages <15
Visiting Time : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to visit : Early morning, and, late afternoon
Ideal Duration : 1 to 2 hours
Mehtab Bagh
If you are one who love peaceful lush surrounding, then Mehtab Bagh is one of the Agra places of interest for you! Mehtab Bagh, translates as the Moonlight Garden is a 289-meter-long Mughal garden complex, built by the first Mughal emperor of Mughal dynasty – Babur in the 1530s along the bank of Yamuna River. The layout of the Mehtab Bagh follows the classic four-quadrant style (Charbagh) which exactly matches with the width of Taj Mahal. As being lush green, it becomes one of the best spots to capture excellent photos of Taj Mahal.
Entry Fees : INR for 30 Indian Nationals, INR 310 for foreigner, free for ages <15
Visiting Time : 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Best Time to visit : Early morning, and, late afternoon
Ideal Duration : 1 to 2 hours
Akbar’s Tomb
Akbar’s Tomb is often called as the Sikandra Fort, the final resting destination of the mighty Mughal emperor, Akbar. This construction of tomb was begun by own Akbar in the year around 1605 and after his death, it was completed in 1613 by his son, Jahangir. Situated in the vast walled 119-acre Charbagh, Akbar’s Tomb has a unique five-tiered pyramidal building featured with iconic blend of red sandstone and pristine white marble, Hindu, Islamic, and Persian artistic motifs which reflects the emperor’ secularism and ranks it in the list of places to visit in Agra.
Entry Fees : INR for 30 Indian Nationals, INR 310 for foreigner, free for ages <15
Visiting Time : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to visit : Early morning, and, late afternoon
Ideal Duration : 1 to 2 hours
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, one of the historical cities of India, situated about 35kms away from the Agra city. This magnificent city was founded by the 3rd mighty Mughal emperor, Akbar between 1569 and 1571 from red sandstone in the honor of Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti but, in 1585 it was abandonment due to severe shortage of water. It was the iconic blend of Hindu, Persian, and Islamic architecture styles and featured with Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and, Punch Mahal which makes it one of the Agra famous places to visit.
Entry Fees : INR for 50 Indian Nationals, INR 610 for foreigner, free for ages <15
Visiting Time : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to visit : Early morning, and, late afternoon
Ideal Duration : 2 to 3 hours
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, a revered and Agra main attractions situated in the heart of the Taj City Agra just opposite to the Agra Fort. It counts as one of the largest mosques of the nation, commissioned by the great Mughal ruler Shah Jahan between 1643 and 1648, dedicated to his eldest and dearest daughter Princess Jahanara Begum. Built from the red sandstone and white marble, Jama Majid is featured with three large onion-shaped white domes and vast spanning courtyard which offer it a really great architectural significance and ranks in the list of top places to visit in Agra.
Entry Fees : No charges
Visiting Time : 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM (remain closed for non-Muslims for prayer)
Best Time to visit : Early morning, and, late afternoon
Ideal Duration : 1 Hr
Chini Ka Rauza
Chini Ka Rauza is well-recognized as the China Tomb, housing the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah Shukrullah Shirazi, the Prime Minister in the court of Shah Jahan. This iconic Agra place was built in the year of 1635, on the bank of River Yamuna and holding the great architectural charms that catch eyes of global travelers apart from Taj Mahal. Chini Ka Rauza is featured with unique glazed tiles in multiple hues of blue, turquoise, orange, and green, attractive interior artistry and distinctive bulbous dome which all together offer it unparalleled beauty, so, must addon it in your travel wish list of places to visit in Agra.
Entry Fees : No charges
Visiting Time : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to visit : Early morning, and, late afternoon
Ideal Duration : 1 to 2 hours
Mankameshwar Temple
Travelers who are seeking for spiritual peace and upliftment, Mankameshwar Temple is one of the best places to visit in Agra for you. This ancient revered temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva as it is believed that, this temple was established by own himself in the Dvapara Yuga. Mankameshwar is the fusion of two words – Man (heat / mind) and Kameshwar (Lord of Desire) as it signifies that, all the heartfelt wishes fulfil here. The architecture of temples is also fascinating as there is primary sanctum sanctorum where silver-metal-covered Shiva Lingam is established as well as the temple complex also have shrines for different deities including Goddess Ganga, Saraswati, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Krishna.
Entry Fees : No charges
Visiting Time : 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Best Time to visit : Early morning, and, late evening
Ideal Duration : 1 to 2 hours
Wildlife SOS / Agra Bear Rescue Facility
Love to be surrounded by nature and animals, then Wildlife SOS / Agra Bear Rescue Facility is an excellent Agra places to see. It is the largest rehabilitation center for sloth bears of the world situated in the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary which was established in the year of 1999. The wildlife SOS was purposefully built to rescue exploited sloth bear cubs, as in India people used to capture them and use them as “Dancing Bear”. In the present, there are around 90 to 100 rescued sloth bears enclosed with trees, pools, and enrichment structures, so I personally recommend it to you to include in your places to visit in Agra travel list.
Entry Fees : INR for 50 Indian Nationals, INR 500 for foreigner
Best Time to visit : Early morning, and, late afternoon
Ideal Duration : 1 to 2 hours
Best Time for Places to Visit in Agra
Winter (October to March) is the best time to visit Agra due to placid, calm and comfortable surrounding with moderate temperature approx. between 10°C to 25°C which seems ideal for sightseeing, exploration and outdoor visits. During this period, you can plan your whole day Agra Tour without worry about heat, and being tiered. Winter also hosts various festivals in Agra to witness India’s cultural beauty in Agra such as Diwali, Holi and Dussehra. Although, Monsoon (July to September) is also good time period to visit here especially for photographers and budget travelers. But visiting in Summer (April to June) can be hustling as Agra receive scorching heat during these months, if you are planning to visit here in Summer then plan you tour itinerary accordingly and visit tourist places during early morning or late afternoon.
Ideal Duration for Agra Tour
For an effortless journey, it is must to plan tour itinerary accordingly with suitable duration and budget, following are the ideal duration for Agra tour that you can select the perfect one as per your travel preferences
01-Day Agra Tour : If you have limited time period then same day Agra tour is suitable option for you but there is limitation of time as you can explore only highlighted attraction including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and other one or two nearby places.
02-Day Agra Tour : Two days are the most ideal duration to explore all the major-minora attractions and highlights of Agra as you can Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Akbar’s Tomb, and other nearby places.
03-Day Agra Tour : Travelers who want relaxed experience throughout the journey, three days Agra tour is the perfect option for them as you can witness of roots of the city as well as explore hidden attractions apart from most highlighted ones.
Plan Your Trip with the Best Time to Visit Delhi, Places to Visit in Delhi & Golden Triangle India Travel Guide
Agra is no-doubt one of the best tourist places to visit in India, but if you get some extra couple of days and want explore some other associated places like Agra, then Golden Triangle India, the combined traditional circuit of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is the perfect travel option for you. But just like Agra, Delhi and Jaipur are also treasure trove packed with countless attractions and to experience all of them, you can read my recent comprehensive blogs :
Best Time to Visit Delhi : Discussed about the Best Time to visit Delhi with perfect weather, season and pros & cons.
Places to Visit in Delhi : In-depth details about the best Places to visit in Delhi whether you are wan to explore history, cultural, heritage or architecture including Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Akshardham Temple (also has dedicated Complete Tour Guide to the Akshardham Temple), Chandni Chowk, and many more.
Golden Triangle India Travel Guide : It is the combined Golden Triangle India Travel Guide, in which I’ve discussed about each city (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), places to visit, best time to visit, and many more.
Travel Tips to Know Before Agra Tour
A little advance preparation and travel tips can make your journey smooth, comfortable and effortless as here are some must follow tips for you
- Begin your exploration from early morning for breathtaking sightseeing including Taj Mahal sunrise view
- Must check opening days, time and entry charges before visit
- Buy tickets in advance to avoid queue
- Book accommodation and transportation in advance especially during peak season
- Wear comfortable outfits and footwear
- Carry sun protection during summer season
- Keep your tour itinerary flexible
- Respect local cultural & tradition
- Carry some cash as small vendors and shopkeepers don’t use online transactions and cards
- Avoid talking to strangers
- Be careful about hiring tour guide
- Keep your belongings safe and secure
Final Thoughts about Places to Visit in Agra
Agra, the City of Taj holding the rich historical, cultural, traditional and architectural legacy of Mughals which you can experience at every corner of the city. Agra is the filled with countless attractions as there are lots of places to visit including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar Tomb, Jama Masjid, Chini Ka Rauza, Mankameshwar Temple, Wildlife SOS, and, many others. Every destination of Agra let you immerse within deeper in the rich cultural, marvelous architecture, and royal heritage which requires to plan your tour itinerary according to your travel interests, preferences and budget. As to make it all easy, I have presented this comprehensive blog and over all best places to visit in Agra that you can curate the most suitable travel wish list and explore Agra, the way you desire!
FAQs – Places to Visit in Agra
Q. Why is Agra famous ?
Ans. Agra is widely-famous tourist destination of the world known for Wonder of the World, Taj Mahal and legacy of Mughals.
Q. What are the best places to visit in Agra ?
Ans. The best places to visit in Agra are Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar Tomb, Jama Masjid, Chini Ka Rauza, Mankameshwar Temple, and Wildlife SOS.
Q. What is the best time to visit in Agra ?
Ans. Winter (Oct – Mar) is the best time to visit Agra along pleasing, calm and comfortable surrounding ideal for sightseeing and exploration.
Q. What are the top places to visit in Agra besides Taj Mahal ?
Ans. Apart from Taj Mahal, there are also various places to visit in Agra such as Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb and others already mentioned.
Q. What the best places to visit in Agra for photography ?
Ans. Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh, Agra Fort, and Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb are some excellent places for photography.
Q. How many days are suitable for Agra tour ?
Ans. 2 days Agra tour is perfect to explore entire city along its attractions.
Q. Can I explore Agra in one day ?
Ans. Indeed, you can plan one day Agra tour to explore major highlights of the city.
Q. Is Agra ideal for first-time visitor ?
Ans. Yes, Agra is one of the best places to visit as first-time visitor in India to immerse in the iconic blend of history, culture, heritage and architecture.
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