The city of Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal, and over 8 million people from around the world visit this place to experience the beauty of this architectural marvel. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itimad-Ud-Daulah are the most visited tourist destinations in the city and are near each other.
However, for most of the first-time visitors, they end up visiting the very same places. These places, though significant, don’t truly depict the history and culture of the city. Hence, based on our years of guiding tourists in the city, we have curated a list of some of the must-visit places specially for the foreigners visiting the city for the first time.
Top tourist places in Agra
1. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal has to be the number one place on the list since it is the most crowned and titled monument in the city. The Taj Mahal is a Mausoleum built during the Mughal Dynasty by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The monument was built in remembrance of the Emperor’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal. More than 20,000 workers worked tirelessly for over 20 years to finish the construction of this monument.
The walls of the Taj Mahal are adorned with beautiful floral and calligraphic designs. Beautiful pieces of marble inlay are carved, and several semi-precious stones are inlaid in the white marble. This art form is called Pietra Dura or Parchin Kari. It evolved during the time of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. You can ask your tour leader for a live experience of the art form.
2. Itimad-Ud-Daulah
Itimad-Ud-Daulah is another Mughal-era tomb near the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The mausoleum, because of its intricate artwork on its walls, is also called ‘Jewel Box’. The Mausoleum is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, one of the prominent nobles in the Mughal Court.
The beautiful monument flaunts its beautiful and authentic Mughal architecture, made of white marble and inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones in beautiful floral, geometric, and calligraphic shapes. The Itimad-Ud-Daulah is situated near the river banks of Yamuna.
3. Agra Fort
The Agra Fort is one of the most historic and beautiful monuments in the city. It is a vast Mughal era fort which was the seat of power of the Mughal Dynasty. This 1573 fort was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and since then, it has been one of the top tourist attractions in the city.
When the fort was being constructed, Agra was the capital city of the Mughals. It needed a grand fort, which included audience halls, courts, jails, and other complexes that were necessary for the smooth functioning of the Empire. From one of the top floors of the Forts, you get beautiful panoramic views of the Taj Mahal, which are a treat to the eyes and soothing.
4. Mehtab Bagh
Visit the Mehtab Bagh and experience the Taj Mahal from the other side of the river. The uninterrupted views are magical and unique. Agra was a garden city to city and over 40 gardens were planned alongside the river Yamuna. Mehtab Bagh is a garden that is exactly on the opposite side of the Taj Mahal.
People visit Mehtab Bagh to experience the beauty of the Taj Mahal in calm and less crowded surroundings.
5. Old Agra City
The old Agra city experience is a unique one. It is a journey to the past where everything remains the same. The Old Agra city was a major trade route during the Mughal era. These areas include vibrant Bazaars, shops, eateries, the Old mosque, and Agra Fort Railway Station (opened in 1874). Nothing much has changed in this area, and tourists enjoy a good time exploring the Old City’s past.
6. Gurudwara Guru ka Taal
Gurudwara Guru ka Taal is a Sikh pilgrimage and a place rooted deep into India’s history of invasions. The Gurudwara was built in remembrance of the 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, who was vocal about religious freedom. During the atrocities committed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji voluntarily surrendered to him but refused to practice his religion and resisted forced conversions of non Muslims to Muslims. He was later killed publicly in Delhi with orders from Aurangzeb.
Today, the Gurudwara is widely visited by followers of Sikhism, devotees, and tourists. The Gurudwara also runs a Community Kitchen where anyone and everyone can come and eat.
7. Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Agra. It’s also referred to as a Ghost city as the Mughals made this place their capital, but soon abandoned it after 14 years. This short-term capital today is a popular tourist place as the complexes built flaunt the beautiful Mughal architecture.
Later, the British made this place an Administrative centre till the Government took over. It was designated the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
8. Sikandra – Akbar Tomb
Sikandra is a popular tourist destination in the city. It is the tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, who was also one of the most powerful Emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. The tomb was built by his son, Jahangir, between 1605-1613. The tomb is mostly visited by domestic tourists because it’s largely ignored by many travel agencies, which focus only on three monuments in Agra – the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and Itimad-Ud-Daulah. The Sikandra tomb is built in Red Sandstone and has all elements of the Mughal Architecture.
9. Roman Catholic Cemetery
Did you know that there is a ‘Red Taj Mahal’ in Agra? And that was built by a woman for his husband! Yes, that’s true! The Roman Catholic Cemetery is unlike any cemetery in the world. This cemetery is the burial ground for several Europeans who lived in India during the colonial period. These cemeteries are more of a museum than a typical cemetery. The finest one being of John William Hessing.
10. Sadar Baazar
Sadar Baazar is a popular market in Agra city near the Agra Cantt Railway Station. Its proximity to the railway station makes it a popular shopping place for both domestic and foreign tourists. One can shop for souvenirs, let
