Agra is synonymous with the beautiful Taj Mahal; the Mughal era mausoleum that’s known for its architectural finesse, history and story of an emperor and his never ending love for his wife. The Taj Mahal of Agra lists itself as one of the Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most admired monuments on the planet. Visiting the Taj Mahal of Agra is a bucket list thing for many while it is an opportunity for us to share our architectural and cultural heritage with you. In this article we’ll share deep insights, facts and useful tips you can use to plan your Agra trip. Use this article as a complete guide for your Agra travel.
History of Agra
Agra city has known references in one of the oldest Hindu epics called ‘Mahabharata’ where the city was called ‘Agravan’. The stories of Mahabharata date back to more than 3000 years. However, the latest references find its mention in 1504 when Sultan Sikandar Lodhi from the Delhi Sultanate founded the city. Later, many rulers ruled from Agra including the rulers from the Sultanate, and the Mughal Empire.
Timeline of Rulers and Empires in Agra:
1506 – 1526 | Lodhi’s
1527- Babur founded the Mughal Empire
1555 – 1605 | Mughal Empire under the rule of Akbar
1605 – 1627 | Mughal Empire under the rule of Jahangir
1628 – 1658 | Mughal Empire under the rule of Shah Jahan
After Shah Jahan, under the rule of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire started to decline and the Emperor moved the capital to Aurangabad. Later, Agra was no longer the capital city and Delhi became India’s capital under British rule. However, long centuries of rulings shaped the cultural, arts and architectural heritage of the city. Today, Agra is famous for the beautiful Taj Mahal, its old spice market that were once part of the trade route, Mughal and Persian inspired carpets, and marble inlay artwork.
A tour to Agra is a dive deep into this place’s history, heritage and cultural diversity. Let’s now discuss about the top places to visit in Agra –
Top places to visit in Agra
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a beautiful monument situated on the river bank of Yamuna. The mausoleum monument belongs to the era of the Mughal Empire where Shah Jahan, the Emperor built this piece of art and architecture for his beloved wife who died while giving birth to their child. Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the Emperor was very beloved of the Emperor and upon her demise, the emperor couldn’t bear this pain of loss. He kept mourning but his soul always wandered in search of peace. He planned a grand mausoleum in her remembrance and wanted to build something that would last till eternity.
The Taj Mahal is more than a mausoleum. It is a piece of art and architecture. The white Makrana marble was sourced from Makrana in Rajasthan while several precious and semi precious stones were sourced from different parts of the world. Beautiful pieces in shapes of Calligraphy, Arabesque design, floral and geometric pieces were cut by hand and were inlaid in the walls of the Taj Mahal. This art is called ‘Parchin Kari’ also called ‘Pacche Kari’. A similar kind of art work can be seen in ‘Pietra Dura’ artwork from Italy.
The Mughal Emperors were fond of marble inlay art and even today, you’ll find this art live in the city practiced by the descendants of the artisans who built this grand mausoleum.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is a prominent Mughal monument in Agra. It was the imperial residence of the Mughal Empire and was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Emperor was one of the most popular and most powerful Emperors of the Empire and Agra Fort was the prime centre of residence, administrative and cultural activities. The Agra Fort is a close neighbour to other Mughal Monuments, the Taj Mahal and Itimad-Ud-Daulah. The Red Sandstone fort is built alongside the river Yamuna. Because of its Red colour, it is also called as Red Fort and is confused with the Red Fort of Delhi which was built by another Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
The massive Agra Fort, though smaller than the Red Fort of Delhi, is still huge. It houses several amazing complexes such as Diwan-I-Aam (Court of the normal audience), Diwan-I-Khas (Court of the specials), Audience Halls, Mosque, Sheesh Mahal and more. All these complexes are so beautiful that it reflects and flaunts the filthy rich and luxurious lifestyle of the Emperors.
A beautiful white marble structure is built on one of the top floors of the Agra Fort that offers panoramic views of the Taj Mahal. This White marble building was built by Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal for his daughters.
Agra Fort was taken over by the East India Company, The Britishers and then the Government of India. Today, the gigantic and magnificent fort is a popular tourist destination in Agra and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Itimad-Ud-Daulah
Called as ‘Baby Taj’ because of its impeccable marble inlay work and full white marble structure, Itimad-Ud-Daulah is another beautiful monument to see and admire in Agra. The monument is the tomb of a Mughal court nobel Mirza Ghiyas Beg who was called from Persia in the court of Akbar. He managed great roles in the Empire and was awarded with the title ‘Itimad-Ud-Daulah’. He was the treasurer of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
The tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is a beautiful white marble monument built by Nur Jahan, the daughter of the Mughal Nobel. Nur Jahan was also the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The monument is one of the first white marble monuments of Mughal Empire and is decorated with beautiful precious and semi-precious stones such as Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Coral and more. The beautiful marble inlay work is so intricate and beautiful that admirers of history and architecture call this monument a ‘Jewel Box’.
The intricate marble inlay work at Itimad-Ud-Daulah is called as Pietra Dura or Parchin Kari. You can find amazing geometric, and floral patterns of Pietra Dura at this monument.
Mehtab Bagh
The Mughals were fond of building gardens wherever they lived. They associated gardens with paradise and hence, wherever they lived or ruled from built beautiful gardens. These gardens were amalgamation of variety of plants, herbs and flowers. Mehtab Bagh of Agra, built on the opposite side of the Taj Mahal is one such garden.
The garden is beautiful and offers a picturesque view of the Taj Mahal during the sunset time. Common residents of Agra, domestic tourists and foreign tourists visit the Mehtab Bagh to soak in the beauty of the Taj during the sunset.
Less Touristy places to visit in Agra
Taj Nature Walk
Just a few meters before the Taj Mahal is the Taj Nature Walk. A lush green garden dotted with unique plants and green areas. The Nature Walk takes you to spots from where you can capture the beautiful Taj Mahal. Taj Nature Walk is popular for its calm surroundings, less people and early morning yoga activities.
Old Agra City
Quite chaotic but significant, Old Agra City is one amazing place to explore in Agra. Explore by foot or take a Tuk Tuk ride to Agra’s old city that was built before and during the Mughal Empire. This place was a cultural centre of the past and lied on the trade route of the Empire. The noisy, and quaint lanes takes you to the city’s old buildings, architecture and lanes that is heritage of the city.
Sikandra
The Tomb of Sikandra is the tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is amongst the quietest tourist places in the city and mostly visited by domestic tourists. The tomb is spread across 119 acres and was built by Jahangir, Akbar’s son in 1613 (completed). The tomb’s structure is made with Red Sandstone with mixed use of White Marble.
Guru Ka Taal Gurudwara
Gurudwara Guru ka Taal is a Sikh temple (called as Gurudwara) situated on the National Highway passing through Agra. This monument is distinct from other famous monuments of Agra as it follows Sikh architecture primarily made of white marble unlike Mughal architecture of other monuments.
Optional Experiences on your Agra Tour –
Sunrise Taj Mahal sightseeing
It is a very unique experience to see the beautiful Taj Mahal in the dawn. The Taj is built with translucent Makrana White marble that absorbs light. Hence, when the first of sunrays fall upon it, it kind of illuminates and turns into hues of Yellow and Golden. This sight is only visible in the morning thus, enhancing the value of sunrise Taj Mahal Tour. This unique experience is one of a kind experience and top opted by foreign tourists to India. You can ask your travel advisor/operator to arrange a Sunrise Taj Mahal tour for you.
Read tour itinerary: Sunrise tour of Taj Mahal from Delhi
Tasting the authentic Panchhi Petha
Petha is a popular sweet snack from Agra. It is made of Ashgourd and is sweet in taste. When in Agra, give it a try to Panchhi Petha specifically as it is the popular Petha shop in Agra.
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