Agra: Looking Beyond the Taj Mahal
Best places to visit in Agra, sightseeing & tourist attractions in Agra
The Taj Mahal has earned Agra the distinction of being the most popular tourist destination in India. But there is more to the city than this sublime marble monument, now listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. For, Agra which served as the capital of the mighty Mughal Empire between the 16th and 17th centuries has other impressive attractions: mausoleums, forts, palaces… all of which are vivid reminders of the opulence and splendor of its heritage.
Map of Agra
Whats Famous Here? Top Tourism Places Agra
Architecture of Agra: Agra is known for its beautiful monuments. Infactthe US President Bill Clinton observed when he visited India that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who have not been to the Taj Mahal and those who have. Yes, even though Agra has a number of other attractions to delight visitors, the Taj Mahal is reason enough for them to come here.
What to See? Places You Should Not Miss in Agra
Taj Mahal: One of the World’s most celebrated monuments, this exquisitely beautiful marble monument was built in the mid-17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite Queen Mumtaz Mahal.
Apart from the Mughal gardens in front of the monument, one can view the Taj from the far banks of Jamuna River where a languid rural India seems almost indifferent to the fact that it shares the waterfront with one of the world’s most celebrated monuments. There is no entrance fee or day off on this side of the River.
It is also possible to view the monument from Taj Walk, a 75 acres forest with jogging and walking trails, located between the Parking Zone and the Eastern Gate of the Taj.
Agra Fort: A masterpiece in design and construction, the fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Over the years, his successors, especially Shah Jahan, added to the structure. The signatures of the two great Mughal rulers are clearly visible with the battlement: Akbar’s in Red Sandstone and Shah Jahan’s in White Marble.
From here, you get a stunning view of the Taj across the River: as Emperor Shah Jahan saw it during the last days of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in one of the turrets of the fort.
Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb: The ornate marble tomb, rich in inlay work, was built by Empress Noor Jahan between 1622 and 1625 in memory of her father. Many believe that it was the prototype on which Taj Mahal was designed.
Sikandra: Located in a small suburb, 13 km from the center of the city, stands the Red Sandstone Tomb of Akbar. Friendly, black-faced Hanuman monkeys greet visitors and Cheetal or spotted deer roam the ample gardens and lawns that encircle the monument.
Radhaswamy Samadhi, Dayalbagh. The highly ornate memorial to the founder of the Radhaswamy sect has been in the making for over 100 years. Though it is nowhere near completion, it is still very impressive and offers us a chance to see craftsmen working with marble.
Jama Masjid: Built in 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan’s daughter, the mosque assimilates Iranian architectural elements.
Mariyam’s Tomb: A red sandstone tomb built in 1611 in memory of Akbar’s Christian wife, Mariyam.
Chini-ka-Roza: Much of this glazed-tiled tomb built for Emperor Shah Jahan’s Prime Minister now lies in ruins. Worth visiting but be warned; you may run into people answering the call of nature around the monument.
Ram Bagh: It is the earliest example of a Mughal Garden along the banks of the River. Today, much of it lies in sad neglect.
Travel to Agra:
Local Languages: Hindi and English
Best time to visit: From October to February
How to Reach:
AIR: Agra’s Kheria Airport is 6 km from the city’s center. The nearest international Airport is at Delhi (220 km).
RAIL: Agra City has two stations
- Agra Cantonment (Trains from Delhi stop here)
- Agra Fort Station.
The city is located on the Western, Central and Northern Railways which means it is very well connected with rest of the country.
There are two convenient trains – Shatabdi & Taj Express for day-trippers out of Delhi. Both leave Delhi early morning and return to the capital late evening the same day.
ROAD:
Frequent buses to Agra operate from Delhi (204 km), Fatehpur Sikri (39 km), Bharatpur Bird Sanctury (57 km), Mathura (54 km), Nainital (353 km), Jaipur (232 km), Gwalior (119 km) and may other cities
Excursions from Agra: Tour package of Agra sightseeing spots
Fatehpur Sikri: Once the magnificent capital city of the mighty Mughal Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri now lies abandoned, a ghostly citadel sprawl across the landscape stripped and desiccated by the Indian sun. For those who love browsing through ruins, this is a beautiful place rich with the ghosts of the past.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: It is one of India’s most renowned bird sanctuaries and the winter home of the rare Siberian Crane. The sanctuary, in the neighboring state of Rajasthan, is best explored on cycle. It’s worth more than just a day’s-trip.
Sur Surover (Keetham Lake): It is a popular picnic spot for bird-watchers and anglers alike. Fishing permits can be obtained from the Executive Engineer (Lower Division) Agra Canal, The Mall.
Bateshwar: At the edge of the mysterious Chambal ravines, once infested by notorious dacoits (bandits) like Man Singh and Phulan Devi! lies Bateshwar.
A dramatic row of 101 Shiva temples line the banks of the River.
Further inland is a Jain temple protected by a two-headed cobra (or so its care-taker claims).
The sleepy little town comes to life from mid-October to mid-November when it becomes the venue of huge cattle fair.
Mathura-Vrindavan: The ancient city of Mathura that gave birth to Lord Krishna lies in the heart of Braj Bhoomi, a region that still pulsates with the rich living legend of the mischievous child-god who later gave the World the Bhagwat Gita.
The twin city of Vrindavan, 15 km away, is where Lord Krishna grew up, played his flute and teasing the gopis of cow-girls.
The two pilgrim towns have a rich heritage of legends and temples.
Hotels in Agra
Accommodation in Agra is of three types:
- Star category hotels for up-market foreign and domestic tourists.
- Middle to budget hotels for the domestic tourists and
- Budget hotels and lodges located around the Taj Mahal for the backpacking foreign tourist
Agra Travel Packages: Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Agra
Customize your travel. Write your requirements we will revert with a quote as soon as possible.
Flights to Agra : You can take flights to Agra. Agra’s Kheria Airport is 6 km from the city’s center. The nearest international Airport is at Delhi (220 km).
Trains to Agra: You can also take trains to Agra as the state UP is well connected with all parts of India. Agra City has two stations
- Agra Cantonment (Trains from Delhi stop here)
- Agra Fort Station.
The city is located on the Western, Central and Northern Railways which means it is very well connected with rest of the country.
There are two convenient trains – Shatabdi & Taj Express for day-trippers out of Delhi. Both leave Delhi early morning and return to the capital late evening the same day.
Buses to Agra: Frequent buses to Agra operate from Delhi (204 km), Fatehpur Sikri (39 km), Bharatpur Bird Sanctury (57 km), Mathura (54 km), Nainital (353 km), Jaipur (232 km), Gwalior (119 km) and may other cities
Car Hire in Agra: To experience Agra at your own pace you can take a car hire. Hire a cab and get enchanted by the captivating locations of Agra. You can also hire a cab for excursions from Agra.