Agra, together with Jaipur and New Delhi, is part of the Golden Triangle and is one of the most visited places in India. And of course that is for a reason. Agra is the gateway to one of the most impressive buildings in the world: The Taj Mahal. Every year, millions of people travel to Agra to admire this monument up close. But Agra has more to offer. The city played an important role during the Mughal Empire and rulers impressed the world by building forts, mausoleums, gardens, tombs and other monuments. In this travel guide I will tell you more about the best things to do in Agra India, in addition to The Taj Mahal, including tips for monuments, hotels and restaurants, so you can get the most out of your visit.
Agra Travel Guide – Discover my tips for things to do
Agra Fort India
One of the best things to do in Agra is in my opinion to visit the Red Fort, located on the Yamuna River. Because many people come to Agra for the Taj Mahal, this place is often skipped and that is a shame. Here you walk through gardens, courtyards, past palaces, mosques and other buildings, made of white marble, with countless decorations. On top of that you have a great view from the balcony and even can see the Taj Mahal in the distance.
The name red fort comes from the red sandstone, that is used for its construction. The fort was built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, to protect the former capital of the Mughal Empire against external attacks. His grandson Shah Jahan expanded it with palaces and further splendor. The Agra Fort in India is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It is interesting to visit the fort with a guide. This way you are taken back to the time of the Mughals, learn more about how powerful these rulers were, how they played with architecture and showed off their wealth. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the Khaas Mahal – the White Palace and the Sheesh Mahal – the Palace of Mirrors, both impressive buildings, because of their detailed decorations.
Agra Travel Guide tips: Do you want to visit Agra’s monuments and things to do with a local guide? You can find an overview of different tours here.
Mehtab Bagh – top tips for Agra India
One of the best places to observe the Taj Mahal in a pieceful way is Mehtab Bagh – moonlight garden. This complex of gardens was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan and is located on the Yamuna River, directly opposite the Taj Mahal. It is said that Shah Jahan wanted to build a replica of the Taj Mahal here, made of black marble. Unfortunately it never happened. Nowadays it is one of the things to do in Agra India that is worth visiting before going to the Taj Mahal. It offers stunning views and makes for an amazing first impression. If you have time, plan your visit during sunrise or sunset for the most special colors.
Akbar’s Tomb
One of the sights that really surprised me was the tomb of Emperor Akbar, located in Sikandra, just outside Agra in India. The construction of the mausoleum was initiated by the emperor himself in the 17th century and serves as a resting place. You will be amazed by the gates, windows, towers and mosaic work. Peacocks show off in the surrounding gardens and you occasionally encounter a monkey and deer. The monument is sometimes compared to Humayun’s tomb in New Delhi because of the use of red sandstone and white marmble. One of the things to do in Agra you can’t miss in my opinion.
Taj Mahal – famous things to do in Agra India
So much has been written and told about the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world. It is one of the sights in Agra and things to do in India that millions of people travel to every year. I have been able to visit the Taj Mahal a number of times but I keep being impressed. The symmetry of the building, the sun shining on the white marble, and the detailed ornaments are truly breathtaking. Every visit is different as the monument looks different in every light. It is remarkable how the colors of the Taj Mahal even change during every moment of the day.
The Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their fourteenth child. The best architects were contracted for its construction and the most expensive materials, including marble and precious stones, were used. 20,000 people worked on the construction for 22 years. The Taj Mahal is also called the Monument to Love and remains an important symbol of love, art and history.
Agra Travel Guide tips: It probably won’t surprise you when I tell you that it is always busy at the Taj Mahal. However, you can avoid the crowds by planning your visit, for example very early in the morning, right at sunrise, or outside the high season. It is also recommended to buy your ticket online in advance or book a tour, where you can also skip the long line.
Discover the bazaars – Agra Travel Guide
Other things to do in Agra in India include bazaars such as Kinari Bazaar and Johari Bazaar. In the narrow streets you will find countless shops selling all kinds of things while motorbikes, tuk tuks, large carts and cows move through the crowd. It is best to just flow with it, because as soon as you stop, there is a good chance that something will go wrong and accidents happen. But it is a place where you are going to be impressed by everything that happens around you.
Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah – Agra Travel Guide India
The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is also known as the Baby Taj because they are very similar. The tomb was built for Mirza Ghiyath Beg, an influential person from the circles of Mughal Emperor Jehangir. It is even said to have been the inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal. It is one of the first constructions made entirely of marble. The monument consists of numerous motifs with gemstones and other valuables. The mausoleum is smaller than the Taj Mahal, but more refined. Also inside, you will find more decorations and remnants of colored decorations.
Agra Travel Guide tips: The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is one of the things to do in Agra India that is less visited than the Taj Mahal, so there is a good chance that you will be walking around with a handful of people at times. This is an overview of different tours, including a stop at the tomb.
Art and handcrafts
Just like in every city in India, Agra also has countless vendors, shops and factories ready to sell you anything. Most tour guides will make a stop at a place for you to admire one of the many local crafts. You get a demonstration where you see people at work, followed by a tour through the shop. Of course the idea is that you will make a purchase afterwards. But if you clearly tell them whether or not you are planning to buy, this visit is actually nice. I personally visited Kalra’s Cottage Industry where you’ll find the most beautiful rugs and The Marble World Exhibitors, where they show you how semi-precious stones are incorporated into marble, an important type of art form, that can be seen in different sights and monuments around Agra in India.
Agra Travel Guide – tips and things to do in the surroundings
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a former Mughal city located on the road between Agra and Jaipur in India. The city was built in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar, on the spot where a Muslim saint foretold his long-awaited son. Akbar had three official wives and it is remarkable that all three had a different belief: Hindu, Christian and Muslim. Something that is reflected in the different architectural styles and decorations, as each woman got her own palace on the property.
During a visit, you walk through the city that was abandoned 16 years after its construction, due to a lack of drinking water. It is a large complex with each gate leading to a new courtyard. The buildings are made of a red sand color and it is worth taking a closer look at the decorations. There is so much detail. Outside the walled city is the Jama Mashid (Friday Mosque) and the tomb of the Muslim saint. This in a large courtyard with many visitors praying, seeking the shade or enjoying lunch. The gate leading to the mosque is the largest in Asia at 54 meters.
Agra Travel Guide tips: You want to spend at least 1.5 hours at Fatehpur Sikri. It is interesting to go out with a guide, who will take you on a journey back to the time of the Mughals and ensure that the city comes back to life. You can book a tour here, which also includes your transportation.
Chand Baori stepwell
One of the highlights during my visit to Rajasthan in India are the stepwells. These are water sources surrounded by high stairs that people used for getting water in times of drought. And these monuments are truly impressive. Dating back to the 8th-9th centuries, Chand Baori, located between Agra and Jaipur in India, is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. It has 3,500 steps running over 13 floors and a depth of 30 meters.
Agra Travel Guide tips: Chand Baori is a 2.5 hour drive from Agra and in my opinion a mandatory stop, if you are on your way to or from Jaipur. It is best to book a transfer and include a stop at Fatehpur Sikri and Chand Baori along the way. You can book the transfer here.
Mini Agra Travel Guide + tips
Tour tips Agra India
Looking for more tips and things to do in Agra in India? This is an overview.
Hotel tips Agra India
Agra in India offers many accommodations in different price ranges. Unfortunately, a lot of mid-range hotels do not offer the best service and quality. It is therefore important to do research beforehand and read some reviews. Discover my personal hotel recommendations in this Agra Travel Guide.
- One of the places I absolutely love is Dá Bungalow. This boutique hotel has several rooms located around a large courtyard with a lovely swimming pool. There is a restaurant with amazing Indian dishes, that you can also enjoy on your balcony. And the breakfast, served at your table, is extensive and a combination of Indian and Western dishes.
- Are you looking for a luxury stay? Then book a room at The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra, my favorite hotel chain in India. Nothing can go wrong here.
Looking for more hotels in Agra India? This is an overview.
Restaurant tips Agra India
- Sheroes Hangout is run by women who were mutilated by hydrochloric acid. The menu and dishes are basic, but tasty. It is the overall story that makes this visit a special experience.
- At Peshawri you will find good Indian dishes in an upscale setting.
General useful tips – Agra Travel Guide India
- Many monuments in Agra offer discounts, if you visit multiple places in one day. Worth keeping an eye on.
- Monuments in Agra India do not work with opening hours, but stick to sunrise and sunset.
- Most places and things to do in Agra in India maintain strict access controls. For example, it is prohibited to bring sharp objects, cigarettes and food. Check the website in advance so that you don’t have anything with you that you are not allowed to bring with you.
- At many monuments in Agra India, you have to pay separately to use your camera.
Tips for how to get around in Agra
Agra is not necessarily a nice city for strolling around. Moreover, many sights and things to do in Agra India are far from each other. The best and easiest way to get around Agra is by tuk tuk. You can also easily rent one for a half or a whole day. Ask for recommendations in advance about a reasonable price and negotiate well. Are you planning to travel to Jaipur? Then it is best to book a transfer and include stops at Fatehpur Sikri and Chand Baori along the way. You can book a transfer here.
Best time to visit Agra India
Agra in India can be visited all year round. However, the best time to travel is between September and March. Then temperatures are pleasant and it won’t rain that much. It can get very hot and humid between April and July, including the monsoon season, from July to September. The advantage of these seasons is that it is less crowded than the rest of the year.
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