Agra, home to one of the seven wonders of the world ‘Taj Mahal,’ attracts approximately 237 million tourists every year. The main reason behind every visit to Agra is the architectural wonder ‘Taj Mahal,’ but apart from it, there are various other places to visit in Agra.
The captivating tombs, blooming gardens, historical museums, delectable street food, and unforgettable sunset, there are numerous things to do in Agra.
Visit Agra and have the most incredible experience of Mughal History. You Can experience this Agra tour by booking a Luxury Golden Triangle Tour from Leisure India Holidays which is the best golden triangle tour operator in India. The Golden Triangle Guide will help you to know the famous places to visit. We provide a different variety of Golden Triangle Tour Packages starting from ₹28,000 Per Person.
- Sobriquet: City of Taj or Taj Nagri
- Geographical Description: Agra is located 206 km away to the south from Capital Of India, Delhi, and 256 km away east to Jaipur featuring the famous Golden Triangle of India. The city is built on the banks of the river Yamuna and is densely populated.
- Weather: The city experiences semiarid climate, hot and sunny in summer (April-June), and mild cold in winters (December-February), monsoon(July-September) has moderate rainfall.
- Means of transport:
- By Air – The Kheria Airport of Agra is connected to all major cities of India via air route.
- By Rail – The city has three railway stations Agra Cantt, Agra City, and Agra Fort. The city is well connected via rail routes. There are regular trains to Agra from Jaipur, Delhi, Gwalior, and Jhansi
- By Road – Agra is also well-connected to various Indian cities through the National Highways.
Agra will soon have the connectivity through metro trains running within the city and nearby places.
- Best time to visit: Monsoon and winters are the best seasons to visit Agra. Lots of tourists visit Agra during the month of February to attend the cultural festival Taj Mahotsav. Ram Barat a huge procession recreating the wedding of Lord Rama is held in September and also lots of people visit Agra during the festival of lights, Diwali. And also it is the best time to visit Golden Triangle of India.
Here is the list of places to visit in Agra –
Best Places to Visit in Agra
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is not just a monument; it is a ‘symbol of love.’ Commissioned in 1632, it is known for its fabulous artistry and is the best place to visit in Agra. Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built it in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. It took almost 21 years and 20000 workers to complete its construction.
The mesmerizing mausoleum houses the tomb of Emperor Shahjahan and his wife, Mumtaj Mahal. It is the perfect example of fine craftsmanship with Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles of architecture.
For protecting the serene beauty of the monument, petrol and diesel vehicles are forbidden in the Taj Mahal area, and tourists have to use tongas and cycle rickshaws to reach the mausoleum.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – 50
- Foreigners – 1100
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Timings
6:00 am to 6:30 pm, closed on Friday.
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is at sunrise, sunset and on a full moon night.
Agra Fort
Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, Agra Fort is also known as Red Fort or Lal Quila. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site, and it is amongst the best places to visit in Agra. Initially, Agra Fort was a brick fort known as ‘Badalgarh’; it was constructed again in red sandstone during the reign of Akbar in 1573. The fort has four gates on its four sides, Khizri Gate facing the river, Lahore Gate, also known as Amar Singh Gate, Delhi Gate, and Ghazni Gate. Spread over an area of 94 acres, stiff and rigid walls surrounding the fort in the exterior.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 50
- Foreigners – Rs 650
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Timings
6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah
It is the Tomb of Mir Gheyas Beg, the father of Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir. He was also a minister in Akbar’s Court and later was known as Itmad-Ud-Daulah. The tomb is among the most famous places to visit in Agra.
It was the first tomb of Mughal Era to be built on the banks of the river Yamuna and entirely out of Marble. If you look carefully at the monument, it’ll look like a Jewel Box.
Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah is also known as Baby Taj since it is believed to be the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 30
- Foreigners – Rs 310
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Timings
6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Akbar’s Tomb – Sikandra
One of the most famous places to visit in Agra, Akbar’s Tomb is in Sikandra, the suburbs of Agra. It is the place where the greatest emperor of the Mughal Empire rests in peace and is among the top 10 places to visit in Agra.
Akbar himself started the construction of this spectacular monument in the 1600s and was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613.
Surrounded by a beautiful garden, the tomb is a five-story structure with the grave of Akbar in the basement.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 30
- Foreigners – Rs 310
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Timings
Sunrise to Sunset, Closed on Friday
Jahangiri Mahal- Agra Fort
If you enter the Agra Fort from the Jahangiri Gate, it is the first monument that you’ll encounter.
Akbar built the Jahangiri Mahal and was the principal residence of his wives. Later on, it became the residence of Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir.
The palace is built of red sandstone with a large hall and rooms on the side.
Entrance Fees
It is inside Agra Fort. No separate entrance fees.
Timings
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Khas Mahal – Agra Fort
Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, between 1631-1640 AD, built Khas Mahal. It is also known as Aramgah-i-Mualla and is the palace of the emperor.
Khas Mahal is an architectural masterpiece with intricate gold carving, floral designs, and spectacular paintings in the interior. The Anguri Bagh or the Grape Garden is in front of the Khas Mahal.
Entrance Fees
It is inside Agra Fort. No separate entrance fees.
Timings
6:00 am to 5:30 pm
Diwan-i-Am – Agra Fort
Shahjahan built Diwan-i-Aam in 1628-35 AD. Diwan -i-Aam or the hall of public was the place where the Emperor and the ministers met the general public and heard their complaints.
The hall has a flat roof and is divided into three parts. It was initially constructed with red sandstone, but later on, it was plastered with white shell plaster.
Entrance Fees
It is inside Agra Fort. No separate entrance fees.
Timings
6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Diwan-i-Khas – Agra Fort
Shahjahan built Diwan-i-Khas or the hall of private audience in 1635 AD. It was used for meetings with distinguished guests and cultural events. It consists of two halls, both decorated with intricate carvings and flower patterns.
Entrance Fees
It is inside Agra Fort. No separate entrance fees.
Timings
6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Nagina Masjid – Agra Fort
Shahjahan built Nagina Masjid or the Gem Mosque in 1631-40 AD. It was a private mosque constructed for the ladies of the royal family. The mosque has three splendid tombs and a decent architecture.
Entrance Fees
It is inside Agra Fort. No separate entrance fees.
Timings
6:00 am to 6:30 pm, closed on Friday
Macchi Bhawan – Agra Fort
Machhi Bhawan is a two-story architecture around a courtyard. Initially, the court had fish tanks with gold and silverfish for the amusement of emperors.
Entrance Fees
It is inside Agra Fort. No separate entrance fees.
Timings
6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Moti Masjid
Shahjahan built Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque in 1648-54 AD. It was the place of worship of the royal members and ministers of the Emperor’s court. The mosque shines like a pearl in moonlight, and hence it was named Moti Masjid.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 2o
- Foreigners – Rs 750
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Mariam-uz-Zamani Tomb
The tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani is the tomb of Jodha Bai, the Rajput wife of Akbar. It was built by Jahangir in the memory of his mother and is near the tomb of Akbar. It is amongst the top places to visit in Agra. The tomb was a baradari under the reign of Sikandar Lodi, and later it was reconstructed in Mughal style. It is built on a raised platform and is in the center of the garden.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 25
- Foreigners – Rs 300
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Chini Ka Rauza
Chini ka Rauza is also known as Chinese tomb is the tomb of Afzal Khan, a Persian poet, and scholar in the court of Jahangir. It is the first monument in India, with glazed tiles in its exterior architecture.
Entrance Fees
No Entrance Fees
Timings
6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Mehtab Bagh
The blooming garden located to the north of the Taj Mahal complex offers some spectacular views, especially at sunset. It is one of the best places to visit in Agra for couples.
It is believed to be built by Emperor Babur and is the last of eleven gardens built by Mughals along the Yamuna river.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 25
- Foreigners – Rs 300
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Timings
6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Anguri Bagh
Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built Anguri Bagh in 1637. It is in front of the Khas Mahal, the royal palace of the emperor.
Anguri Bagh was known for the productive grape and flower plantations, and to its northeast were the hammams or the majestic bathhouses of the royal ladies.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 20
- Foreigners – Rs 500
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Timings
Sunrise to Sunset
Ram Bagh/Aaram Bagh Garden
Aaram Bagh is the oldest Mughal Garden built in Persian style by Mughal Emperor Babur.
The garden is designed in the Charbagh pattern and has four parts with waterways.
The original name Aaram Bagh was changed to Ram Bagh when Marathas acquired Agra in 1775 AD.
It is a pleasant place to visit in summer when there is scorching heat outside the greenery, and the water bodies of the garden provide a cool breeze.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 25
- Foreigners – Rs 300
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Timings
6:00 am to 6:30 pm
Taj Museum
Taj Museum is a two-storied building with galleries and hall located within the Taj Mahal Complex.
In the main hall, there are paintings of Shahjahan and Mumtaj Mahal. The first gallery consists of the plans and drawings of the Taj Mahal, the second gallery has various antique objects like Quran Stand, vases, bowls, dishes, swords, armor, and the third gallery consists of the royal Farmans.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 20
- Foreigners – Rs 750
- Children below the age of 15 – Free
Timings
10:00 am to 7:00 pm, closed on Friday
Taj Mahotsav 2023
Taj Mahotsav is a cultural festival held in Agra every year. It’s a 10 days long carnival where you may explore arts, crafts, dance, music, and food. People from all over the world come to enjoy the biggest carnival of Agra.
Address
Shilpgram, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282006
Event Date
18 February 2023 to 27 February 2023
Places to Visit in Agra at Night
Night Tours of Taj Mahal on Full Moon Nights
Taj Mahal is one of the best places to visit in Agra at night. On a full moon night, its beauty is beyond imagination. The white marble of theTaj starts gleaming by the light of the full moon. The tour is open for five days in a month, two days before and after the full moon night. No tours are organized on Fridays and in the month of Ramzan.
The night tour is organized for maximum of 8 groups in one night, with each group consisting of a maximum of 50 people and a duration of 30 minutes.
Tickets:
The tickets need to be booked one day before the tour from the booking counter at the Archaeological Survey of India, Agra.
Entrance Fees
- Indians – Rs 510
- Foreigners – Rs 750
- Children between the ages of 3 to 15 years – Rs 500
- Children below the age of 3 Years – Free
Timings
8:30 pm to 12:30 am
Dance and Drama Show ‘Mohabbat the Taj’
Experience the luxury of the Mughal Era with the dance and drama show ‘Mohabbat the Taj’ at the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre. The performance depicts the eternal love story of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and his wife, Mumtaj Mahal.
Around 80 artists take you through a journey of Mughal Era, portraying the most romantic love story of its time along with the grand lifestyle of the Mughal Empire. If you’re planning a trip to Agra, it is the best places to visit in Agra in the evening.
Tickets
- Maharaja – Rs 4000
- Platinum – Rs 1800
- Gold – Rs 1500
- Silver – Rs 1200
Timings
Two shows in a day
- First Show: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Second Show: 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Places to Visit in Agra on Friday
Except Taj Mahal, all other monuments are open in Agra on Friday. But apart from exploring these splendid monuments of the Mughal Era, you can also enjoy the street food, shopping, and Mughlai Cuisine of the city.
Street Food
Agra is one of the best places for lovers of Indian Street Food. From the tangy and spicy Chats to sweet and flavorsome Petha, you will find everything satisfying your taste buds.
The famous street food shops of Agra are –
| Panchi Petha | Mama Chicken Mama Franky | Ram Babu Paratha Bhandar | Agra Chat House |
| Address – Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Near Siddhivinayak Hospital, Hariparwat, Professors Colony, Civil Lines, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282002 Contact No. – +91 98970 63434 Opening Time – 10:00 am to 10:30 pm Famous For – Agra Petha | Address – A-17 Shopping Arcade, Sadar Bazar, Agra Cantt, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India Contact No. – +91 8899199999 Opening Time – 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm Famous For – Rolls and Chicken Dishes | Address – 6/127, Belanganj Rd, Gopal Bazar, Nala Bharon, Belanganj, Civil Lines, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282004, India Contact No. – +91 94104 24824 Opening Time – 10:00 am to 10:30 pm Famous For – Aloo Paratha and Mix Veg Paratha | Address – 14/2, Taj Rd, Saudagar Lines, Sadar Bazar, Agra Cantt, Idgah Colony, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India Contact No. – +91 97190 11167 Opening Time – 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm Famous For – Gol Gappa, Aloo Tikki, and Pav Bhaji |
Shopping in Agra
Agra is home to some of the marvelous monuments of Mughal Era, but it is also one of the best places to shop for artifacts, handicrafts, textiles, and leather products. So collect some souvenirs on your trip to Agra and cherish them as memories for a lifetime.
Some of the famous markets of Agra are –
Sadar Bazar – Sadar Bazar is located near Agra Cantt Railway Station and is a popular shopping spot for both tourists and locals. You may shop for handicrafts, leather products, garments, sweets, and snacks. You may also enjoy street food at various eateries in the market.
- Opening Hours – 11:30 am to 6:00 pm, Closed on Tuesday
- Best Buy – Leather Products ( best shop for leather products Taj Leather World)
Kinari Bazar – Kinari Bazar, the wholesale market of Agra is near the Jama Masjid. Here you can shop for good quality products at the best prices.
- Opening Hours – 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Closed on Tuesday
- Best Buy – Bric-a-Brac, Glassware, Textiles, and Handicrafts
Subhash Bazar – Located near the Halwai Gali, Subhash Bazar is another popular place for shopping in Agra.
If you’ve got good bargaining skills, then you may crack some fantastic deals from here.
- Opening Hours – 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Closed on Tuesday
- Best Buy – Silk Garments and Silk Sarees
Mughlai Cuisine
Not just the monuments and tombs, the Mughals have also left an enormous impact on the cuisine of Agra. The minced meat cooked on low flame filled with spices, gravy, and dry fruits gives you the unforgettable royal taste.
Some of the best places to enjoy the Mughlai Cuisine in Agra are –
| Hotel Jai Hind and restaurant | Jahanpanah Restaurant | Peshawri (ITC Mughal) | Pind Balluchi |
| Address – 833/838 Ajmer Road Opposite R.K Leather Point, Sadar Bazar, Agra Cantt, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India Contact No. – +91 98972 27045 Opening Hours – 8:00 am – 3:30 pm, 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm | Address – Shopping Arcade, E-23, Gopi Chand Shivhare Rd, Sadar Bazar, Agra Cantt, Idgah Colony, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006, India Contact No. – +91 99179 99170 Opening Hours – 12:30 pm–11:30 pm | Address – Itc Mughal, Fatehabad Rd, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India Contact No. – +91 562 402 1700 Opening Hours – 12:30 pm-3:00 pm, 7:00 pm-12 :00 am | Address – 30, 17, Fatehabad Rd, Opposite Saga Emporium, Dinesh Nagar, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India Contact No. – +91 562 233 3777 Opening Hours – 12:00 pm–12:00 am |
Places to Visit – Agra and Around
Within a distance of 100 km, there are various places to visit near Agra. If you’re planning a trip to Agra, then the areas mentioned below are a must-visit.
The Abandoned City – Fatehpur Sikri
Located at a distance of 40 km from Agra, it is one of the nearest places to visit from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1572 to 1585. Akbar met the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti here, who predicted the birth of the successor of Mughal Empire. When his prediction came true, Akbar made Fatehpur Sikri his capital. But later after Akbar’s death, the city was abandoned due to water shortage.
The best places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri are-
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is built of red sandstone with three Mirhabs and a blend of Hindu and Islamic style of architecture.
Buland Darwaza
It is a grand gate with a height of 54 m built by Akbar after his victory over Gujarat. It is built of red sandstone with beautiful carvings.
Jodha Bai Palace
It was the principal residence of Jodha Bai or Mariam-Uz-Zamani. Jodha Bai being a Hindu, the architecture of the palace is a perfect blend of Hindu and Islamic style of architecture.
Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti
It is the tomb of the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who predicted the birth of the heir of the Mughal Empire. The monument is made of white marble with finely carved jalis on all sides.
Panch Mahal
It is a five-story building with a pyramid structure. The building was mainly used for various musical and dance performances.
The birthplace of Lord Krishna -Mathura
Located at a distance of 60 km from Agra, Mathura is one of the most sacred places for Hindus.
It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and attracts many tourists throughout the year.
The prison where Shri Krishna was born, is the most popular spot in Mathura. Apart from that, there are various temples of Lord Krishna and Radha in Mathura. The Dwarkadheesh Temple and the Geeta Mandir are essential temples with great religious significance.
The Childhood place of Lord Krishna -Vrindavan
Vrindavan is another important religious site for devotees of Lord Krishna. It is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and has various temples marking its importance; the most popular ones are ISKCON Temple and Banke Bihari Temple. Nidhi Van and Seva Kunj are also amongst the famous places in Vrindavan.
A delight to the Eyes of Birdwatchers – Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Also known as Bandipur Bird Sanctuary, the National Park is located at a distance of 56 km from Agra. It is the home to 370 species of birds and animals. Here you may catch sight of Jackal, Hyaena, Blackbuck, Wild Boar, Spoonbills, Pintails, Common Teals, and on the verge of extinction Siberian Crane.
You may either hire a cycle or a rickshaw to go through the Sanctuary.
It is the ideal place for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
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