Top Tourist Places to Visit in Agra
Once a capital (1526) of emperor Akkbar, the historic city of Agra has been a travelers’ muse and is liked by people of various age groups. The city was one of the greatest centres of art, culture, trade and learning, specially during the 16th and early 17th centuries. Here are the list top places to visit during a trip to Agra:
A Must Visit Top 5 Places in Agra
Taj Mahal
One of the wonders of the world it is the finest example of Mughal architecture. This epic structure epitomises the emotion of love. Some people think that only the white domed marble mausoleum is Taj Mahal. It is actually an integrated complex of various components, including gardens, inns, gateways and a mosque. It is Agra’s main tourist attraction.
Agra Fort
lso called ‘Lal Qila’ , this UNESCO world heritage site was a major highlight during the Mughal era. It houses Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience. This hall with numerous pillars is said to be erected by Shah Jahan in 1628. One can also see Royal Pavilions abounding in elegant mosques including Nagina Masjid and Mina Masjid, palaces like Macchi Bhavan, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Shah Jahani Mahal and Zenana Meena Bazaar. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned here following his overthrowing by his son in 1658. It is located near Taj Mahal and is a must visit place in Agar.
Fatehpur Sikri
Also called ‘City of Victory’, Fatehpur Sikri is an astonishing collection of buildings and structures that belong to Mughal period. It is predominantly made up of red sandstone. The city was built in the honour of great Sufi saint Salim Chisti.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb
It is the country’s first tomb to be made completely out of marble. It marked a deviation from using red sandstone in building. It was constructed during Mughal emperod Jahangir’s period. The 21-meter high tomb was constructed in memory of Mirza Ghiyas, who was the father-in-law of Jahangir. He was bestowed with the title Itmad-Ud-Daula, which means pillar of the state. It is influenced by Islamic architectural style as its towers display Persian touch. Often described as a “jewel box”, sometimes called the “Baby Taj”, the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal.
Mehtab Bagh
Also called ‘Moonlight Garden’ it is the most visited tourist attractions due to its proximity to Taj Mahal and its gardens. It lies north of the Taj Mahal complex and the Agra Fort on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the flood plains. The garden complex, square in shape, measures about 300 by 300 metres and is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank.
Other Places To Visit in Agra
Sikandra
Located in city’s outskirts, it is constructed from the red sandstone and marble. The mausoleum is a large building combining the finest examples of Muslim and Indian architectural designs. The vast, beautifully carved tomb is a resting place for deers, rabbits and langurs. It is believed that Akbar himself planned his resting place and selected a suitable site for it. The tomb of Mariam, Akbar’s wife is situated within the compound of the Christian Missionary Society.
Ram Bagh
It is the oldest garden built by Mughal emperors. It was constructed in 1528 on the banks of Yamuna by emperor Babar. It lies about 2.34 km north of the Taj Mahal. The pavilions in this garden are designed so that the wind from the Yamuna, combined with the greenery, keeps them cool even during the peak of summer.
Chini Ka Rauza
It is known for its Persian influenced dome of blue glazed tiles. Chini ka Rauza is a funerary monument, rauza in Agra, India, containing the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, a scholar and poet who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The tomb was built in 1635. Chini ka Rauza is situated just 1 kilometer north of Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, on the eastern bank of Yamuna river in Agra.
Anguri Bagh
Shah Jehan built Anguri Bagh or the Garden of Grapes in 1637. With Khas Mahal to its east and red sandstone arcades on the other three sides, it was the principal square of the zenana apartments or the living area of the royal ladies. There was a marble paved platform with a fountain in its centre and the garden itself was divided into compartments in intricate geometrical pattern.
As the name suggests, this garden was known for harvesting choicest of grapes and flowers throughout the year. It was designed to be a pleasant retreat or the paradise garden for the royal ladies and ensured their complete privacy.
Soor Sarovar
Soor Sarovar wildlife sanctuary is 17 km from Agra. Established in 1991, the sanctuary has an area of 4 sq km. Local and migratory birds, jackal, mongoose and hares roam the sanctuary. The Soor Sarovar wetland at Keetham, Agra, is 175 km from Delhi. It is a place of natural beauty.
Other Tourist Places Near Agra
- Bateshwar (about 65 k.m.)
- Keetham Lake (about 23 k.m.)
- Mathura (about 53 k.m.)
- Virndawan (about 65 k.m.)
- Keoladeo National Park (ghana bird sanctuary) bharatpur (about 65 k.m.)
- Patna Bird Sanctuary (about 54 k.m.)
- Chambal Safari (about 80 k.m.)