Agra
Agra is a famous city in northern India, best known for the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra is rich in history and was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Besides the Taj Mahal, Agra is home to other historic sites like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
The city attracts tourists from all over the world who come to see its magnificent architecture and experience its rich cultural heritage. With its blend of history, beauty, and culture, Agra is a must-visit destination.
1. Taj Mahal
Description
The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful and famous monuments in the world, known for its white marble structure and stunning gardens. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of eternal love and is visited by millions of tourists every year.
Historical Significance
Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Location
Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Traveling
You can reach the Taj Mahal by train, bus, or taxi. It is about 3 kilometers from the Agra Cantonment railway station.
Nearby Eateries
- Pinch of Spice: A popular restaurant offering Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Pinch of Spice Website
- Esphahan at The Oberoi: A fine dining experience with traditional dishes. Oberoi Agra Website
Cost
Entry is ₹50 for Indians and ₹1,100 for foreigners.
2. Agra Fort
Description
Agra Fort is a massive red sandstone fort that once served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. The fort contains numerous palaces, mosques, and gardens within its walls. From here, you can get a distant view of the Taj Mahal.
Historical Significance
Built in 1573 by Emperor Akbar, Agra Fort was a symbol of Mughal power and authority. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal era.
Location
Located just 2.5 kilometers from the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Traveling
Agra Fort is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or auto-rickshaw from any part of Agra.
Nearby Eateries
- Joney’s Place: Famous for its budget-friendly Indian and continental dishes. Joney’s Place Website
- Pind Balluchi: A great place for North Indian food. Pind Balluchi Website
Cost
Entry is ₹40 for Indians and ₹650 for foreigners.
3. Fatehpur Sikri
Description
Fatehpur Sikri is an ancient city built by Emperor Akbar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its palaces, mosques, and courtyards, including the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti. It is a beautiful mix of Hindu and Islamic architecture.
Historical Significance
Constructed in the late 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a short period before it was abandoned due to water scarcity.
Location
Situated 40 kilometers from Agra.
Traveling
You can reach Fatehpur Sikri by bus, taxi, or train. The site is an hour’s drive from Agra.
Nearby Eateries
- Sheroes Hangout: A unique café run by acid attack survivors. Sheroes Hangout Website
- The Gateway Hotel: Offers traditional Indian meals. The Gateway Agra Website
Cost
Entry is ₹50 for Indians and ₹610 for foreigners.
4. Mehtab Bagh
Description
Mehtab Bagh is a beautiful garden located directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. The garden offers a perfect view of the Taj Mahal, especially during sunset. It’s a quiet place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Historical Significance
Mehtab Bagh was built by Emperor Babur as a part of the grand Mughal garden. It served as a viewpoint for the Taj Mahal and has been restored to maintain its beauty.
Location
Located opposite the Taj Mahal, across the Yamuna River.
Traveling
Accessible by taxi or rickshaw from anywhere in Agra.
Nearby Eateries
- Sheroes Hangout: Known for its unique cause and delicious food. Sheroes Hangout Website
- The Salt Café: A rooftop café offering stunning views of the Taj Mahal. Salt Café Website
Cost
Entry is ₹25 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners.
5. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj)
Description
Often called the “Baby Taj,” Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is a small, exquisite marble mausoleum. The intricate carvings and pietra dura (stone inlay) work here are stunning, and it is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal.
Historical Significance
Built between 1622 and 1628, this tomb was commissioned by Empress Nur Jahan for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal.
Location
Situated on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra.
Traveling
Easily accessible by taxi or rickshaw from the city center or the Taj Mahal.
Nearby Eateries
- Jahanpanah: Known for its Mughlai food. Jahanpanah Website
- Pinch of Spice: Offers great Indian cuisine. Pinch of Spice Website
Cost
Entry is ₹30 for Indians and ₹310 for foreigners.
6. Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra)
Description
Akbar’s Tomb is a grand mausoleum where the remains of Emperor Akbar rest. The architecture of the tomb is a beautiful combination of Mughal, Hindu, and Persian styles. The surrounding gardens are peaceful and attract many visitors.
Historical Significance
The construction of the tomb began in 1605 by Akbar himself and was completed by his son, Jahangir, in 1613. It represents the glory of the Mughal Empire.
Location
Located in Sikandra, about 10 kilometers from the center of Agra.
Traveling
You can reach Akbar’s Tomb by taxi, bus, or auto-rickshaw from any part of Agra.
Nearby Eateries
- Dasaprakash: Known for South Indian vegetarian food. Dasaprakash Website
- Taj Terrace: Offers Indian and continental dishes. Taj Terrace Website
Cost
Entry is ₹30 for Indians and ₹310 for foreigners.
7. Jama Masjid
Description
Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, built with red sandstone and marble. Its central dome and four minarets are impressive, and the spacious courtyard can hold up to 25,000 worshippers at a time.
Historical Significance
Built in 1648 by Shah Jahan in honor of his daughter Jahanara Begum, Jama Masjid is a symbol of Mughal architecture and religious devotion.
Location
Located opposite Agra Fort in Agra.
Traveling
Easily accessible by taxi, bus, or rickshaw from any part of the city.
Nearby Eateries
- Shankar Ji: Famous for its street food.
- Joney’s Place: Offers affordable Indian meals. Joney’s Place Website
Cost
Entry is free.
8. Moti Masjid
Description
Moti Masjid, or the “Pearl Mosque,” is named for its pearl-white marble. It is one of the smaller but most beautiful mosques built by Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque is known for its simple yet elegant architecture.
Historical Significance
Built between 1648 and 1654, the mosque served as a place of worship for the royal court and symbolizes purity and peace.
Location
Located inside Agra Fort, Agra.
Traveling
Accessible by taxi, rickshaw, or walking within the Agra Fort complex.
Nearby Eateries
- Tea’se Me: Known for its rooftop seating and diverse menu. Tea’se Me Website
- Yes Restaurant: Popular for affordable Indian food.
Cost
Entry is included with the Agra Fort ticket.
9. Mariam’s Tomb
Description
Mariam’s Tomb is a quiet, simple mausoleum built for Mariam-uz-Zamani, the wife of Emperor Akbar and the mother of Jahangir. The tomb is surrounded by lush gardens and is an interesting historical site.
Historical Significance
Built in 1623 by Jahangir, the tomb is a tribute to his mother, who played a key role in Mughal history as Akbar’s wife and a Hindu queen.
Location
Located in Sikandra, about 1 kilometer from Akbar’s Tomb.
Traveling
You can reach Mariam’s Tomb by taxi or auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Agra.
Nearby Eateries
- Deviram Sweets: Known for its Indian sweets and snacks.
- Mughal Room: Offers traditional Mughlai dishes. Mughal Room Website
Cost
Entry is ₹20 for Indians and ₹210 for foreigners.
10. Kinari Bazaar
Description
Kinari Bazaar is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Agra, offering a wide variety of items such as jewelry, textiles, handicrafts, and spices. It’s a great place to experience local culture and shop for souvenirs.
Historical Significance
The market has been a hub of trade and commerce since the Mughal era, reflecting Agra’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Location
Located near Jama Masjid, Agra.
Traveling
Easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from any part of the city.
Nearby Eateries
- Mama Chicken Mama Franky House: Famous for its street food and chicken dishes.
- Dasaprakash: Offers South Indian vegetarian meals. Dasaprakash Website
Cost
Free to explore; shopping costs vary.
