Agra is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. This city holds an important place in history as it is home to many architectural wonders from the Mughal period. Each location has its own story that both the tour guide and the locals love to tell about. This post will give you a list of the top tourist attractions in Agra that you can’t miss.
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Tourist Attractions in Agra
1. Taj Mahal
As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It also has the tomb of Shah Jahan. Built entirely of white marble in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal stands for Crown of Palaces in Persian. The tomb is arranged in a rectangular shape and can be accessed through a large gate with arches and niches on either side. There are water channels and fountains at the entrance that make the monument even more spectacular.
2. Agra Fort
As you step in and start to cross courtyard to courtyard, you may realize that Agra has one of the best Mughal fortresses in India. This red sandstone and marble architecture exudes strength and greatness. Emperor Akber began constructing Agra Fort as a military building in 1565, and it was later converted into a palace by his nephew Emperor Shah Jahan. Some of the most iconic structures in Mughal history are still parts of this fortress, such as the Shish Mahal, Diwan-e-aam, and Diwan- e-khaas. The Amar Singh Gate, built to confuse attackers with its dogleg-style design, is currently the only point to enter the fortress.
3. Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, a town in the district of Agra that was once the capital of the Mughal empire. This is one of the best tourist attractions in Agra. The town was built and founded by Akbar and then abandoned in 1610. Like all other tourist attractions in Agra, this is also built entirely of red sandstone.
The town has several important parts to explore. The first thing one comes across in this town is the giant Buland Darwaza 54 meters high that is sure to amaze you. The town’s surreal interior is a delight to the eyes and is sure to be mesmerized.
4. Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb
A Mughal mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb is one of the best places to visit in Agra. The architecture and interior are inspired by the architecture of the Taj Mahal as it also features traces of white marble from Rajasthan amid red sandstone. And for the same reason, it is also known as “Baby Taj”.
The tomb was built by Nur Jahan in 1628. The exquisitely designed jali screens from white marble brighten the inside of the tomb. Don’t miss the semi-precious stones carved on the mausoleum’s white marble interior.
5. Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a charbagh garden complex and one of the last Mughal gardens in Agra. It is located just north of the Taj Mahal and overlooks the Agra Fortress and the Yamuna River on the opposite side. Perfectly aligned with the gardens of the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh offers a picturesque view of the Taj from the fountain in front of the entrance gate. This is a popular sunset viewing spot for photography enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts alike.
The splendid Mehtab Bagh has four sandstone towers, each at the corner with a giant octagonal pool in the center. Mehtabh Bagh is now a horticultural pleasure with countless flowering plants and medicinal herbs in full bloom, alongside ten fruit trees, further enhancing the beauty of the park.
6. Kinari Bazar
If you want to experience the feel of most of Agra as it was years ago, Kinari Bazar is the perfect place to visit. It is on the narrow streets behind Jama Masjid, where colorful little shops are spilling, women haggling and cars avoid each other. This is where some of the finest jewels can be found in Agra, as well as fabrics, clothing, shoes, authentic fast food stalls, and famous Agra marble work. It’s also the right place for any wedding-related little tidbits, like beautifully crafted wreaths, bridal veil, and groom’s turbine.
