Things to Do in Agra

One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is located on the banks of River Yamuna in Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world.
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An architectural masterpiece, The Red Fort of Agra or Agra Fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1573. It is located on the right bank of the River Yamuna and is made entirely of red sandstone. The historical fort was once the ersthwhile residence of the Mughals until 1638. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it lies 2.5 kilometres from Taj Mahal.

Located at a distance of 40km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra district and a famous tourist attraction. A city predominantly made of red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was founded in the 1571 century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it is home to Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and Tomb of Salim Chisti among many other famous monuments.

Mehtab Bagh is a char bagh garden complex and one of the last Mughal gardens in Agra. It is located just north of the Taj Mahal and overlooks the Agra Fort and Yamuna river on the opposite side. Perfectly aligned with the gardens of the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh provides a picture-perfect view of the Taj from the fountain in front of the entrance gate. It is a popular sunset spot among photography fanatics and nature enthusiasts.

Agra is not only famous for the mesmerizing Taj Mahal but its delicacies too. It is acknowledged as one of the best street food serving spots in the country by many connoisseurs. The city is very populated, yet it witnesses foodies coming from all over the country to quench their insatiable appetite. In this article below listed is the best street food in Agra.

Jama Masjid at Agra also known as 'Friday Mosque' is a seventeenth-century structure and is one of the largest mosques built by the Mughals in India. Constructed under the reign of Shah Jahan in 1648, Jama Masjid is dedicated to his favourite daughter Jahan Ara Begum. This splendid monument is visible from the Agra Fort with the Agra Fort Railway station right between the two structures.

The shopping scene in Agra is buzzing with markets, department stores, retail outlets and local bazaars. Agra is home to many people like the artisans, jewellers, embroiders, carpet makers and weavers who come here to showcase their precious talent. Most of the major shopping complexes are situated near the Taj Mahal, the most famous ones being Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road.

A boat ride on the river of Yamuna is a fun-filled activity to be done with friends and family. The picturesque view of the Taj Mahal in the background is worth it. Enjoy a sunset boat ride while you are there.

The residential palace of Jahangir Mahal, stands tall in the Agra Fort complex. Built by Akbar, in the 17th Century, this Red Sandstone marvel is a multi-storeyed palace with a series of courtyards running from north to south, along the eastern fort wall. The palace is located north of Akbari Mahal, another important Mughal marvel that now breathes in its ruins and faces the river Jamuna. One of the most popular tourist places in Agra, the Jahangir Mahal served as a private residence to Akbar’s son and successor, Jahangir. The Jahangir Mahal is one of the first buildings you would come across when you enter Agra through the Amar Singh Gate.

Anguri Bagh is a sprawling charbagh (four complex compartments) styled garden, centrally situated on the premises of Khas Mahal in Agra Fort. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1637 as his exalted place of leisure and rest. If touring Agra Fort, this is a must-visit spot for an insightful exploration of Mughal history.

Set along the banks of the Yamuna River, the majestic city of Agra is a haven for vacationers from across the globe owing to its vivacity and rich heritage. Roam around the bustling bazaars, relish the delectable Pethas and witness the splendor of Taj Mahal during a staycation in some of the best hotels in Agra.

Taj Mahotsav is an annual ten-day festival that takes place in Agra. The festival showcases an outstanding variety of art and craft, dance and cuisines of artisans from different regions of India. Kicked off in 1992, this festival provides a platform for artisans from various states to display their exquisite works of art at the same time also making them available to tourists at the most reasonable prices.

Often referred to as the "Baby Taj Mahal", the tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah is a Mughal mausoleum and often regarded as a copy of the Taj Mahal. This is the first tomb in India made entirely of marble. The tomb was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mir Gheyas Beg (later known as Itimad-ud-daulah), who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan.

Established in 1995, Wildlife SOS is a non-profit organisation in India that rescues and rehabilitates wild animals and forests. It is known worldwide, especially for its efforts in rescuing sloth bears and elephants. Its Agra Bear Rescue Facility is the largest sloth bear rescue facility in the world housing 130 sloth bears.

Viewing the Taj Mahal at night is available on five days on a month, including a full moon night and two nights before and after the full moon. All these aspects, the dates and the timings for the night viewing of the Taj are decided by the Archaeological Survey of India. Viewing the Taj Mahal at night takes place between 8:30 pm to 12:30 am in 8 batches of about 50 people for about 30 minutes each.

Staging the popular play of Mohobbat-e-Taj, Kalkriti Culture and Convention Centre is a must-visit in Agra. This theatrical performance narrates the tale of the Taj Mahal's origin and is located close to the wonder of India.

Timings : Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM 

Located inside the Taj Mahal complex, the Taj Museum was established in 1982 on the western ends of the Taj Gardens. The tiny but terrific depository is a double-storeyed building with a quadrangle projection outside. Situated a little left on the main gate of the mausoleum inside the Jal Mahal, the museum provides the wonderful opportunity to have a close look at the blueprints, arts and artefacts used in the construction of the world-class monument.

The final resting place of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Akbar's Tomb is situated in Sikandra, the outskirts of Agra and spreads over an area of 119 acres. An important architectural masterpiece of the Mughal era, it was built between 1605 and 1618. Built entirely out of sandstone and white marble, Emperor Akbar himself oversaw the construction of this tomb until his death.

hether you love the spicy chaats or you have a sweet tooth, Agra never ceases to fascinate. Petha, a soft candy made from ash gourd is almost synonymous with Agra's cuisine and is a speciality which you just cannot miss. Panchi petha is the most popular shop in Agra, and there are so many of these that you won't even have to think where to get it from.

Inaugurated in 2002, Dolphin World Water Park is spread over an area of 14 acres and is replete with thrilling slides, roller coasters, water and regular rides etc. Besides, it has an amusement park, a play area for kids, a locker room and other facilities. Dolphin Water World has been a popular source of recreation and entertainment for city dwellers and tourists ever since.

Friends Gokulam Fun City Water Park is the second-largest water park in Agra. Spread over vast acres of land, the water park boasts a number of slides, roller coasters and fun rides both for adults and kids.

The Ram Barat is a joyous and one of the most important festivals in Northern India held in September every year. Marked by a footfall of over 20 lakh people every year, this festival celebrates the divine marriage ceremony of Lord Rama by taking out his marriage procession and carrying out all the ceremonies related to marriage.