Agra, situated 230 kilometres away from Delhi, is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, and Mughali cuisine. The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, which flows through Agra. The city attracts millions of tourists every year.
If you plan to visit Agra, there are many great tourist attractions in the city that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. In this article, we will explore the top 5 places to visit in Agra that you should definitely visit.
Table of Contents
1Taj Mahal – Best Place to Visit in Agra
Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It is the most famous tourist attraction of Agra. Constructing this architectural marvel took 22 years (starting in 1632 AD). Over 20,000 workers, artisans, and craftsmen from India and abroad worked day and night to create this beautiful mausoleum of ivory-white marble.
When you enter the Taj Mahal complex, you’ll find a beautiful garden in the front which symbolise paradise. There is a mosque and a museum nearby.
Best time to visit the Taj Mahal
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is from October to March. The weather is pleasant during this time.
Taj Mahal Timings
The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset every day, except on Fridays when it is closed for prayers.
Taj Mahal Night View
You can also visit the Taj Mahal at night during the full moon and two days before and after it, but you need to book your tickets in advance from the Archaeological Survey of India. For More Info: Taj Mahal night view.
Taj Mahal's north side as viewed from the Yamuna river bank at night time | Photo by Edmund Gall, CC BY-SA 2.0
Taj under the night sky | Photo by Tanumita19, CC BY-SA 3.0
Taj Mahal, 7th Wonder of the World in Moonlight | Photo by Kashif Mohd, CC BY-SA 3.0
Taj Mahal on a moonlit night in Agra | Photo by LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0
Taj Mahal Ticket Price
The entry ticket price for the Taj Mahal is Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 1100 for foreigners.
If you want to enter the mausoleum, you have to pay an additional Rs. 200, making the final ticket price Rs. 250 for Indians and Rs. 1300 for foreigners.
Taj Mahal Online Ticket Buying Link: Archaeological Survey of India Tickets or Alternate ASI Link.
Taj Mahal Night View Ticket Price
If you want to visit the Taj Mahal on a full moon night, you need to spend Rs. 510 if you are an Indian and Rs. 750 if you are a foreigner.
You can also buy combo tickets that include entry to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and other monuments in the city.
Taj Mahal Photos
Beautiful Taj!
Taj Mahal hiding behind the trees
The main mausoleum of Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal, Captured under cloudy skies
2Agra Fort – Best Tourist Place in Agra
After the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is another magnificent monument in Agra that was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. It was the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638, after which they shifted their capital to Delhi.
The Agra Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site covering an area of 94 acres. The complete fort is constructed with red sandstone.
Important Places in Agra Fort:
Diwan-e-Aam: Inside Diwan-i-Aam, Mughal Emperor Akbar used to meet the general public audience.
Diwan-e-Khas was the hall of private audience. Here, the emperor used to meet his special guests and dignitaries. The general public was not allowed here.
Sheesh Mahal is one of the most beautiful structures inside the Agra Fort. It is decorated with mirrors bought from Syria.
Musamman Burj: It is located near the Diwan-e-Khas. Shah Jahan spent his last days imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb at this place. Don’t forget to enjoy the view of the Taj Mahal from the Musamman Burj or the Diwan-i-Khas.
Moti Masjid, also called Pearl Mosque, was built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It is situated within the Agra Fort UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best time to visit Agra Fort
You should plan your visit to Agra Fort from October to February. It is not advisable to visit in the summer months as you have to walk a lot to explore this place, and the summer sun would make it a challenging task.
Agra Fort Timings
The Agra Fort is open from sunrise to sunset every day.
Agra Fort Entry Ticket Price
The entry ticket for Agra Fort is Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 550 for foreigners. You can also buy a combo ticket which includes entry to the Taj Mahal, Akbar’s Tomb and other monuments.
3Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is a mausoleum built by Empress Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg (also known as Itimad-ud-Daulah).
The mausoleum is built using white marble and other precious stones. It is often called ‘Baby Taj’. There is a garden with water channels and fountains surrounding the Tomb. The place offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb Opening Time
The Tomb (Itimad-ud-Daulah ka maqbara) is open from sunrise to sunset every day.
Entry Ticket Price
The entry fee is Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 310 for foreigners. You can also buy a combo ticket that includes entry to the Agra Fort and other monuments across the city.
4Akbar’s Tomb Sikandra
Akbar’s mausoleum is a tomb built by his son Jahangir. It is located in Sikandra, on the outskirts of Agra. The mausoleum’s construction was started by Akbar in 1600 and completed by Jahangir in 1613.
The mausoleum is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, with red sandstone and white marble used in the construction. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Akbar’s Tomb Timings
Akbar’s mausoleum is open from sunrise to sunset every day.
Entry Fees
The entry fee for Akbar’s Tomb is Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 310 for foreigners. As with other places, here you can also buy a combo ticket that includes entry to the Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and other monuments across Agra.
5Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a garden designed as a char-bagh (a four-quadrant garden). It is located on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal.
Built by Babur and later renovated by Shah Jahan, it is also called a moonlight garden. You can get a stunning view of the Taj Mahal from this garden, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Must Visit Tourist Place Near Agra: Fatehpur Sikri
Recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri is located at a distance of 35 kilometres from Agra. The city was built by Emperor Akbar and was once the capital of the Mughal Empire.
Fatehpur Sikri has many palaces, mosques, monuments, public buildings, and other architectural wonders. However, it was abandoned in 1585 due to lack of water resources and enemy turmoil.
Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Hazrat Salim Chishti, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Diwan-i-Khas and Jama Masjid are some of the must-visit places in Fatehpur Sikri. Also, Don’t forget to explore the bazaar for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Famous Food In Agra
If you are in Agra, you should definitely try the famous Agra Petha. There are many varieties and flavours of Petha available across shops in Agra. Other must-try food items in Agra are Mughlai Paratha, Aloo Tikki (Bhalla), Dalmoth, Jalebi and Bedai (Kachori).
Best Time to Visit Agra
Undoubtedly, Winter Season from October-March is the best time to visit Agra. The weather in the city is pleasant at this time of the year and you can explore different places comfortably.
Agra Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you have to walk a lot, climb stairs (at Agra Fort) and remove your shoes at certain places, such as before entering the Taj Mahal mausoleum.
- Carry a water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses, as it can get hot and sunny during the day, especially during the summer season.
- Hire a guide or an audio guide to learn more about the history and significance of the historical monuments.
Agra Tourist Places Video – Yatri Central
People also ask about Agra
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What is the distance from Agra Fort to the Taj Mahal?
Agra Fort is at a distance of 2.5 kilometres from the Taj Mahal.
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Taj Mahal is closed on which day of the week?
The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday for the general public.
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Agra Fort is closed on which day of the week?
Agra Fort is open all seven days of the week.
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Is one day enough for Agra city tour?
If you have only a day in Agra, you can easily cover the main highlight of the city, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. However, if you want to visit Fatehpur Sikri and cover all other tourist places in Agra, a two-day tour plan is suggested.
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What are some other places to visit near Agra?
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How long does it take to visit the Taj Mahal?
Normally it takes around two to three hours to explore the Taj Mahal thoroughly. However, the duration may vary depending on the crowd and personal preferences. Our recommendation would be that you should plan a visit to the Taj Mahal in the early morning hours.
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Is photography allowed inside the Agra Fort?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the Agra Fort. However, there could be restrictions in certain areas which you can easily spot on the notice boards in that specific area.
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Are mobile phones allowed in the Taj Mahal?
Yes, you can use your mobile phones and cameras. However, Photography and Videography are prohibited inside the mausoleum.
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