Enriching Holiday Destination with Timeless Attractions

REGION OF AGRA

Agra is a palatial city that is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. You find the Taj Mahal, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, located on our very own Agra. The Taj Mahal is one of the best tourist places in Agra indeed. You have the impact of the Mughal Empire which is vividly felt in the form of palatial forts, tombs, and places of ancient architecture you find at the city of Agra. The tourist places in Agravividly take us to the yesteryear era indeed.

Agra is just three hours drive from India’s capital city, New Delhi. From the New Delhi International Airport, you have plenty of cabs or taxi operators who can land you up in the hotel you have booked at Agra. You can also avail semi-sleeper luxury buses that can land you through Agra. If you have your own car or limousine, you can catch up on a quick three-hour drive from Delhi to Agra. Agra tourism department is making greater inroads into developing tourist attractions in a more fascinating manner.

CULTURE OF AGRA

You have a bustling North Indian culture the moment you land here in Agra. You have people belonging to different cultures and religious backgrounds as a matter of fact. You have cultural and religious extravaganza that gets depicted via the festivals people celebrate in a brighter aura indeed.

You have festivals like Ram Navami, Taj Literature fest, Bakrid, Muharram, Maha Shivratri, Navrathri, Holi and Christmas celebrated with pomp and splendor. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Jains live here in equal harmony indeed. The local population speaks Hindi as their main language. You also have a floating population who speak Marathi, Bengali, and Sindhi. Foreign tourists usually speak to localities in English which the warm Agra inmates are able to respond to. So, here you have a brief glimpse into the bustling and warm culture, people of Agra thrive upon.

HISTORY OF AGRA

You can witness the existence of Agra since the time of Mahabharata. It was the Delhi Sultanate Sikandar Lodhi, who had founded Agra during the year 1504. Sikandar Lodhi was a Muslim ruler indeed. After the death of Mr. Lodhi, the rule of the city was passed on to his son who was named Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi. He had ruled Agra until 1526. He died while he was fighting the first Battle of Panipat in 1526. The city of Agra then regained an era of Golden kingship indeed.

It was made the capital city of the Mughal Empire and was ruled by the Jahangir and Mughal rulers of the yesteryear era. The city was under the rule of Badshah’s or Emperors namely the Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Babar, who was the founder of the Mughal dynasty was into building works of art in the city. He had laid the foundation for building a Persian Garden across the banks of the River Yamuna. The garden upon its completion was named the ‘Aram Bagh’. It translates into ‘the Garden for Relaxation’. His grandson Akbar the Great further went on to build the Great Red Fort. The epithelial building retains its prominence as the center for learning arts, commerce, and religion.

The Akbar had also constructed another city across the outskirts of Agra. It was named the Fatehpur Sikri. The city was considered as the spot for lodging military camps of the then Mughal Empire. His son Jahangir had a love for flora. Hence many gardens were constructed during his era. This was inside the Red Fort or ‘Lal Qila’. Shah Jahan, who was also fond of architecture, built the prized monument in the memoir of his dearest wife Mumtaz Begum. This, as we all know it, is named the Taj Mahal. Still, the Taj Mahal retains its place as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The building of monuments and palaces went on until the city of Agra was finally captured by the British Raj during the early 1800s. They had ruled us until 1947, after which the city became free.

Kau Ban Mosque Taj-Mahal

Taj Mahal Gate View Agra

TOURIST SIGHT-SEEING IN AGRA

As seen via the historical significance, you have quite a number of places where tourists can visit. The Agra Tourist places reclaim their significance as UNESCO world heritage sites too. Let us delve deeper into what these places are:

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is also known as the ‘Abode of Love’. The fabulous memoir was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his dearest wife Mumtaz Begum. The Taj is one of the most famous tourist places in Agra indeed. The monument is located across the banks of River Yamuna in Agra. The building was constructed using the purest form of marble during the 17th Century.

It can be a breath-taking experience for a tourist to get inside the building and see it for what it is. Foreign tourists and millions of globe trotters try getting a glimpse of the lovely Taj Mahal every single year. This is also a UNESCO world-heritage site indeed. As Taj is one of the most authentic among Agra tourist places, you have more features added to the splendor indeed.

You discover water-channels and fountains near the gateway or entrance indeed. You also have the tomb which is rectangular in shape. You can therefore get inside the premises using the gateway that has an arch and alcoves on either side of it. The water fountains are lighted up during the evenings which can help you get a glimpse of the reflection of the Taj across the River Yamuna. Moon-lit evenings can be the best time for romantic couples to catch a glimpse of this wonderful monument. In totality, the Taj Mahal is an absolute stunner indeed.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is an ancient city that is hardly situated 40 km from the city of Agra. Again, you have iconic tourist hubs covering this part of the town. Fatehpur Sikri was founded by the Mughal Emperor during the year 1571. You have the Jodha Bhai’s Palace as a preserved UNESCO world heritage site. Plus, you find other tourist iconic spots like Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Imperial Palace to name a few. Apart from the Jama Masjid, the emperor also undertook the construction of three palaces for each of his three wives. One of them was a Hindu, the other one was a Christian, and the third one a Muslim. Hence visiting Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best tourist places in Agra.

Agra Fort

The list of Agra Tourist places brings the Agra fort to the third position. The Agra Fort is a palatial and iconic monument that depicts the architectural splendor of the yesteryear era. This is called the Red Fort or ‘Lal Qila’. The Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during the year 1573.

If you look at its location, it is strategically situated across the right-hand side of the bank of the Yamuna River. Agra Tourism has been into portraying the Agra fort as one of the top-notch tourist hubs indeed. The fort has completely been built using red sandstone. You find the magnificent Agra Fort as one of the preserved UNESCO world heritage sites too.

Itimad-ud-daulah’s Tomb

The Itimad-ud-daulah is another magnificent monument that is nestled across the banks of River Yamuna. Again, if you look at it, the place deserves its mention as one of the best indeed. The list, on Agra Tourist places, therefore included the tomb too. The tomb is entirely made of marble. This was the tomb that is also fondly referred to as the ‘Baby Taj Mahal’. The tomb was built by Queen Noor Jahan in honor of her parents.

The yellow marble camouflaged with the black and white marble inlay makes the monument revered for its architectural beauty.

Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab garden is a picturesque spot filled with wild roses and orchid lily. You find the gardens overlooking the mighty Taj Mahal. While the beautiful garden also overlooks the Yamuna River and Agra Fort, from the opposite direction. The wonderful garden is one of the last gardens that were built during the Mughal period.

Jama Masjid, Agra

This is one of the best Agra tourist places worth exploring. Also known as the ‘Friday Mosque, this was the monument that was built by Emperor Shah Jahan during the year 1648. The 17th Century structure regains its charm and splendor even today. The mosque was built by the Emperor in favor of his beloved daughter Jahan Ara Begum indeed. This is a masjid that is built using red sandstone and white marble.

Chini Ka Rauza

Agra tourism has been portraying this monument as the funerary structure of a minister who served the Mughal Empire with utmost loyalty and dedication. The Mughal Emperor under the reign of Shah Jahan had appointed a Prime Minister whose name was Allama Afzal Khan Mullah. The monument belongs to this person, as a matter of fact.

Hence, the list on Agra Tourist places manages to have Chini Ka Rauza as one of the top 10 hubs across Agra. The monument was built using a unique Indo-Persian style indeed. Also known as the ‘China Tomb, this was built between 1628 and 1639 AD. Chini Ka Rauza is the masjid that was built facing the Mecca Masjid.

Taj Museum

The Taj museum is typically located inside the Taj Mahal complex. This museum was established in the year 1982. The museum showcases several types of artifacts like blueprints, materials, and art themes that were typically used while the spectacular monument was being constructed.

You also find house-paintings where the exact locations of the graves of the Emperor and his ladylove must be. The angles measured as per the paintings were so precisely mentioned that even today, the foot of the tomb always faces the spectators. Such was the wonderful and intricate planning of Emperor Shah Jahan while he planned to build the world’s most famous mausoleum in favor of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Begum. 

These are some of the best and iconic hub spots you find on the list of Agra tourist places.

FOOD IN AGRA

Agra Petha is a beloved sweet that is made using ash gourd and sugar syrup. You can find the delicacy absolutely stunning indeed. You also find a stunning array of snacks while you tour the city of Agra. These include Dahi papdi chat, paani puri, aloo tikki, samosas, and kachoris. You have Dalmoth that is spicy lentils deep-fried. It is a must-have at shops selling this delectable savory.

You find Gujarathi and Rajasthani meals served during mid-afternoons and dinner at most of the high-dining restaurants present here at Agra. You also have Punjabi delicacies touching upon the cuisine platter. You find biryanis and kebabs taking their tint from the Mughlai culinary palate.

Taj Mahal view great gate Agra

Diwan i aam hall Agra

TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN AGRA

You can do shopping to your heart’s content while you are here at Agra. There is a typical shopping bazaar where you procure jewel boxes, apparel, handicraft items, and other exciting souvenirs lining up the stores. You can avail miniature replicas of the Taj Mahal that can be taken as memorable gifts way back home. You can have a high-dining North Indian meal at hotels or eateries lining the city of Agra. A visit to the Taj Mahal on a moon-lit evening can add to a resplendent experience indeed. You can view some of the best Agra Tourist places. Likewise, you have numerous tourist activities that can keep you occupied while you have come here on a holiday.

Foreigners who come to Agra for the very first time must learn a little bit of Hindi. This way, they will not be taken in for a ride by local taxi drivers or cab operators. You must keep your hotel tickets carefully. If you have the hotels booked well in advance, confirm with the concierge desk the booking number and the suite details. You must also keep local currency handy with you. You can convert your Euro or Dollar based traveler cheques into INR so that you can pay money upfront at hotels, tourist hubs, etc. Agra Tourism has made convenient in-roads for a comfortable stay for tourists who wish to see the Taj Mahal for the very first time. So, pack your bags during the winters when you can have a pleasant and comfortable stay at some of the best four-star or five-star hotels out here in Agra.