Most people understandably prefer not to stay very long in Agra, as it’s a rather unappealing city with a lot of touts. However, there are quite a few worthwhile places to visit in Agra and around, apart from India’s most famous monument — the Taj Mahal. The many interesting remnants of the Mughal era (predating the Taj Mahal) will surprise you and the crazy, congested bazaars of the Old City will fascinate you. It’s possible to experience village life and get close to nature as well.
Plan your trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal with this useful Taj Mahal travel guide. Wondering where to stay in Agra? Check out these top hotels, homestays and hostels near the Taj Mahal.
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Agra Fort
ADDRESS
Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003, India
PHONE +91 562 222 6431
WEB Visit website
This UNESCO Word Heritage site is one of the most robust and important Mughal forts in India. After arriving in Agra in 1558, Emperor Akbar extensively rebuilt the fort using red sandstone. The process took eight years and was completed in 1573. The fort retained its stature until Shah Jahan shifted the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638. It lost much of its grandeur after his death in 1666, and during the 18th century was repetitively invaded and captured. Finally, it fell into the hands of the British in 1803. Although many of the buildings inside the fort have been destroyed, some mosques, public and private audience halls, fairy-tale palaces, towers, and courtyards still remain. Another attraction is the evening sound and light show that recreates the fort’s history. If budget is a concern, it’s advisable to skip the less-impressive Red Fort in Delhi in favor of visiting Agra Fort because entry tickets are costly (550 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Indians). Read more about Agra fort and how to visit it.
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Agra’s Other Tombs
ADDRESS
Tomb of Akbar The Great Area, Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282007, India
PHONE +91 562 264 1230
Agra has two significant tombs, with impressive Islamic-style architecture, that existed before the Taj Mahal but have subsequently been overshadowed by it. One of them contains the body of Emperor Akbar, widely considered to be the most influential Mughal emperor. It was completed in 1614 and is situated in Sikandra, on the northwest outskirts of Agra on the road to Mathura. (Tickets cost 210 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Indians). His wife’s body is housed in another tomb nearby, with a similar entrance fee.
The tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah was the first to be made out of white marble (instead of the red sandstone typical of Mughal architecture) and is often referred to as the “Baby Taj”. It’s located amid a small garden alongside the Yamuna River, and contains the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg who served under Akbar. His daughter married Akbar’s son, Jehangir, and he was later appointed chief minister. (Tickets cost 210 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Indians).
Agra Magic conducts a half-day tour of the monuments.
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Mughal Heritage Walk Through Kachhpura Village
ADDRESS
Nagla Devjit, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006, India
PHONE +91 97592 35246
The Mughal Heritage Walk is a community-based tourism initiative that was started by CURE (Center for Urban and Regional Excellence) to help villagers make an income from tourism and improve their living conditions. This 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) walk is conducted by villagers who have been trained as tour guides. It takes place on the riverside opposite the Taj Mahal, goes through Kachhpura village, and ends at Mehtab Bagh. You’ll get to visit a number of lesser-known monuments of the Mughal Era in a rural setting, interact with the village communities, and enjoy a fabulous view of the Taj Mahal as well. For more information and bookings, contact Radhey Mohan on 92594-82266 (cell) or send a message.
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