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Top 10 Tourist Attractions and Places to visit in Agra
When you think of Agra, the first thing that comes to mind is Taj Mahal. However, the city has a lot more to offer to its tourists. The city was once the capital city for most foreign rulers for more than a century and hence has a slot of historical significance associated with it. The construction of this city is heavily influenced by the Afghan and Mughal architecture. Agra was the capital of these dynasties between the early 16th century and mid-17th century. Apart from Taj Mahal, the city has two more UNESCO World Heritage Sites- Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikhri. Apart from the huge monuments and structures, you can enjoy the local street markets in the city, wildlife and different recreational activities. In this article, we tell you about the Top 10 Tourist Attractions and Places to visit in Agra. Make sure that you do not miss even one of them during your visit to the historical city of Agra.
Suggested Tour Packages
Agra Fort
Agra Fort was the most important fort in the Lodi and Mughal dynasties as it was home to various rulers during this era. Parts of the fort were built in the 10th century and since then the various occupants have renovated the fort. However, the Mughal Emperor Akbar renovated it extensively by increasing the fortifications on all sides, making it as secure and impenetrable as possible. Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-am, Sheesh Mahal, Pearl Mosque and Jahangir Palace are some of the many structures present in the complex of the Fort. You get to witness some of the most incredible architecture in the world right here.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is probably the most popular monument in the world. The white structure is an architecture marvel and a thing of beauty. The mausoleum built by Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is one of the most visited places in the World. The incredible structure is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Building it took the effort of more than 20000 workers and close to two decades. You can see different shades of white on the monument that changes according to the natural light it reflects that of sun or moon. You can ask your Taj Mahal Tour Operator to make your Agra Tour that includes the Tourist Attractions and Places to visit in Agra.
Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb
Empress Nur-Jahan built this tomb in memory of her father Itmad-ud-Daula, who was one of the major officials during the Mughal reign and was the chief minister of Emperor Jahangir. Itmad-ud-Daula was a respected figure in the royal family and hence got this tomb built for him. The white tomb is often referred as a ‘Mini Taj’ and some even suggest that Shah Jahan got the design of Taj Mahal from here. The tomb, built using white marble and innumerable semi-precious stones looks like a jewelled box. The style of numerous inlay works and lattice works can be seen replicated in Taj Mahal.
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Fatehpur Sikhri
Fatehpur Sikhri is a fort city built by the greatest Mughal Emperor Akbar during his reign. It is one of the best places to visit in the Top 10 Tourist Attractions and Places to visit in Agra. He left the family house of Agra Fort and built a new capital near the village of Sikri, just 30km away from the city of Agra. He built the extravagant fort and made it the headquarters of his dynasty. However, he had to leave the fort and return to Agra due to the shortage of water. Fatehpur Sikhri has incredibly beautiful palaces, mosques and even temples inside its complex. The Buland Darwaza is 53.63m high and 35m wide, making it the biggest entrance to a structure.
‘Mohabbat The Taj’ Show
‘Mohabbat The Taj’ is a musical drama that you can enjoy in the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre. The musical tells you the story of the immortal love of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The show gives you a glimpse of the grandeur with which the royals of Mughal era lived. The highlight of the show is how a replica of the Taj Mahal emerges from beneath the stage with the help of a hydraulic lift. The replica used here is the biggest replica of the structure in the world.
Sikandra Fort
Sikandra Fort or the Akbar tomb is the resting place of the great Muhgal Emperor Akbar. Akbar himself commissioned the construction of this structure, selecting the site and the design of the building. Post his death, Akbar’s son Jahangir completed the construction of the site in 1613. The tomb is covered with expansive gardens on all sides, which is divided into four quarters. A raised path that has shallow water trickling through it divides each quarter of the garden. The fort is the perfect example of how Akbar loved gardens around every structure he built.
Suggested Tour Packages
6 Days Golden Triangle Group Tour
Kinari Bazaar
Kinaari Bazaar is one of the most popular street markets in Agra, which offers you some of the best jewellery in the city. It is a great place to do bridal shopping. Tourists can explore the streets, understand the culture of the locals and enjoy some of the best street food you can get in Agra. ‘Agra Petha’ is the most famous sweet dish of the city that you must not forget to try during your visit. Apart from the jewellery and food, you can shop for spices, fabric, footwear and different artefacts made of marble.
Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a garden built during the reign of Shah Jahan on the opposite bank of river Yamuna to that of Taj Mahal. The whole garden is built in the exact same dimensions as that of the complex of Taj Mahal. Some legends state that Shah Jahan wanted to build a black Taj Mahal at this site for himself. However, repeated researches have shown no signs of any such structure. There is an artificial pond built in the gardens when filled with water shows a magnificent reflection of the beautiful structure, especially on a full moon night. Many believe that this reflection is the black Taj Mahal that legends talk of.
Chini ka Rauza
Chinika Rauza is a tomb built in the memory of Alamma Afzal Khan Mullah, a poet who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Shah Jahan. Built in 1635, the tomb is located on the eastern bank of river Yamuna, facing the city of Mecca. The tomb does not have the extravagance you usually associate with Mughal architecture. The walls are not laid with marble or do not have any inlay work and even has a disproportionate dome structure. The walls have glazed tile works, called as chini or kasha in Mughal era buildings, hence the name of the tomb.
Wildlife SOS
It is one of the initiatives by the Wildlife SOS India in order to preserve the wildlife of the country. The Wildlife SOS in Agra is a rescue facility for Bears. Located in the premises of Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra, it is just 12 kms from Sikandra Fort. The Education Conservation Walkway that is one of its kind in India will help you understand the importance of wildlife in general. The complex remains open on all days from sunrise to sunset. Visit this place to get close to nature and wildlife away from the busy streets of city.
