Tourist Places in Agra

Having a magnificent world beyond the 'Taj Mahal', one of the most beautiful and attractive monuments in the world, which fills enough energy in the visitors for sightseeing activities, Agra is still synonymous with this monument only. This depicts that many beautiful and magnificent places in Agra are waiting to be discovered by the visitors. Surely, the Taj Mahal is one of the most attractive and wonderful monuments in the world, but it is not only thing that one would love to see while having a trip to this city. Many other tourist places in Agra make the trip of visitors truly meaningful. Actually, Agra is filled with places that are not much popular, but one would surely feel lucky enough to find and visit them, such as monuments and forts, multiple Mughal-era buildings, and many other places that connect with the heritage history of this city.

With the cities of Delhi and Jaipur, Agra completes the part of the golden triangle, and it has a special blend of the old with a modern touch. Many Mughal Emperors, especially Emperor Shah Jahan, created many monuments and forts in this city during their ruling period, and all these places still manage to attract lakhs of tourists from all over the world because of their beautiful architecture. Many visitors come to this city to learn riveting historical facts about Agra and Fatehpur Sikri and admire the rich & beautiful Mughal architecture. This article provides a complete list of tourist places and attractions that visitors must visit and include in their list while planning a trip to Agra.

1. Radha Soami Samadhi

When having a trip to Agra, the Radha Soami Samadhi, an ornate building and one of the most iconic destinations of this city, cannot be missed. The people who have faith in Radha Soami and worship their name, count it as one of the most prestigious places of worship. The main characterization of this tourist place is the surrounding pillars and a large dome in the centre of the building. The founder of the Radha Soami faith, Huzur Swamiji Maharaj, started the construction of this temple, and it is his mausoleum. The interesting fact about Radha Soami Samadhi is that its consecution began in 1904 and continued for a century. This place is located at the Soami Bagh of Poiya Ghat Rd of the city.

Timings for visiting the place- Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Weekend: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

2. Mariam-Uz-Zamani Tomb

Built by Jahangir, Mariam-Uz-Zamani Tomb is the mausoleum of Jodha Bai, who was the Hindu wife of the emperor Akbar, and it is listed among one of the most popular tourist places in Agra. The Hindu wife of emperor Akbar was known by a lot of names in history books, and Mariam-Uz-Zamani is one of her most popular names. Jahangir built this tomb as the mausoleum in fond memory of his loving mother, and it is located on the west side of Akbar's tomb. Positioned at Mathura Road near Pathwari Mandir of Mahadev Pur, this tomb is surrounded by lavish Mughal gardens and constructed with red sandstone.

Timings for visiting the place- Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Weekend: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

3. Nagina Masjid

Nagina Masjid is one of the magnificent attractions to explore in Agra, and Shah Jahan built this Masjid during 1631-1640 AD for the royal ladies. Located in Agra Fort, Rakabanj, Agra, it is a private mosque that was constructed using white marble with decent decoration and astute architecture. Also, this beautiful mosque is characterized by wonderful domes and praiseworthy arches.

Timings for visiting the place- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

4. Diwan-I-Khas

Located in Musamman Burj, SH 62, Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, UP, Diwan-I-Khas is another attraction to explore in the city that was built by Shah Jahan in 1635. It is a private section where Shah Jahan met with important and special guests such as kings, nobles, and ambassadors and was also known as The Iwan-I-Khas. It is placed behind Macchi Bhawan. The popular Takht-I-Taus (Peacock Throne) was kept here before it was relocated to Red Fort in Delhi. One can spot Persian inscriptions within the black stones in the hall.

Timings for visiting the place- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

5. Khas Mahal

As the name implies, Khas Mahal was a site erected by the king for his daughters Jahanara and Roshnara and was placed at Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra. The ceilings of the mahal are heavily embellished, and wall niches are a perfect treat to one's eyes. In addition, Khas Mahal is edged by Anguri Bagh on one side and Yamuna River on another. One must wander around the site and soak in the magnificent architectonics and captivating views.

Timings for visiting the place- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

6. Diwan-I-Aam

As the name says, Diwan-I-Aam used to be the site where public gatherings and general meetings were conducted. Shah Jahan built this site during 1631-40, and it was a place where he used to hear the complaints of common people. The huge hall was originally erected in red sandstone and is partitioned into three sections. The king's throne was separated from the attendants using golden railing in the forepart and silver on the remaining three sites. The pomp where the king addressed the listeners was known as Jharokha Darshan.

Timings for visiting the place- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

7. Machhi Bhawan

Located in Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra is a site built by Shah Jahan and is placed opposite to Diwan-I-Aam. It is a double-storeyed complex flanked by a lush garden and is characterized by domed galleries. It was embellished with fountains and marble tanks where silver and gold fishes were kept, and this is a reason it was also named Machi Bhawan. This site was Shah Jahan's golden throne that allowed him to have a complete view of the court.

Timings for visiting the place- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

8. Anguri Bagh

Anguri Bagh is among the tourist attractions in Agra that is placed on the premises of Agra Fort and was erected by Shah Jahan. The luxuriant gardens were built in 1637 so that in the evening, the emperor could take a leisure walk in the garden. The garden is made in Charbagh style, depicted by four partitions and complex geometrical patterns. The juiciest grapes in those times used to grow in this garden were brought into use for making wine for the king.

Timings for visiting the place- 6:00 am to 7:30 pm

9. Akbar's Tomb

Located in the great area of the Sikandra region of Agra, Akbar's tomb is the place where the immortal remains of the great emperor Akbar are placed, and this tomb was built-in 1605-1613. Akbar himself ordered the construction of the tomb, and its construction began when he was alive. Even though Aurangzeb's army looted all the jewels, silver, gold and other precious metals and items from the Akbar's tomb during Aurangzeb's reign, this place is still counted among the most beautiful tourist places in Agra. There is one southern way in the tomb, which leads to a huge garden (which is constructed in Charbagh style), and one can enter this tomb through this way.

Timings for visiting the place- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

10. Chini ka Rauza

If one is planning a visit to Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb, one should not miss the chance to visit Chini ka Rauza. Chini ka Rauza, one of the best places to see in Agra, is positioned in the Katra Wazir Khan region of Agra. During Jahangir's reign, Allama Afzal Khan Mullah was a famous poet and Persian scholar; later, he was promoted to Wazir, and this Chini ka Rauza (his tomb) was dedicated to him. This tomb is a perfect example of the Indo-Persian architecture model, built-in 1635 AD. The structure of this tomb is glazed with tile works, and its central chamber is in an octagonal shape.

Timings for visiting the place- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

11. Taj Mahal

Located in the Dharampuri area of the Forest Colony, Tajganj, the Taj Mahal is not only one of the most beautiful and popular tourist places in Agra, but it is one of the most famous buildings in India. Included in the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is a perfect showpiece of Mughal Architecture of that time. The exteriors, as well as the interior edifice of this building, are specifically designed with white marble only. The interior chamber of the Taj Mahal is inlaid with precious gems, and the shape of this chamber is like an octagon. The exterior gardens of the Taj Mahal, which are flush with fresh air and greenery, perfectly complement the beauty of this monument. The construction of the Taj Mahal began under the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan, who dedicated this to his late wife Arjumand Bano Begum, and its construction was completed in 18 years (1631-48).

Timings for visiting the place- 6:00 am to 6:30 pm, and closed on Fridays

12. Traditional Bazars

A tour of Agra is incomplete without visiting the traditional bazars and without shopping in the numerous remote shopping areas of the city. Sadar Bazar, Raja ki Mandi, Kinari Bazar, Shubash Bazar, and many other popular bazars are included in the traditional bazars of the city, and these traditional bazars are home to a large variety of souvenirs, extinct handicrafts, and rare artefacts. Among all the traditional bazars of Agra, Sadar Bazar is the most popular and stand-out market, and it is one of the best places in Agra where one can visit in the evening time.

Timings to Visit the Place: Varies from Bazar to Bazar

13. Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is located near the Taj Mahal, Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Nagle Devjit, Agra and was built by Babur in early 1500s. It is positioned on the River Yamuna's Bank and is a square-shaped complex, and is in perfect sync with the Taj Mahal on the opposite shore of the river Yamuna. It is a famous spot for photographers to capture a striking view of the sunset. This place remains flocked by visitors throughout the year and is one of the top sites to explore in the city. This breathtaking garden sports four towers just at each edge of an octennial tank. The Taj Mahal's reflection in the tank, especially on full moon nights, is easy on the eyes. The garden owns fruit-bearing trees, medicinal herbs and blooming flower plants. With a layout of 4 gardens, it is an ideal symbol of Mughal architecture. The huge water tank placed on the east of the structure ensures that the entire area is adequately irrigated.

Timings for visiting the location- 6:00 am to 9:00 pm

14. Agra Red Fort

Agra Red Fort, a UNESCO world heritage monument, stands as a splendid honour of the bygone times of the Mughal Empire. In the year 1556, this fort was erected by Emperor Akbar; later, in 1573, it was renovated with red sandstone. At a distance of 2.2 km from Agra, the fort is a perfect fortress, surrounded by 70 feet-high compound walls from all sides.

Agra Fort is also referred to as the Walled City and possesses four gates on the four sides, the most popular being the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate. This fort hosts various notable palaces, including the Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. Many historic mosques like Nagina Masjid and Moti Masjid to reception rooms Diwan-I-Aam and Diwan-I-Khas are other worth watching sites in this fort.

Timings for visiting the location- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

15. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, which has been the erstwhile capital city for many Mughals Emperors, including some popular ones, like Akbar, is one of the must-visit destinations of Agra, and it has always remained a historical town for the district Agra. The original name of this town was Sikri, which was a decrepit village before being the capital city of the Mughal Emperor, and only when Akbar got victory over Gujrat in the year 1573 it was named as its present name in commemoration of the victory.

This town is positioned on a rocky ridge styled in the architecture of Islamic, Indian, and Persian heritage, and it is 1 KM wide and 3 KM long. Fatehpur Sikri is constructed with the use of Red Sandstone which was locally quarried. This town is also declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, and it has a boundary wall of 6 KM with seven entry gates.

Timings for visiting the location- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

16. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid, even though a religious monument, is one of the notable and most popular tourist places in Agra, and it is popularly known for its architectural richness and also for its astounding loftiness, which appeals to everybody. Positioned at the Jama Masjid Road of Subash Bazar, Jama Masjid can easily accommodate up to 25,000 people to pray at a time, and it is a four-minaret Masjid. Agra Red Fort is positioned in the eastern direction of this Masjid, which has three gateways, and both this monument gives a very beautiful and magnificent look to the visitors. Jama Masjid is a world heritage site, and it has a stunning tapestry, imposing archways, and a lofty dome lends in Redstone, giving an aura to this place.

Timings for visiting the location- 8:00 am to 6:00 pm