Top 10 Charismatic Places to Visit in Agra

Places to visit in Agra bring you to its prized possession and the very beloved Wonder of the World Taj Mahal.  Despite being located amidst the hubbub of the maddening crowd, Taj Mahal is one such amazing travel destination in India that still bestows tranquility.

There is mysticism in Taj Mahal’s entourage that is very much capable of leaving you gasping for air. We know for a fact, your first few seconds in its patronage will be completely devoted to its aura. And, the moment you will be in your conscious again, you will want to explore every nook and cranny of this man-made beauty.

Taj Mahal in North India feels like a dream, especially with the scenic views of Yamuna in the background. It speaks volumes of India’s architectural capacity with vibrantly painted arches and intricately carved minaret. Believe us, every corner here is snap-worthy. And, just when you think you have got it all captured in your lenses, more secret spaces open up giving a different angle to your composition.

Location: Dharampuri, Forest Colony, Taj Ganj, Agra

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM, except Friday

Entry Fee: 50 INR – Indians and 1100 INR- Foreigners

Nearest Bus Stand: Taj Mahal Bus Stand

Home to Mughal royalties and an absolute eye-candy to the travellers worldwide, Agra Fort is the destination you don’t even know you deserve on your iconic tour to India.

High walls, mighty towers and overwhelming architectural style are Agra Fort’s top assets making it the symbol of power, strength and resilience that it is today on any North India trip. It is one of the finest creations of the Akbar that still manages to astonish travellers even after 366 years of its existence. Plus, if you end up in Agra on a Friday,   then, it is one of the top places to visit in Agra on Friday even above Taj Mahal. Woohoo!

The not-so-hidden treasures of the Agra Fort:

1. Shahjahani Mahal: The only structure in the fort by Shah Jahan which aptly defines his personality and taste of architecture.
2. Akbar’s Palace: Walk into the ruins of India’s beloved emperor’s palace. Witness the magnificence that ornamented his life by the glimpse of his living space.
3. Bengali Mahal: A wonderland for every history buff with rumours of a hidden housing beneath the grounds. If this isn’t enticing on the places to visit in Agra, we wonder what is.
4. Khas Mahal: A prison for the prisoner of love! This beautiful marble palace was once the prison for Emperor Shah Jahan. Learn about what boiled down to his capture while you encounter the very spot where he died.

Note: Entry to the fort is allowed through Amar Singh Gate only. 

Location: Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra

Timings: Sunrise till Sunset

Entry Fee: 40 INR – Indians and 550 INR- Foreigners. No entry fee for children below the age of 15.

Nearest Bus Stand: Fatehpur Sikri Bus Stand

Are you a fan of Mughal architecture? Does the idea of a fusion fort-complex excite you? Then, hop on any conveyance you find and travel 40 km eastward to witness the prowess of a sandstone wonder built out of love and devotion on the timeless Golden triangle itinerary.

Famous for its elaborate architecture and a cloud-tearing 54 m high gate, Fatehpur Sikri is the city of victory built by Emperor Akbar. With countless structures inside showcasing the best of the Emperor’s capacity, Fatehpur Sikri is also known to the world as a revered spiritual site.

There are tales of past wrapped around the scenic pleasures of here. It is like walking in history with inclusivity a little amplified. Well, seems like a valid of a reason for it to shine so bright on the top places to visit in Agra list, don’t you think?

Don’t miss on visiting: Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Ibadat Khana (House of Worship), Panch Mahal, Birbal’s house and Hiran Minar

Timings: Sunrise till Sunset

Entry Fee: 40 INR – Indians and 550 INR- Foreigners

Next up on our places to visit in Agra list is a garden that is known for its contribution to time immemorial. Come take a leisure walk through the moonlit pleasure garden of Mughal dynasty also famous as Mehtab Bagh to concrete your cultural tour in India.

Located north of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort complex, Mehtab Bagh is the breath of fresh air after the historical burnouts in the structures nearby. Although this lush green garden holds equal importance in the pages of history, its existence today is more as a peaceful remembrance and as a pivotal spot for photography.

This beautiful garden that locals know today as a popular picnic spot was once the site of the mirror image of Taj. Historians believe that a black Taj Mahal was to be commissioned here by Emperor Shah Jahan as his own mausoleum. Well, as much as we wish for the past to be rewritten for Black Taj, Mehtab Bagh today is an unfinished dream that needs all your attention.

So, go grab some snacks and enjoy the perks of one of the top places to hang out in Agra. Meanwhile, don’t forget to think about how different things could have been if history was written differently.

Location: Charbagh Complex, Agra

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: 10 INR – Indians and 100 INR- Foreigners

Do you wonder what gave Emperor Shah Jahan the idea of using ivory-white marble instead of red sandstone for the creation of his structures? Yes? Then, have a glimpse of this beautiful mausoleum built by the Queen of Jahangir to find the missing piece of this puzzle.

Merging into the monochrome of the sky with the same undertones, the tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is the very first addition to Mughal marble creations. The edifice is celebrated in history as a timeless gift from a daughter to her father. But foremost, it sets an example of how finesse sees no gender.

Baby Taj is often described as a jewel box built with Rajasthani marble and semi-precious jewels. To confirm its uniqueness, the empress made sure to decorate it with images of trees and wine bottles made from jewels.  Found that appealing? Well, there are more images to uncover, let’s see how many you find.

Location: Charbagh Complex, Agra

Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Entry Fee: 20 INR – Indians and 210 INR- Foreigners

Nearest Bus Stand: Agra Bus Stand and Bijli Ghar Bus Stand

Agra is all about the Mughal dynasty. So, it makes absolute sense to have it as the burial ground for Akbar the great too.

Welcome to Sikandara, a place where the remains of the greatest emperor of India reside till date. Historian believes that this edifice is the reflection of Akbar’s personality and probably one of the best places to visit in Sikandara Agra.

The tomb is a masterpiece of history as it is the perfect concoction of religions. According to Akbar, this structure was a symbol of peace and harmony that will carry on Akbar’s legacy of secularism. Although Akbar wasn’t able to complete his dream project within his life span, Shah Jahan made sure that the structure is par ordinary. So, pay it a visit maybe?

Location: Lakhi Sarai, Agra

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM

Entry Fee: Indians- 15 INR, Foreigners- 110 INR

Ditch your phones for a day and walk the rugged routes of Indian villages to experience the bliss of real India. Here beneath the canopy of trees lives a tribe that was one a bear tamer. Now the village is yet another charm added to the crown of Agra making it one of the top destinations to visit in India.

Korai village is one of the top tourist places near Agra within 100 km that definitely puts forward its A-game in indulging tourists. Here, de-stress and give into the rustic lifestyle while mingling with the villagers and their kids. Learn tribal cooking, catch a monkey or maybe book yourself a seat at a local magic show. Just give it your all!

This wonderful experience will knock your the doors of your heart on your way to Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur. And, we know rural adventures in India deserve all applauds in the world. So, better have the taste of it on your India tour.

Location: Fatehpur Sikri Tehsil, Jaipur Highway, Agra

Total time required: ideally 1-2 hr

Entry Fee: 664 INR

Nearby Train Station: Singarpur

Timings: Timings may vary. Consult your tour operator.

Don’t have a tour operator yet? Planning your holiday in Agra or via the Golden Triangle trip? Then, How about giving The Grand Indian Route a fair chance, eh? Request a quote for the Golden Triangle tour here.

Are you a shopaholic? Do you too wish to take a part of Agra back with you? Then, brace your luck because you’ve landed in the wonderland of Leather and Zadori.

Agra is the whimsical paradise for anyone who wishes to buy gifts as a foreigner or an inland tourist. Here, in the crowded streets of Sadar Bazaar, you will find your soul-leather match.

Not into animal products? Then, pamper your eye while strolling through the stalls of Kinari Bazaar. Here, exquisite zardori embellishments and jewellery are on display, making it a deal to steal on places to visit in Agra list.

Are you a fan of cooking? Then what is better than a whole market of spices? So,  get going to Dareesi Bazaar and find the spices that can spice your India travel up for you. Enjoy!

Timings:

Sadar Bazaar: 11 AM to 9 PM

Kinari Bazaar: 11 AM to 9 PM

If you thought places to visit in Agra will never bring you closer to nature, then let Agra prove you wrong with its exemplary bird sanctuary. This wildlife refuge in Agra which was earlier famous as the inspiration for the famous poet Soordas is the haven for over 165 species of birds today.

Come here to spot rescued dancing bears in their natural habitat while lending an ear to nature’s very best. Become a patron of the emerald forest and click the perfect snaps of birds, bears and pythons. There is nothing more gratifying than the company of nature. Plus, after the chaotic places to visit in Agra, pampering yourself with some peace and nature’s bounty is always rewarding.

Location: 25 km from Agra on National Highway 2.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Total time required: 2 hr

Entry Fee: 350 INR

If you are a fellow green panther, then high five! You now have a paradise on your list to witness in the outskirts of Agra. Home to over 200 rescued sloth bear and 20 elephants, Wildlife SOS leaves no stones unturned in creating a better life for these exploited animals.

Here you will have the opportunity to meet with the supposed dancing bears and rescued elephants. Listening to the rescue stories and learning the real meaning of freedom while getting to volunteer for them is like a dream come true. So, do not miss it for the world.

Location: National Highway 2| Agra bear rescue facility, Agra

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset

Total Time required: 2 hr

Entry Fee: 50 INR – Indians and 500 INR- Foreigners (1500 donation)