Things to Do in Agra – Sightseeing, Activities, Tours, Shopping and Local Experiences
- Introduction: Welcome to the City of Taj!
- The Absolute Agra Tour: Places To See.
- Taj Mahal: The Eternal Monument of Love
- Agra Fort: The Splendid Red Sandstone Citadel
- Fatehpur Sikri: The City of Victory
- Historical and Natural sights of Agra: Revealing its Secret Attractions.
- The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah: Tomb of the Baby Taj
- Mehtab Bagh: To the Ultimate View of the Taj
- Akbar Tomb, Sikandra: His Ultimate Burial Place
- Ram Bagh: The Mughal Garden of the Oldest
- Food and Farewell in Agra and Shopping in Agra.
- Things to Do in Agra for a Relaxed Agra Trip.
- Essentials of Travel for Your Agra Trip.
- Conclusion: Incorporating Agra Best on Tour.
Introduction: Welcome to the City of Taj!
Agra is not only the great Taj Mahal but it is a historical city. This capital of Mughal also has abundant architecture and colorful culture. You are in royal treat in case you are going to Agra.
This is the guide that will guide you to knowing the key things to do in Agra and make your visit truly memorable. The real Agra tour will entail the iconic monuments, hidden secrets, local markets and tasty food. You are about to discover the core of Uttar Pradesh!
The Absolute Agra Tour: Places To See.
There should be no Agra tour that leaves out these three major generic UNESCO world heritage sites. These architectural marvels characterize the royal heritage of the city and reveal the genius of Mughal architecture. These monuments were the first ones listed on the things to do in Agra list.
Taj Mahal: The Eternal Monument of Love
An iconic feature and the most well-known among all the tourist spots in Agra is the Taj Mahal. It was constructed by the Emperor Shah on his dearest wife, Mumtaz Mahal, made of white marble. Paying a visit during sunrise or sunset is a marvelous experience as it increases the monument in the changing colours that are tender.
- It is better to visit as early as possible and to get the best of the light and to avoid the greatest number of people.
- What to keep in mind is that it is a closed Friday on which the Taj Mahal performs prayers.
- Online booking of tickets is strongly advised to save on time particularly among the Indian tourists.
Agra Fort: The Splendid Red Sandstone Citadel
Agra Fort is another major attraction that has been undeniable due to the Taj Mahal, but is a must-visit and among the best things to do in Agra. It was a huge red sandstone fortress and this was the primary home of the Mughal emperors up to the year 1638. It gives an interesting insight into life in the court and palace buildings.
- Find the Musamman Burj within the tower, a tower with a marble walk, which offers you to take a direct view of the Taj Mahal.
- And visit palaces, such as Khas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) at the complex of the fort.
- The majesty of the fort also makes it an imperative element of any Agra sightseeing program.
Fatehpur Sikri: The City of Victory
Fatehpur Sikri, a former Mughal capital was constructed by Akbar and is a short drive out of Agra. It was abandoned soon after its construction, yet its palaces and courts remain in a very well-preserved form thus being an inevitable addition to your Agra tour package.
- Be amazed by the spectacular Buland Darwaza which is the monumental entrance to the city.
- Go to Jama Masjid and the Tomb of Salim Chishti, a magnificent feature in marble.
- The whole city can be considered a brilliant illustration of the unity of the Persian, Timurid and Indian architecture.
Historical and Natural sights of Agra: Revealing its Secret Attractions.
One should not make an Agra trip centered on the Big Three. The historical sites and serene gardens are numerous and give you the peaceful feeling and amazing experience of the heritage in the city.
The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah: Tomb of the Baby Taj
The mausoleum is a beautiful Mughal attribute which can be commonly referred to as the 'Baby Taj' since the structure is reminiscent of the draft of the Taj Mahal. It is glorious, being made out of marble and inlaid with finely detailed Pietra Dura stone. It is located on the Yamuna River and it is a peaceful place as you tour the Agra city.
Mehtab Bagh: To the Ultimate View of the Taj
Mehtab Bagh is a garden made in the Mughal era, located on the other side of Yamuna River facing the Taj Mahal. It provides a magnificent and unobstructed perception of the Taj Mahal particularly during the sunset. It is the most ideal place to shoot and have a relaxing night.
- The garden is also the best place to be for having the view of the Taj Mahal without the hord and is the most appropriate to rest after the long sojourn of Agra sightseeing in the city.
Akbar Tomb, Sikandra: His Ultimate Burial Place
Great Mughal Emperor Akbar resting tomb is another great tourist spot in Agra in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra. The building is a good fusion of Hindu, Christian, Islamic and Jain architecture. Its great sandstone gate is on a sight to see.
Ram Bagh: The Mughal Garden of the Oldest
Ram Bagh or Garden of rest is thought to be the oldest Mughal garden in India. The garden was created by the founder of the Mughal dynasty- Emperor Babur and it has a Persian-style Charbagh design. It is a pleasant stop by nature lovers.
Food and Farewell in Agra and Shopping in Agra.
No Agra tour can be without going on enjoying local cuisine and visiting crowded markets. Agra markets are not only heavenly to the senses, but also the subjects of sweets of all cuisines and exquisite age-old handcrafts.
What to Eat: Agra's Famous Food
The food of Agra has important Mughlai imprint, nevertheless, it is the local sweets and snacks that deserve being singled out. Savouring the local taste is among the most significant things to do in Agra.
Type of Cuisine | Must-Have Dish | Where to Get It |
Sweet | Petha (transparent soft candy composed of ash gourd) | Panchhi Petha, or any known reputed sweet shop. |
Snack | Bedai and Jalebi (spicy fried puri with potato curry, then served with a sweet deep-fried pretzel) | Deviram Sweets, especially breakfast Bedai specialty. |
Savoury | Dal Moth (hot crunchy dry snack, usually made of fried lentils and spices) | Local namkeen shops all over the city. |
Mughlai Dishes | Kebabs and Curries | Fine dining Experience with Pinch of Spice or Peshawri. |
Agra: Handicrafts and Markets.
Agra is a good place to engage in shopping particularly in unique souvenirs. The city is known by the complex marble inlay, leather work, and carpets.
- Kinari Bazaar: A popular old-city market adjacent to Jama Masjid, with a reputation of selling textile, wedding dresses, jewellery, etc.
- Sadar Bazaar: It is a known general shopping center where leather items, handcrafts, and snacks available in the area can be found. Here one can purchase well-known Agra Petha.
- Fatehabad Road: the street is bordered by stores that sell marble imitation of the Taj Mahal and marble inlays.
Things to Do in Agra for a Relaxed Agra Trip.
Agra also has a few relaxing and off beats, which are great with the family or individuals who want to spend the time in calm.
- Wildlife SOS and Bear Rescue Facility: Animal lovers should visit the Agra Bear Rescue Facility that is managed by Wildlife SOS. It is focused on the rescue and rehabilitation of Dancing Sloth bears- an excellent and an informative place to visit.
- Taj Mahal View: Enjoy a beautiful peaceful walk amidst the Nature Walk within the premises of the East Gate of the Taj Mahal. On different sides, there are impressive, less-crowded views of the monument, which are perfect in case photography is on the table.
- Attend a Cultural performance: In Kalakriti Cultural Center, the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center is the venue of the popular that is called 'Mohabbat-e-Taj' show. It is a melodramatic live performance telling a story of the Taj Mahal with music, dancing, and drama. It is a fun piece of addition to your Agra tour.
Essentials of Travel for Your Agra Trip.
These are very simple tips that must be remembered in order to make Agra trip a smooth and enjoyable experience. Minor arrangements will also help a lot in Agra sightseeing.
- An ideal time of year to visit the country is the winter season (October to March) when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot.
- Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are the most frequent local means. Agree on the fare beforehand.
- Hire a Guide: Have an official certified guide in big monuments in order to enjoy their history and architecture.
- Dress Code: There is no strict dress code, but it is better to wear modesty clothes to religious locations and mosques. Walking requires footwear that is comfortable.
Conclusion: Incorporating Agra Best on Tour.
The remnant of the Mughal Empire is well preserved in Agra. Under no circumstances should this gorgeous Taj Mahal steal your breath, though there is a lot more to see. Story behind every single corner is hidden by the huge Agra Fort or the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, the peaceful Mehtab Bagh and the busy Kinari Bazaar.
Agra tour is to be planned very carefully in order to see these historical and cultural sights. This all-inclusive guide, based on tours of local experiences and monuments is bound to make your visit a memorable experience in the royal India past. Then grab your bags and get ready to make your ultimate Agra trip.