Agra Famous Places Away From the Crowds
Agra is a world of its own. True blue years of royalty gape hard on you slowly unfolding the mystery of those times in its monuments, mausoleums, palaces, forts, and food too. Agra contains history in every inch of its street and most of its morsels. The place inspires creative poets and writers as much as photographers, architects, historians, and just everyone. There are a few places for travelers who want to get away from crowds and enjoy Agra’s beauty in solitude and peace.
Taj Mahal:
The famous Taj is in the bucket list of many across the world and no wonder sees thousands of foot-fall in a day. That’s crowded. However, if you like solitude and would like to avoid the crowd then, one – come early morning when the crowd is less and you would save yourself from the harsh sun too. Second, enter through the west gate of the Taj which is less crowded and you can get the tickets easily.
Once you get the tickets and enter the Taj complex there is no way you can avoid the crowds. There are a lot of tourists round the year, and this area has a maximum footfall. An authorized ID card is a must to get the tickets and enter the Taj. There are not many words to describe the beauty of Taj. It must be seen to believe it. Built on red sandstone, the Taj Mahal has a white marble terrace with a dome on it all flanked by the four minarets. The walls have intricate carvings and mosaic work. Standing on the banks of the river Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is alluring.
Agra Boat Agency:
How about viewing the magnificent Taj from the cool Yamuna waters? Boating incidentally presents beautiful views of Taj’s reflection on the river. Sunset presents the best view with Taj bathed in blush pink sunlight.
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Mehtab Bagh:
Developed in a huge area, this is a well-maintained garden with a tremendous view of Taj, a really one of the Agra’s best places from the crowds. Mehtab means moonlight. The garden looks beautiful under moonlight. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Babur, this is an ideal place for those seeking a quiet place to sit and reflect upon the magnificence of Taj.
Baan Walon Ki Bagichi:
This is the best place to stay away from the crowds in Agra and enjoy the heritage walk with a view. This was a private garden of a family whose main profession was to weave ropes. The family still engages in the trade even today. This place is lush green and peacefully encompasses 3 Shiva temples, 1 Durga statue, 1 Hanuman statue, and a well-maintained orchard. It is easy to reach here as it is located at a walkable distance from the East Gate of the Taj Mahal.
Taj Protected Forest:
Taj is best admired from a distance. There is no better place than Taj Protected Forests to unwind and catch up some calm. Dusk and dawn are two times to not miss seeing Taj from Here. Apart from being a photographer’s delight, this has quiet and peace for nature lovers too. Great place to soak in the sun and walk in the trails of nature. Not much wildlife is expected apart from peacocks and loads of other birds.
Taj Garden:
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Flowers in a Corner of Taj Garden
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Anguri Bagh:
Sprawling historical courtyard in front of the Khas Mahal is made in a formal Charbagh-style garden. This is a well-maintained garden in the Agra Fort with a wide variety of flowers and plants. This place turns into a paradise in the evening with the fresh cold breeze from the nearby Yamuna River, this calls for an amazing family and friends time. Grapes were grown here for the Emperor’s wine and hence the name.
Guru Ka Taal:
This is an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Sikh Guru. Located near Sikandra, this place was built in the 17th century and is the place where the Guru laid down his arms and surrendered to Aurangzeb. The reservoir is enclosed in beautifully stone carved walls. The carvings in this place are awe-inspiring and admired for their beauty all over the world. However, peace and calm are two prized attributes of the place.
Bageshwarnath Temple:
Located on Ramratan road is the Baba Bageshwar temple. This is a very old Lord Shiva temple. During the festival period, this place transforms into the festival spirit and sees a huge turnaround of devotees from all over the country. It is conveniently located only two kilometers from the heat of the city.
Soami Bagh Samadhi/Radha Swami Samadhi:
This is the mausoleum of Huzur Swami Maharaj aka Shri Shiv Dayal Singh Sethji or Swamiji Maharaj, where the founder of Radha Swami sect was laid to peace. The beautiful tomb is made of marble and is an architectural beauty comparable to the Taj Mahal in beauty. The premises house a Bhajan Ghar where satsangs are performed every day and occasional Bhandara.
Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary:
Where Lord Krishna and Radha ignited the soul call for each other, and Soordas was inspired to write the famous ‘Bhakti Kavya’, the compelling pieces of devotional poetry ever written; Soor Sarovar is home to 165 species of bird’s migrant and resident birds. 30 km on Delhi – Agra Highway, located on the banks of Geetam Lake, this place is a sanctuary to 300 pythons and the biggest bear rescue center for dancing Bears. November to March is the best time season-wise and a lot of birds migrate to this place during winters.
Sheroes Hangout:
This vibrant cafe is run by acid attack victims to connect them to mainstream society and help them lead an honorable life. Behind this noble thought is an NGO called Stop Acid Attacks. Sheroes has opened only two cafes till now, one in Agra and the other one in Lucknow. Along with the good thought, this place is also covered in vibrant colors and a relaxed atmosphere. Lip-smacking snacks, a library with contributed books, a handicraft section, and a boutique complete the place. The victims are given ample opportunities to lead the life from the front.