10 Best Agra Tourist Places to Visit
Agra is situated in Uttar Pradesh, not so far from India’s capital city Delhi. Agra is one of the most populous cities in India. The entire city is on the banks of the holy river Yamuna. There are a lot of forts, monuments standing erect since the Mughal Era which makes it a major tourist attraction and people come here from all over the world. The history of Agra is very deep-rooted and goes all the way back to the 11th century. It is advisable not to visit the city between April and July as the mercury hits 45 to 50 degrees Celsius.The history of the city is very rich and splendid. Apart from being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it also bags 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here's a list of the best tourist places in Agra that you must take while you’re in the city.
1. Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan, one of the greatest Mughal rulers had this mausoleum built in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The breathtaking monument is built with exquisite marble and pietra dura (marble inlay work) made with thousands of semi-precious stones. It is said to have taken more than 20 years to build this marvelous piece of art. Also not long after it was finished, he was overthrown and imprisoned by his own son in Agra Fort from where he could gaze the Taj Mahal for the rest of his life. Even though it is hyped among Indians as a living example of love, the Taj Mahal is definitely the best Agra tourist place.
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2. Agra Fort
It was made during the reign of Akbar as a military structure which later his grandson Shah Jahan modified as a palace that turned out to be his prison in his last days. It is a red sandstone and marble fortress that is very famous. It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the best tourist places in Agra. There’s a lot of interesting sites and places very close to the Agra fort-like Hauz-i-Jehangir, Anguri Bagh, shish Mehal, Diwan-i-Khas and Mina Masjid for example.3. Mehtab Bagh
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Mehtab Bagh
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4. Itmad-ud-Daulah
It is also called as the Baby Taj, it houses the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Wazir (chief minister) of Akbar. It was built much before the Taj Mahal by Nur Jahan who married Akbar’s son Jehangir. His granddaughter is known as Mumtaz Mahal. Even though it is not as grand as the Taj Mahal, this white marble mausoleum located amid a small garden alongside the Yamuna is a must-visit Agra tourist place.5. Jahangir Palace
This palace is built inside the Agra Fort by Akbar for his favorite son Jahangir in the 16th century. It is one of the top examples of Mughal architecture that managed to survive against the British invaders. It has intricate work of Hindu and Muslim motifs embedded in it. This huge red sandstone palace is an architectural mixture of Indian and central Asian styles.6. Elephant Conservation Centre - Wildlife SOS
For people who love interacting with the wildlife and nature, this is a rehabilitation center for rescued elephants on an expansive property that comes with guided tours, also a must-visit Agra tourist place. While taking a tour of the place, you’ll get to see the elephants and get the chance to pet and feed them. The center is halfway between Agra and Mathura for which you have the opportunity of getting accommodation, meals, etc. through the center itself.
7. Kinari Street
A visit to any city is incomplete without a stroll around the streets of the city. The very famous Kinari Bazaar in Agra, one of the best Agra tourist places, is behind Jama Masjid. It is extremely crowded but colorful in its own way. There are different lanes or bazaar for different things to buy like clothing, shoes, fabrics, jewelry, spices, and food. You'll find all the different flavors of Agra in the street food that you’ll get in Kinari Bazaar.8. Jama Masjid
Popularly known as the ‘Friday Mosque’, it is opposite to Agra Fort and one of the largest mosques in India. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan’s daughter, Jahanara Begum during the 17th century. The monument is made with red sandstone and white marbles which was a very famous and common stone during the Mughal era.
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9. Taj Museum
It is located within the Taj complex on the western side of the gardens. It beholds some of the amazing paintings and gold coins from the Mughal era. It also has a pair of ivory portraits of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz mahal. There are celadon plates in there which as told, change color or breaks into halves if poisonous food is served in them.10. Chini Ka Rauza
This is the tomb of Afzal khan who was a poet and also served as chief minister to Shah Jahan. This place is quite hidden away on the east bank of Yamuna. This Persian style of architectural beauty is built on the riverside surrounded by an avenue of trees and is made from glazed tile or ‘chini’. It is extremely beautiful and mellow which makes it a perfect tourist place in Agra to enjoy a beautiful sunny day.