What to Do in Agra beyond the Taj Mahal
Agra is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India because of the Taj Mahal. Its excellent architectural structure and elegant design make it one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The mausoleum is made with beautiful white marble and semi-precious stones. Shah Jahan, the great Mughal ruler, had it made in the memory of his second wife Mumtaz Mahal after her death while she was giving birth to their 14th child. However, Taj Mahal is not the only amazing thing in Agra. One can easily forget that Agra has some of the finest Mughal forts and many other wonderful sights. Let’s see what to do in Agra beyond visiting the Taj Mahal.Beside the Taj Mahal
The Kachhpura Village on the riverside opposite to the Taj Mahal is a great place to know the lesser-known monuments of the Mughal era in a rural setting, interact with the village communities and enjoy the amazing view of the Taj Mahal. This 1-kilometer walk is called the Mughal Heritage Walk that starts from the Centre for Urban and Regional Excellence to better the living conditions of villagers through tourism. It is a great place to begin your Agra trip. Also, 500 meters away from the east gate of the Taj is Fatehabad Road where the forest reserve stretches to 70 hectares. Referring what to do in Agra, you must visit here to enjoy a different look of the Taj.
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Exploring Agra Fort
Originally made by Akbar as a defense for intruders and enemies. It is constructed on the bank of the Yamuna River which flows straight along the eastern edge of the fort. Even today much of the fort is not accessible to the general public and is used by the military as a defense. It has a maze of buildings creating a city inside a city and two entry gates considering it was designed to confuse the attackers. It was later tried to destroy by Marathas, British, etc. Shah Jahan was locked down here by his son Aurangzeb, from where he saw the Taj Mahal for 8 years till death. Visiting the fort is one of the best things on your list of what to do in Agra.Birds at Chambal River
It is highly recommended that you visit this beautiful river which is about 77 km (48 mi) from Agra. For nature and wildlife lovers, this is a great place to make your trip more adventurous. There are almost 242 bird species. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the beauty of nature and at the same time, it’s a great place for relaxation.Trip to Fatehpur Sikri
Founded in 1569, this monument is entirely built with red sandstone which was extremely popular during those times. The place is surrounded by a beautiful lake on one side. Even within the fort, there are some things that you should look out for - Buland Darwaza, the tomb of Salim Chishti, Jama Masjid and many others. The place is open from sunrise to sunset, so you can visit here as per your preference.
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Shopping at Kinari Bazaar
One of the best things to do in Agra is shopping at Kinari Bazaar. This traditional market in Agra is a busy, old-world area that provides its visitors with a variety of things from handicrafts, clothing, and spices to jewelry. Both locals and tourists go there to buy the finest and authentic goods. Within Kinari Bazaar, there are different lanes and streets with their specialisation. However, the street food over there has immensely attractive flavor and richness induced from their traditional background. You must grab some amazing deals in the market as bargaining skills may come handy.Enjoying Mughalai Cuisine
What to do in Agra in addition to visiting and shopping? Taste delicious Mughalai cuisine! From mouthwatering chicken to delicious kebab, there are many delightful dishes that you can enjoy in Agra. Mughlai food is a must try to really know the heritage of the city. Also, it is the best way to relax after a tiring day of roaming around the city. Among many other places, the Taj Ganj area is one that makes the finest Mughlai food. It serves all kinds of Mughlai dishes that'll leave your heart fulfilled. This is also one of the top things to do in Agra.Day at Akbar Mausoleum
This place is one of the finest art structures of the Mughal era. There is a tomb of Akbar inside the monument which is very close to the tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, his wife. Akbar, being one of the greatest Mughal rulers, has a lot of interesting historical information attached to him. This place brings to life all his endeavors and experiences. This is another great architectural structure that makes it a big tourist attraction in Agra.
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