Top places to visit

Top places to visit

Agra, known as the City of the Taj Mahal, is filled with Mughal-era architectural wonders, historical forts, bustling markets, and serene gardens. Whether you're a history lover, a culture enthusiast, or a photographer, Agra has plenty to offer.

 1. Taj Mahal – The Icon of Love

 Why Visit?

• One of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO Heritage Site.
• Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal.
• A masterpiece of white marble with intricate inlay work.

 Location: Tajganj, Agra
 Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or Sunset (for the best view & fewer crowds)
 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹1,100 (Foreigners), Free (Children below 15)
 Must-Do: Watch the Taj Mahal glow under the full moon (Limited entry, special ticket required).

 2. Agra Fort – The Grand Mughal Palace

 Why Visit?

• A UNESCO Heritage Site, also known as "Lal Qila" or "Red Fort of Agra".
• Built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 as a royal residence & military stronghold.
• Houses Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and Jahangir’s Palace.

 Location: Rakabganj, Agra
 Best Time to Visit: Morning or Late Afternoon
 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹650 (Foreigners)
 Must-Do: See the stunning view of the Taj Mahal from Musamman Burj.

 3. Fatehpur Sikri – The Abandoned Mughal Capital

 Why Visit?

• A UNESCO Heritage Site, once the capital of the Mughal Empire (1571–1585).
• Built by Emperor Akbar, it features palaces, mosques, and courtyards.
• Major attractions: Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, and Tomb of Salim Chishti.

 Location: 40 km from Agra
 Best Time to Visit: Early Morning (to avoid heat)
 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹610 (Foreigners)
 Must-Do: Walk through the Buland Darwaza, one of India’s tallest gateways.

 4. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb – The Baby Taj

 Why Visit?

• Also called "Baby Taj", this is a beautiful white marble mausoleum.
• Built by Nur Jahan (wife of Jahangir) for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg.
• Features exquisite Persian-style gardens and fine inlay work.

 Location: Moti Bagh, Agra
 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon
 Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹310 (Foreigners)
 Must-Do: Enjoy the peaceful garden views near the Yamuna River.

 5. Mehtab Bagh – The Perfect Taj Viewpoint

 Why Visit?

• A Mughal-era garden offering the best sunset view of the Taj Mahal.
• Built by Emperor Babur, later renovated by Shah Jahan.
• A quiet alternative to see the Taj without crowds.

 Location: Near Yamuna River, Agra
 Best Time to Visit: Sunset
 Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
 Must-Do: Take Instagram-worthy sunset photos of the Taj Mahal.

 6. Akbar’s Tomb – The Final Resting Place of Akbar

 Why Visit?

• A massive red sandstone tomb of Emperor Akbar, built in Mughal and Rajput architectural style.
• Spread over 119 acres with beautiful gardens and animal motifs.

 Location: Sikandra, Agra
 Best Time to Visit: Morning
 Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹310 (Foreigners)
 Must-Do: Admire the fusion of Mughal, Hindu, and Persian designs.

 7. Kinari Bazaar – Agra’s Best Shopping Market

 Why Visit?

• One of Agra’s oldest street markets, perfect for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
• Famous for marble inlay work, leather goods, jewelry, and silk sarees.

 Location: Near Jama Masjid, Agra
 Best Time to Visit: Evening
 Entry Fee: Free
 Must-Do: Buy a mini Taj Mahal replica as a souvenir.

 8. Yamuna River Boat Ride – A Unique View of the Taj

 Why Visit?

• Experience a serene boat ride with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal.
• Best enjoyed during sunrise or sunset for a magical reflection on the river.

 Location: Near Taj Mahal Ghat
 Best Time to Visit: Early Morning / Sunset
 Entry Fee: ₹300 – ₹500 per ride
 Must-Do: Capture stunning reflections of the Taj in the river.

 9. Explore Agra’s Food Scene – Mughlai & Petha

 Why Visit?

• Agra is famous for delicious Mughlai dishes & its unique sweet, Petha.
• Must-try dishes: Butter Chicken, Bedai Kachori, Mughlai Biryani.

 Best Places to Eat:
✔️ Pind Balluchi – Mughlai Cuisine
✔️ Dasaprakash – South Indian Delights
✔️ Deviram Sweets – Famous for Bedai Kachori & Petha

 Budget: ₹200 – ₹1,000 per meal
 Must-Do: Try authentic Mughlai food at Pinch of Spice.

 10. Chini Ka Rauza – The Persian-Inspired Tomb

 Why Visit?

• A hidden gem, built in Persian-style architecture.
• Famous for glazed tile decorations ("Chini" work).

 Location: Near Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
 Best Time to Visit: Morning
 Entry Fee: Free
 Must-Do: Admire the Persian art on the tomb’s walls.