Location: Agra
Top Things to do in Agra
What to do and see in Agra, Uttar Pradesh: The Best Architectural Buildings
Where better to go for a romantic vacation than to the great testament of love, the Taj Mahal? Built by the grieving Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal’s unrivaled beauty explains why it’s regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. A visit to India wouldn’t be complete without it. Other must-experience destinations in Agra are two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the sandstone Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Restaurants in Agra
1. Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,354 reviews
Reviewed By FazulM2
This is a mausoleum that enshrines the remains of Mumtaz Mahal's parents, her first husband and first child plus her close lady in waiting. This was a piece of history that I didnt know whereby she had an earlier marriage. All the while she had been associated with Shah Jahan and the Taj Mahal. The building is a smaller version of Taj Mahal and with lesser architectural finery when compared to Taj Mahal. Nevertheless the architecture is very much like that of Taj Mahal where Iranian workmanship can be seem on the walls. Scriptures were crafted into the stones of the wall and the way the mausoleum was built ensured that the 4 corners be used to entomb the related figures to Mumtaz. You cant leave Agra without seeing this.
2. Sheesh Mahal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 510 reviews
Reviewed By wacotom - Leander, United States
We were so lucky to have a great guide. Walking through the Fort stopping at the amazing interior Palace rooms was really enhanced by our guide. Having him point out how they carved the marble and then inlaid with the semi-precious stones was great. The combination of the wonderful workmanship and a detailed history of India during this timeframe really enhanced our visit.
3. Diwan-i-Am Agra Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By aniltomar1962 - Agra, India
It provides a clear representation of the Court life of the famous Mughal Emperor of his time and a well marked description of how well Defined were the class of courtiers in those times
4. Jahangir Mahal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By ScarlettJohanss
The Jahangir Chateau, is indeed a very amazing, rank on the top of the porch, looking down, we can see our legs softly, laying, each layer has its own unique spectacle, easy toperich one of them, lot of people see us, have taken so wonderful photos with us, like stars!
5. Diwan E Aam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By AmolakRattanK - New Delhi, India
You can see and appreciate the building where Shahansha was giving audience to common citizens and addressing their complaints.. Governor Amolak Rattan Kohli
6. Jama Masjid
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 548 reviews
Reviewed By Pontinha2015
I was very curious to visit this mosque as it was built by the same Mughal emperor that did the Taj Mahal and the red fort. It is very impressive in size and the architecture is amazing. I unfortunately wasn’t able to see the Quran written in deer skin. The mosque can be quiet busy and you have to leave your shoes outside. They provided cover for women. Also the city views are very interesting.
7. Agra Fort Railway Station
8. Lodhi Tomb
9. Agra
Reviewed By captaincoolest - New Delhi, India
Taj Mahal has always fascinated people of all generations through centuries.Every visit to Taj is filled with lots of memories and each visit is like a first time visit to this beautiful monument.It was my third visit to Taj and every time it makes you feel special and it leaves you mesmerized by its astonishing beauty in pristine white marble.We stayed at Trident during our last visit which is quite close to Taj Mahal.The Cars are not allowed within a certain radius of taj and needs to be parked in dedicated Parking Area.There are Battery run Golf Carts which ferry passengers to and fro from Taj Mahal.The Tickets for entry can be bought Online from ASI website,otherwise it can be bought at Ticket counter near main entrance of Taj.There are certain items which are not allowed to be taken inside and to my surprise Camera Tripod is one of the items which cant be taken along with your camera.There is a Cloak Room next to the ticket counter where you can deposit such items at nominal charges and you can also buy Shoe Covers from outside.There are Guides available who can accompany you and give details about Taj Mahal's architecture and some unknown facts which are not commonly known to people.It is advisable to have a tour guide along with you as he can give details about history behind Taj Mahal. There is a security check at the entrance which leads you to the main entrance of Taj Mahal.The Taj Mahal is always full of tourists and sometimes you really have to wait to click pictures of your choice and angle.The Parks,Gardens and water bodies are well maintained within the complex.The forecourt at Taj is about a floor high which could be accessed through staircases built within the monument.The entire marble work is superb and everything is just carved to perfection.The central hall of Taj is a no photography zone and visitors are queued up in a line to move inside premises.The stay is short and leads to opposite gate facing Yamuna river.The Taj is built on banks of River Yamuna and provides a breathtaking view of the place. We clicked lot many pictures in this entire courtyard and finally moved to garden area.The Taj trip finally came to an end with lots of memories and a promise to return back soon.
10. Agra
An important medieval complex with beautiful mosques and palaces.
Reviewed By goanjock
Like The Baby Taj, Agra Fort was somewhere else that I had thought of dropping due to time but also like the Baby Taj what massive mistake that would have been. From the outside you get the sense of the enormity of the structure with the huge redstone walls, turrets and gates but not the eloquent tranquility, artwork and beauty that lies within the walls. As you walk past the moat that was once filled and infested with crocodiles you go through the huge arched gate and then make your way up a fairly steep path and yet again we felt that we were back on a film set and not actually there. When you reach the top you a greeted with the sight of lovely gardens and beautiful courtyards and a real sense of eloquence and your mind can't help but think of what scenes were played out in the past within these walls. Our guide was again fantastic giving us the history, pointing out the artwork and just bringing the whole thing to even greater life. We walked slowly through the various sections, courtyards and ornate palaces. Everywhere we looked was simply stunning. We then entered another courtyard and at one end was Khas Mahal, which is a beautiful marble pavilion and pool that formed the living quarters of Shah Jahan. From the marble arches you get fantastic framed views of the Taj Mahal which still looked magical and mystical in the misty white light. Close to Khas Mahal is the Mathamman Burj, which is an intricate, ornate and quite stunning white-marble octagonal tower and palace where it is said that Shah Jahan was imprisoned for eight years by his son before his death and from where he could sit and daily gaze out at the Taj Mahal where is wife lay in the tomb of his wife. Our guide had another theory and that was is that Shah Jahan chose to stay in apartment so that he could gaze out from the balcony to the Taj Mahal as he was so struck with grief. He explained that why would his son imprison him in such a luxurious apartment with the perfect view over the Taj and I could understand where he was coming from. We stood for quite a while just soaking up this beautiful palace, balcony and fabulous views of the Taj Mahal in the distance....truly memorable moments. We the explored some more still in awe of everything we were seeing as we had no idea that Agra Fort would be so incredibly impressive and all this eloquent beauty was hidden within the most impressive fortified walls. I could wax lyrically (or not so lyrically haha) for longer about everything we saw and the history but I don't want to get boring so you will just have to go and see it all for yourself. Eventually and yet again reluctantly we made our way to the exit, down the ramps and through the impressive entrance and back out to the streets as hawkers swamped us trying to sell all kind of things whilst shouting only 20 only 20 (everything seemed to be 20 and by 20 they actually mean dollars haha). Within 30 seconds or so and as if by magic Michael Ryaz appeared with the car and we climbed in. Another simply must see in Agra.
