Top Things to Do in Agra

Ancient lineage, tumultuous history and vibrant culture offer lot of things to do in Agra. Agra, a historical city that finds mention even in Mahabharata, is home to iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of World. Taj Mahal, a monument depicted as ‘Epitome of Love’, attracts large number of tourists from across the globe. It was fifth Mughal ruler Shah Jahan who built world famous white marble mausoleum in memory and love of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. Home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, Agra is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. The importance of Agra as an historical city can be understood from the fact that most of the north India tours and all Golden Triangle Tour Packages do consist of Agra. In addition to monuments, Agra is popular among tourists for delicious Mughlai dishes and handicrafts. Agra is a must-visit heritage place in India for a lot of things to do, experience and observe. Some of the top things to do in Agra are as under

Behold Sunrise View of Taj Mahal: Definitely, the first place that anyone would want to visit in Agra would be Taj Mahal. It is hands-down one of the most intricately designed monuments that look breathtakingly beautiful. However, if one catches the sunrise view of the Taj Mahal then it makes everything even much better because watching the sunrise from here and the monument at this time of the day is priceless. The view is to die for. Taj Mahal is an emblematic place of touristic India. The white marble tomb with its dome, calligraphy and motifs makes it well deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage designation. It has become a symbol of India and tourists from around the world dream to visit it. Watching beauty & splendor of Taj Mahal at the time of dawn is definitely a cherished dream.

Watch & Photograph Taj Mahal during Sunset from Mehtab Bagh: Mehtab Bagh in Agra is a beautiful and peaceful garden just opposite Taj Mahal across Yamuna. It is built in Persian Chaar Bagh (four gardens) style and remains open till sunset. It was built by first Mughal ruler Babur. Having a walk in the park is relaxing and getting a glimpse of Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh at the time of sunset is also one of the recommended experiences to take away from this city.

Enjoy Light & Sound Show at Agra Fort: Agra Fort, the fort of Akbar, is just 2 km from the Taj Mahal and is another very famous place to explore in Agra. Agra Fort is built mainly from red sandstone. Its construction was begun by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 and completed by Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort has the parameter of 2.4 km. It has an essentially defensive structure. Several elegant buildings like Jahangiri Mahal, Jodhabai Mahal, Anguri Bagh, Khass Mahal, Golden Pavilion, Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj, Diwan-i-Khass and Hamam-i-Shahi can be found in a fort. Though it’s a feast for eyes to explore Agra Fort from inside but attending Light & Sound Show in evening at Agra Fort is an altogether memorable experience. It unfolds several aspects of Agra Fort’s architecture and history. The light and sound show conducted here every evening is a fun thing to engage in.

Tonga (Horse Carriage) Ride: Doing some offbeat things during a trip to any city always adds an element of uniqueness and breaks the monotony. Agra is all about the Mughal, mammoth monuments and their lives in some way or the other. There are many activities, conducted in Agra, to impart a traveller an experiential journey. Tonga or horse carriage ride is one such activity that gives a feel of transportation existed about a century ago. This would make you feel royal and explore the city like the Mughal in complete royal way. A ‘tonga’ ride to Taj Mahal is a popular activity, mostly enjoyed by the foreign tourists.

Visit Mughal Heritage: Though Taj Mahal and Agra Fort reign supreme in popularity chart of monuments in Agra but, the city boasts of having several other architectural gems of Mughal era. Among other popular and beautiful monuments of Agra include tomb of Akbar in Sikandara, Baby Taj (tomb of It Mad ud Daula), Dayal Bagh, Tomb of Mariam etc. Mausoleum of Mughal ruler Akbar is surrounded by a garden. Akbar himself started construction, but it was completed by Jehangir, his son. Four red sandstone gates take one to the complex. It Mad-ud-Daula tomb is another fine specimen of Mughal architecture. It was built by Noor Jahan, queen of Jahangir, as a memorial to his father. The tomb is wonderfully adorned with latticework, marble screens and pietra dura. Visiting these monuments is a top rated thing to do in Agra and soak in more of Mughal culture and heritage. A heritage walk to know about Mughal heritage is fun and informative.

Explore Artisans’ Village: The artisan village of Agra is called as Shilpgram. It is a living marketplace of artisans and craftsmen. It is a place where the artisans and craftsmen of different genres come under one roof and promote their stuff. This place is meant to promote traditional and centuries-old art & craft forms of the country. Marble products and hand-made jewellery of Agra are highly popular. It is a delightful place to be at, to shop, and also click some pictures.

Elephant Watching at Wildlife SOS: Agra is obviously about the Mughal heritage and the Mughal monuments all over but also it is about some offbeat places to visit and know more about the city. One such enchanting place is the Wildlife SOS where one can spot a lot of elephants, watch them in their habitat, play with them, and have a good time.

Excursion to Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is also a must visit from Agra. It is a town just at about 45 km from Agra and was also an important destination of the Mughal. This fortified city, built in red sandstone, once served as the capital of Akbar. The complex has a slew of beautiful structures. Among these are Jodha Bai Mahal, Mariyam Mahal, Birbal Mahal and Diwan-e-Khas. Marble tomb of Saint Salim Chisti is considered the most beautiful building here. The Buland Darwaza, a 54 meter high imposing gate, is another magnificent structure. The gate built in 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar's victory over Deccan is the highest and largest gateway in India.

Taste Truly Mughal Cuisines: A trip to Agra would always remain incomplete without having Mughal delicacies. Apart from being great builders, the Mughal rulers were also known as great connoisseurs of food. Almost every Mughal ruler helped evolve some special recipe which collectively, now-a-days known as Mughlai food. That maybe, the influence of Mughals is in the food. Agra is known for a variety of eating joints, be it lavish five star restaurants or street food stalls. And all are popular amongst the tourists and the locals. Trying authentic Mughal cuisine in Agra is a lifetime experience.

Do Watch Mohabbat-e-Taj Kalakriti Show: Kalakriti culture and convention centre is a beautiful and grand hall with stage where live Bollywood style shows about Taj Mahal and art exhibits are performed. A show called as the Mohabbat – e – Taj is performed too in the centre which shows the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. This is such a great way to know about the love of these two people in the city of love. The show is quite offbeat but definitely worth it.

Shopping in Agra: Finally, any trip to a place like Agra is totally incomplete without exploring market and shopping for authentic artistic products. Agra is known for its sweets and sweets, such as 'Petha' and 'Dal-Month'. Agra is famous for its marble products, leather products, brass products, precious and semi-precious stones and zardozi (embroidery). All of this is available around Taj complex. Some of the famous shopping hubs of Agra are Kinari Bazaar, TDI Mall, Raja ki Mandi, Shah Market, Subhash Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar and Shahganj Bazaar. Some souvenirs and Agra ka petha are must-buy things of the city. Shopping in Agra is definitely a pleasant experience.

Agra Tour Packages

Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

7 Nights / 8 Days
Destination : Delhi - Jaipur - Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Varanasi - Sarnath - Delhi

Celebrating International Yoga Day in Rishikesh Tour

Celebrating International Yoga Day in Rishikesh Tour

11 Nights / 12 Days
Destination : Delhi - Rishikesh - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi

Pushkar Fair Group Tour

Pushkar Fair Group Tour

8 Nights / 9 Days
Destination : Delhi-Mandawa-Bikaner- pushkar-Jaipur-Abhaneri-Agra

Cultural North India Tour

Cultural North India Tour

8 Nights / 9 Days
Destination : Delhi-jaipur-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi

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