Places to See in Agra

Places to See in Agra

The heritage of the Mughal dynasty and their fascinating tombs, forts and mausoleums can be easily observed in and around the city of Agra. There are also other monuments and places that are famous for their beauty and significance in Agra.

• Taj Mahal
• Agra Fort
• Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Akbar's Tomb
• Jama Masjid
• Moti Masjid

Other Tourist Places in Agra

Besides these places, if time remains there are several other places in the city worth a visit. These include:

Sikandra Fort

Category : History & Culture

The last resting place of Akbar the great, 13 km away from the Agra Fort, the Sikandra fort is one of the preserved monuments in India. Started by Akbar, it was completed by Jahangir, his son which is the foundation for Sikandra Fort Complex. Surrounded by a beautiful lush garden, it is located in the western periphery of the city. The tomb reflects the characteristics of the great emperor with its beautiful and intricate carvings marking a phenomenal beginning to his end. The fort is built with precious red sandstone. Though provided with four gates it remains a mystery why only one (the southern gate) leads to the tomb. The nearest railway station and airport lie within 5kms and 13kms respectively. Looking at the great fort, it brings ancient Mughal history back to life right before your very eyes. 

Bageshwarnath Temple

Category : Religious

Bageshwarnath temple is one of the most holy places in Agra, located at Ramratan Road in the North. It is the place of Baba Bageshwar. A temple of Lord Siva and a very old place of worship, it still remains unrecognized in comparison with other temples in Agra. During the festival period, however, it takes on the festival spirit and is covered in lights. Apart from being a holy place, it serves as a landmark for the area. It sees a huge crowd of devotees, all lined up throughout the year to get the blessings of Lord Siva. Easily accessible and connected tosolid well laid roads, it is one spot that just cannot be missed. The temple is located at a distance of only two kilometers from the heart of the city. It is a place worth spending time on.

Jodha Bai ka Rauza

Category : History & Culture

Akbar's favorite queen, Jodha Bai, built a palace of her own named after her as Jodha Bai ka Rauza. In comparison with other magnificent places built by Akbar, this was one of the most simple yet elegant piece of architecture. Jahangir who took Akbar's place after defeating him is the son of Akbar and Jodha Bai. She is said to represent the most architectural features of Gujarat and Rajasthan combining the Hindu and Muslim traditions, creating a delightful fusion. Jodha Bai is the daughter of King Bharmal of Amber and was among the three chief queens of Akbar. She was allowed to practice Hinduism and was also said to be involved in the political issues until Nur Jahan was crowned as the empress. Dedicated to this woman of great views and attitude, the Jodha Baika Rauza stands for her impact during the great emperor's rule.

Octagonal Tower

Category : History & Culture

Standing close to Shah Jahan's private hall is the octagonal tower also known as Musamman Burj. Built in the years 1631-1640 by Shah Jahan and dedicated to his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is said to have replaced Akbar's small marble palace. It was built, such that the ladies could look outside, with delicate marble lattices engraved with ornamental niches. Built for the ladies, it has a fountain outside and a huge verandah surround the place. It was this place that Shah Jahan spent his last years as his own son's captive. It is also said to be the place where he spent time with his favorite daughter Jahanara Begum. Overlooking the Taj Mahal, it is situated in the Agra Fort. Beautiful and sad in its own way, it gives us a peek into Shah Jahan's final days on this earth.

Jahangir's Palace

Category : History & Culture

The most noteworthy building in the Agra Fort, Jahangir's Palace is the palace where the Rajut wives lived during Akbar's rule. It was a created as a fusion of Hindu and Central Asian architecture. The palace was a token of the great Mughal emperor, Akbar to his beloved son Jehangir, who later succeeded him to become the emperor. It has a huge bowl known as Hauzi Jahangir which is a master work of art carved from a single stone. It was used to hold the fragrant rose water. This palace was later used by the Mughal Queen Nur Jahan, who used it as her palace. Reflecting the culture, tradition and history of the civilians, this palace conquers it all when it comes to the way it was built with care and expertise. It holds great value for its elusive style.

Mehtab Bagh

Category : Garden

Mehtab Bagh translated to mean a moonlight garden, is located north of Taj Mahal and the opposite of the Yamuna River. A square garden measuring 300 m by 300 m, it becomes partially flooded by the rain duringrainy season. It was the last garden of the eleven built by the Mughals. It was built by the Mughal emperor Babur. Designed in the riverfront terrace pattern, it contributes a significant part to the Taj complex. The garden was said to be surrounded by a compound wall made of Brick, lime plaster and clad with red sandstone. Octagonal shaped domes were situated in the corners. A small Dalit shrine is present near the entrance. In a letter written to Shah Jahan by Aurangzeb, he mentioned the garden after a flood in 1652 AD. Archeological excavations were started in 1994 to renew the garden and give it a new flair. More...

Guru Ka Taal

Category : Religious

Located near Sikandra, the Guru Ka Taal is the Sikh pilgrimage dedicated to the 9th Sri Guru Tegh Bahudar Ji. It is the place where he laid down his arms to accept arrest in front of Aurangazeb. Dated back to the 17th century, the building was built in the year 1610. The reservoir was used to provide water during the dry season and was ornamented with precious stone carvings. The Gurudwara was built in 1970 due to the contributions of Saint Baba Sadh Singhji. When first built it had twelve towers, but only eight had managed to survive the years and remain intact. Constructed on red sandstones, it has the finest architecture notable by archeologists all over the world. It holds significance to many more such buildings and is a spot of tourist attraction. A number of devotees pay their respect every year to offer their prayers.

Soami Bagh Samadh

Category : Religious

On the outskirts of Agra, the Soami Bagh Samadh is situated, in Dayalbagh. Huzur Swami Maharaj (Shri Shiv Dayal Singh Seth) performed many poojas at this place. Hence, the Soami Bagh is of historic importance to the Samadh of Soamiji Maharaj. This place is the mausoleum of the Swamiji. In 1908, this Soami Bagh was constructed. The beautifully carved building has marble uniquely designed and cut to fit into each other and is of architectural beauty. The intricate designs on the marble blended perfectly are of historic interest and brings tourists to this place. The beauty of this creation has been compared to that of the Taj Mahal. The Bhajan Gar, located nearby performs Satsang everyday. The Bhandara festival celebrated here brings the Satsang together at this place. The Radhaswami Faith was established here and is of sacred interest in this faith.

Chini ka Rauza

Category : History & Culture

This is a monument in Agra which houses the tomb of Alamo Afzal Khan Mullsh. He was the Prime Minister during the reign of Shah Jahan, the famous Mughal Emperor. He was a renowned poet and scholar. In 1635, this tomb was built in his memory. The exquisitely built building has beautifully glazed tiles that are decorated well and has thus gained architectural beauty. The many inscriptions speak of the technical knowledge of the people in that era. The walls along with these inscriptions and colorful tiles give the building this name. Howeverthe building is mainly of brown stone and is rectangular in build. However, the central chamber is shaped octagonal with curved recesses that are eight in number. Square chambers that are eight in number are linked with the halls. The dome made in Afghan style is rounded and also has many important words from the books of Islam inscribed on it.

Mehran Bagh

Category : Garden

A charbagh complex situated in Agra has become renowned, mostly due to the proximate location with the Taj Mahal. The Agra fort located opposite it has also grabbed the attention towards these places. Mehran Bagh is a perfect squared garden complex. It is designed such that it becomes partially flooded, especially during times of heavy rain. The complexity in construction sets a new standard for Mughal architecture. Mughal garden research also attained new heights with the dawn of this archaeological masterpiece. Mumtaz Mahals actual tomb has been actually found to be exactly midway between the entrance of the Taj Mahal complex and the ends of Mehran Bagh. The conclusion of the ASI survey led to the commencement of renovation and the restorative work of the garden. It is a site that is visited very frequently, especially by the botanists and by the nature lovers.

Radha Swami Samadhi

Category : History & Culture

This ancient tomb is situated about 15 km from Central Agra. It is a glorious building built with maximum utilization of white marbles. This building was built as the Samadhi ( tomb) of the founder of the sect Radha Swami. The founder was lovingly called as 'Swamiji Maharaj'. The Samadhi is adorned with intricate patterns and multifaceted designs on the inside. It is also known as Soamibagh. The construction work commenced many decades ago. However, the belief that the ardent followers hold is that the construction work should continue forever. It should never end. The aim of this continued construction is to make it a living monument. Hence the construction has gone on for 100 years. Despite the incomplete state, the ornate stone architecture has invited tourists from all over the world, to view Indian architecture in all its majesty.

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