If you’re planning a holiday to Agra, then you’re in for a treat.
One of the most historic and beautiful places to see, Agra is a part of the Golden Triangle. Along with the Capital of India, New Delhi, and Jaipur. Built on the banks of the River Yamuna, Agra was founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi, of the Mughal Sultanate in 1504. Before passing the mantle to his son Ibrahim Lodi, who continued to expand and develop this beautiful city.
All three cities are but a few hours from each other. They make for a lovely week of exploring historic monuments, tombs, and architecture. Learn about the rich culture and heritage and the stories behind them.
Visit Agra for a day or two and see the world-renowned Taj Mahal or pick up Agra’s most famous delicacy-Pethas. There are a variety of things for you if you’re wondering what to do in Agra.
Here’s a list of the top things to do in Agra, to help make the most of your stay.
Agra’s Best Attractions: Things To Do in Agra, India
Top Places to See in Agra
Taj Mahal
You’re barking if you come all the way to Agra and leave without exploring the Taj Mahal. It is among the famous things to see in Agra. Commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1632 for his greatest love and wife, Mumtaz. This architectural wonder, built with white-ivory marble, stands proudly on a raised dais on the southern banks of the River Yamuna.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the jewel of Muslim architecture and houses the final resting place of both Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The two cenotaphs, however, are empty as they are merely representative of the two royals who are actually buried in an ante-chamber underground.
While you’re there, remember to arrive early. This way you can avoid the heat of the midday sun, but also avoid the crowds; this is the Taj Mahal we’re talking about. There’s also a rather impressive list of things you can’t take inside with you, so make sure to do a little research before you set out.
One important tip would be to hire a guide beforehand, through reliable channels, and not on the spot at the site. You will find a lot of locals posing as tour guides, so make sure you book one ahead of time. Perhaps a package-tour that’ll help you cover the most ground. Also to help you know the real story, history, and culture of Agra.
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Agra Fort
Perhaps the most tragic story revolving around the Fort of Agra is that for the last few years of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned there by his son. He was not allowed to leave, even to visit his beloved Mumtaz’s tomb. All he had was a view of the Taj Mahal from the balcony of his bedroom at Agra Fort.
Agra Fort is a great place to visit. Experience the history but also marvel at the imposing structure, with its overwhelming facades and mighty towers.
Remember to bring some ID with you, however as you will need it to enter. There are also restrictions in place with regard to what you can take in with you.
The Tomb of Akbar
Akbar is perhaps the most renowned of the Mughal emperors. A true patron of arts who did much for the Arts, be it commissioning a beautiful painting, sculptures, building, and art, or by way of effective and decisive political ruling.
It is little wonder then why, till this very day, centuries after his death, his final resting place is still revered and travelers from all over flock to pay their respects. Visiting his tomb is definitely one of the best things to do in Agra.
Fun Things To Do In Agra
Visit Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a small township, actually located 40 odd kilometers outside the city limits of Agra. It was founded and built-in 1571, by the Mughal King, Akbar. His capital city, but for only ten years.
There are many renowned buildings in and around Fatehpur Sikhri, some of which are:
Panch Mahal
Particularly famous is the Panch Mahal, a five-storied, red-sandstone monument built in a pyramidal structure. It was supported by a hundred and seventy-six columns.
Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza is a 17th-century imperial gate built to symbolize the victory of Emperor Akbar over Gujarat in 1573. This UNESCO world heritage site stands guard as a grand and breathtaking entrance into the city. Fun fact, it also happens to be one of the largest gateway showcases in the world.
When you do visit the Buland Darwaza, remember to keep an eye out for not just Mughal-Muslim and Hindu inscriptions on the walls, but also Abrahamic teachings of Isa or Jesus.
Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas
The word Khas means special and the Diwan-i-Khas is certainly that. Delve into Akbar’s court life for this is the place he would use. A place for private audiences to strategize and also make effective political decisions.
Diwan-i-Aam on the other hand was used by Akbar to listen to public disputes and complaints. A court of the people of sorts.
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Street Shopping in Agra
Shopping is one of the best things to do in Agra…to do anywhere, actually. The markets at Fatehpur Sikri take you back in time. Splurge a little, pamper yourself and go nuts on the locally crafted items like sweets, wood and marble handicrafts, rugs, jewelry, leather, glassware, ornate boxes, and silk goods.
Don’t forget to take home mini replicas of this beautiful gateway, with you when you go back home.
While we are on the topic of street shopping, Agra boasts of many markets that sell locally crafted, handmade products: collectibles, souvenirs, and other bric-a-bracs for you to pick up at a bargain, of course.
Miniature replicas of monuments like the Taj Mahal and other famous buildings in and around Agra are popular buys if you’re looking to start collecting.
Sadar Bazaar, Subhash Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, and the Shoe Market are some of the best street markets that you can visit to pick up little odds and ends, baubles, and the likes. Agra is particularly famous for its leather, but also well known for the rugs and carpets, lush and embroidered, that are locally sold.
Food in Agra
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Agra was the heart of the Mughal empire for a decade, and the blend of Indo-Mughal influence can be seen everywhere. The food you will find at Agra, too, is a fusion of the two.
Agra is most famous for pethas. Agra ka petha is a commonly used phrase that almost makes the city and this delicacy synonymous because one cannot think of Agra without thinking about pethas.
This sweetmeat, available both dry and chewy, made from pumpkin or ash gourd, is spiced with nuts, spices like cardamom, and cinnamon, and comes in a variety of flavors.
Another indigenous sweet is Dalmoth, which can be eaten on its own or with Pethas. This dry snack, made from spicy fry lentils and full of nuts and raisins is perfect for you to snack on when you meander through the streets of Agra. Dalmoth absolutely enhances the sweetness of the pethas.
The third, and perhaps the best of the lot, is bedai, a soft puffi kachori- a deep-fried hollow snack- that is stuffed with a variety of fillings Bedais are popular breakfast foods in Agra, so make sure you load up to get the best of Agra, as eating is definitely on the top of the list of best things to do in Agra.
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Unique Things To Do In Agra
Still not sure what to do in Agra? Here are some unique Agra activities:
Catch a show
Agra is the city that has symbols of love everywhere you turn. So, it isn’t surprising that you’ll find that most of the shows- plays, musicals, and the likes- are based on epic love stories, like that of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, or Laila and Majnu.
Go on a walking tour
If you’re in the mood to brave the heat and walk through the streets of Agra, then make sure you’ve got a nice cool bottle of water at hand, and cover your head.
But the heat aside, there is no better way to experience Agra- like a local and not as a tourist- is to walk along the streets, stop and see the sights and smell the scents of the stories that still waft around the city. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour, and have a reliable local tour guide walk with you around the place.
Don’t forget to visit Old Agra, where you’ll find yourself in winding streets lined with handmade crafts and delicious street food to keep you going.
