Top 10 Best Destinations of Agra

 

Agra, essentially the city of the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous cities in India, replete with history and culture, and full of architectural wonders, makes it a sought-after destination for all tourists across the globe. Apart from Taj Mahal, Agra has got so much to look at, such a rich cultural environment, and other culinary experiences.

1. Taj Mahal

There are so many reasons why this Indian monument of love is different. One of them is as follows:

It is one of the Seven Wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That in itself is majestic love-the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Simply the structure on white marble with intricate carvings and inlay of gemstones is a marvel .

-The Taj Mahal is built in 1632 and 1653 and epitomizes love; however it, above all else, is brilliant example of the Indo-Islamic architecture. It is situated on the south bank of Yamuna River with gardens surrounding it that seem to reflect Persian influences .

-That is why it cannot be missed, for the beauty, the detailed craftsmanship and the story that feeds this emotion in its making. Especially at sunrise and sunset when the white marble reflects the golden view, everyone’s mouth has been left open to gaze at the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

Food is highly localised into Mughlai biryani, kebabs and petha, among others at cafes around the corner.

2. Agra Fort

Agra Fort is the greatest red-sandstone fort. It was one of the main residences for the Mughal emperors. Agra Fort is part of the World Heritage Sites list by the UNESCO.

-Agra Fort was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the year 1573. It measures up to about 94 acres. The fortress is considered one of the magnificent architectural structures since it contains Mosques besides palaces and halls. Some of the major attractions that are found within the fort include Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal, and Diwan-i-Khas.

-The fort provides a glimpse of the glory of the Mughal Empire and gives a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal from one of its towers .

-Delicious roadside snacks are available, aloo tikki, samosas, spicy chaats- all are available around the fort.

3. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri was built like an ancient city by Emperor Akbar, and the place combines Mughal and Persian architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of Akbar for a very short time when he left it at the time when water started flowing from the springs. The city is famous for its marvellous architectural works such as Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and Tomb of Salim Chishti.

The city carries grandeurs and historical significance with architectural marvel that makes the place an attractive tourist destination.

Street foods including Mughlai food stuffs and chicken korma, biryani and naan were also taken at local restaurants.

4. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb was a monument raised by the husband of Mihr ab al-Nisa in white marble for her. It has some architectural marbles, including decorated tombs of white marble. ‘baby Taj’, is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, father of Empress Noor Jahan.

Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is considered to be the forerunner of the famous Taj Mahal. Famous for its light marble work and door screens erected using latticework, the architectural history of the tomb defined its existence as a point of inflection in the Mughal style as it makes vast use of marble instead of where red sandstone was traditionally common.

The tomb is a work of architectural beauty, therefore tourists do not come there. It is also a very quiet place for a tour.

It has dishes ranging from vegetarian to non-vegetarian in nearby restaurants as well as Mughlai and North Indian.

 

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5. Mehtab Bagh

A beautiful garden complex located opposite the Taj Mahal, and this complex is providing the audience with a mind boggling view of the monument, especially while watching the sunset.

Bagh was built by Emperor Babur as the last of 11 Mughal gardens that run parallel to the Yamuna River. The garden itself is perfectly placed towards the Taj Mahal, with reflection in the river adding to the romantic atmosphere of the location .

• Special: It is a secluded place away from the crowd, especially for photography enthusiasts who want perfect shots of the Taj Mahal.

Snacks including kachoris, lassi, and jalebi can be enjoyed at local food stalls while strolling through the garden.

6. Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra

View of the monument: This is the place where the great Akbar lies buried, which is an epitome of Mughal art and architecture.

About: The tomb is at Sikandra; the gigantic monument is surrounded by lush green gardens. A unique structure includes Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain motifs, as it represents the religious tolerance policy of Akbar.

It has a mixed type of architectural styles; the history it holds on to makes it highly important.

There is street food available like Dalmoth and Agra ka petha at the market opposite to this monument.

7.Jama masjid

The mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his daughter, Jahanara Begum. It is one of the big mosques in India and boasts an incredible central dome, which bears upon it four majestic minarets and intricate carvings.

The mosque has enormous historical significance and religious value for both pilgrims and tourists.

The iconic Bedai and Jalebi of Agra is available at small stalls close to it.

8. Chini ka Rauza

This is the grave of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, who was a scholar and court poet of Shah Jahan

The Chini ka Rauza is one of the wonders of architecture famous for its glazed tile work by which the monument is known. Chini refers to Chinese-style tiles. The tomb lies upon the bank of the Yamuna River and the place depicts an altogether peaceful as well as picture-perfect scenario.

It has unique tile work and is pretty quiet, though one of the lesser-known yet must-see destinations in Agra.

There are some small tea stalls and street food stalls nearby that sell traditional Indian snacks like samosas and pakoras.

9. Moti Masjid

The “Pearl Mosque” is a spotless white marble mosque standing inside the Agra Fort, and so appropriately named.

It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan and is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. Its marble white structure resembles pearls, hence this name.

Beauty and serenity combined with religious importance make it necessary to visit for Mughal architecture enthusiasts.

Local street foods may be enjoyed outside the Agra Fort-chole bhature and spicy chaat, among others.

10. Keetham Lake (Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary)

This lake is regarded as a calm place for the nature lovers; one can view various kinds of birds here.

Lake is about 20 km from Agra. It is a manmade reservoir and regarded as a bird sanctuary. This is a tourist place for watching birds and also for picnics too, mainly during winter as when migratory birds migrate to this place.

Refreshment from Historical Sites at Agra The scenery and peaceful environment of this place make a refreshing change from historical sites.

There are some picnic spots wherein the visitors can bring their own food, or they can buy snacks in nearby vendors.

## Culture of Agra

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The city is quite rich in Mughal history and thus in its culture. The city has the most beautiful craftsmanship, especially in marble inlay work, leather products, and carpets. Traditional music and dance shows which are usually of Mughal or Brij origin is often performed during any festival. Most of the people speak the local language Hindi, and even English is widely understood by people because the city is much a tourist destination.

## Environment of Agra

Semi-arid is the climate. Summers are very hot, and winters are cool with the monsoons occurring from June to September. Best time to travel in Agra is between October and March when the weather becomes fairly pleasant enough for sightseeing.

##Food in Agra

The food is the best fusion of Mughlai and North Indian flavors. The city has such real aromatic dishes as biryani, kebabs, and curries. It also attracts people with petha, the sweet prepared from ash gourd, as well as famous chaat, samosas, and aloo tikki from the street.

## FAQ Section

Q1. When should one plan for a visit to Agra?

Agra is most preferably visited between the months of October and March when the weather is good for exploring open monuments.

Q2. How much time will it take to explore Agra?

A 2-3 day trip would be enough for someone to explore most of the attractions in Agra.

Q3. Is the Taj Mahal open every day?

The Taj Mahal is open every day except Fridays when it is closed for prayer. The monument opens till sunset time by sunrise time.

Q4. Do I need to pay an entrance fee for the Taj Mahal?

Yes, you do need to pay a fee. For Indian nationals, it is about ₹50 whereas for foreign tourists, it is about ₹1100. Children below 15 years are free to enter.

Q5. What delicacies must I try in Agra?

Agra is famous for food products like Mughlai biryani, kebabs, dalmoth, and petha, a sweet that is made using ash gourd. But it is also renowned for street foods such as aloo tikki, bedai, and jalebi.

Q6. Best option of transport in Agra?

Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and taxis are the most common means of transport. You can also hire bikes or cars for comfort. And to enjoy it to the fullest, mostly all tourists hire a guide.

Q7. How safe is Agra for visitors?

Generally, Agra is a safe destination for visitors, but any tourist destination calls for prudence and caution, especially at nights, and one should not venture into deserted areas and caution is advised on keeping personal belongings secure.

Q8. Which bazaars are the shopping centres in Agra?

Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, the marble and leather markets near the Taj Mahal are popular for local crafts, leather goods, marble inlay work, carpets, and souvenirs.

Q9. Is it possible to visit both Fatehpur Sikri and Agra in one day?

Yes, it is possible to visit both in one day as Fatehpur Sikri is about an hour’s drive from Agra. However, it is always better to spend more time so as to enjoy both places to the fullest.

Q10. What type of dress would you recommend to visit Agra?

It would be recommended to wear light and comfortable clothes, especially during the summer holidays. When visiting any of places of worship, dressing modestly and thus not wearing anything that falls off above the shoulder and knees is more than advisable. Specifically on Agra:

Agra is a special place not only for its monuments but also for the fine crafts and cuisine it has to offer. The marble inlay is a specialty of the place which very often can be seen taken as souvenirs, decorative pieces, or even furniture. These pieces of marble inlays can be bought at the local markets, an extension of the skills whereby individuals would hone their skills set during the period of the Mughal.

-Leather Products: Agra is also known as a hub of leather products, especially footwear. There are some fantastic markets in Agra for leather products that sell quality products at fantastic rates.

-Marble Craft: The beautiful marble inlay work just like that of the Taj Mahal is still being done by the locals. Small souvenirs made from marble, with semi-precious stones, are purchased largely.

-Jewellery and Handicrafts: Delightful hand work can be viewed in the handicrafts, like jewellery, textiles, and embroidery work. The design and artistry depict the impact of Mughal artistry.

## Cultural Influence at Agra

Agra has a culture with a deep Mughal past attached to it. Such events, for example, Taj Mahotsav, which is celebrated every February, exhibit the rich artistic and cultural leadership of the city. There, local art, crafts, music, and dance are put on display and go pretty deep into the great culture existing in Agra.

-Braj Culture: The influence of another important cultural aspect, Braj, is also felt since the city is so close to Vrindavan and Mathura; both are famously associated with the worship of Lord Krishna. Folk dances such as Raslila are performed in the course of festivals and religious ceremonies.

The culture shows Mughal influence through the language, food, and clothing of people. Urdu and Hindi are major languages spoken. Some festival celebrations wear Angrakhas and Sherwanis, which are traditional Mughlai dresses.

## Environment of Agra

A typical semi-arid climate prevails in North India, such as in Agra, and the summer months are extremely hot with frequent temperatures high above 40°C (104°F). A relief for that would bring in the monsoon month of July to September when plentiful rains shower; though this leads to some flooding.

Winter is the best time to visit with all temperatures ranging between 8°C and 20°C (46°F to 68°F), perfectly pleasant sightseeing atmosphere.

Agra is situated alongside the Yamuna River. The river is, in fact, a vital factor to the city’s environment, even if pollution and water scarcity are huge concerns. There are substantial efforts being made to revitalize the Yamuna and maintain its ecological balance, specifically near the Taj Mahal.

The city’s green places, like Mehtab Bagh and numerous parks around monuments, provide a good respite from the urban scenario. These green places are important in maintaining Agra’s ecology and its ecological habitat for birds and other animals.

## Conclusion

Agra is a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination. While the Taj Mahal is a significant attraction, there is so much in this city-from historical forts to tombs, serene gardens, and active markets. With its rich cultural legacy, astounding architecture, and Mughlai flavors, every visit will be worth the trip.

The beautiful environment of the city along with colourful festivals and busy markets make the city even more lovable. Whether you are an architecture lover, history buff, or foodie, Agra has something to offer you, a different kind of experience within.

## Last Words

Agra is actually a destination that you might love to spend enough time to sample the many flavors of cultural history. Now, no one can refute the charm of the Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri among other delights are worth a special visit. Its cuisine, too, cannot be let down in the lurch – from its Mughal structures to the delicacies that road-side food stalls serve. End.