7 must visit Iconic & Famous Tourist places in Agra

Published On : 04 Sep 2024

The city of Agra has quite a history and it is famous all over the world as a home for the most famous mausoleum of all – the Taj Mahal. Agra of course has a very rich background to it as it was one of the major capitals of the Mughal empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this period, there was a series of magnificent forts, tombs, and mosques that are clear indications of the highest architectural and artistic skills of the Mughals.

Here are the top 7 must-visit iconic and famous tourist attractions in Agra beyond the legendary Taj Mahal.

1. Agra Fort

This expansive Agra Fort was built using red sandstone and is located near the river Yamuna. It was constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar and its further construction was done by the grandson of Akbar, Shajahan. The fort has marvelous structures such as Jahangir Palace and Khas Mahal, the construction of which is in Indo-Islamic style with carved marble surface inlay work. DO visit the Diwan-i-Aam where the Mughals used to communicate with the people and Diwan-i-Khas an intricately designed hall for a private audience with the emperor. From here, explore views of the Taj Mahal and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the fort.

2. Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

Known as Jewel Box or draught, this marvelous marble mausoleum was constructed for Mirza Ghiyas Beg known as Nur Qutb Alam, father of Empress Nur Jahan. It is the first structure built entirely using white marble and shows the expertise of the artisans in stone carving and lattice screens, among others. To view, type ‘look up’ to find the ceiling with paintings and embellishments reflecting Christian themes. It is surrounded by more gardens, fountains, and channels that add to its beauty especially when it is so calm. Serving as inspiration for the Taj Mahal, its architectural layout was similar to the monument, even though proportionally larger.

3. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a city in Rajasthan, which was established by the Mughal emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1585. He invested in this city at the site of the tomb of Saint Salim Chisti and then returned to Lahore. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site: fortified with magnificent buildings that witnessed Akbar’s pluralistic vision. Do see Panch Mahal, a palace of five stories built with red stone, and the shrine of Salim Chisti which has numerous niches and corridors having beautiful carvings of red stones on the walls as well as on the ceilings. Within the Diwan-I-Khas there are remains of an ornate column capital WQ where Akbar had his solar calendar program implemented.

4. Ram Bagh

Ram Bagh, formerly called Aram Bagh is a small garden built in the Mughal style adjacent to the monument. This is the first garden laid in the Char Bagh style of the Mughals, having beautifully laid grassy lawns, flowers, fruit trees, and water-coursing channels that symbolize heaven or paradise. It was developed by the first Mughal emperor, Babur as a Persian-styled garden for his wife Arjumand Banu Begum, known as Mumtaz Mahal and mother of Shah Jahan. Here, you can simply take a walk, or if you prefer just sit and admire the peacefulness of the place.

5. Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is among the largest mosques in India, with its dome-shaped onion and tall minarets. This marvelous and extraordinary architectural design belongs to the Mughals who built this monument using red sandstone with decorations in marble. Located on the left bank of the Yamuna river across from Agra fort and was constructed by Shah Jahan it has a can and capacity of 10000 people at a time for worshipping. Climb up the minaret to enjoy an excellent vantage point of the Old Agra city. It is colorful at noon when all sorts of people come for prayers on Friday to hold the spectacle.

6. Chini Ka Rauza

It is an Iranian-styled tomb built in 1635 characterized by colored tiles or china work that gives it its name, Chini Ka Rauza. This monument has been constructed as a tomb for Afzal Khan, a poet in Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s court, and has glasswork and latticed screens. For exterior decorating, it has ornamental glazed tiles which are painted in blue, green, and yellow which are systematically arranged in geometric shapes and are very eye-catching. The grounds it occupies offer a peaceful atmosphere.

7. Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is an essentially designed garden, located across the river Yamuna and offers a sumptuous view of the Taj during sunset. Its literal translation is ‘Moonlight Garden and it is one of the most charming orchards that were constructed to provide the members of the royal household with a nice opportunity to rest as well as to enjoy the magnificent views of the Taj. These 25-acre gardens located along the eastern side of the Taj are ideally symmetrically planned and have charbagh-style landscaping with water channels and fruit trees. It is a must to visit here in the evening to see the reflection of the Taj Mahal on the river and the hue of the sky is magical.

Therefore on your tour to Agra to view the Taj Mahal, ensure you spend some time in the historical places highlighted above. The architecture that they boast, the legends associated with them, and the historical essence make the trip a memorable experience that you’ll never forget.