Cheap Flights, Hotels & 10 Major Tourist Attractions in Agra, India in 2024

Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Known worldwide for the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra is a city that encapsulates the grandeur and opulence of the Mughal era. However, beyond the Taj Mahal, Agra boasts an array of other captivating tourist attractions that offer a glimpse into its illustrious past. In this article, we will explore 10 such tourist attractions in Agra that every visitor should include in their itinerary.

1. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. 

Here is a description of the Taj Mahal

• The Taj Mahal is a large, symmetrical structure with four identical minarets at each corner.
• The main dome is about 35 meters (115 feet) high and is surrounded by smaller domes.
• The walls are made of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones.
• The interior of the mausoleum is decorated with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran.
• The Taj Mahal is surrounded by a large garden with fountains and pools.
• The garden is divided into four quarters by walkways and canals.
• The Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
• It is also one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

2. Agra Fort

Agra Fort is a massive red sandstone fort complex in the Indian city of Agra. It was the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 300 years, until the capital was shifted to Delhi in 1638. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.

Here is a description of Agra Fort

• The fort is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, about 2.5 kilometers northwest of the Taj Mahal.
• It is a massive complex, covering an area of over 900 acres.
• The fort is made of red sandstone and marble.
• It has a number of gates, including the Delhi Gate, the Amar Singh Gate, and the Lahore Gate.
• Inside the fort, there are a number of palaces, mosques, and other structures.
• The most famous palace in the fort is the Diwan-i-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience.”
• Another famous structure in the fort is the Moti Masjid, or “Pearl Mosque.”
• The fort also has a number of gardens, including the Anguri Bagh, or “Garden of Grapes.”
• The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.

3. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. The city was built in red sandstone and is known for its beautiful palaces, mosques, and other buildings.

The most famous building in Fatehpur Sikri is the Jama Masjid, a mosque that can accommodate up to 25,000 people. The mosque is made of red sandstone and has four towering minarets. The Buland Darwaza, a massive gate that is 54 meters high, is another impressive building in Fatehpur Sikri. The gate was built to commemorate Akbar’s victory over the Rajputs.

Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned in 1585 due to a lack of water. However, it remains a popular tourist destination today. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city and learn about its rich history.

Here are some other things to know about Fatehpur Sikri:

• It was built by Akbar to honor the Sufi saint Salim Chishti, who lived in the village of Sikri.
• The city was designed to be a utopian city, with a focus on religious harmony and equality.
• It was home to a diverse population of Muslims, Hindus, and Jains.
• It was a center of learning and culture, with a number of schools and libraries.
• It was a major trade center, with links to other parts of India and the Middle East.

4. Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is a Mughal garden located in Agra, India, on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. It was built by the Mughal emperor Babur in the 16th century and was originally known as “Rambagh” or “Garden of Pleasure”. In the 17th century, it was renamed “Mehtab Bagh” or “Moonlight Garden” by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who used it as a viewing spot for the Taj Mahal at night.

The garden is square in shape and measures about 300 by 300 meters. It is divided into four quarters by a network of canals and walkways. The central axis of the garden is aligned with the Taj Mahal, so that visitors can get a perfect view of the mausoleum from the garden.

The garden is planted with fruit trees, flowers, and fragrant plants. There are also several pavilions and fountains in the garden. The most notable pavilion is the Diwan-i-Am, which was used by the Mughal emperors to hold public audiences.

Mehtab Bagh is a popular tourist destination, especially for those who want to see the Taj Mahal from a different perspective. The garden is open from sunrise to sunset and the entrance fee is INR 25 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreigners.

Here is a description of Mehtab Bagh

• It is a square garden, about 300 meters by 300 meters.
• It is divided into four quarters by a network of canals and walkways.
• The central axis of the garden is aligned with the Taj Mahal.
• It is planted with fruit trees, flowers, and fragrant plants.
• There are several pavilions and fountains in the garden.
• The most notable pavilion is the Diwan-i-Am.
• It is open from sunrise to sunset.
• The entrance fee is INR 25 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreigners.

5. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, also known as the Baby Taj, is a Mughal mausoleum in Agra, India. It was built in 1622-1628 by Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan. The tomb is considered to be a precursor to the Taj Mahal, and it shares many of the same architectural features, such as the white marble construction, the inlaid pietra dura work, and the cruciform plan.

The tomb is located on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River, and it is set in a large garden. The mausoleum itself is about 23 meters square, and it is built on a base about 50 meters square. The tomb is topped by a dome, and it is surrounded by four octagonal towers. The walls of the tomb are decorated with inlaid pietra dura work, which features intricate designs made of semi-precious stones. The interior of the tomb is also decorated with pietra dura work, and it contains the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

The Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is a beautiful and impressive mausoleum, and it is well worth a visit if you are in Agra. It is smaller and less crowded than the Taj Mahal, but it is still a stunning example of Mughal architecture.

Here are some additional facts about the Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb:

• It is the first tomb in India to be made entirely of white marble.
• It was the first structure to make use of pietra dura, a type of inlay work that uses semi-precious stones.
• It was the first tomb to be built on the banks of the Yamuna River.
• It is often regarded as a precursor to the Taj Mahal.
• It is located about 6.7 kilometers from the Taj Mahal. 

6. Akbar’s Tomb

Akbar’s Tomb is a Mughal mausoleum located in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built in 1605–1613 by Akbar’s son, Jahangir, and is the final resting place of Akbar, the third Mughal emperor.

The tomb is a five-storey structure made of red sandstone and white marble. The first four storeys are square, while the top storey is octagonal. The tomb is surrounded by a large garden with fountains and pools.

The tomb is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. It is a blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Persian styles. The red sandstone and white marble create a striking contrast, and the intricate carvings are a marvel to behold. 

Here is a description of Akbar’s Tomb

• The tomb is located on a raised platform in the middle of a large garden.
• The platform is surrounded by a red sandstone wall with four gateways.
• The tomb itself is made of red sandstone and white marble.
• The first four storeys of the tomb are square, while the top storey is octagonal.
• The tomb is topped with a dome made of white marble.
• The tomb is surrounded by a number of smaller buildings, including a mosque, a library, and a guesthouse.
• The garden surrounding the tomb is full of flowers, trees, and fountains.

7. Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid in Agra, India is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in 1648. The mosque is made of red sandstone and white marble, and it has three large gates, four minarets, and a courtyard that can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers. The mosque is located in the heart of Agra, opposite the Agra Fort. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a place of great religious importance for Muslims. 

Here is a description of the Jama Masjid

• The mosque is made of red sandstone and white marble.
• It has three large gates, four minarets, and a courtyard.
• The courtyard can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers.
• The mosque is located in the heart of Agra, opposite the Agra Fort.
• It is a popular tourist destination.
• It is also a place of great religious importance for Muslims. 

8. Moti Masjid

• The Moti Masjid, or Pearl Mosque, is a 17th-century congregational mosque located within the Agra Fort UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653, and is made entirely of white marble. The mosque is located to the north of the fort’s courtyard, and faces the Yamuna river. It is a walled enclosure, with a high entryway in the center of each wall. The eastern entryway is the main entrance to the mosque. Inside the enclosure walls is a nearly-square courtyard, lined by arcades on the north, south, and eastern edges. An ablution pool lies in the center of the courtyard.
• The prayer hall is on the western side of the courtyard, and is accessed through a triple-arched gateway. The prayer hall is a single-aisled space, with seven bays on each side. The mihrab is located in the western wall of the prayer hall, and is decorated with intricate carvings. The ceiling of the prayer hall is supported by a series of marble pillars.
• The Moti Masjid is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. The white marble walls and pillars are inlaid with intricate carvings, and the mosque is decorated with a number of chhatris (domed pavilions). The mosque is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, and is a popular tourist destination.
• Unfortunately, the Moti Masjid is currently closed to the public due to its fragile condition. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has deemed the mosque to be too fragile to withstand the wear and tear of tourists, and has closed it to prevent further damage. It is hoped that the mosque will be reopened to the public in the future, but for now it is only accessible to researchers and photographers.

9. Sikandra Fort

Sikandra Fort is a mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Akbar, located in Sikandra, a small town near Agra, India. It was built by Akbar himself and completed by his son, Jahangir, in 1613. The tomb is made of red sandstone and marble, and is in the shape of a truncated pyramid. It is surrounded by a large garden, known as the Charbagh.

The tomb is a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The sloping dripstones, finials on the domes, and pierced screens are all Hindu elements, while the pointed arches and geometric patterns are Islamic. The tomb is also notable for its use of inlay work, with marble and semi-precious stones used to create intricate patterns.

Sikandra Fort is an important historical monument, and is a popular tourist destination. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here is a description of Sikandra Fort

• The tomb is made of red sandstone and marble.
• It is in the shape of a truncated pyramid.
• It is surrounded by a large garden, known as the Charbagh.
• The tomb is a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
• It is notable for its use of inlay work, with marble and semi-precious stones used to create intricate patterns.
• It is an important historical monument, and is a popular tourist destination.
• It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site..

10. Buland Darwaza

Buland Darwaza is the highest gateway in the world, located in Fatehpur Sikri, India. It was built in 1575 by Mughal emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. The gateway is made of red sandstone and decorated with white marble inlay work. It is 40 meters high and 51 meters wide. The Buland Darwaza is a symmetrical structure with a large archway in the center. There are two smaller arches on either side of the main archway. The gateway is topped by three chhatris (domed pavilions).

Here is a description of Buland Darwaza 

• It is the highest gateway in the world, at 40 meters high.
• It is made of red sandstone and decorated with white marble inlay work.
• It is located in Fatehpur Sikri, India.
• It was built in 1575 by Mughal emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.
• It is a symmetrical structure with a large archway in the center.
• There are two smaller arches on either side of the main archway.
• The gateway is topped by three chhatris (domed pavilions).

In conclusion, Agra, with its rich historical tapestry and architectural brilliance, goes beyond the Taj Mahal to offer a plethora of tourist attractions that showcase the grandeur of the Mughal era. From magnificent forts and tombs to serene gardens and religious sites, Agra presents a captivating journey through time. These 10 attractions provide a well-rounded experience for travelers seeking to explore the city’s multifaceted heritage. Each site carries its own story, contributing to Agra’s status as a treasure trove of India’s cultural legacy. 

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There is only one airport in Agra, the Agra Airport (AGR). It is also known as the Kheria Airport. It is a domestic airport and an Indian Air Force base serving the city of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

The airport is located about 14 kilometers from the city center. It has one runway and one terminal. It is served by a few domestic airlines, including Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo.

Here are the details of the Agra Airport:

• IATA code: AGR
• ICAO code: VIAG
• Location: Kheria, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Opened: 1928
• Runways: 1 (10/28, 2530 meters)
• Terminals: 1
• Airlines: Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo
• Destinations: Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Udaipur