Agra, India
Situated at the edge of river Yamuna, the city forms a part of one of India’s most artistically inspiring capital. The town boasts three well known UNESCO sites Fatehpur Sikhari, Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort. The city remains crowded by many Indian’s an Foreigners all round the year. The uniqueness of the town is that it forms a part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Jaipur.
Moreover, in the Mughal rule, Akbar chose the city as his Empires capital. Today, Agra calls out many tourists due to its perfect blend of the ancient Mughal architecture and modern advancements. Many historical elements are strongly connected with the city; we bring you the best places to visit in Agra
Thus the town has a historically rich past. The city boasts many bazaars, forts, and monuments adding to a tourists delight. The first mention of Agra is sighted in the Mahabharata. The town is referred to in the epic as Agrevana, which means the border of the forest. Also, previously, people used to call it the abord of the Aryans. A Greek astronomer coined the name Agra. The people of the Taj city follow different religions and cultures. Agra attracts visitors from all over the world, because of how it celebrates love. This is why most visitors choose to visit the city during festive seasons. One might also ponder on the best time to visit Agra.
Also Read: Places to visit in Mumbai
Best time to visit Agra
Planning to visit Agra? You may have already selected the dates. However, this guide is all you need to know about the best time to visit Agra. The ideal time to take a trip to Agra is during November to March. During the specified months, the weather remains pleasant, and Agra is crowded. During this time one may not get cheap hotel deals. Thus, we suggest you plan your trip and make your bookings soon. However, if you plan on visiting Agra during the summer months of April to June, you would have to survive the burning heat.
Additionally, the months of July to September bring the monsoons to Agra. This is the next peak season in the city. August particularly receives the highest amount of rainfall. If you want to visit the city for a day, do not choose the rainy season as you may face many delays in train departures. If you are traveling from Delhi to Agra via road, the fog may become disrupting and hamper your journey. We recommend you not to visit the city during April or October if you cannot sustain the heat. However, if you want to tour Agra on a budget, the summers give you the best deals. During the summers you may not like to travel too much and cannot cover all the essential places to visit in Agra.
You may find flights to Agra from here.
Agra Map
The ancient city counted among the populist towns Uttar Pradesh. As per the Agra Map, one will notice that the city resides at the holy Yamuna. Moreover, it stands at an elevation of about 171 meters above sea level. Upon site viewing the Agra Map, you will see that it neighbors Mathura, Dholpur, Firozabad, Bharatpur in the North, South, East, and West respectively.
Additionally, as the city remained under the Mughal Empire, the city is influenced by their culture. The Agra Map highlights many places to visit in Agra. The rivers and water bodies flow in the Agra Map in light blue. One may notice that most of the critical structures find their places in a small box at the bottom of the Agra Map. This box includes the arrangements with their respective symbols which helps the travelers locate the site quickly.
Delhi to Agra
Traveling from Delhi to Agra may seem exciting. However, the best time to visit Agra by road remains the pleasant month of October or mostly during the summers. If you choose a road trip during the rainy or monsoon seasons, you might need to halt at many junctions. This is because of foggy climatic conditions when the visibility decreases. Navigating from Delhi to Agra becomes easier today with the usage of technology and Google Maps.
One of the best ways to reach Agra is to hop on to a flight from Delhi to Agra. However, if you have come on a budget, you will need to travel via train or road. Pre-book your travel. When you choose to go from Delhi to Agra by railways, plan your trip accordingly as you will have to travel a distance of approximately 207.77 km. You may reach Agra Cant from Delhi. It takes about 2 hours. The ticket may cost a little above 650 R/s during peak seasons.
Furthermore, by car, it would take you about 2 hours and 30 mins to reach Agra, and this is just the minimum. It depends upon the number of halts you take on the way. Traveling in tourist buses can serve a safer more or also rideshare on ola which costs R/s 489 for 3-hour travel. However, by bus it would take about 17 hours and the ticket price will be 550 R/s. You may also wish to rent your car from Delhi to reach Agra. This will take around 2 hours and 30 mins, but the cost remains the same as a flight ticket rounding off to 1364. You instead choose leisure travel via flight. Choose this mode to travel from Delhi to Agra and explore the places to visit in Agra sooner.
Places to visit in Agra
Known as the land of forts and palaces, Agra is blessed to have one of the seven wonders of the world. Also, many tombs and intricate architectural structures find the base at Agra. The city serves as one best for tourists or students inspired to pursue architecture. Also, the city remains well designed as one can sight in various buildings and houses. Apart from the forts, Agra is also famed for it Mughal touch that stands out in delicious Mughlai delicacies. Furthermore, the city celebrates India’s glorious past and safeguards structures and cultures highlighting Indian Independence. Over many decades, many structures of religious and spiritual importance have been established here.
Taj Mahal
Completed in 1653, the monument stands as a symbol of eternal love. Fabricated with marvelous white marble, the structure was established by Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz Begum. The Taj Mahal showcases the magic in the Mughal Architecture and encompasses a white marble terrace. The entrance of the monument is through a massive ornamental gate with inscriptions from the Quran. What one will see in most of the pictures is a centralized fountain with trees on either side. The desire to take a picture of this backdrop is what attracts the tourist here. Built on a red sandstone, the structure is topped by a dome tapered by Minarets one on each corner. The structure also features a mosque inside with many relaxing areas. Do not miss the side of the tomb that faces the garden laid out in the Char Bagh.
What intrigues the tourists are the floors and walls of the monument. As one enters the Taj Mahal, one can witness the carvings and colorful artwork all over the place. The memorial remains open to the public on all days except on Fridays and Public holidays. Also, tourists can visit the Taj between sunrise and sunset. As described by the great Rabindranath Tagore ” The Taj Mahal is like a teardrop on the cheek of eternity.” The Taj stands as the epitome of the Mughal dynasty. The monument also serves as an inspiration to many photographers and painters. They try to capture and compete with each other for the best angle and lighting, but none can beat the real charm. All this makes Taj Mahal one of the exquisite places to visit in Agra.
Agra Fort
Built by Akbar in 1565 during the Mughal Era. The red sandstone fort got repaired into a marble and pietra-dura-inlay palace. The semi-circular monument comprises of a long hall that faces the river this is what gives the Fort its aesthetic charm. The fort extends up to 3 km in radius bordered by one wall. Surrounding the fort stand two huge walls made of red sandstone. Also, the fort has four gates.
Furthermore, tourists marvel not only at the structure but also at the distinctive establishments within it. Many such establishments exist in the form of a pearl mosque, Jahangir’s Palace, Dewan-e-aam, Dewan-e-Khas as well as the Sheesh Mahal and Khaas Mahal. Tourists may visit the fort from 6:00 a.m to 5:30 pm and pay an entry fee of 300/ 500 for Indians or foreign nationals.
Akbar Tomb
On Mathura road, 8 km from Agra’s center one will find the 3rd Mughal Emperor Akbar. Built in 1614, the tomb sought establishment solely for Akbar. Covering a good 119 acres in Sikandra, took shape in the presence of Akbar. The entry gate to the tomb is almost similar to that of the Taj Mahal. Also, a huge wall surrounds the tomb, known to keep the structure safe. A replica of the tomb also exists in a marble pavilion inside a pyramid building, while the actual tomb lies somewhere inside.
The monument is primarily made up of red sandstone with a hint of white marble. The Akbar’s tomb remains one of India’s greatest assets and also one of the main places to visit in Agra. Tourists flock to the areas all around the year with excitement in their eyes, and they want to learn about the history attached to it. One can visit this place of serenity between sunrise and sunset.
Entrance Fee: 5 R/s for Indian citizens and US citizens R/s 100 per head. However, free entry for children below the age of 15 years.
Jama Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan in 1948, the masjid faces the Agra Fort. It meets the Agra Railway station. Moreover, Shah Jahan had made this structure in dedication to his daughter. The monument features a prayer hall, and this is what highlights the Masjid. The prayer chamber is designed with alternating kiosks and known as the most massive dome of the Masjid. The pathway of the central portal is inscribed with Persian scripts on elegant clear white marble imbibed with Blackstone. The Jama Masjid also houses the tomb of the great saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. Within the tomb, tourists enjoy the beautiful artwork as well as beautiful paintings and pillared dalans. All this makes the monument stand out from all of its surrounding structures. They have many praises for Shah Jahan and his daughter all over them.
Furthermore, the building is primarily made of red sandstone and marble, and legends have it that it took five thousand workers that labored for six years. Standing on a high plinth consisting of five arched entrances that leads to a courtyard. The Friday Mosque becomes crowded on most Fridays. Thus the Jama Masjid ranks as one of the holiest places to visit for the devotees. Also, known by many tourists as one of the best places to visit in Agra, the fort seeks residence at the center of Fatehpur Sikhri.
Additionally, the mosque can hold almost over 10,000 people at one time. Open on all days to the public the mosque caters to the tourists at 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m during the winters. However, during the summers the visiting hours fall between 7 a.m to 6 p.m.
Sheesh Mahal
Also known as the mirror palace, Sheesh Mahal stands diagonally opposite to the Muthamman Burj on the eastern side. You will also find the Structure lying below the Deewan-Khas hall. This hall was perhaps built to provide royal baths. Also, the tub receives its cooling effect due to the thick walls. The palace derives its name from the abundance of mirrors on the walls and ceilings. The mirrors give the hall a dramatic charm. The hall lights up every time a ray of light illuminated the place. Due to its mirrored and glassed design, the hall remains dark throughout the day. The hall consists of two passages on the sides and a centralized arched opening. The only light that could enter was the suns rays coming in from the two doors and a window on the southern wall.
Furthermore, both the chambers comprised of a marble tank having temperature regulating facility for the water. Apart from the provision of the inlets for water, the comprised of tall candle stands. The candles often cast their reflection on the flow of water, providing a dramatic effect. Also, one will find an abundant usage of black and red colors. The interiors and surrounding structures make it a perfect place to revisit what we study in our history books. Tourists relive the Mughal era and get to admire the epitome of art, architecture, design as well as learn about many signifcant places to visit in Agra within short distances.
Entry Fee: Free
Visiting hours: 9 A.M to 6 P.M
Conclusion:
While the city abounds in monuments and wonders, these were the main places to visit in Agra. All of the above serve as evidence of the rich historical past of the country. Moreover, the city crowds up all throughout the year due to these five main places to visit in Agra.
