Places To Visit In Agra

Located in Uttar Pradesh, close to the capital city of Delhi, Agra always draws tourists in large numbers. According to the city's early history, Agra was founded by Muslim ruler Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1504. Later, in 1556, a general named Samrat Hem Chander Vikramaditya captured the place and restored Hindu rule in the region. Agra became the strongest citadel of power in Northern India for the Mughal Empire during the 5th century before the place was seized by the Marathas and the Jats. The royal supremacy over the land came to an end after the East Indian Company took over it. Once home to diverse leaders, Agra is wadded with many spectacular monuments that are worth visiting. Apart from the world famous Taj Mahal, the city has tons of other popular sightseeing places like Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Itimad-Ud-Daulah, Sikandara, Jama Masjid and the list is almost endless. Scroll down this write-up to known all about places to visit in Agra and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Tourist Attractions In Agra

Taj Mahal
Built by Shah Jahan as a souvenir for his much loved wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a World Heritage site. The structure is raised completely in white marble and is a breath taking sight to behold. This dome shaped structure comprises of four columns with domes on top of each pillar. This symmetrical monument is located close to the River Yamuna took 22 years of hard labor to finish the structure. The interiors of the structure are decorated with intricate ornate patterns and semi-precious stones. The best time to catch a glimpse of the Taj Mahal is during first light of the day or on a full moon night when the view is magnificent and cannot be adequately described in words.

Agra Fort
Also known as the Red Fort is more than 1000 years old and was restored by Akbar the Mughal Emperor in 1565. Built out of red sandstone is another World Heritage site the fort was converted into a palace that flaunts the skilled marble and 'pietra dura' craftsmanship. The focal points inside the fortress are Pearl Mosque, Public and Private Audience halls, Shish Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal and the Musamman Burj. The fort holds great importance to the Indian history and is worth visiting.

Fatehpur Sikri
Located 35 km away from the city, the fort was built by the Mughal monarch Akbar in 1601 CE. The stronghold was erected by Akbar with the intention to make Fatehpur Sikri as his military center of operations. Made of red sandstone with beautiful carvings in black and white marble, the structure is an overwhelming sight and is another World Heritage Site.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah
Often referred to as a jewel box or Baby Taj, the Itimad-Ud-Daulah was built by Empress Nur Jahan for her beloved father. Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, the tomb is considered to be a smaller version of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is built in white marble that consist of delicate carvings, pietra dura, lattice work that where famous during the Mughal period. The monument is also crusted with semi precious stones such as jaspers, onyx, topaz, cornelian, lapis etc. The tomb has both the parents of the Empress laid alongside just like the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz in the Taj Mahal. Itimad-Ud-Daulah is a beautiful sight and a main architectural monument of Agra.

Sikandar
In the major suburbs of Agra lies the tomb of Akbar, an iconic figure in the history of India. Spread across 119 acres of land, it is believed that the Emperor himself commissioned the construction of his tomb in 1545 that was later finished by his son Jahangir in the year 1613. As for the structural design, the vault was constructed in red sand stone and marble and the ornamentations on the walls comprises of geometric patterns and calligraphy outlines and elaborate floral sketch. The entrance way has wide arches accompanied with several minarets on top of the building that are common feature found in Mughal structures.

Jama Masjid
Located right across the Agra Fort is one of India's largest mosques. Built by Shah Jahan for his most much-loved daughter Jahanara Begum in the year 1648, the Jama Masjid is a hallmark structure in Agra. The mosque is built on a platform with entrance arch ways leading to the courtyard. The structure also has three large domes at the top and is made of sandstone. Each of these tombs is notable with its criss-crossed marble lines. Located in the heart of the city and close to the marketplace, the mosque is a familiar landmark in Agra.