Are you planning for your next tour or Agra? Agra, the abode of love, is not only a historical place but also it is proud to have the 7th wonder of the world. Most of the people who have visited this place will tell you that it leaves you with the most memorable moments in life.
Visiting the place is not confined to see the Taj Mahal because there are lots more to experience. You just have to plan for your time well so that you can get the most from your Agra visit. If you are not careful, you may not even see 50% of what the region has to offer because it has too much.
The city has its own aura which is significantly outstanding. Agra holds its heritage intensely and its one of the things you will enjoy while interacting with the locals. The architecture and culture of the place had spectated and narrates tales of long driven history.
Time has made a significant mark which made the place exceptional for people who love tourism, archaeology, food etc. This article will share with you some of the must-visit places while touring Agra. You will discover that going to this destination is one of the best decisions that you can make in life.
Places to Visit in Agra:
As mentioned above, Agra is not the place to visit Taj Mahal alone. There are a lot of other attractions to visit and things to do. It is definitely not a one night stop place. You have to give yourself a few days if you want to get the best that the region has to offer to the visitors.
It is a whole individual tourist destination with a high degree of exploration. Coordinating with the local tour operators in Agra will help you to enjoy the city’s true spirit. The most important thing is to get the best experience while touring Agra.
It will be a good way to get the most value for your time and money. You don’t want to undertake a trip that will be a waste of your money and other valuable resources. Here are some of the top places and things to do in Agra;
1. Taj Mahal
The monument that stands for true love is surely Taj. It is one of the most-visited places in Agra because of its natural beauty. Taj Mahal was built in 1653 by Shah Jahan. He constructed it in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The building houses the tomb of not only her but also the emperor himself.
The structure is constructed using white marbles, gems, crystals and many more. These are some of the most valuable construction materials in the world. The mausoleum is surrounded by huge, well paved, maintained and eye-pleasing garden. It is a destination that is quite pleasing to the eyes.
River Yamuna flowing beside it definitely add the toppings of a memorandum of everlasting romance. You will get to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere that comes as a result of the presence of the river. It is a site that is truly pleasing to the eyes.
UNESCO has credited it as World Heritage Site in 1983. It shows you the true value that the Taj Mahal has to offer to the visitors. You cannot expect such accreditation for a destination that is not worth it.
The masterpiece truly is the jewel of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s rich history. You should not forget to include this on your tour list if you want to get the best that the region has to offer to the visitors.
2. Agra Fort
Agra Fort is another UNESCO credited World Heritage Site. If you come across anyone who has visited Agra, he will tell you that it is one of the must-visit places. Agra was the capital city of Mughal India till 1638.
The fort was the residence of the then emperors. It is a good place if you want to get a glimpse of the history of Agra. Stepping into this building will give you some of the best experiences that you can get from a tour.
The fort had gained its glory due to renovation through the reigns of Akbar and Shah Jahan. The fort is more likely described as the walled city. The red sandstone fort has interesting aspects all make Agra Fort a pleasant site to visit.
There are lots of fascinating rooms, pearl mosque, gem mosque, peacock throne, bathing bowl, a room of mirrors etc. All these are some of the beautiful sceneries you will get to view while visiting Fort Agra. Don’t deny yourself a chance of getting to this place while on your Agra tour.
3. Fatehpur Sikri
The city tells the tale of Akbar’s architectural finesse. This town, predominantly made of red sandstone, was once the capital of Emperor Akbar.
For tourists, the place has forts and mahals that can make you feel amazed. Due to the scarcity of water, the city was abandoned.
Despite lack of water, the city holds its rich architecture and heritage that is ought to be applauded.
4. Tomb Of Itimad-Ud-Daulah
The mausoleum is a definite place to visit. The tomb is the exclusive piece of Mughal architecture but it holds a significant difference. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best inclusions while on your tour to Agra. You cannot tell history well when you have this site excluded from your travel list.
It is much different from the period of Humayun’s and Akbar’s Mughal architectural type. Built by Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir, the structure is very similar to Taj Mahal and is often referred to as Baby Taj. It carries a lot of value when you are on an Agra tour.
River Yamuna flows near the mausoleum adding more natural beauty to it. Though most of the inlay works are damaged due to environmental factors, Fatehpur Sikri is famous for the marble lattice screen. Therefore, it is good to include it on your tour list if you want to get the best experience from Agra.
5. City Shopping
Agra will never disappoint you by simply showing you places. It has some of the most amazing tourist attraction sites that have so much to do. You can spend an entire day hopping to various shops in the city streets.
From food, clothing, footwears, jewelleries, bags to carpets and what not the city holds for its guests. Tourists get mesmerised by seeing the fine products available at such minimal rates. It means that you will have so much to take back home as long as you carry some cash.
For people who loves food, Agra will provide you the richest cuisines made by excellent quality spices and other ingredients. The city shopping gives you a great opportunity to carry some amazing gifts to your loved ones. Make sure you have a shopping budget lest you get the disappointments of having nothing to carry back home.
6. Tips For Taj Mahal Visit
Trip in India is pretty incomplete without visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal. It must contain in your itinerary. It is one of the places that you must visit while heading to India.
This international wonder structure is spectated by millions of visitors every year. Here are some tips that you must keep in mind to make the most of your trip.
- Get some brief idea regarding the place by reading a lot about the destination. It will give you a rough idea regarding what to see and explore in Taj Mahal. It is not good to visit Taj Mahal without prior knowledge about what the region has to offer.
- The place opens at 6AM for the visitors. Enter through the east gate to watch and feel the purity of true love when the sun rays kisses the marble stones of the mausoleum. There is so much that is pleasing to the eyes in this destination.
- There are different entry gates. The nationals shall pay Rs. 20 per person and foreigners shall pay Rs. 750 per person. However, Taj Mahal will give you the value for your money.
- Make sure your tummy is full during your visit to the place. Nobody is allowed to bring snacks or food inside the campus.
- The place is no doubt always beautiful at any season. But, for your convenience, it is better to choose winters as Agra gets hotter in summers. It will give you a conducive environment of touring the region.
- West side of Taj Mahal can create interesting photo frames. Be patient to take some really great snaps as Taj is always crowded with visitors. Plan enough time to visit this area so that you are not in a hurry to leave.
- Lastly, you must go for a full moon night tour in Taj Mahal. It was constructed with pristine translucent marbles. When you are inside Taj you can actually see the shimmer of the moonlight due to the marbles. It is one of the best experiences on your Agra tour.
Agra is one of a kind place. Visiting and exploring it will definitely make a lifetime experience. Plan a memorable tour of the place for an enchanting life moment. We wish you have a happening tour to not only Agra but Taj Mahal too.
To get the best from your Agra tour, get a reputable tour and travel agency to take you through the trip. You will not miss even a single opportunity from what you travel has to offer.
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