Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra has much more to provide apart from its iconic Taj Mahal. You must visit Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah (mini Taj), Akbar’s Tomb and Taj Nature Walk among many other tourist destinations. We have highlighted the best locations and activities you can enjoy on your trip to Agra.
Consider booking a car rental in Agra with TaxiYatri and experience a safe journey with your friends and family.
Top Spacious Tourist Spots in Agra
Are you bored with the regular crowded tourist spots in Agra and India, like the Taj Mahal, and want some peace? You must check these lesser-known places.
Mehtab Bagh
You cannot miss this peaceful garden located north of the Taj that offers breathtaking sunset views of the monument. The Charbagh is designed like the Four Gardens of Paradise as mentioned in the Quran. It is said that Shah Jahan would catch the moonlit view of the Taj from here. Its ambience and serenity will steal your heart and leave you with photographs of memories. It is open for visits between 6.00 AM and 6.00 PM.
Chini Ka Rauza
Another important and unique tourist destination in Agra is Chini Ka Rauza, the Tomb of Afzal Khan Shirazi, who was the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. He was a renowned scholar and poet from the Mughal era. This mausoleum is situated on the banks of the Yamuna, with a scenic beauty of lush greenery. The interior of this building is decorated with beautiful Persian paintings, with the use of glazed glass windows, adding to their beauty. You will definitely love the multicoloured chini tiles with inscriptions from the Quran.
Hot Air Balloons in Agra
Have you ever wanted to hop in a Hot Air Balloon? You can now experience this airy view that will let you appreciate the beauty of Agra. Witness the panoramic views of the city as you fly through high skies. You will see the intricate urban and rural landscape with lush greenery. Alongside, the Taj would provide a mesmerising look along the banks of the Yamuna. The optimum flying season lasts from the autumn to the spring (October to March).
Taj Nature Walk
The Social Forestry Division of Agra has developed the Taj Nature Walk, which showcases serene views from different artworks, to flora and fauna that you will love! The nature park moves around with curvy paths that lead to small viewpoints and watchtowers to watch the Taj from different angles. You also get many refreshment options in the park, along with designated spaces for seating.
This is the best place to visit with your friends and family, especially for the kids. The children would love the park as there are a lot of swings, slides and frames to play on. This is also a popular picnic spot where you can simply sit and relax with your loved ones. You can also walk on the less-travelled and unpaved paths to go deeper into the park. You will witness exotic bird species such as parakeets and kingfishers, and hence, adding better clicks to your gallery!
Bazaars of Agra
If you want to visit Agra’s bustling marketplace, these are some of the best options. The large-sized markets in Agra feature a range of shopping options, from multi-storey shopping malls to street shopping. Popular for its leather products, you can buy shoes, bags and accessories of high quality in Agra at very affordable prices.
Do you love jewellery? Agra has a lot to offer. From clean-cut local stones to traditional Indian jewellery, you can choose anything. Moreover, Agra is also popular for handicrafts such as rugs, carpets and brassware, along with traditional Indian clothing options like sarees.
Places like Sadar Bazaar and Kinari Bazaar offer budget shopping for leather products, handicrafts and street food. However, for an expensive and branded shopping experience, you can check out the Pacific Taj and TDI malls. Also, if you are more interested in traditional artworks, Shipagram is a place you cannot miss. It features local artisans creating handicraft products with an aroma of culture. There are dozens of other options in Agra if you love exploring bazaars.
Hire a cab in Agra for a full day to explore different parts of the city in a luxurious and comfortable manner. The rentals are budget-friendly with TaxiYatri and ensure your safety throughout the journey.
Best Time to Visit Agra
You can visit Agra from July to March. The peak season is winter and Spring (October to March), when the pleasant weather makes your trip a refreshing one. You can also visit during the moderate season to witness fewer travellers. This is during the months of monsoon and fall (June to September). However, in the heat of summer, rising to 45 degrees or more, this city becomes unbearable to travel in during the daylight hours.
Top Places to Visit around Agra
If you have already witnessed a lot of Agra’s tourist hubs and are looking to explore nearby areas, you may try the following hubs.
Dholpur
A well-preserved city in the heart of Rajasthan, famous for its Shergarh Fort, filled with natural beauty and historic importance, is located 60 km from Agra. The Red Forts in Delhi and Agra had their sandstones brought from this city.
If you are here, don’t forget to visit the popular Chambal River area. This place is home to numerous wildlife species, including Gharials, Crocodiles, and the rare Dolphins of the Ganges. The Chambal region was once known for Dacoits like Phoolan Devi, and is still popular for its challenging terrains.
Moreover, check out the Machkund Temple in Dholpur on your trip. The Van Vihar WildlifeSanctuary and a bunch of other wildlife areas are a perfect spot to travel with your family and friends. You can rent cabs in Agra for sightseeing and outstation travel and enjoy a hassle-free ride to these destinations.
Fatehpur Sikri
Situated 36 km from the city, this city has its charm. Built with red sandstone, this abandoned city still houses around 30,000 residents. Visit its popular Buland Darwaza, which was built in 1575 to celebrate Akbar’s conquest of Ahmedabad by defeating Muzaffar Shah III.
Another beautiful piece of architecture is Jodha Bai’s Palace (Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace) in Fatehpur Sikri. This was built for Akbar’s beloved Jodha Begum with a mixture of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
You can also visit the Panch Mahal, which demonstrates a hint of Buddhist architecture with 84 columns located near Akbar’s Harem. Do not miss the magnificent Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khaasin Fatehpur Sikri. These courtrooms were reserved for public and private hearings.
Mathura and Vrindavan
These are some of the best locations if you are a religious enthusiast. Mathura is the birthplace of Sri Krishna, which makes the city highly adored for its Holi celebration. Located 60 km from Agra, this city is situated on the banks of the mighty Yamuna River. Another important religious place is Vrindavan, 11 km from Mathura, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood years.
Visit Banke Bihari Mandir, Radha Raman Temple, ISKCON and Sri Ranganatha Temple, alongside dozens of other important temples in Vrindavan. Rent a car in Agra with a driver and travel outstation with your family and friends.
Gwalior
Situated 120 km away from Agra, this city is famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Home to India’s Gwalior Gharana, this place exhibits the Tansen Samaroh, the Prestigious Hindustani Classical Music Festival in the month of December. Don’t miss the Gwalior Fort, Sun Temple, Gapachal Jain Parvat and the Zoo of Gwalior. This is a beautiful city with a lot of tasty delights. Check them all out and make your trip memorable!
Essential Tips for Travellers in Agra
It is recommended to respect the local traditions and customs, as these locations in Agra are highly conservative. Wear modest clothing, covering your knees and arms, to avoid people staring and putting you at discomfort. Avoid getting into the river as it could be highly contaminated, deep and dangerous.
Unfortunately, the popular tourist hubs in India are also filled with scammers and touts, and hence, it is recommended to have a tour guide. Moreover, it is better to avoid travelling alone at night, especially for female travellers. Book an Taxi in Agra with TaxiYatri and travel to your hotel and popular and unique destinations comfortably. Our experienced chauffeurs will guide you to the locations and will ensure your safety!
I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.
