AgraAgra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments
Agra
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. The earliest reference for Agra comes from the epical age, when Mahabharata refer Agra as Agravana. In the sources prior to this, Agra has been referred as Arya Griha or the abode of the Aryans. The first person who referred Agra by its modern name was Ptolemy.
Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached.
Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. In his later years, Shahjahan shifted his capital to the new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi and ruled from there. Shahjahan was dethroned in 1658 by his son, Aurangzeb who imprisoned him in the Agra Fort. Aurangzeb shifted the capital back to Agra till his death. After the death of Aurangzeb, Mughal Empire could not touch its peak and many regional kingdoms emerged. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city.
Agra is the city of the inimitable Taj Mahal. The story of Agra beigns much earlier then the Taj, However it finds mention in the epic Mahabharata when it was called Agrabana are Paradise. Ptolemy, the famous second century A.D. geographer, marked it on his map of the world as Agra. Tradition and legend ascribe the present city of Raja Badal Singh (around 1475 A.D.) whose Fort, Badalgarh, Stood on or near the site of the present Fort. However, the 12th century A.D. persian poet Salman, too, Speaks of a desperate assault on the forrtress of Agra, then held by one King Jaipal, by sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. It was Mughals who finally nurtured Agra with the finest monuments architects could design : The Taj Mahal of Shah Jhan, Agra Fort of Akbar, Itmad-Ud-Daulah and neighbouring Sikandra are but few of the many that spangle the city, each of which stands in mute testimony to the city's grandur over the ages.
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The Agra district is situated in western U.P. between 27.11' degree Latitude North and 78.0' degree to 78.2' degree Longitute East. Its Altitude is 169 meters above sea level. On the North it is bounded by Mathura District, On the South it is bounded by Dhaulpur District, On the East it is bounded by Firozabad District and On the West it is bounded by Bharatpur. Agra is situated on the bank of Yamuna river.
In Agra Maximum Temperature in Summer is 45°C and minimum temperature is about 21.9°C and in Winter maximum temperature is 31.7°C and minimum tempreature is about 4.2°C. Best season for tourist is from October to March.
Place to see in Agra
The heritage of the Mughal dynasty and their fascinating tombs, forts and mausoleums can be easily observed in and around the city of Agra. There are also other monuments and places that are famous for their beauty and significance in Agra.
1. Taj Mahal
The most outstanding monument built by Emperor Shahjahan is the Taj Mahal at Agra. It is on the bank of River Yamuna. This grand mausoleum was built in the memory of his beloved Queen Mumtaj Mahal. It has been described as "a dream in marble designed by fairies and completed by jewelers."
It is made of pure white marble. As a monument of love "it is unsurpassed in the world." It stands on a platform of 8.5 meters height. The mausoleum rises to a height of 32.4 meters. It is surmounted by cupolas at each corner. The bulbous dome in the centre of the cupolas has the appearance of an inverted lotus.
There are four smaller domes at the four corners of the building. Four minarets stand at each corner of the terrace. The outer walls and the interior walls are richly decorated with exquisite inlay work and calligraphy.
The mausoleum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. It is an spectacular example of Mughal Architecture and one of the seven wonders of the world.
Entry fee
No Entry fee for children below the age of 15 years. (both Domestic and Foreigner).
Opening hours - Taj Mahal Sunrise to Sunset (Friday Closed) All days of the week except Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
2. Red Fort
Built by Akbar between 1565 and 1573, Agra Fort is another UNESCO World Heritage Site of the city. This masterpiece built in red sandstone offers a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal on a clear day, which is settled around 3 km away on the right-bank of river Yamuna. The fort’s 2.5 km-long ramparts, which rise up to 21.4 m are cased with perfectly polished red sandstone. It is spread across an area of 94 acres. Home to more than two dozens of monuments with Mughal architecture and style of art, the fort makes for one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughals.
This fort has been the site of various significant events in the Mughal Empire. While Babur sent his son Humayun to capture the fort, Humayun returned with a vast treasure, including the priceless "Koh-i-noor" diamond. After this, Humayun was coronated here. Another interesting legend holds that a man named Nazam, a water-carrier who saved Humayun from being drowned, was crowned as the emperor for half-a-day for his allegiance to the empire.
Entrance fee -
Free entry for children below the age of 15 years
timings - All days of the week
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
3. Fatehpur Sikri
Founded by the great Mughal emperor Akbar, in the year 1569, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughal Empire during the years 1571-1585. Named as Fateh (meaning victory) in the beginning, it was later known as Fatehpur Sikri. It was home for the birth of navaratnas (9 jewels). It stands as a representation of the infamous Mughal architecture with unique designs and artworks. The building was made of red stones and Akbar intended to revive the Persian court splendors made by his ancestor Timur, but eventually it came through as the classic Indian embellishments. The Fatehpur Sikkim was deserted after its completion due to natural calamities of insufficient water further triggered by the proximity of the Rajputana areas. The city is a piece of art that surrounds brilliant works by great minds of the strong Mughal period influenced by the emperors.
Entrance fee:
Timings: Open from sunrise to sunset only.All days of the week , 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
4. Jama Masjida
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and dedicated to his favourite daughter Jahanara Begum, this is one of the most important mosques in the country. The beautiful complex is visible from the Agra Fort and overlooks the Agra Fort Railway Station. The mosque uses both red sandstone and white marble to create a magnificent evidence of Mughal architecture. The central courtyard has a fountain, with four small minaret-shaped kiosks around its corners. The structure required 5000 workers and took nearly 6 years to complete, its resulting beauty an evidence of the hardwork and time that went into its creation.
You will find splendid panels of inlaid work here, quite similar to the Taj Mahal, something that offers a sense of unity to all of the city's monuments and structures. Every Friday, large number of Muslim devotees come here to offer their weekly prayers, bringing alive the otherwise serene and quiet atmosphere of the mosque.
Entrance fee - no entry fee
timings - All days of the week, 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
5. Buland Darwaza.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in and around the city of Agra, Buland Darwaza is a grand entrance that was constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1601 to celebrate his victory over the kingdom of Khandesh in Gujarat.
This grand structure is made of red and buff sandstone and acts as an entrance to Fatehpur Sikri, easily catching your attention even at a distance. Many of Akbar’s favorite verses from Quran are inscribed on the grand Darwaza, which looks over the mosque inside the Fatehpur Sikri complex. Inscriptions have also been taken from Persian verses and Christian texts, further giving evidence to Akbar's secular and tolerant principles. The 15-storey and 54 metre-high gateway, guarding the entrance of Fatehpur Sikri towards the South, has a long fleet of steps that add to the height to its already daunting structure. To sum it all up, if you want to explore the grandeur of the Mughal era, Buland Darwaza in India is a must visit.
6. Akbar’s Mausoleum (Sikandra)
Akbar passed away in 1605, but before he died he designed his own tomb, as was customary then. The tomb, completed by his son Jehangir (Salim) in 1613, is a marvel of elegant pavilions and chhatris. An inscription on the mausoleum reads: “These are the Gardens of Eden: enter them to dwell eternally.”
The grounds are immaculately maintained. Even today blackbuck graze peacefully on its grounds. The perfect setting for a king to rest, kids to play and lovers to be together. If you feel for the king, or just for the serenity itself, sit and absorb the essence of the beautifully carved redochre sandstone, the majestic gateways with elegant mosaic work, the charbagh garden setting and the tomb in the midst of it all. It stands as a graduated five-storeyed pyramid, with artistic bays, massive piers and arches. Descend into the dark recesses of the actual burial chamber for an intimate moment with the 400-year-old legend.
Also known as Sikandra Fort.
Entrance fee - 15 per person for Indians., 110 per person for foreign tourists (including INR 500 for a one-time composite toll levied by Agra Development Authority for Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimadi-ud-daula, Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra and Fatehpur Sikri) 15 per person for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries
timings - All days of the week, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
7. Itmad-Ud-Daula’s Tomb
Jehangir — a collector of art, naturalist and scientist — lacked his dynasty’s building skills and was given to intoxication, but made up for it by marrying Nur Jahan. She ruled with the help of her family; her father, brother and uncle held important positions at the court, while the king minted coins in her name, with the inscription: “Gold has a hundred splendours added to it by receiving... the name of Nur Jahan.” Her father, Ghiyas-ud-Din Beg was bestowed with the title, Itmad-ud-Daula (Pillar of the Government) and was Lord of the Treasury.
Nur Jahan chose marble for her father’s tomb. It was a departure from the architecture of the age, which favoured red sandstone. The tomb is built in white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones. It has a strong Persian influence on its architecture along with the very beautiful Indo-Islamic style of buildings. It is also laden with beauty through its garden layout, inlay designs, use of white marble, lattice work and pietra dura, marking an amalgamation of the two phases of Mughal architecture - one with the red sandstone and the other with white marble.Nur Jahan’s creation is entirely feminine and sits like a beautiful ivory jewel case on the eastern bank of the Yamuna.It is also known as Baby Taj.
Entrance fee -
timings - All days of the week, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
8. Moti Masjid.
A mosque that shines like a pearl in a moonlit night, hence also known as the Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in the city. Located inside the Agra Fort, this mosque is made entirely of white marble which explains its name and the phenomenon related to it. Though it is not open to public for offering prayers, it is otherwise open for all the visitors from around the world. The mosque is said to be built by Shah Jahan for the people of the royal court. The magnificence of the place is elevated by the side arcades made of white marble. Interestingly, some of the domes along the parapet are built in Hindu-style, offering a curious mix of two very different cultures. The glorious mosque took nearly four years to complete and is built in a style that is typical to Shah Jahan's era of reign.
Entrance fee- 20 per person for Indians, 750 per person for foreign tourists(including INR 500 for a one-time composite toll levied by Agra Development Authority for Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimadi-ud-daula, Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandara and Fatehpur Sikri)
timings - All days of the week, 5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
9. Taj Museum
This fascinating museum, located inside the Taj Mahal complex, is ideal for a further exploration of the history that the place is steeped in. Established in 1982 by the Archaeological Survey of India, the museum has three galleries, each displaying a different aspect of what went in the making of splendid monument.
Entrance fee - 5 per person for Indians, 750 per person for foreign tourists(including INR 500 for a one-time composite toll levied by Agra Development Authority for Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimadi-ud-daula, Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandara and Fatehpur Sikri)
timings - All days of the week, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
10. Panch Mahal.
When the Persians came to India, they had to find newer ways to endure the tropical climate, especially the harsh summer months. The Panch Mahal is example of this phenomenon, a pillared, 5-floor structure built as an escape from the heat.
The pillars allow breeze to pass through, creating a natural airway and ventilation to keep the climate cool. There are 84 pillars on the ground level, 56 on the first, 20 on the second, 12 on the third and 4 on the fourth level. The top is covered with a traditional chhatri-style dome. Pillars also have beautiful carvings with the typical Mughal motifs of rosettes, floral vases or arches.
Entrance fee - no entry fee
timings - All days of the week, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
11. Mausamman Burj
Apart from the mesmerising Taj Mahal, there are several examples of Shah Jahan's love for his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal, made eternal in the grand architecture of Agra. Mausamman Burj is a part of this tradition of love, built in the same white marble as Taj Mahal. Located inside the Agra Fort, this is a tower made for the women of the royal family, so they could look outside without being spotted by the male gaze. It was made between 1631 and 1640, in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, offering spectacular views of the Taj.
The architecture of the tower consists of marble domes and pietra duras, complete with the trademark inlay work with precious and semi-precious stones. It is here that Shah Jahan and his daughter Jahanara Begum spent their last days, while Aurangzed kept them in captivity. Some even believe that Shah Jahan chose this tower for his time as a captive so that he could look at the Taj and live in memory of his beloved wife.
Entrance fee
timings All days of the week, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
12. Mehtab Bagh.
Mehtab Bagh is a 25 acre garden constructed during 1631 to 1635 alongside the beautiful Yamuna river and is one of the most beautiful baghs (gardens) in the city that is a hit among the locals and the tourists alike. The garden is a hotspot because of its exquisite location parallel to the ever majestic Taj Mahal. The garden is also called as the Moonlight garden as it gives a splendid view of the Taj in the moonlit nights. The Garden is not only known for its location but is also loved for being an exhibition of the Mughal Empire’s grandeur. From the fragrance of the varied species of flowers to the cool breeze flowing over the adjacent river make the visitors go crazy. Recently, archaeological excavations have unearthed an octagonal tank which has 25 fountains and a bardari on the east. History and beauty come together beautifully to create a visual feast here, with an aura of resounding peace.
Entrance fee - 10rs per person for Indians, 100rs per person for foreign tourist, 5rs per person for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries
timings - All days of the week, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
13. Chini ka Rauza
Built in 1635 during the reign of Shah Jahan, Chini-ka-Rauza is built in the memory of the poet-scholar, Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, who later went on to become Shah Jahan's Prime Minister. It is considered to be a landmark building in Indo-Persian architecture, one of the first to have an entire vista of glazed tile (or chini) work.
entry fee - no entry fee
timings - All days of the week, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
14. Mariam uz Zamani Tomb
Mariam’s Tomb, located on the left side of Agra-Mathura road in Sikandara, houses the mortal remains of Mariam Zamani, the wife of Emperor Akbar and mother of Jahangir (Salim). Originally, it was a pleasure pavilion built in AD 1495 by Sikander Lodi. It was renovated in 1623 AD and was converted into a tomb. The ground floor houses 40 chambers which have faint traces of paintings on the walls.
entry fee
*The entrance prices can be change by the government, It May Be That the prices are not correct on this website, Out apologize for that.
Agra monuments entry ticket cost
| Monuments | Indian Fee | Foreign national Fee |
| Taj Mahal | 250 INR | 1300 INR |
| Agra Fort | 50 INR | 650 INR |
| Baby Taj | 30 INR | 310 INR |
| Sikandra | 30 INR | 310 INR |
| Mehtab Bagh | 30 INR | 310 INR |
| Ram Bagh | 30 INR | 310 INR |
| Dayal Bagh | FREE | FREE |
| Fatehpur Sikri | 50 INR | 610 INR |
Things to do in Agra
Taj Mahal at Sunrise and Sunset
The best view of the Taj Mahal is during sunrise. There are fewer crowds, the air is cool and pleasant. Sunset is another time to enjoy the white marble masterpiece.
Taj Mahal for five nights during full moon
It is said that during the full moon the light from the moon illuminates the Taj Mahal not seen on a regular light. It is a sight to behold for one and all. It is available to seen for five days around new moons. The tickets can only be bought a day in advance and entries are also limited.
Taj Nature Walk
Many different locations in the city offer great and artistic views of the Taj Mahal. One such spot is 500m away located on the East gate road of Taj. It is a maintained lush 180 acre garden that has 20 ft high watch towers for perfect views of the white marble magnificence. It is advisable to visit during sunrise and sunset to get splendid views.
Nearby Excursions
Fatehpur Sikri
Perched atop a rocky ridge, 37 KM west of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri came into being centuries ago as a city of victory for Emperor Akbar. The city’s red sandstone architecture and intricate carvings give a dreamy experience.
Mathura
Located at a distance of 49 KM from Agra, Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Dotted with magnificent temples depicting the various phases of Lord Krishna’s life it takes the devotees back to the divine era.
Bateshwar
Bateshwar, an ancient temple complex and an important spiritual and cultural centre for Hindus, is located at a distance of 70 Km from the city of Taj , Agra. The place is named after the presiding deity of the region BATESHWAR MAHADEV (another name of Lord Shiva). The temple complex consists of more than 100 temples dedicated to lord Shiva. The temples are all lined along the crescent shaped curve of the river-front and several have ghats (steps) leading down to the water. Said to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna’s mother, Bateshwar is associated with numerous myths and legends. Several ancient scriptures refer to it as Surajpur in honour of its founder Raja Suraj Sen, Lord Krishna’s grandfather.
Chambal Sanctuary
Chambal Sanctuary Sanctuary (just 10 Km from Bateshwar) an opportunity to explore the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the Chambal Valley. More then 600 Sq kilometers stretch of the river was designated as the National Chambal Sanctuary and given protected areas status. The sanctuary currently boasts of 242 species of resident and migratory bird species, Marsh crocodiles (muggers), gharial (gavials), eight species of turtles, and Gangetic dolphins.
Keetham Bird Sanctuary
Keetham Bird Sanctuary - Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keetham Lake, was established in 1991 by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. It is home to more than 165 species of resident birds & migratory birds. The sanctuary also has the population of more than 300 of pythons. It is also one of the biggest bear resue centre of India for dancing bear.
It is a small, but important bird sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh. It comprises of fresh water wetland, popularly known as Keetham jheel. Seeing the large number of migratory as well as resident birds arriving in this wetland year – after- Year, the area was declared a Sanctuary in 1991.
Unique for scenic beauty, religion-cultural heritage and rich assembling of fauna and flora, It has been named after Soordas – the great poet of Hindi literature, who was born blind and whose place of birth is said to be within the boundary of this sanctuary.
A huge lake surrounding by dense and luxuriant vegetation is a rare experience and picturesque sight in the semi-arid part of the country. Situated close to the important city of Agra, this sanctuary, though small in size is very rich in avifauna. It is an important birding destination for ornithologists.
RESTAURANTS :
Tea'se Me:Tea'se Me is a Rooftop Restaurant in the city of Taj. A place for you to Relax, Relive, Rejuvenate. Choose from Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Lebanese and Continental cuisines. You can also choose from large varieity of beers, wines and hard drinks.
Dasaprakash : Fabulously tasty and religiously clean, Dasaprakash whips up consistently great South Indian vegetarian food, including spectacular thalis , dosa and a few token Continental dishes. The ice-cream desserts are another speciality. Comfortable booth seating and wood-lattice screens make for intimate dining.
Pinch of Spice : This modern North Indian superstar at the beginning of Fatahabad Rd is the best spot outside a five-star hotel to indulge yourself in rich curries and succulent tandoori kebabs. The murg boti masala (chicken tikka swimming in a rich and spicy country gravy) and the paneer lababdar (fresh cheese cubes in a spicy red gravy with sauteed onions) are outstanding.
Esphahan : There are only two sittings each evening at Agra's finest restaurant (6.30pm and 9.30pm) so booking a table is essential. Highlights of the small but exquisite menu include succulent North Indian tandoor preparations (anything is good), a lamb raan steeped in chocolate and coffee undertones that packs a wallop of velvety spice, and some memorable unpolished rice topped with decadent Kerala shrimp curry. It's all set to a romantic background soundtrack of a live santoor player. Skip the espresso.
Joney’s Place : This pocket-sized institution whipped up its first creamy lassi in 1978 and continues to please despite cooking its meals in what must be Agra's smallest kitchen. The cheese and tomato ‘jayfelles’ (toasted sandwich), the banana lassi (money-back guarantee!) and the malai kofta all come recommended, but it's more about crack-of-dawn sustenance than gastronomic super-feats.
Only Restaurant : This is the best place to try Mughlai food in the city. The interiors of the restaurant are very appealing, complete with bright tablecloths and bamboo walls, creating the perfect ambience for a relaxed and delicious meal. The menu of Only Restaurant is divided into Mughlai, Afghani, and Chinese and Continental cuisine. Apart from being the perfect spot to share a meal with your family, Only Restaurant is also a great place for a business lunch or dinner. Live music every evening only adds to the spirited ambience of the restaurant.
Shankar Ji Restaurant : Those who are bored of the multi cuisine Western-friendly tourist restaurants in Taj Ganj, and are after something a bit more down to earth and authentic, should head round the corner to the dhabas (snack bars) near the auto rickshaw stand. Shankar Ji is as basic as any, but it's all smiles, has an English menu and dishes out the dhabi experience without taking a toll on your gut.
Yash Cafe : This chilled-out 1st-floor cafe has wicker chairs, sports channels on TV, DVDs shown in the evening and a good range of meals, from good-value set breakfasts to thali , pizza and Indian-style French toast.
Shopping In Agra
Sadar Bazaar
Everything ranging from handicrafts, sweets, garments to leather bags can be found at a single place. Cafes such as Café Coffee Day too are situated near the market in addition to some delicious vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food joints.
Subhash Bazaar
Wide variety of products out of which silk products and silk saris are the most famous ones.
Kinari Bazaar
Famous for its business with wholesalers and retailers. The Kinari Bazaar is home to a wide choice of handicrafts, along with marble, glassware, rugs, leather and textiles.
Raja Ki Mandi
Has some shops including those of garments, sweets, jewellery, ladies items, household items and religious items and the list can go on and on ..
Shah MarketItIs
One of the finest wholesale and retail markets in the city.
Smartphones, as well as other branded mobile phones, are present in the market too.
Shahganj Bazaar
The market has from furniture to clothes and ladies bags to shoes.
Shoe Market
Agra Is popular for its footwear industry, one can get a good pair of shoes at the market. One is likely to get a pair of shoes at a reasonable price having good quality.
Avoid going shopping with drivers or guides as they tend to get heavy commissions, making your items costly .
Apart from offering exquisite items, these bazaars are also reasonably providing umpteen opportunities to practice your bargaining skills.
Malls in Agra For Shopping, Food, Entertainment and More!
Ashok Cosmos Mall
The Cosmos Mall is an amalgamation of dining, entertainment, stay and shopping.
Church Road Mall
The mall stores both branded and street shopping items for its varied customers.
Rajan Mall
The mall provides not only leading fashion branded clothes but also with adequate types of men’s traditional garments that are perfect for a casual or a formal event or even for a traditional event.
Saket Mall
Saket Mall in Agra is a combination of fun, entertainment and necessities. The mall has all the shopping items that one could imagine and think of buying. It has fashion brands, handbags, shoes, home décor, entertainment zone, food court and high-end restaurants.
Shanti Mall
the Shanti Mall is a shopping complex in which there are not only famous fashion brands but also the local ones wherein each brand has a different shop
Black Bird Mall
The Black Bird Mall is a clothes wholesaler mall. the cloth material for a sari, or a kurta, or a dress, the cloth can be purchased.
Tegson Sheela Mall
The Tegson Sheela Mall is a typical mall that caters to all the needs of a customer. It has three floors filled with leading brands in fashion, watches, swimwear, etc.