Situated in the farthest corner of Uttar Pradesh, a state in the northern region of India, Agra is one of the key cities in India. According to its history, Raja Badal Singh founded the city of Agra in 1745. Located on the banks of River Yamuna, there are lots of worthy places to visit in Agra. Let us have a look at some of the major tourist attractions and things to do when you are visiting this beautiful city.

Popular Tourist Attractions In Agra

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is the most significant tourist attraction in the city of Agra. The fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan as his memorial remembrance of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal built the Taj Mahal. This catacomb, built as a representation of a man’s immemorial love to his wife was constructed out of pure white marble, is the main reason why the city of Agra was tagged as the “City of Taj.” Although there are many beautiful places in the world, the Taj Mahal has its own unique and impressive characteristic that etches an unforgettable impression to anyone, tourists and locals alike visiting Taj Mahal. The ornamental garden that is very impressive is indeed an added attraction of the Taj Mahal. Walking along with your companions as you tour around Taj Mahal complex is a very relaxing and awesome experience. This main tourist attraction in the city of Agra is open to all from 6 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening everyday, except Fridays.

Other places worth seeing within Taj Mahal in Agra are the Cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan and the two mosques – the eastern red sandstone mosque, where worship is done and the western red sandstone mosque considered as a decorative site.

Agra Fort

In 1565 A.D Emperor Akbar constructed Agra Fort, now considered as one of the remarkable architectural masterpieces in Agra. Palaces and mosques built inside Agra Fort are added attractions that continuously draw tourists and local visitors. Structures within the premises of Agra Fort are the following:

• Naubat Khana (The Drum House)
• Moti Masjid (the Pearl Mosque)
• Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque)
• Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque)
• Shis Mahal (Glass Palace)

China-Ka-Rauza (The China Tomb)

This Persian patterned mausoleum constructed with glazed tile is dedicated in memory of a Prime Minister in the court of Akbar named Afzal Khan.

Shopping in Agra

A tour would never be complete without shopping for take home mementos. Agra has its own share of markets that are popular to tourists from traditional markets to modern shopping complexes. The old marketplace now known as the Kinari Bazaar has various individual trading areas that have long been present since the Mughal period. More modern shopping sites include the Sadar Bazaar and the south of Taj Gang. Many travelers for their own shopping experience in Agra often repeatedly visit these shopping areas.

Shopping in Agra will not be complete without a take home pack of paethas, a well-known delicacy of Agra and of mini replicas of Taj that is available in almost all of the shopping areas in Agra.

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