best places to visit near agra in july

11 Places to Visit Around Agra Beyond the Taj Mahal

EyesWideOpen / Contributor/Getty Images

Tourists usually prefer not to stay very long in Agra, as it's renowned for being a rather unappealing city with a lot of touts. However, there are quite a few worthwhile places to visit in Agra and around, apart from India's most famous monument -- the Taj Mahal. The many interesting remnants of the Mughal era (predating the Taj Mahal) will intrigue you and the crazy, congested bazaars of the Old City will captivate you. It's possible to experience village life and get close to nature as well. You may be surprised by what's on offer!

Plan your trip to Agra with this useful Taj Mahal and Agra travel guide.

This UNESCO Word Heritage site is one of the most robust and important Mughal forts in India. After arriving in Agra in 1558, Emperor Akbar extensively rebuilt the fort using red sandstone. The process took eight years and was completed in 1573. The fort retained its stature until Shah Jahan shifted the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638. It lost much of its grandeur after his death in 1666, and during the 18th century was repetitively invaded and captured. Finally, it fell into the hands of the British in 1803. Although many of the buildings inside the fort have been destroyed, some mosques , public and private audience halls, fairy-tale palaces, towers, and courtyards still remain. Another attraction is the evening sound and light show that recreates the fort's history. If budget is a concern, it's advisable to skip the less-impressive Red Fort in Delhi in favor of Agra Fort. Read more about Agra fort and how to visit it.

Agra's Other Tombs

Agra has two significant tombs, with impressive Islamic-style architecture, that existed before the Taj Mahal but have subsequently been overshadowed by it. One of them contains the body of Emperor Akbar, widely considered to be the most influential Mughal emperor. It was completed in 1614 and is situated in Sikandra, on the northwest outskirts of Agra on the road to Mathura. (Tickets cost 300 rupees for foreigners and 25 rupees for Indians). His wife's body is housed in another tomb nearby, with a similar entrance fee.

The tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah was the first to be made out of white marble (instead of the red sandstone typical of Mughal architecture) and is often referred to as the "Baby Taj". It's located amid a small garden alongside the Yamuna River, and contains the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg who served under Akbar. His daughter married Akbar's son, Jehangir, and he was later appointed chief minister. (Tickets cost 300 rupees for foreigners and 25 rupees for Indians).

Agra Magic conducts a half-day tour of the monuments.

Mehtab Bagh

Don’t want to pay the hefty admission fee or battle the crowds to visit the Taj Mahal? Or, simply want an alternative perspective of it? You can clearly see the Taj from across the river bank. One such place with a view to remember is Mehtab Bagh, the "Moonlight Garden". This 25 acre Mughal garden complex is situated directly opposite the monument and was actually built before the Taj, by Emperor Babur (the founder of the Mughal Empire). It fell into ruin but has been beautifully reconstructed. The entry cost is 300 rupees for foreigners and 25 rupees for Indians, and it's open until sunset.

Mughal Heritage Walk Through Kachhpura Village

WIN-Initiative/Getty Images

The Mughal Heritage Walk is a community-based tourism initiative that was started by CURE (Center for Urban and Regional Excellence) to help villagers make an income from tourism and improve their living conditions. This 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) walk is conducted by villagers who have been trained as tour guides. It takes place on the riverside opposite the Taj Mahal, goes through Kachhpura village, and ends at Mehtab Bagh. You'll get to visit a number of lesser-known monuments of the Mughal Era in a rural setting, interact with the village communities, and enjoy a fabulous view of the Taj Mahal as well. For more information and bookings, contact Radhey Mohan on 92594-82266 (cell).

Taj Nature Walk

Get away from the crowds and enjoy the Taj Mahal surrounded by nature. Less than 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the East Gate, on Fatehabad Road, there's a 70 hectare reserve forest that provides a unique opportunity to admire the monument in different hues and settings. You can wander through its paths to various viewpoints, watch towers, and rest areas. The reserve is open daily from sunrise until sunset. The entry fee is 100 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Indians.

Sheroes Hangout

Tucked away between trinket shops opposite The Gateway Hotel on Fatehabad Road is groovy graffiti-filled cafe that's a must-visit in Agra.   The remarkable and inspiring Sheroes (She+Heroes) Hangout is completely staffed by women who are survivors of horrific acid attacks in India. It opened in December 2014 and was founded by a Delhi-based NGO called Stop Acid Attacks.  The idea is to raise awareness of this dreadful issue and give the women confidence to show their faces in public after being disfigured. As well as serving tasty food and beverages, the cafe has an ever-expanding library (so you can relax and read while you eat) and an exhibition space.

The Bazaars of the Old City

To experience the heart of Agra, head to the fascinating and congested Old City behind 17th century Jama Masjid mosque. There, you'll encounter a tangle of narrow lanes housing a startling variety of wares including spices, clothes, saris, jewelry, shoes, crafts and snack stalls. This area can be quite overwhelming if you don't know your way around. Hence, taking a guided walking tour is a good idea. It will also enable you to discover offbeat attractions such as the concealed Mankameshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Options include this tour offered by Agra Magic and this tour offered by Wandertrails.

Agra Vegetable Market

gnomeandi/Getty Images

For a vibrant spectacle, get up early and head over to the wholesale vegetable market on Fatehabad Road. This energetic market, which takes place in a vacant lot, is a distribution hub for produce from all over India. Colorfully painted trucks bring in the produce and deposit it in piles, all arranged by type. Vendors sit surrounded by the tempting, edible displays. The market winds up by 9 a.m., so don't be late. You can also take this guided tour to visit vegetable markets in Agra.

Agra Bear Rescue Center

Chaithanya Krishna Photography/Getty Images

Wildlife SOS operates the Agra Bear Rescue Center, which houses sloth bears that used to be held captive and forced to dance. The center is open every day from sunrise to sunset and is located on National Highway 19, inside Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. It's about 50 minutes northwest of Agra on the way to Mathura. The entry cost, charged by the forest department, is 50 rupees for Indians and 500 rupees for foreigners. This enables visitors to access an enclosed viewing area and watch a short educational movie. However, if you want to get closer to the bears, you'll need to pay 1,500 rupees per person for a private guided tour. This must be booked in advance and is recommended. Otherwise, you may be disappointed with the lack of interaction. There are three tour slots per day: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Wildlife SOS also has an Elephant Conservation and Care Center , about 15 minutes further along the highway towards Mathura, where you can spend time with rescued elephants.

Korai Village

On the way to Fatehpur Sikhri, drop into Korai Village rural tourism initiative. Korai is a tribal village, whose inhabitants were the keepers of dancing sloth bears. They've been struggling to earn an income and survive since the bears were taken away, as they were not provided with compensation. You'll be able to learn about and experience daily village life, and even meet the village magician, Mohammad. The cost to enter the village is $10 per person.

Fatehpur Sikri

Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images

Fatehpur Sikri is situated about an hour west of Agra and is a popular side trip, although touts and beggars have become a huge menace. This abandoned city was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1571, when he decided to move his capital there from Agra Fort, and is one of India's top historical destinations . Unfortunately, the capital was short-lived and relocated back to Agra. What remains is among the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. Plan your trip with this Fatehpur Sikri travel guide.

Fatehpur Sikri in India: The Complete Guide

How to Visit Agra Fort: The Complete Guide

The Ultimate Guide to the Taj Mahal in India

20 Top Things to Do in Diverse India

14 Famous Forts and Palaces in India that You Must See

12 Most Popular Historical Monuments of India

One Week in Delhi: The Perfect Itinerary

Delhi's Jama Masjid: The Complete Guide

12 Top Historical Places in India You Must Visit

Essential Guide to Visiting Mandu in Madhya Pradesh

The Best Day Trips to Take From Delhi

Delhi's Red Fort: The Complete Guide

How to Travel from Delhi to Agra by Train, Bus, and Car

10 Iconic Attractions and Places to Visit in Delhi

15 Top Tourist Places to Visit in North India

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi: The Complete Guide

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• Best Places To Visit Near Taj Mahal That Are Beyond The White Marble Marvel

While planning a trip to Agra, the Taj Mahal is always at the top of the itinerary. But don’t you think the city offers much more than just that? Let’s unveil places to visit near Taj Mahal , ensuring your Agra experience extends beyond the iconic white marble marvel. Explore the heart and soul of the city, and your journey will weave a tapestry of experiences. History, culture, and the enchanting spirit of Agra come together, making your visit a vibrant and memorable adventure. Check out the list of treasures near India’s famous Taj Mahal.

Top Places To Visit Near Taj Mahal

From the majestic Agra Fort to the serene Fatehpur Sikri, each destination promises an immersive experience, explore places to visit near Taj Mahal.

1. Agra Fort

Image Source: Shutterstock

Agra Fort was built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. It was not only a military fort, but also served as the luxurious residence for many Mughal rulers. This impressive structure has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the wealth and greatness of the Mughal Empire. Located by the Yamuna River, this massive red sandstone fort has witnessed numerous significant historical events within its sturdy walls.

It’s as if you’ve travelled back in time when you enter its expansive areas and luxurious rooms. The fort’s design combines Persian, Turkish, and Indian influences, making it visually stunning. Experience the region as if it were a living history book, immersed in the splendour and mythology of the Mughal empire.

Location: Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Entry Fee:

• INR 50 for Indians
• INR 650 for Foreign Tourists
• INR 40 for Indians on Fridays
• INR 600 for Foreign Tourists on Fridays

Must Read: Seven Wonders Of India

2. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar, was once the Mughal capital and now holds a special place in history. Upon entering, one can spot the enormous gates, such as the Buland Darwaza. Inside the premises, you’ll find the Jama Masjid, the Salim Chishti Tomb, Panch Mahal, and Diwan-i-Khas, where echoes of history and rich heritage resonate, with each wall telling a story.

The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a unique blend of Persian and Indian styles, evident in its red sandstone buildings and intricate carvings. It stands out as one of the most beautiful places to visit near the Taj Mahal.

Location: Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, Agra, India Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians, INR 610 for Foreign Tourist

3. Itmad-ud-Daula

Often referred to as the “Baby Taj” or “Bachha Taj,” Itmad-ud-Daula is frequently recognized as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Nur Jahan erected this Mughal mausoleum in remembrance of her late father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

With its exquisitely carved jalis made of marble, this mausoleum undoubtedly has a more delicate beauty than the Taj Mahal. As the earliest tomb ever constructed on the banks of the Yamuna River, it is undoubtedly a hidden gem. While you are in the city, this is one of the best less-explored places to visit near Taj Mahal.

Location: Moti Bagh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh Timings: 8 am–12 am Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians, INR 310 for Foreign Tourists

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Agra

4. Tomb of Akbar

The mortal remains of the Mughal Emperor Akbar are kept at the Tomb of Akbar, which is located outside of Agra City. Located in Sikandra, this tomb was constructed between 1605 and 1613. Akbar started building this mausoleum by himself.

The southern entrance, which resembles the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri, leads to the tomb. Once inside the tomb, visitors are free to roam the expansive charbagh-style garden. The gate is exquisitely adorned with geometric and floral patterns set in white and coloured marble.

Location: Tomb of Akbar The Great Area, Sikandra, Agra Timings: 6:00 am – 6:30 pm Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians, INR 310 for Foreign Tourists

5. Jama Masjid, Agra

The 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque is in Agra’s old district. Constructed during the time of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan by Jahanara Begum, the oldest daughter of the ruler. One is immediately captivated by the surreal beauty of the architecture upon entering the grounds.

A major reason for tourists exploring this majestic mosque is due to the perfection of the design. Jama Masjid is one of the best places near Taj Mahal to visit. It is also known as Jami Masjid and is one of the biggest mosques in India, located just adjacent to the Agra fort.

Location: Jama Masjid, Subash Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Hing ki Mandi, Mantola, Agra Timings: 7:00 am – 12: 00 pm and 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Resorts In Agra

6. Kachhpura Village

A winding route through farmland close to Mehtab Bagh leads to Humayun’s Mosque and the historic town of Kachhpura. Visit this village to explore the Mughal history route. The stroll begins with an explanation of the murals painted on the walls by local young girls as part of the youth programme. Humayun’s mosque is another hamlet site worth investigating.

The hamlet itself is historically significant since it was home to the artists and workers who helped create the Taj Mahal. As one meanders through the narrow streets of Kachhpura village, one can encounter Mughal architecture, quaint houses and artisans practising age-old crafts.

One of the most culturally fulfilling experiences to have at the best places to visit in Agra near the Taj Mahal is Kachhpura Village.

Location: Kachhpura, Barauli Ahir, Agra, Uttar Pradesh Timings: N/A Entry Fee: N/A

7. Sadar Bazaar, Agra

One of Agra’s busiest marketplaces, Sadar Bazaar is centrally located and well-known. Famous shopping sections provide fabrics, souvenirs, and leather items such as handbags, shoes, and more. It’s both a retail paradise and a foodie’s haven, with street food emerging as the main draw. Mama Chicken Corner is a must-visit for foodies; savour the delicious non-vegetarian cuisine. Sadar Bazaar provides the greatest local experience in Agra. One of the most exciting tourist places near Taj Mahal.

Location: Sadar Bhatti Road, Agra Cantt, Idgah Colony, Agra, Uttar Pradesh Timings: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Entry Fee: Free

Further Read: Hotels Near Taj Mahal

Take a trip to Agra and immerse yourself in the city’s mediaeval splendour. Discover these nearby tourist destinations because the city has much more to offer than just the white marvel. Indulge Agra’s history and culture from Fatehpur Sikri to Itmad-ud-Daula. Enjoy the regional Bedai, Bhalla, and Mughlai food while you’re in the city.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions Places To Visit Near Taj Mahal

What are some places to see near Taj Mahal?

Some of the places to see near Taj Mahal are:

• Guru Ka Tal
• Chini Ka Rauza
• Mehtab Bagh

Which day Taj Mahal is closed?

Avoid scheduling your visit to the Taj Mahal on Fridays, as it is closed on that day. It is accessible to the general public the remaining days, so make plans appropriately.

What food is Agra famous for?

Agra is incomplete without its yummy and famous cuisines like:

• Mughlai Cuisines

Can we carry water in the Taj Mahal?

Remember to pack light for your trip to the Taj Mahal. Bring only the necessities, like water, a camera, and a cell phone. Anything more is not permitted.

Can you wear slippers in the Taj Mahal?

Wearing slippers/shoes is banned within the Taj Mahal, therefore utilising the shoe coverings offered at the doorway.

People Also Read:

Places To Visit Near Delhi Places To Visit In North India Places To Visit In India In May

Recent Posts

11 Villages In France: Perfect For Adventure Seekers

10 Picturesque Villages In Switzerland Loaded With Natural Charm

10 Charming Villages In Austria That You Can Explore Off The Beaten Path

12 Hidden Gems In Maryland: Seek Offbeat Experience

10 Captivating Reasons To Visit Japan: Unveiling The Land Of Endless Wonders

Hidden Gems In Spain You Won’t Find On Any Other List

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Places To Visit »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

• Search Metro Routes
• Metro Station Near Me
• Delhi Metro
• Rapid Metro
• Jaipur Metro
• Mumbai Metro
• Namma Metro
• Hyderabad Metro
• Chennai Metro
• Kochi Metro
• Kolkata Metro
• Lucknow Metro
• Noida Metro
• Nagpur Metro
• Ahmedabad Metro
• Kanpur Metro
• Navi Mumbai Metro
• Mumbai Monorail
• India Travel Guide
• Places to visit in Agra
• Places to visit in Ahmedabad
• Places to visit in Bangalore
• Places to visit in Bhopal
• Places to visit in Chennai
• Places to visit in Coimbatore
• Places to visit in Delhi
• Places to visit in Gurgaon
• Places to visit in Guwahati
• Places to visit in Hyderabad
• Places to visit in Indore
• Places to visit in Jaipur
• Places to visit in Kanpur
• Places to visit in Kochi
• Places to visit in Kolkata
• Places to visit in Kozhikode
• Places to visit in Lucknow
• Places to visit in Meerut
• Places to visit in Mumbai
• Places to visit in Nagpur
• Places to visit in Navi Mumbai
• Places to visit in Noida
• Places to visit in Patna
• Places to visit in Pune
• Places to visit in Varanasi
• Places to visit in Vijayawada
• Places to visit in Visakhapatnam
• Metro in India
• India Metro Map
• India Metro Guide
• India Metro News
• Privacy Policy

Best Places to visit in July in Agra

You will find here a recommended list of Places to visit in July in Agra, that you must visit.

Akbar Tomb, Agra

Akbar's tomb is another brilliant Mughal architectural masterpiece. Built in 1605 and 1613, by his son Jahangir. Read more..

Fatehpur Sikri Fort Complex, Agra

The ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri is located in Buland Gate, Dadupura, near Agra.This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts of extraordinary architectural ingenuity, brilliant design and exhibits a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim creative style of design. The sprawling complex with seven gates and a boundary wall of 6 km exhibits unique decorations and embellishments . Read more..

Mehtab Bagh, Agra

This is a magnificently designed Charbagh complex in Agra,is located north of Taj Mahal , Dharmapuri, in Forest Colony . This sprawling complex is a unique retreat of natural beauty and one of the most scenic spots in Agra. Read more..

Taj Museum, Agra

Taj Museum was conceptualized in 1906 and was established at the instance of Lord Curzon, who was the Viceroy of India 1899 to 1905. Located at Taj Mahal Dhram Puri, Forest colony the museum is placed in two hexagonal rooms on the west side of the main entrance gateway to the splendid Taj Mahal. Read more..

One Day in Agra Itinerary – Top things to do in Agra, India

Agra is a famous tourist destination in India and home to the majestic Taj Mahal. It was the capital of Mughal emperors, a status that was later passed on to Delhi. But Taj Mahal is not the sole reason to visit Agra, though, as the city has many other exciting places you can (and should) visit like the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Tourists usually take up a small trip to Agra from Delhi. It seems too inadequate to visit Agra in just one day, but if planned correctly you can visit all the major attractions. Agra is a historical city and, as mentioned, one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, is present here. So, one day in Agra will certainly give you plenty to do.

Guest post by Manish Yadav

Plan your trip to Agra

1. What’s the best time to visit Agra? 2. A Few Facts About Agra 3. One Day in Agra Itinerary 3.1. 9:30 a.m or 8:30 p.m. – Taj Mahal in the sun or moon 3.2. 11:30 a.m. – visiting the Red Fort of Agra 3.3. 1:30 p.m. – Sikandra 3.4. 1:30 p.m. – Lunch at the Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb 3.5. 3:00 p.m. – Chini Ka Rauza 3.6. 5:00 p.m. – Samadhi of Soamiji Maharaj 3.7. 6:00 p.m. – Mankameswar Temple 3.8. 6:45 p.m. – Guru Ka Taal 4. Where to stay in Agra? 5. Day trips from Agra 6. Extra tips for visiting Agra

What’s the best time to visit Agra?

Agra in winter (october – march).

Most tourists prefer to visit Agra during this time of the year due to its pleasant and cool weather. Without any discomfort, you can easily visit all the tourist attractions. However, you must book your hotel in advance, as it gets a little crowded during this period. Taj Mahotsav is the famous festival held in February.

Agra in Summer (April – July)

Summer temperatures in Agra can be as high as 45 degrees Celsius, which is extremely hot. It is uncomfortable and virtually impossible to visit monuments in Agra due to this extreme heat. It is advised not to visit Agra during summer, but if you do make sure you visit the sights as early as possible in the morning.

Agra in the Monsoon Season (July – September)

During the monsoon season, it will be quiet and humid, so this is not a bad time to visit Agra. The temperatures will not be too high and there won’t be so much rainfall. Do make sure to carry water with you, though. The crowds shouldn’t be that big. Ram Barat is the famous festival celebrated in Agra during the month of September.

A Few Facts About Agra

1. Yamuna River was once called the Blue River due to its clean river bed.

2. Agra is the second most self-employed city, right after Varanasi, in India.

3. Agra was built before the Mahabharat period and it was called ‘Agraban’.

4. It is a city with three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

5. Agra is the largest shoe-manufacturing hub.

One Day in Agra Itinerary

Must visit places in Agra include the Taj Mahal, Itmad-Ud-Daulah tomb, Mankameshwar Temple, Ram Bagh, Akbar’s tomb and Agra Fort. Of course, you can sprinkle in some shopping between visits, too. One day in Agra can be enough to enjoy the city, and you can travel by India’s Palace on Wheels , the most famous luxury train in the world.

9:30 a.m or 8:30 p.m. – Taj Mahal in the sun or moon

Taj Mahal is a magnificent monument and a tribute to Mumtaz, who was a dear wife of Shah Jahan. Mumtaz died in 1631 and Taj Mahal is a reminder of her death. The prayer room, museum, monument and the garden are the top things to enjoy here. The best time to visit this place is at the sunrise or in the evening, under the moonlight. It takes about two hours to go throught everything thoroughly, and it takes 17 minutes to reach Taj Mahal from Agra. The best way to reach it is by car or cab. You can buy skip-the-line ticket in advance.

11:30 a.m. – visiting the Red Fort of Agra

The Red Fort of Agra is located on the right bank of the Yamuna. The fort is surrounded by a 21.4 m fortification wall and spreads out across 94 acres of land. It is situated 2km northwest to the Taj Mahal. You can visit it from sunrise to sunset and 4.7 km away is the Agra Cantt Railway station.

1:30 p.m. – Sikandra

Sikandra is located about 10 km from Agra. The mausoleum of Sikandra, Akbar is a blending of Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Buddhist traditions and themes. This tomb was planned by Akbar himself and was completed by Jahangir, his son, in 1613.

1:30 p.m. – Lunch at the Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb

The Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb was inspired by the construction of Taj Mahal and it looks like a jewel box set. It is a mausoleum which overlooks the Yamuna and is dedicated to the court minister of Shah Jahan, Mir Ghiyas Beg. It is located 3 km north of Agra Fort.

3:00 p.m. – Chini Ka Rauza

Chini Ka Rauza is another architectural masterpiece of the Mughals and a piece of original Persian architecture in the city. It is dedicated to the Persian poet and scholar Allama Khan Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz who later became the PM of Shah Jahan. It is located 4 km away from Agra Fort and the best way to reach it is by car or cab.

5:00 p.m. – Samadhi of Soamiji Maharaj

Samadhi or Soamiji Maharaj is located on the Yamuna River. Soamiji Maharaj was born in 1875 at panni Gali. It is located 7 km away from Agra Fort and the best way to reach it is by cab or car.

6:00 p.m. – Mankameswar Temple

Mankameshwar Temple is one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Shiva Linga in the temple was created by Lord Shiva himself when Lord Krishna was born in Mathura. People must wear traditional Indian clothing only, namely dhoti and sari. During Sawan month, Monday is luck and therefore the majority of believers worship Lord Shiva on that day. It is 5 km from the Agra Cantonment train station and 1 km from Agra Fort.

6:45 p.m. – Guru Ka Taal

Guru Ka Taal was previously known as Taal, which is a reservoir built near Sikandra. It was built to collect rainwater in Agra during Jehangir’s reign in 1610 AD. It is dedicated to the 9th Sikh Guru Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. It is located 1.4 km away from Agra.

Where to stay in Agra?

The Coral Court Homestay

9, Amarlok Colony, Opp Jalma Hospital, Next to Shilpgram

It is the best place to stay in Agra, about 3.7 km away from the centre of the city. It is 701 m from the Taj Mahal and 2.2 mi from Agra Fort.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hotel Atulyaa Taj

538, Near Shilp Gram, Taj Mahal (Eastern Gate)

Hotel Atulyaa Taj, a boutique hotel, features a rooftop restaurant and is located just 1640 feet away from the Taj Mahal. An outdoor swimming pool is well maintained for the guests to relax.

Taj Castle Homestay

18/147, A-1, Khairati Tola, Tajganj, Rakabganj

It offers pet-friendly accommodation along with features like free parking on-site, wifi, air conditioning and clothes racks.

Day trips from Agra

Apart from the major attractions, there are many other places worth visiting from Agra. Gwalior, Fatehpur, Chambel wildlife sanctuary, Bharatpur and many more.

Extra tips for visiting Agra

Recommended places to eat.

1. Dasaprakash:

This is the best spot for south Indian cuisine. All the thalis here are spectacular and the ice cream desserts are really worth a shot. This restaurant was opened in memory of the owner’s father, and the legacy is very strong. Make sure to have something to eat in Dasaprakash on your way to Taj Mahal.

2. Esphahan:

Esphahan is a traditional Indian restaurant located inside the Oberi Amarvilas hotel. It is essential to make a reservation if you’re visiting. North Indian tandoori delight and Kerala shrimp curry are the dishes you must try. If you are planning to have a romantic evening with your partner then this is the perfect place which offers santoor playing in the background.

Other important tips: 1. Arrive early to the ticket booth.

2. Choose your gate wisely when visiting Taj Mahal.

3. Make sure to carry bug spray with you.

4. East side of the Taj Mahal has nice lighting in the morning.

5. Consider a Full Moon Tour at the Taj Mahal.Plan your trip and spend at least one day in Agra by booking Palace on Wheels train online which helps to make your seat reserve in advance.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Agra Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Manish Yadav

I am a Traveller, Photographer, Adventurer, Sportsperson and Blogger. Being Humble and staying grounded and going that extra mile to explore myself is what Life has taught me. I am looking for some great opportunity in terms of travelling.

Nice blog and have good information about day tour to Agar from Delhi. Thanks for sharing nice information.

I’m so excited to hear about your new blog! I’m looking forward to reading your posts and getting some great ideas and insights. Keep up the great work!

It’s probably one of the best articles pertaining to exploration of Agra, its heritage, culture and commuting.

This is such a great informative post, love your photos! We loved the Taj so much we went twice last year ?

Thanks for Valuable Information Keep it up.

Whatever relevant, authentic and worth visiting in Agra have been very lucidly elaborated. The photographs are really beautiful. The historical monuments, religious shrines, market and cuisines form the list of attractions in Agra. 2 -3 days are essentially required to explore Agra for a fulsome experience.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Agra

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 22, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The Taj Mahal is an icon of India and one of the top tourist attractions in the world , drawing millions of visitors to the city of Agra every year. This breathtaking landmark is every bit as incredible as you've imagined. But while most travelers might be eager to escape Agra's pushy touts and exhausting crowds as soon as they've left the Taj Mahal, you should consider sticking around a bit longer.

The Taj Mahal is just one of many amazing places to visit in Agra. While here, you can explore the historically significant Agra Fort ; experience the impressively beautiful Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah ; see one of the largest mosques in India at Fatehpur Sikri; and find respite in Mehtab Bagh , a serene park in the shadows of the Taj.

Animal lovers, take note: Agra boasts two compassionate wildlife projects (the Agra Bear Rescue Facility and the Elephant Conservation and Care Center ) that welcome tourists to learn about some of India's most beloved creatures.

Don't let other tourists convince you there's nothing to see in Agra besides the Taj Mahal. Plan your trip to this heritage hot spot with our list of the top attractions in Agra.

1. Taj Mahal

2. agra fort, 3. itimad-ud-daulah's tomb, 4. mehtab bagh, 5. subhash emporium, 6. akbar's mausoleum, 7. fatehpur sikri, 8. agra bear rescue facility, 9. elephant conservation and care center, 10. agra's old city, 11. gurudwara guru ka tal, 12. kalakriti cultural & convention center, 13. jama masjid, 14. chini ka rauza, map of attractions & places to visit in agra.

You've seen it in history books, on postcards, and in social media posts. But now, you've made your way to India, and you finally have the chance to see this bucket list destination in real life.

The magnificent structure dates back to the 17th century. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was heartbroken after his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, passed away during childbirth, and decided to pay tribute to her with a white mausoleum. Construction took more than 20 years to complete and required the manpower of around 20,000 laborers.

There's never a bad time to see the Taj Mahal, but it's worth getting here early–the building seems to radiate at sunrise. Tourists can enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site via the west and east gates. Once inside, explore the ornamental gardens, which feature calming water features that reflect the Taj. Then, head inside the Taj itself and admire its perfect symmetry and white marble with elaborate floral cavings and semiprecious stone inlays.

Sightseeing around the Taj Mahal complex continues at the Kau Ban Mosque , west of the Taj, and the Jawab , a building intended to mirror the mosque and preserve symmetry on the main structure's eastern side.

Hot tip: Hang on to your Taj Mahal ticket–it gives you same-day discounts on entry to other nearby attractions around India , including Fatehpur Sikri and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb .

Address: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra

Official site: https://www.tajmahal.gov.in/

The Taj Mahal isn't the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra–the city is also home to Agra Fort, a centuries-old red sandstone fortress that was once the imperial city for a succession of Mughal rulers.

Sightseeing here is like wandering around a city within a city. The most extraordinary building at Agra Fort is Jahangir Mahal , a massive palace that blends stunning Hindu-inspired features (like overhanging enclosed balconies) with Central Asian architectural elements (such as the signature pointed arches). Inside, tourists can see the gilded central court where royal women once passed their days.

Tourists can also check out a range of other noteworthy structures, including Anguri Bagh (a courtyard with puzzle piece-like outlines of gardens around water channels), Khas Mahal (a palace with pavilions made of white marble and red sandstone), Musamman Burj (an octagonal tower with intricate marble inlay work), and Diwan-i-Khas (a gathering hall featuring a pair of black and white marble thrones).

With so much to see, Agra Fort will require at least a few hours on your itinerary. It makes for a great afternoon stop after a morning at the Taj Mahal.

On the banks of the Yamuna River sits another one of Agra's exquisite structures: Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb. The mausoleum contains the remains of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a Persian official who served the Mughal empire, as well as his wife.

Legend has it that this jewelry box-like tomb was actually the inspiration for the Taj Mahal , earning it the nickname "Baby Taj." The red sandstone and marble structure features 13-meter-high hexagonal towers on each corner.

The most noteworthy thing about this attraction, though, is that it was the first structure to use pietra dura , the iconic Indian inlay technique that uses semiprecious stones to create decorative floral designs in marble. You'll see exquisite geometric patterns, depictions of vases and cups, and delicate flower bouquets from floor to ceiling of the graceful structure–reminiscent of those on the Taj Mahal.

Despite its beauty, Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb gets far fewer visitors than other attractions around Agra, making it an ideal place to appreciate the lovely features without the crowds.

Address: Moti Bagh, Agra

The Taj Mahal almost seems to extend across the Yamuna River at Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden), a square garden complex measuring 300 meters on each side. It's the only remaining park in a series of nearly a dozen Mughal-built gardens in the area.

The park has some pretty flowering trees and bushes–a stark improvement from its state in the mid-1990s, when the site was just a mound of sand. The Archeological Survey of India is hard at work restoring Mehtab Bagh and has already planted Mughal-era plants to help bring the site back to its original glory.

The landscape aligns perfectly with the gardens of the Taj, making it one of the best places in Agra to get a view (or a photo) of the stunning structure–especially at sunset. Outside of the gates to the complex, you can shop for Taj Mahal trinkets and other souvenirs from sellers in the area.

Address: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Nagla Devjit, Agra

The graceful attractions around Agra will make any tourist fall in love with marble inlay. If you find yourself eager to take a piece of this craftsmanship home with you, head to Subhash Emporium. The boutique has a decades-strong reputation as the go-to place to shop for stone handicrafts in Agra.

Inside, you'll find tons of travel-friendly marble inlay souvenirs, like floral coaster sets, animal statuettes, small boxes, and candle holders. The store also sells larger items, like lamps, tabletops, and carved-marble trays, that it can ship directly to your home.

Even if you don't want to shop, it's worth swinging by Subhash Emporium for its captivating demonstrations –one of the top things to do in Agra. The experienced craftspeople here will show you the precise art of inlaying small pieces of polished stone into hard marble–which might make the high prices of these items seem slightly more reasonable.

Address: 18/1, Gwalior Road, Opp BSNL office, Shahzadi Mandi, Agra

Official site: http://www.marbleemporium.com

For nearly 50 years, emperor Akbar the Great ruled the Mughal kingdom, tripling its empire to include most of the northern half of the Indian subcontinent. His remains (along with those of two of his daughters) can be found at what is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra, Akbar's Mausoleum.

The complex features a marvelous sandstone and marble tomb with striking marble inlay in a variety of colors. The structure is surrounded by Mughal gardens that are home to deer, antelope, monkeys, and even a few peacocks.

If you happen to travel with a compass, whip it out at this site. You'll notice that the tomb faces east–a contrast to nearly all other Mughal tombs, which point toward Mecca.

Address: Sikandra, Agra

Just an hour's drive from the Taj Mahal , Fatehpur Sikri makes for a worthwhile day trip from Agra. The city, once the capital of the Mughal Empire some 500 years ago, was built by Akbar as a salute to the famous Sufi saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti, who accurately predicted the birth of an heir. Residents abandoned the city not long after it was built, when water supplies ran too low.

Tourists can now explore the well-preserved remains of this red sandstone ghost town, still surrounded by a fortification wall. Check out the Jama Masjid , a mosque and one of the first buildings finished in the city. Then, explore the three palaces , built for each one of Akbar's wives. They combine a variety of religious-inspired architectural styles that honor the women's individual spiritualities.

Finally, get off the beaten path and stroll to Hiran Minar , a circular spiked tower covered with stone elephant tusks, atop which Akbar himself supposedly gazed at wildlife.

Dig in deeper to this incredible site with a visit to the Archaeological Museum , near the Diwan-i-Am main gate. It contains four galleries filled with treasures from the Mughal era and beyond, including grey ware pot shreds, terra-cotta lamps, mini human heads in stone, jewelry molds, and much more.

Between its reverence for cows and its temples dedicated to specific creatures, India has a fascinating relationship with animals. But not every tradition has been kind to four-legged creatures. Case in point: Dancing sloth bears.

For thousands of years, India's Kalandar community has poached sloth bear cubs, driven a red hot poker and coarse rope through their muzzles and yanked on the string to force them to put on painful "performances" for a paying audience. India prohibited the cruel practice in 1972. However, the mistreatment continued–leaving animal rights activists, such as Wildlife SOS , to save the victimized bears.

You can see around 130 of these rescued dancing bears playing, foraging, and climbing trees at Agra Bear Rescue Facility. Visits to the center include a tour guided by an expert who can shed light on India's vanishing wildlife and conservation efforts. It's an insightful experience, and all proceeds go toward rehabilitation efforts.

Address: Inde, National Highway 2, Muranda, Agra

Official site: https://wildlifesos.org/locations/agra-bear-rescue-facility/

Sloth bears aren't the only focus for Wildlife SOS –the animal protection organization also takes care of abused elephants at a sanctuary just 30 kilometers outside of Agra. On tours of the facility, you can see more than 20 rescued elephants that were forced to work in harsh conditions. Lucky tourists may even be invited to help prepare lunch for the tusked mammals.

While you will definitely have other opportunities to interact with elephants on your trip to India, visiting the Elephant Conservation and Care Center is by far one of the most ethical (and fulfilling) ways to get up close to these special creatures.

Address: Near Sachdeva Institute of Technology Thurmura Ghari, NH2, Mathura

Official site: https://wildlifesos.org/locations/elephant-conservation-and-care-centre/

For an authentic look at the life of Agra's present-day residents, take a heritage walking tour around the Old City . The three-hour excursion teaches tourists about Agra's architecture, history, culture, and street food as they wander around the neighborhood.

You'll get the chance to see what everyday life is like for Agra locals, learn where to go for the best views of the Taj Mahal, and stop by the bustling wholesale spice market for an explosion of color and aroma. Come hungry–the tour guide will also take you to Agra's oldest sweet shop for some treats.

Mughals may have spread Islam throughout this part of India, but the region around Agra is also home to a devout Sikh community. Many of them make pilgrimages to Gurudwara Guru ka Tal, a spiritual center near Agra.

This peaceful place was built in the 17th century, and modern-day tourists can see the eight towers that remain of the structure's original dozen. Tourists can also enjoy free meals from the community kitchen–perfect for refueling before a trip back to the city.

Address: Chennai-Delhi Highway, Maharishi Puram Colony, Agra

Official site: http://www.gurdwaragurukataal.com/

The Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center is on a mission to deepen tourists' appreciation of Indian art and culture. Every evening at 6:30pm, it puts on a performance of "Mohabbat-the-Taj: The Saga of Love," a dramatic musical that brings the legendary love story of the Taj Mahal to life. Expect Bollywood-inspired dance and song throughout the hour-long show. Afterward, head to the center's handicrafts showroom to shop for intricately designed marble inlay souvenirs and other treasures.

Address: 41/142, A/1 VIP Road-Taj Mahal Road, Fatehabad Road., Agra

One of India's largest mosques can be found in the historic core of Agra, just across from the Agra Fort . Still the city's principal mosque, the Jama Masjid was built during the 17th century under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The striking red sandstone structure stands atop a platform, and features remarkable white marble inlay with blue-washed ceilings and walls. Throughout the interior, tourists can see graceful inlaid panels similar to those at the Taj Mahal.

The Friday prayer service draws massive crowds to the Jama Masjid, but outside of that time, it's relatively empty. The mosque encourages tourists to observe silence when visiting this sacred place.

Address: Jama Masjid Road, Kinari Bazar, Hing ki Mandi, Mantola, Agra

After visiting Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb , head one kilometer north to see Chini ka Rauza, a funerary monument that houses the tomb of Afzal Khan Shirazi, who served as the prime minister for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

While not nearly as well preserved as other attractions in Agra, the Indo-Persian structure is noteworthy for being the first monument to feature chini, a distinctive decoration made from turquoise, yellow, green, and orange glazed tiles. As the name of the building suggests, each of its tiles were imported from China–an impressive feat during the 17th century, when this monument was constructed. Step inside Chini ka Rauza to see an array of detailed paintings and Islamic inscriptions.

After visiting the Chini ka Rauza, you can take a 10-minute walk south to see the ruins of the Tomb of Sultan Parwiz , who was the brother of Shah Jahan.

Address: Katra Wazir Khan, Agra

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit in India: India is filled with incredible sights and cities and planning a trip here can be a bit daunting. If you are just getting started on your itinerary, have a look at our guide to the Top Attractions in India . Most visitors will transit through either Mumbai or Delhi , both of which are home to a long list of things to see and do.

More on India

Top 10 Places to Visit Near Agra within 100 km

If you visit Agra, the Taj Mahal is not only the attraction you go through; people will find several places to visit within 100 km of Agra. To spend a great vacation or weekend getaway, choose these places.

As we all know Taj Mahal is the prime attraction of Agra city, so many people make the common mistake of just watching this attraction. Plenty of other monuments and architecture will make your trip more adventurous.

It is one of the most famous getaways among Indians and international tourists. Agra and its nearby destinations are full of historical places. By visiting these places, you can gather knowledge about rich Indian history.

Table of Contents

Exploring the 10 Best Tourist Spots Near Agra within 100 km:

1. vrindavan.

Vrindavan is at a distance of 70 km from Agra. It is one of the holiest towns located on the banks of the Yamuna River. Moreover, it also comes under one of the sacred places to visit near Agra. Tourists can generally plan a 2-day weekend trip to visit this place.

Besides being one of the oldest cities in India, this place is also a major pilgrimage center for the Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, this holy town has a rich history connected with the cutest Hindu god, Lord Krishna. Devotees said it is the place where Lord Krishna spent his entire childhood. A great devotee of lord Krishna is Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He has the credit of rediscovering Vrindavan . After that, various kings of this region developed this holy place.

According to experts, the Vrindavan name has come from the words Vrinda which refer to tulsi. On the other hand, van means grove, which refers to the two small forests such as Seva Kunj and Nidhivan. According to devotees, at Seva Kunj, Randa and Krishna performed Raaslila with Gopikas. Read More: About Nidhivan Vrindavan – Story & Mysterious Facts

Moreover, they also said that the divine couple rested at Nidhivan. This beautiful place also comes under one of the Shakti Peethas named Bhuteshwar Mahadev. According to Hindu mythology, the hair of Devi Sati has been fell in this place.

• 3 Days Mathura Vrindavan Govardhan Trip
• Mathura Vrindavan Package from Agra
• Same Day Mathura Vrindavan Trip

2. Bharatpur

This wonderful place is called the ‘Eastern Gate of Rajasthan’. This place is in the Braj region of Rajasthan state. This city is known for its culture and folk music. In this stunning place, you will find chivalry and romance woven into ballads. Most interestingly, tourists can hear folklore for miles.

It is an excellent tourist spot that helps you explore authentic Rajasthani traditions. The distance of this place from Agra is 58 km. The most suitable time to visit this place is November to February. The religious occasion of this place is quite remarkable. All of these activities attract a vast number of local and foreign tourists every year. Explore More: Top 10 Destinations to See in Bharatpur, Rajasthan

• 14 Days Rajasthan & Varanasi Tour
• 8 Days Rajasthan Tribal Package
• 15 Days Rajasthan Mumbai Goa Travel
• 10 Days Rajasthan Trip Package
• Rajasthan & Kerala Tour 18 Days
• 7 Days Rajasthan Trip Itinerary
• Check More Packages for Rajasthan

3. Fatehpur Sikri

The distance of this place from Agra is nearly 36 km. This marvellous architecture carries a rich history. It comes under one of the World Heritage Sites for its stunning beauty. Fatehpur Sikri is the nearest tourist place to Agra. To reach this erstwhile capital of The Mughal Empire, one has to take a short drive of 30 minutes.

As per the information, this architecture is one of 2 the most famous and spectacular tourist spots near Agra, within 50 km. This place features gorgeous palaces, charming gardens, minarets, and temples. Here tourists will find Buland Darwaza, which refers to the gigantic gateway.

Moreover, this place has a splendid 5-story Paanch Mahal. This Mahal was the shelter for royal women. Visitors can explore the fascinating Salim Chisti Darga, which increases the charisma and beauty of this architecture. Tourists need to plan their trips during Ramadan months.

Because this time, they can enjoy the enthralling carnival organized in front of the dargah. At this fair, visitors will find stalls that sell handicrafts and souvenirs. They also enjoy elephant and camel rides. Most interestingly, tourists can enjoy live performances of qawwali and folk music.

• 6 Days Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour
• 4 Days Delhi Agra Jaipur Travel
• 8 Days Delhi Agra Jaipur Package
• Jaipur Agra Package for 4 Days
• Same-Day Taj Mahal Tour By Train
• Same Day Agra Tour from Delhi
• Check Agra More Packages

Mathura place is one of the holiest retreats of the tourist attractions near Agra, within 100 km. The distance of this place from Agra is 57km. Consider a short tour of this spiritual place to attain peace and eternal happiness. By visiting this place, tourists can uplift their minds and soul spiritually.

The charm of Krishna’s birthplace will help you to get lasting peace. You will lose yourself in the spectacular artwork and sculptures of the temples. The most suitable time to visit this place is October to March.

Nowadays, tourists can find accommodations such as – Prabhu Resort, Shri Radha Brij Vasundhara Resort & Spa, and many more. Tor a better experience, tourists can Dip In Holy Waters or Witness Patal Devi Cave. Read More: 14 Famous Tourist Places to See in Mathura and Vrindavan

Even they can also Experience Mahabharata. Some of the prime attractions of this place are –

• Dwarkadhish Temple
• Kusum Sarovar,
• Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandi
• Gita Mandir and many more.

The distance of this place from Agra is 60 kilometers. It is a historical place under one of the well-kept secret places. It is quite a fantastic place. While visiting this wonderful place, you can spend time at Machkund Temple. Adventure enthusiasts can climb to the top of the Shergarh Fort; it will give them a fantastic travel experience.

Moreover, in this place, wildlife lovers also get a chance to go on a Safari in the most attractive Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary. If you visit this place in summer, remember to visit the Damoh waterfalls. Because here visitors can explore river safari at the natural reserve.

The distance of this place from Agra is nearly 93 km. It is very close to the city of Bharatpur . It is a small town in Rajasthan State which offers amazing scenic beauty. It is getting famous for its magnificent palaces. Moreover, tourists can also explore desi markets and exquisite fortifications here.

If you want to escape from regular city crowds, visit this place. You will be amazed by watching the rural landscape and laze in the rich culture. A famous Bird Sanctuary is also located in this place, a must-visit place. The most suitable time to visit this place is September to March.

7. Agra Fort

This remarkable monument is nearly 5 km away from the Agra railway station. Most interestingly, this place comes under a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That is why you always visit this tourist place near Agra city.

You need to visit the wonderfully stunning Agra Fort to ensure your Agra trip is complete. This historic monument is considered one of the best Mughal forts in Agra. Tourists must recognize this place.

After the Taj Mahal, this Fort is the second most famous Mughal architecture in Agra. The first Mughal Emperor primarily established it, although Shah Jahan refined it. So while visiting places near Agra, explore the red sandstone beauty of Agra Fort. By walking through the long courtyard of this historic Fort, tourists will see how huge it is.

• 15 Days Rajasthan Mumbai Goa Tour
• Rajasthan Itinerary for 10 Days
• 10 Days Himachal Trip Package
• Ladakh With Kashmir Travel 10 Days
• 15 Days North India Tour Itinerary
• South India Package 9 Nights 10 Days
• Check More India Tour Packages

8. Govardhan

It is a pilgrimage region located close to Agra. The distance of this place from Agra is nearly 77 kilometers. As per the information, you will find several old temples in this beautiful place.

Parikrama Road is also a pretty place to visit around this hill. This place has lots of spiritual significance. Every year several devotees of Lord Krishna come to this place to perform this holy ritual.

Some of the prime tourist attractions of this region are –

• Krishna Kund
• Parikrama of Govardhan Hill
• Radha Kund (etc.)

9. Tomb of Akbar

It is nearly 15 kilometers from the Taj Mahal . Akbar is the most crucial Mughal emperor, so several history lovers visit this tomb and soak themselves in his legacy.

According to experts, Akbar himself connected with the construction of tombs. Because of the Mughal Empire, there was a rule to build graves during their lifetime by an emperor. The entire structure of this tomb is of red sandstone. This place should need to be a part of your Agra trip .

10. Mehtab Bagh

As per the information, the mighty Mughal emperor Babur built this bagh. Previously this place was known as Charbagh. This beautiful place is in the north of the Taj complex. It comes under one of the must-visit tourist spots near Agra. This place is full of greenery. Moreover, it provides a perfect spot to view the Taj Mahal.

This superb tourist spot is popularly known as ‘Moonlight Garden’. From this place, tourists can explore stunning views of the sunset. You can capture some beautiful clicks of the surrounding area. For its excellent views, it becomes the perfect destination for couples. This tourist spot is relatively quiet compared to other spots. The distance of this pretty place from Agra Railway Station is nearly 10 km.

Agra City has a rich culture, historical facts, and fascinating monuments. Tourists can witness many enticing sights by planning a trip to Agra city and its surrounding places. As per the information, this city comes from the legendary Mahabharata era.

Most travellers prefer visiting this place for its historical significance. People can get in touch with many other eminent archaeological sites by visiting this place. By exploring the nearby destinations from Agra, visitors can gather knowledge about rich Indian culture and history. For getting a fantastic travel experience, visit the best places near Agra within 100 km.

You May Also Like:

• 10 Best Places to Visit Near Nainital in June
• Nearby Destinations from Mussoorie to Visit this July
• Tourist Places Near Mussoorie Within 100 Kms
• Top 13 Places to See Near Dehradun in June
• Places to Visit Near Jaipur in June for Summer Vacation
• Top 12 Places to See Near Gwalior Within 100 Km
• 10 Destinations to Visit Near Ahmedabad in June
• 10 Rishikesh Ashrams Near Ganga with Detail Guide

About The Author

Tusk Travel Team

Related posts.

World Leaders Who Visited the Taj Mahal

How to Get from Delhi to Agra (Train, Road, Air): The Ultimate Guide

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• 2 Weeks for Couple
• 2 Weeks for Family
• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

Best Times to Visit Agra in 2024/2025

Home to the Taj Mahal , Agra is always on the bucket list for an Indian tour. Located in northern India, Agra has a semi-arid and subtropical climate.

Typically affected by the Indian monsoon, Agra has three seasons : hot season (April to June), rainy season (July to September) and the (mild) dry season (October to March).

For weather, the best time to visit Agra is October to March (the high season) for dry and warm-to-cool weather. March, October, and November are the best months for more-favorable prices and less crowding, compared with the peak season (December to February) .

On the other hand, April to September is the best time for the lowest prices and the fewest crowds.

• Best Time for Comfortable Weather
• Best Times for Low Crowding and Prices

Best Times to Visit the Taj Mahal

Best times to visit agra fort.

• Monthly Weather

Best Time to Visit Agra for Comfortable Weather

When the rain fades away and the heat is not yet an issue, October to March is the best time to explore Agra. The average temperature ranges from 15 to 27°C (59–81°F) and there are just 1 or 2 days with light rain.

For Coolest Weather: December to February

You'll enjoy the coolest days from December to February. During this period, many travelers come to celebrate New Year and Christmas . Room rates skyrocket (almost doubling) from December 24 to January 5 and experienced guides are fully booked.

So early booking , at least 3 months in advance, is helpful to gain any early bird savings. With us , you would enjoy our no-risk-booking ,100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure ( detail⇒ )!

For Good Weather with Better Prices: March, October to November

These three months perfectly avoid extreme heat, heavy rains, and foggy days . More importantly, the price is not as high as in December to February. They're also a great time to experience exotic festivals : Holi in March, and Diwali in October/November.

Find out the top 7 places to go in Agra and suggested itineraries at the most comfortable season.

Best Times to Visit Agra for Low Crowding and Prices

If you're looking for the most favorable prices and least crowding, you should visit Agra between April and September . The temperatures between April and June regularly reaches above 40°C (104°F) and the monsoon pours from July to September. Though the weather is not so ideal, you'll get great deals from hotels and agencies and can expect rewarding sultry or green scenes without the high-season crowds.

Get more tips in our article: How to Plan a Trip to India (A Complete Guide for You)

The Taj Mahal is a World Heritage site that you can visit at any time. Cool, clear, and dry days will enhance your visit, when you can capture Instagrammable pictures with favorable weather and appreciate the beauty of marble artwork more conducively. So, the best months to visit the Taj Mahal are October to March .

The Taj Mahal opens from sunrise (around 6 a.m.) to sunset (around 6:30 p.m.) every day except Fridays . Sunrise is the best time to avoid crowds and heat. Incredible photos of the glowing Taj are the reward for early visits. When there are foggy mornings in December and January, you'd better visit after 10 a.m. for better photos.

Sunset is another good time to see the picturesque Taj, but you have to endure the crowds. To get sunset views of the Taj in relative peace, you can go to the Mehtabh Bagh .

Agra Fort opens from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The best time to visit Agra Fort is in the afternoon . At dusk, the sunset enhances the beauty of Agra Fort.

Besides, you can enjoy the Light and Sound Show at Agra Fort after sunset (7.30 to 8.30 p.m.). The 30-minute show costs 200 Indian rupees (about 2.5 US dollars) for foreign visitors. Tickets are available on the spot.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Monthly Weather Summaries for Agra

Agra weather in january: coolest and driest month.

As the coolest and driest month of the year in Agra, January averages around 21°C (70°F) during the warmest part of the day and gets down to around 7°C (45°F) at night. You can enjoy this comfortable weather when exploring Agra.

Fog might affect your trains or flights when you're travelling in January. But the morning fog is expected to clear around 10 a.m. So, leave some flexibility when planning your Agra tour. Check the best way to go to Agra from Delhi >>>

New Year's Day makes Agra a busy city at the start of this month. Early bookings of 3 months in advance are recommended to guarantee your tickets and rooms at this time.

Agra Weather in February: Cool and Dry

Like January, February is still cool and dry. But the temperatures get slightly warmer with highs of around 25°C (77°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F). February mornings can still be foggy, but most days are clear.

Agra Weather in March: Arrival of the Hot Season

The rising temperature signals the arrival of the hot season. It gets to around 32°C (90°F) at the midday (and hotter towards the end of the month). You can benefit from March's warm, dry, and fog-free weather.

Traveling in March, you can celebrate Holi (Festival of Colors) with locals. Wander around the streets full of Indian music, taste the special festival food, and join in their color powder fights if you like.

Agra Weather in April: Third-Hottest Month

The temperature in April rises sharply to average 38°C (100°F) in the afternoon, but it is pleasantly warm at night dropping to around 21°C (70°F).

Travelling in April is possible if you can bear the heat. With fewer visitors , you can usually get big discounts (at least 30–50% off) from hotels and airlines. During your visit, doing outdoor activities in the early morning or at dusk is wise to avoid the unpleasant heat.

Agra Weather in May: Hottest Month

Being the hottest month, the average high temperature peaks at around 41°C (106°F). You'd best avoid the intense heat of midday.

Just like in April, prices and crowds are at low levels.

Agra Weather in June: Second-Hottest Month, Rains Begin

June is a transition month from the dry season to the wet season. It is hot and humid. The extreme heat will be tempered a little bit by some rainfall at the end of the month. In this beginning of the monsoon month, there are usually just 3 rainy days in Agra. So travelling is workable.

Check more info about Monsoon Season in India: When It Is, 5 Best Places to Go >>>

Agra Weather in July: High Rainfall

In July, the monsoon rains increase to almost peak levels , but the average high temperature decreases to around 36°C (99°F). Generally speaking, the heavy rain rarely lasts for long with only 1 in 3 days of rainfall. So, you can still enjoy a relatively unaffected tour if you're flexible.

For example, you can have a cup of coffee in a heritage cafe when it's raining. After the rain, you'll see great scenery with fresh air and clear blue skies.

Agra Weather in August: Wettest Month

The mean maximum temperature keeps decreasing to around 33°C (91°F) in August, and the rainfall reaches its highest monthly amount: 272 mm (11 inches). Due to having around 15 rainy days , August is likely to give you a wet day or two in Agra, and floods may affect some roads during your visit. Thus, a flexible itinerary is necessary to adapt to changes in weather. The high rainfall brings favorable travel prices as well.

Agra Weather in September: End of the Monsoon

The rainfall in September fades away , dropping to 127 mm (5 inches). The temperature is cooler again, as daily highs in September are around 30°C (86°F).

In late September, you can enjoy excellent-value hotel rates and low season tour prices if you are willing to risk a few showers.

Agra Weather in October: Start of the Dry Season

From October, Agra starts its most comfortable weather with dry conditions prevailing, but average high temperatures stays hot at around 34°C (94°F), though lows average a mild 18°C (64°F).

October also marks the beginning of the high travel season . Compared with December and January though, traveling in October is relatively affordable.

The biggest festival in India, Diwali, is celebrated for 5 days in late October/ early November (31 October 2024). Travel with us to be immersed in the authentic festival atmosphere of lights and candles. Browse the bustling Diwali markets , try the mouth-watering sweets, and help to create awe-inspiring rangolis (ornate floor art) during a home visit.

Agra Weather in November: First Month of Winter

November is the first month of "winter" in Agra and when the temperatures become warm rather than hot. Daily highs in November are typically around 29°C (84°F) with lows around 12°C (54°F).

November mornings are often clear and pleasant without the fog that comes in December and January.

Agra Weather in December: One of The Busiest Times

December is quite pleasant reaching around 25°C (76°F) in the afternoon. The average rainfall for this month is a desert-dry 5 mm (0.2 inches). For a clear view of the Taj Mahal , you are suggested to visit it after 10 a.m. to avoid the fog.

December is one of the busiest times to visit Agra. Make reservations in advance and prepare for long lines , especially at the Taj Mahal, and especially around Christmas.

Visit India with Asia Highlights

Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to India. Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today!

Recommended India Tours:

• 15-Day India and Sri Lanka Tour
• 12-Day India and Bhutan Tour
• 11-Day India and Nepal Tour
• 14-Day India, Nepal, and Bhutan Tour

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty Program
• Our Differences
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

9 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Agra In One Day

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: August 3, 2023

Categories INDIA

Agra is home to the Majestic Taj Mahal but there is so much more to offer, so even if you are tight for time in Agra this is a great itinerary for the best places to visit in Agra in one day .

Table of Contents

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN AGRA IN ONE DAY

I’ve put together a list of the 9 best places to visit in Agra in one day. Obviously, you don’t need to do all of them but you can pick and choose which items on the list you want to add to your 1-day itinerary. Agra is pretty small so you should be able to see a lot. How much can you fit into one day in Agra?

TOP 3 HOTELS IN AGRA

• Ultimate Luxury: Oberoi Villa – 5-star & every single room has a view of the Taj Mahal
• My Favorite: Zostel Agra – Modern hostel with great vibes, near Taj Mahal
• Value Hotel : ITC Mughal Agra – Good value & gorgeous gardens with a beautiful pool

Visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise

Witnessing the Taj Mahal at sunrise is an experience of a lifetime, offering a mesmerizing view that truly encapsulates the monument’s ethereal beauty. As the first rays of the sun gently illuminate the ivory-white marble mausoleum, the entire complex appears to glow, changing hues from soft pink to a warm golden, giving a whole new dimension to its elegance.

The tranquility of the early morning, complemented by fewer crowds, allows visitors to soak in the magnificence of this architectural masterpiece at a leisurely pace. The reflections of the monument in the Yamuna river further enhance the surreal ambience. This iconic symbol of love, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, truly comes alive in the golden light of dawn, making a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal an unforgettable experience.

If you don’t want to line up in the ridiculous lines you can buy a fast track ticket , which will give you express access into the Taj Mahal for just a few extra dollars on a guided tour. On hot days it would definitely be worth it!

Book your ticket now: Taj Mahal ‘Skip The Line’ Guided Tour

Luxury breakfast at the most expensive hotel in India: The Oberoi

After you have finished marveling at the Taj Mahal you will probably be hungry. It’s time to get well fed. Only two minutes walking from the Taj Mahal is the Oberoi Hotel .

The most expensive hotel in India has rooms starting at $541. However, the breakfast isn’t going to break the bank, in fact, it is probably cheaper than most you would have at home in Australia or the U.S.A.

A continental breakfast will set you back only $12 USD or the full gourmet buffet will be $35 USD. Expect them to break out the fancy cutlery, this joint doesn’t hold back with pools and fountains left, right and center.

Click Here to check availability a the Oberoi Hotel (Best hotel in Agra)

Oberoi Hotel

• Most expensive in India
• Incredible Gardens
• Great buffet breakfast

Visit the Agra Fort / Red Fort

The Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Agra, is a monumental testament to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, this sprawling red sandstone fortress stands as a symbol of power, resilience, and architectural brilliance. Its imposing double-wall fortifications, which rise over 20 meters in height, enclose a complex of exquisite buildings, including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, and Sheesh Mahal, among others. Each of these structures displays a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, featuring intricate carvings, domes, and sprawling courtyards.

The fort also offers a stunning view of its more famous neighbor, the Taj Mahal, across the Yamuna River. A visit to the Agra Fort takes you on a journey through the pages of history, offering insights into the lives of the Mughal emperors who once walked its halls.

Book a tour: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Guided Tour (Extra vantage point)

Visit the Baby Taj Mahal / Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, affectionately referred to as the ‘Baby Taj’, is a charming mausoleum located on the eastern bank of the Yamuna river in Agra. Built between 1622 and 1628 by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the monument is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal due to its intricate carvings and extensive use of white marble.

Unlike the more massive mausoleums of the Mughals, this smaller, jewel-box-like tomb is noted for its detailed craftsmanship and delicate inlay work, featuring semi-precious stones and a latticework of marble screens. Its symmetrical layout, with the central tomb surrounded by lush gardens, a reflection pool, and corner minarets, set the trend for future Mughal architecture. Visiting the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the subtler aspects of Mughal architecture and the evolution that led to the creation of the world-renowned Taj Mahal. This is one of the key places to visit in Agra in one day.

T ake a tuk-tuk to Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra

I decided to grab a tuk-tuk and continue on my tour of the temples in Agra. Situated in the suburb of Sikandra, on the outskirts of Agra, lies the majestic Akbar’s Tomb, the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great. Built between 1605 and 1613, this mausoleum showcases a harmonious blend of architectural styles from Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain, and Christian traditions, reflecting Akbar’s philosophy of religious tolerance.

The sprawling complex is marked by a beautiful gateway, adorned with intricate carvings and floral patterns. Inside, the monument consists of five levels, with the cenotaph on the top floor open to the sky. This tomb, unlike other Mughal tombs, is oriented towards the rising sun instead of Mecca. The vast surrounding gardens, laid out in the Charbagh style, house various wildlife species, making it a serene and tranquil spot. A visit to Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra offers a rich historical experience and a deep appreciation for its architectural elegance and the progressive vision of the emperor it honors.

Support acid attack survivors by eating at Sheroes Hangout Cafe

Sheroes cafe is run by acid attack survivors as part of the #StopAcidAttacks movement. The food is awesome and you will be supporting an amazing cause and a courageous group of women. They serve western style food and local dishes. I had a vege-burger, fries, and a mango smoothie.

The best part about the whole experience was finding out there are no prices on the menu. You are encouraged to pay as you wish!

Check out the action along the Yamuna River

The Yamuna River, often referred to as Jamuna in various Indian languages, holds significant geographical and cultural importance in India. As the largest tributary of the sacred Ganges River, it originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. Flowing southwards for about 1,376 kilometers, the river traverses several states including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi before merging with the Ganges at the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad (Prayagraj).

The Yamuna River is a central feature in Agra. Many families are using the river for washing, playing and fishing. I found myself having to walk across the bridge during the day on a couple of occasions and stopped for a while to watch all of the action going on along the banks of the Yamuna.

Watch the sunset at Mehtab Bagh / Taj Mahal Viewpoint

The Mehtab Bagh is probably one of my favorite places to visit in Agra in one day. The entrance fee was only a couple of dollars but you look straight across the Yamuna River at the Taj Mahal. In fact, I thought this was a better view than from in the Taj Mahal.

Experiencing the sunset at Mehtab Bagh, also known as the Taj Mahal Viewpoint, is a breathtaking spectacle that captures the ethereal beauty of one of the world’s most iconic monuments. Mehtab Bagh is a centuries-old garden complex situated directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. The carefully aligned symmetry between the garden and the Taj offers a spectacular and unobstructed view of the mausoleum, making it a perfect spot for photography, particularly at sunset.

As the sun descends, the fading light paints the Taj Mahal in an array of hues, from soft golden to mesmerizing pink, enhancing its marble architecture and providing a visual treat that’s nothing short of magical. The lush gardens of Mehtab Bagh, away from the usual crowd, offer a tranquil space to sit, relax and soak in the awe-inspiring view. This experience is a must for any visitor to Agra, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Have a local delicacy ‘Petha’ for dessert at the Bazaar

I couldn’t believe it when the vendor told me it was made from pumpkin. It looks like a normal gelatin-type sweet and even tastes like Turkish delight. Petha comes in so many different flavors and they were all actually really tasty.

I tried chocolate, pineapple, and strawberry and I just wouldn’t have been able to pick the origin as a pumpkin. Petha is definitely a local delicacy to check out and maybe take home as a souvenir. You will find a Petha store on most market streets.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING AGRA

While exploring the best places to visit in Agra in one day, take note of these important tips!

• When is the best time to visit Agra? The ideal time to visit Agra is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing. The city can be extremely hot during the summer months (April-June).
• What are the main attractions in Agra? The most popular attraction in Agra is the Taj Mahal. Other significant attractions include Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), and Mehtab Bagh.
• What are the visiting hours for the Taj Mahal? The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset every day, except for Fridays when it is closed for prayer. There are also night viewings available on the day of the full moon and the two days before and after.
• Are there any guidelines or rules for visiting the Taj Mahal? Yes, there are certain restrictions in place for the preservation of the monument. These include restrictions on large bags, food, smoking materials, and certain types of photography. It is advisable to check the latest guidelines before visiting.
• What are the best places to shop in Agra? Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, and Munro Road are popular for local handicrafts, leather goods, marble inlay work, and traditional sweets.
• What local dishes should I try in Agra? Agra is famous for its Mughlai cuisine. Try dishes like biryani, kebabs, and Agra’s petha, a sweet made from ash gourd.
• How can I travel around Agra? Agra offers various modes of local transport including auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, prepaid taxis, and local buses. For a more convenient and comfortable experience, hiring a private taxi for the day could be a good option.
• How many days should I plan for an Agra trip? Agra can be covered comprehensively in 2-3 days, depending on your pace and interest in local culture and history.
• Are there any good hotels to stay in Agra? Agra offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. These include luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, guest houses, and budget hostels.
• Is Agra safe for tourists? Agra is generally considered safe for tourists. However, like any popular tourist destination, it’s advisable to be cautious of your belongings and avoid isolated areas late at night.

COMMON SCAMS TO BE AWARE OF IN AGRA

While Agra is a beautiful city with welcoming locals, it’s essential to be aware of common scams that tourists may encounter while exploring the best places to visit in Agra in one day Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ticket Scams : Beware of unauthorized ticket sellers outside monuments or attractions. Purchase tickets from official counters to avoid paying inflated prices or acquiring fake tickets.
• Tour Guide Scams : Some unauthorized individuals may pose as tour guides and offer their services. It’s advisable to hire licensed guides from authorized tourism offices to ensure accurate information and a trustworthy experience.
• Gem and Jewelry Scams : Exercise caution when purchasing gemstones or jewelry from street vendors or unestablished shops. Counterfeit or low-quality items may be sold at inflated prices. Opt for reputable stores with proper certifications.
• Rickshaw and Taxi Overcharging : Negotiate the fare before getting into a rickshaw or taxi. Some drivers may attempt to overcharge or take longer routes to inflate the fare. Use registered taxis or agree upon a fair price in advance.
• Fake Charity or Begging Scams : Be wary of individuals asking for donations or claiming to support charitable causes. Verify the legitimacy of charitable organizations before making any contributions.
• Unsolicited Help : Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited assistance or guidance. They may expect payment for their services, even if you didn’t request their help.
• Hotel Booking Scams : Avoid booking accommodations through unauthorized or unknown sources. Stick to reputable booking platforms or book directly with established hotels to avoid potential fraud or overbooking issues.

Remember to stay vigilant, use common sense, and rely on trusted sources of information to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Agra.

BEST INSURANCE FOR TRAVELERS

Don’t wait for an accident to happen… get insured! My travel insurance is HeyMondo which offers low-cost travel & medical insurance. That’s me on the left with three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali!

You can click to read my Full Review of the Best Travel Insurance .

I’ve made several successful claims with HeyMondo and find their customer service very quick and helpful. Click the button below to get a 5% DISCOUNT

Wednesday 16th of November 2022

Peta is made of Ash gourd not pumpkin

Thursday 10th of November 2022

Bhai very luxury restaurant mai nashta krne ke paise tu dega kya

Manan Daftary

Sunday 30th of October 2022

Always worth getting a travellers viewpoint. Will be visiting in December. Thanks for the info and wish you well in your globe trotting.

Friday 11th of September 2020

Oh wow, Never Knew that Agra has so much to offer rather than the Taj Mahal. I haven’t been to AGRA yet. Will definitely bookmark your article and keep for future reference.

differentgates

Monday 28th of October 2019

Very nice blog, your information is very precious for us, Thanks for sharing.

Exploring the world, one place at a time.

A complete agra travel guide: all you need to know before visiting in 2023.

• Post published: January 15, 2022
• Post category: India
• Post author: Charu Goyal

Agra is one of the most visited cities in India for a reason. Home to the iconic Taj Mahal , a magnificent wonder of the world, it is a former capital of India that welcomes millions of tourists every year, eager to visit the country’s most famous monument. Though there is plenty more to experience for those willing to stick around for more than a day.

Boasting a plethora of Mughal tombs and gardens, the historically rich city of Agra is an integral part of India’s Golden Triangle. With three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and dozens of lesser known landmarks under its belt, there is plenty to captivate visiting photographers, travellers and historians to this part of Uttar Pradesh.

So, if you are planning to visit Agra and are wondering what else is there to see beyond the Taj Mahal, then worry not. I spent four days there in October 2021, and am happy to share up-to-date information to help you plan your dream Agra trip. In this guide, you’ll find everything from where to stay to what to see in Agra and much more.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of those links, I may get a small commission. Thank you for your continued support!

Table of Contents

Where is Agra?

Located on the banks of Yamuna river, Agra is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 210 km south of India’s capital city, New Delhi, and 240 km east of Jaipur in Rajasthan. If grouped together, these three cities make North India’s Golden triangle, the most popular tourist route in the country. 

If you only have a limited number of days to explore this region, then doing the Golden triangle circuit is a great way to get an insight into the world of maharajas and Mughal emperors. Travelling through these three neighbouring states, you will see some of India’s most beautiful architecture, and taste delectable cuisines. 

But should you have more time on hand, the heritage arc of Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Lucknow, and Varanasi is also worth checking out. Lucknow is situated at a distance of around 335 km from Agra and has been on my bucket list since so long!

How to get to Agra?

Being one of the top bucket list destinations in India, Agra is well-connected to other Indian cities by an extensive rail and road network. There is also a domestic airport in Agra, but it is usually more convenient to fly to New Delhi or Jaipur due to more frequent flight options.

From those cities, you can take a taxi to Agra or hop on a train. Agra has several train stations, out of which Agra Cantonment (Agra Cantt) and Agra Fort are closer to the city centre. The Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station in New Delhi only takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Agra Cantonment. You can find more information about trains to Agra here .

Alternatively, you can also take your own car or book a private taxi and reach Agra at your convenience. The roads connecting Agra with both New Delhi and Jaipur are in good condition and the drive is pretty smooth and easy. Depending on how early you leave and the route taken, you can get from Jaipur to Agra in approximately four to six hours.

My friend and I booked a taxi from Savaari car rentals for this trip. They are an online cab aggregator in India that provides affordable chauffeur driven taxis in various cities across the country. Their expertise regarding road trips in India is really valuable, especially when going to off-beat places. I used their service to go from Kolkata to Odisha as well and loved that their quoted price includes tolls, state tax and GST so there are no surprises in the end. Check prices for their Jaipur to Agra cab here.

Although trains to Agra take less time to reach, it may make sense for you economically to book a taxi when travelling in a group. But if on a tighter budget, there are also frequent buses that go to Agra daily. You can check the timing and prices for buses to Agra on redBus .

CG’s tip: Almost all train and bus stations have taxi stands nearby. You can hail a ride to your accommodation from there or book a taxi online.

Best time to go?

Although the Taj Mahal looks marvelous throughout the year, the best time to visit Agra is during the winter months from October to February . Summer in North India is uncomfortably hot, followed by months of downpours that make it difficult to freely roam around and explore as desired.

Also keep in mind that during the winter season, the weather changes fast and can affect visibility to only a few meters at dawn. If you want clearer mornings and dreamy sunrises, then head to Agra either between October to mid-November or mid-February to early March. But, if you are looking to create moody pictures, then peak wintertime would be good as well.

I visited in the last week of October and had beautiful sunrises and sunsets throughout. There was a little fog by the Yamuna river during one sunrise towards the end of my trip, but it cleared quickly as I took hundreds of pictures of one of the seven wonders of the world sitting in front of me.

CG’s tip: Regardless of which month you plan to travel to Agra, just note that the Taj Mahal remains closed to the general public every Friday for religious reasons. However, all the other landmarks can still be accessed. 

How many days are enough?

Most travellers visiting Agra mainly come to see the Taj Mahal on a day trip from New Delhi. But, in my opinion, that is equivalent to barely scratching the surface. Not only does the Taj Mahal have a distinctive charm at different times of the day, there are also several viewpoints nearby that shouldn’t be missed to admire it from other perspectives.

Being a historically significant city during the Mughal era, there are also SO many other landmarks worth checking out in Agra that a few hours in the city can never be enough. If you are planning to see most of these sights, then spending 2-3 full days is highly recommended.

However, if you only have time for a day trip, then I recommend doing a guided tour from New Delhi to make the most of your time in Agra. This private one leaving at 2:30 am allows you to still catch the sunrise at Taj Mahal, followed by a delicious breakfast and a visit to Agra Fort. Alternatively, this one leaves a bit later and covers Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Baby Taj and a buffet lunch in Agra.

How to get around Agra?

I usually love walking and getting around a new city by foot, but if I am being completely honest, then Agra isn’t ideal for that. The roads are chaotic and if you are not staying super close to the Taj Mahal, then using a transport to go from one place to another is more feasible.

Depending on your budget, there are auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks), taxis, and public transport available throughout Agra. Online cab aggregators like Uber and Ola work seamlessly too and cost almost the same as hailing an auto-rickshaw from the street for one-way rides. You can also hire the latter for approximately INR 800 for a day of exploring. Just remember to haggle if getting a rickshaw from the street.

CG’s tip: Between both the cab companies, I found Ola to be working more efficiently in Agra. I went out for sunrise every morning and Ola cabs would come in a couple of minutes even at 4 am. Uber sometimes took longer.

Where to stay in Agra?

From affordable guesthouses and hostels, to some of the most luxurious hotels in all of India, Agra has no dearth of places to stay. Irrespective of what your preferences, budget, and purpose of the trip may be, you can undoubtedly find an appropriate property to base yourself in, without a hassle.

I stayed at the ITC Mughal for the first three nights of the trip and then moved to The Oberoi Amarvilas for the last one to celebrate my birthday. ITC Mughal is for you if you are looking for a reasonably-priced luxury property that is on the top of their game when it comes to safety protocols for the pandemic. Their sanitization protocols impressed me exceedingly throughout the stay!

But, if you are in Agra for a special occasion, or just want to experience the best, then look no further than The Oberoi Amarvilas. Situated only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, all rooms there provide an unobstructed view of the Taj (!) while the interiors pay homage to Mughal architectural elements. Pair this with delectable food, outstanding amenities and extremely warm staff and you will know why the property is so highly rated and loved. You can check hotel prices and availability in Agra here.

For those of you interested in low and mid-range accommodations, there are many options in Taj Ganj, Rakabganj and Fatehabad Road areas. Taj Ganj is super close to the Taj Mahal, but this neighbourhood can feel a bit unpleasant and congested. On the flip side, places like Hotel Kamal and Hotel Saniya Palace located there come with rooftop restaurants overlooking the Taj that make it better. 

Alternatively, Hostels like Moustache are always a popular and safe choice among backpackers.

Best places to see in Agra?

Agra has a wealth of incredible places to offer. From the world-famous Taj Mahal, to lesser known spots like Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra, there are plenty of incredible monuments to entice both domestic and international travellers. Here are some sites that you should unquestionably add to your Agra itinerary:

Where do I even begin with this one? Built to immortalise the undying affection of a man for his wife, the Taj Mahal is an iconic symbol of love and India’s most recognisable monument. It was built in 1630 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his third (and favourite) wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14 th child. 

Containing tombs of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan himself, Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece and a World Heritage Site. If you could only visit one place in India, then by all means, don’t even think twice before heading here. The monument’s perfect symmetry is so compelling that you have to see it in person to understand why it is often regarded as the most beautiful building in the world. 

Apart from the white marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal complex also houses Taj Museum, Charbagh , a mosque, a reflective pool and a guesthouse. Most travellers visiting Taj Mahal stop at the reflecting pool at the front, trying to jolt each other for the iconic shot with the mausoleum. While it is a really picturesque spot, I would advise you to head to the mosque on the west and spend more time there instead. You’ll be surprised to see how less crowded it is!

Re ad More: Best Taj Mahal Viewpoints in Agra

There are three gates that visitors can usually use to enter the premises when visiting, but at present, the South gate is not functional . Between the other two, the West gate is the busiest as most tourists and tour guides tend to avoid the East gate due to the longer walking distance between the vehicle drop-off point and the main entrance. However, in my opinion, it is the best one to use as it is the least crowded.

CG’s tip: Sunrise is the most beautiful time to visit the Taj Mahal. The crowds are relatively smaller and you will get to admire the monument as it ethereally reveals itself through the morning mist. Try to reach 30 minutes before opening hour to ensure you are at the front of the queue in time for opening. If visiting on a day trip from Delhi, you can accordingly book a sunrise tour for the same.

Opening hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset, every day except Friday. Taj Mahal is closed every Friday for religious reasons. There are also night viewings two days prior to the night of and the two days after the Full Moon, except during the month of Ramadan and on a Friday. Entrance fee: INR 45 for Indians and INR 1050 for Foreigners. Entrance to the mausoleum is an additional INR 200 for both.

Restored by Mughal Emperor Akbar, Agra Fort is the city’s second most impressive landmark and another World Heritage Site. It was primarily constructed as a military fortress in 1565, but was later transformed into a palace by Shah Jahan, who embellished it with white marble and precious stones during his reign. 

When visiting Agra Fort, make sure to take a moment to appreciate its impressive red sandstone wall that is nearly 22 m high in several parts. The interiors are equally stunning as well and there are also a few vantage points that provide an unobstructed view of the Taj. When Shah Jahan was overthrown and imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, he spent eight years here gazing out at the river and admiring the Taj Mahal from a distance until his death.

Some of the places to not miss in Agra Fort are Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir’s Palace), Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of private audience), Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of public audience), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror palace), Musamman Burj, Moti Masjid (Pearl mosque) and Nagina Masjid (Gem mosque). The area is enormous and you’ll need a few hours to see it all. There is also a light and sound show here every evening.

CG’s tip: Agra Fort can get really crowded on Fridays due to Taj Mahal being closed. If you are in Agra for more days, then plan to visit here the same day as the Taj. Alternatively, you can go early morning and enjoy it while it is still quiet. Just avoid going near closing time as the guards tend to rush people out from beforehand.

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 35 for Indians and INR 550 for Foreigners. Plus, a separate ticket for ADA Toll Tax upon arrival, which is INR 10 for Indians and INR 50 for foreigners.

Mehtab Bagh

Located directly across the Yamuna river from the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh is a Mughal botanical garden that has one of the best viewpoints in Agra. If you are looking to get epic sunrise and sunset photos of the Taj Mahal without the crowd, then make sure to not skip this spot. The garden is perfectly aligned with the Taj and there are several photo points facing the monument.

Mehtab Bagh is also known as The Moonlight Garden and there is even a popular myth associated with this place. Legend says that Shah Jahan wanted to make an exact copy of the Taj Mahal for his own burial here, only with black marble instead of white. But the construction of Black Taj never took place as he was imprisoned by his son, who buried him next to Mumtaz Mahal inside the Taj Mahal itself. Whether this is true or just a myth remains unverified.

CG’s tip: Although Mehtab Bagh is just opposite the Taj Mahal on the other side of Yamuna river, getting there takes time. The garden is approximately 8 km from the Taj Mahal and you will need to hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to get there. Nevertheless, the picture-perfect view of the Taj Mahal is worth it, especially at sunrise or sunset. 

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreigners. No ADA Toll Tax is charged here.

Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah

Often known as the Baby Taj or the Bachcha Taj, the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is another Mughal mausoleum in Agra. It was built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, who was known by his title I’timād-ud-Daulah, meaning pillar of the state. Completed in 1628, this mausoleum was one of the first Mughal structures to have ever been built entirely in white marble.

This tomb is situated in the centre of a Charbagh, with four usual enclosing walls and side buildings made of red sandstone. Out of these, the pavilion on the western side beautifully overlooks the Yamuna river. But what sets I’timād-ud-Daulah’s tomb apart from other monuments is the beautiful floral patterns depicted by stone inlays and mosaic work. It even served as an inspiration for the Taj Mahal, which was built for Mirzā Ghiyās Beg’s granddaughter Mumtaz.

CG’s tip: Being a lesser known monument in Agra, the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah doesn’t see that many visitors throughout the day. I would suggest you to visit popular places in the morning and then visit here afterwards. Since it is located near Mehtab Bagh, you can easily club the two together too.

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreigners. Plus, ADA Toll Tax of INR 5 for Indians and INR 10 for Foreigners upon arrival.

Chini ka Rauza

Situated just 1 km north of I’timād-ud-Daulah’s tomb, Chini ka Rauza is another funerary monument in Agra. It contains the tomb of Shukrullah Shirazi Afzal Khan ‘Allami’, a Persian scholar and poet, who later became the Prime Minister of Emperor Shah Jahan. It also has a large garden and nice riverside views.

If you like exploring lesser known places and are in the area anyway, then definitely make a pit stop here. The exterior of this monument is covered in glazed tile work, which is one of the reasons to admire it. The interiors, on the other hand, feature paintwork and inscriptions from the Quran, both of which seems to be depleting to an extent.

However, seeing the dome from inside is still pretty impressive. Just don’t head here with high expectations as the structure isn’t maintained like other popular places in Agra. Some of the tile work on the outside is either falling off or has lost its colour due to the weather. Hopefully it can be restored to its former glory someday!

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: Free.

Tomb of Akbar

Akbar’s tomb is another beautiful example of impressive Mughal architecture. It is a hidden gem that is the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is located in the town of Sikandra, about 40 minutes outside of the main city. Emperor Akbar planned and constructed most of the monument himself while he was still alive. But, it was completed by his son Jahangir, after his death.

The mausoleum itself is five stories tall and is made with red sandstone and white marble. It is surrounded by vast gardens, housing deer, monkeys, peacocks and other wildlife. If you love architecture and photography, then make sure to not give this picturesque sight a miss. The chhatri-topped minarets, painted interiors and detailed inlay work are really remarkable to see up close.

CG’s tip: Sikandra is en-route to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra. If you are planning to visit there, then you can make a stop at Akbar’s tomb on the way to save time. The tomb of Mariam Zamani, Akbar’s wife, is also situated close by in Sikandra itself. 

Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani

Not too far from Akbar’s tomb lies another Mughal mausoleum in Sikandra. This is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar’s favourite wife, Mariam-uz-Zamani. It was built by their son Jahangir and is about a 5 minute driving distance from the tomb of Akbar. If you are travelling to Sikandra to see Akbar’s tomb, then you can make a stop here as well.

Mariam’s tomb was formerly an open baradari (pleasure pavilion) built by Sikander Lodhi in 1495 AD. The Mughals acquired it in the 17 th century and reconstructed the exterior walls by introducing red sandstone to the edifice. Similar to other Mughal sites in Agra, this mausoleum is also surrounded by lush gardens. However, there isn’t much else to see at the site.

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreigners. ADA Toll Tax is not levied here.

Note: All the above-mentioned entrance fees are as per the online ticketing charges. The prices will be slightly higher if you purchase them via cash, when or if the ticket counters open up (more on this below). You can book online tickets to any of these on the official website here .

Taj Nature Walk

Located a few metres away from the East Gate entrance of Taj Mahal, it is a peaceful park providing walking trails and beautiful viewpoints. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Agra, then take a stroll through this 70 hectare green belt and enjoy glimpses of Taj Mahal every now and then.

Taj Nature Walk is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Including an array of birds, you can expect to come across peacocks, peahens, hyena, and more here. Some people also like to go here for a picnic, but in general, it is not a busy attraction. For the best experience, visit here in the morning or evening hours when the weather is pleasant.

CG’s tip: The entrance to Taj Nature Walk is on the Taj East Gate Road. You may be asked for an ID when visiting, so make sure to carry one with you. Taking a reusable water bottle is also recommended as there is no place to buy it once there.

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 100 for Foreigners.

If you are in Agra for longer, then there are also some other landmarks that you can check out. Taj Mahal itself has plenty of viewpoints, especially for those willing to walk around the nearby areas in pursuit of different perspectives. My personal favourite is the chhatri situated close to Dussehra Ghat, and from the boat ride on Yamuna river. 

Agra also enjoys local markets which are an experience in themselves. If you don’t mind the constant honks, large crowds, haggling, etc., then visit the narrow lanes of Kinari Bazaar near the Taj Mahal. The enormous Jama Masjid is also located there. Sadar Bazaar is another famous market in Agra.

Day trips from Agra?

Even though there is a lot to see in Agra itself, there are also remarkable destinations outside it that you can explore when there. The roads are in good condition and you can easily do a day trip to see other gems of Uttar Pradesh. Here are some places that I would recommend checking out:

Fatehpur Sikri

Situated less than 40 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a 16 th century city that was built predominantly in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar. It was founded as the capital of the Mughal Empire and later abandoned after just 15 years due to multiple reasons. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must visit for every architecture lover.

Combining Hindu and Muslim elements, Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour. The city is surrounded by a large fortification wall and there are several entryways to access the premises. Known as the Gate of Magnificence, the Bhuland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri is the highest gateway in the world at a height of 54 metres.

Other must-see attractions at Fatehpur Sikri include The Jama Masjid, which is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. The Palace of Jodha Bai, Panch Mahal, Anup Talao, Diwan-I-Khaas, Diwan-I-Aam, and the Treasury are wonderful too. Just try to visit early in the day so you have enough time to go around and see everything at a relaxed pace. You will easily need a couple of hours here.

CG’s tip: Fatehpur Sikri is divided into two parts: the mosque, and the palace complex. Most taxi drivers will try to drop you close to Bhuland Darwaza, which is the entrance to the Jama Masjid. But, I suggest visiting the palace area first.

Bhuland Darwaza is surrounded by many hawkers, beggars and young children that roam around freely pretending to be guides harassing tourists in the name of charity. Just head to Diwan-I-Aam or Jodha Bai entry gates and visit there later to have a quick visit of the mosque. 

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 35 for Indians and INR 550 for Foreigners. An additional ADA Toll Tax of INR 10 for Indians and INR 50 for Foreigners is also charged upon arrival. The Jama Masjid complex at Fatehpur Sikri can be visited free of cost.

Located about 25 km from Fatehpur Sikri lies Bharatpur. It is an Indian city in the state of Rajasthan that has an array of beautiful palaces, forts and temples to offer. I would typically suggest to stay here overnight to be able to explore it properly, but if you are short on time, then it can be a great addition to your Fatehpur Sikri day trip from Agra too. There are many tours that cover both places.

The most popular site to not miss in Bharatpur is the Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. It is a World Heritage Site where you can spot over 350 species of birds, especially during the winter season. The landscape is really beautiful and you can choose between covering the trails on foot, bikes or a cycle rickshaw. Boating is also available there.

CG’s tip: Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri both fall on the way on the Jaipur-Agra route. If you are travelling between Jaipur and Agra by road, then you can visit either of them or both, depending on how much time you have. For Keoladeo National Park, I would recommend having a few hours in hand.

Opening hours: Keoladeo National Park is open from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm in Winter and 6:00 am to 6:00 pm in Summer.  Entrance fee: INR 75 for Indians and INR 500 for Foreigners. Prices for vehicle hire at the Keoladeo National park are separate.

For those interested in spirituality and Hindu culture, the city of Mathura is another option for a day trip from Agra. It is located approximately 57 km from Agra and is popular for being the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Offering landmarks like sacred temples and serene ghats, Mathura is unlike most other cities in India.

Known as the holiest place in the city, the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is one of the must visit sites in Mathura. There are large celebrations here during the festivals of Holi and Janmashtami. Other notable landmarks in Mathura are Vishram Ghat, Kusum Sarovar, Kans Qila, Jama Masjid, Krishna Balaram Mandir, Goverdhan Hill and more.

Your trip to Mathura can also be combined with a visit to its twin city of Vrindavan. The town of Deeg is also an easy drive from both Mathura and Bharatpur.

Located around 15 km from Mathura, Vrindavan is another holy city situated on the banks of the Yamuna river. It is a Hindu pilgrimage site that is known for being the city where Lord Krishna spent a considerable amount of his childhood. There are numerous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in Vrindavan.

Shri Banke Bihari Mandir is one of the most popular temples to visit in Vrindavan. It is also the main centre of celebration of the Holi festival in Vrindavan, where events take place for a whole week. The shrine at Banke Bihari Mandir is one of the most admired in all of India.

Other places to see in Vrindavan include Prem Mandir, Govind Devji Temple, ISKCON Vrindavan, Radha Raman Temple, Nidhi Van, Keshi Ghat, and more. You can drive to Vrindavan yourself, use public transport or book a private guided tour. This one from Agra takes you to both Mathura and Vrindavan.

Where to eat in Agra?

Indian food is one of my all-time favourites, so I love travelling within India and tasting local delicacies of different regions. Here are some places that I would recommend for good vegetarian food in Agra:

Bellevue: Bellevue is an all-day dining restaurant at The Oberoi Amarvilas, serving Indian and International cuisines. It has both indoor and outdoor seating, where the latter overlooks the hotel’s beautiful, lush gardens and the pool area. From hand rolled pastas to chaat boxes containing mouth-watering street food, you can expect to find great quality no matter what you order. Their Thai Stir Fried Tofu and Vegetable Krapow were my personal favourite!

Esphahan: Esphahan is a speciality tandoor dining restaurant serving Mughal cuisine at The Oberoi Amarvilas. You can order Thalis or multiple course set menus here and enjoy a delicious dinner while listening to live music. My friend and I went with the traditional Indian Thali option and loved everything. The Dal Esphahani and Pistachio Kulfi were a delight!

Peshawri: Peshawri is another North Indian fine dining restaurant in Agra. It is located inside the ITC Mughal and serves dishes that are cooked in traditional clay pots or tandoors. Some of the dishes were not available during our visit as the restaurant had just re-opened that night itself, but we had Dal Bukhara, Kebabs and lots of butter Naan. Their bread was so good that I could eat just that on its own!

Sheroes Hangout: Sheroes Hangout in Agra is a café with a cause. It is a colourful place that is run by acid attack survivors who welcome customers with utmost love and big smiles. Their mission is to raise awareness about these attacks and empower other victims to continue living life in public. The menu at Sheroes Hangout doesn’t have any prices and customers are requested to pay what they deem right. Please remember to pay fair and support them in whatever way possible.

Other than these, we mostly ate our weight in breakfast buffets and decent looking all-day dining places close to where we were. If you happen to be in the Taj Ganj area, then you can also check out rooftop restaurants like Hotel Saniya Palace that are known for their view of the Taj Mahal. The food is mostly simple, but worth a visit for the viewpoint.

What to buy in Agra?

Agra is known for many things, out of which Petha is the most popular. It is an Indian soft candy made from white pumpkin. Most sweet shops in Agra sell Petha and there are often numerous flavours available. If you like sweets, then make sure to try this local delicacy or bring back some for your loved ones. You can get Petha near the Taj Mahal, at bus and train stations, and in local markets and speciality stores. 

Another souvenir that you can buy from Agra are marble replicas. From a Taj Mahal miniature to products like trays, vases, or boxes, you can find many items inlaid with semi-precious stones in ornate floral designs that are commonly found in Mughal architecture throughout Agra. There are many stores on Fatehabad Road that sell these.

Other products that Agra is known for are leather goods, silk sarees and textiles, rugs and carpets, handicrafts, and more. Have a stroll around Kinari Bazaar or Sadar Bazaar and you’ll probably find something interesting for yourself. Just note that Kinari Bazaar is closed every Tuesday. 

What to pack for Agra?

• A camera! Taj Mahal is one of the most photogenic sites in the world, so you would be crazy to travel to Agra and not capture it. Whether you are comfortable using a smartphone or a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera, make sure to take one with you and snap some pictures. I recently upgraded to a Sony mirrorless !
•  A wide angle lens . The monuments in Agra are designed in such a way that you’ll sometimes wish you had a wider lens to shoot the entire setting. Landmarks like Akbar’s Tomb are enormous in size, and if you want the iconic arch shot of the Taj Mahal then definitely carry this with you.
• A zoom lens may also be useful if you are looking to get some detailed shots while in Agra. It would particularly come handy in places like Mehtaab Bagh where Taj Mahal would be a little further.
• A hard drive because all those photos need to be stored somewhere now, don’t they? This may not apply to everyone, but I like to take a backup of my files every day and thus carry a hard drive on all my trips. Not only does it help to empty SD cards, but I honestly sleep better knowing my photos are safely backed up. This is the one I use.
• Weather appropriate clothing. The temperatures in Agra vary vastly between the different seasons, so make sure to bring suitable clothing for your trip. However, for women, I suggest leaving tanks behind and bringing light maxis or similar if travelling in summer. Agra is still a conservative city.
• If you are a female, then carrying a scarf to cover your bare shoulders when visiting masjids, temples and other religious sites is also a must. I personally take one or a light jacket with me on most trips around India as they can also be useful in crowded areas to avoid unnecessary attention.
• A travel plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D, and M. If your devices are bought from outside India, then make sure to check this to have a seamless experience at your accommodation or check with your hotel for a spare. This one works in most places around the world.
• A portable charger. Since you are going to be out and about all the time and using your phone for photos, directions, restaurant reviews, you may run out of battery quickly. A portable charge ensures you always have a working device with you!
• Last but not the least, make sure to carry hand sanitizers and face masks . You can never have too much of these while travelling during these uncertain times.

Some things to know before visiting Agra

• Entrance tickets for all the monuments in and nearby Agra must now be purchased online. There used to be functioning ticket counters at all the touristic sites before the pandemic, but that isn’t the case anymore.
• You can now either buy your tickets for Agra monuments here before visiting or scan one of the QR codes displayed on the entrances and get an electronic ticket on the spot. However, sometimes the portal does not work efficiently due to poor connectivity so it is better to purchase from before with hotel WIFI.
• Should the ticket booths open again soon, remember that in person tickets are more expensive. If you purchase tickets to monuments in Agra online (either before visiting or paying by card on arrival), then automatic discounts are applied to the final price. The deductions are not huge, but do make a difference when visiting many places.
• On top of the entrance fee, the Agra Development Authority (ADA) also imposes a charge commonly known as ADA’s Pathkar or Toll Tax. It will already be included in the price of your Taj Mahal ticket, but you will be asked to pay it on top of your tickets at other landmarks. 
• All foreign citizens visiting other monuments in Agra on the same day as the Taj Mahal do not have to pay the ADA Toll Tax again (make sure to show your ticket for the same if asked). However, you will not be exempted from it the next day. The ADA doesn’t levy any Toll Tax on Fridays so you can visit then to save money.
• Some landmarks in Agra have a huge list of prohibited items that are strictly not allowed inside the premises. Before visiting any of these locations, make sure to check the list from beforehand to avoid wasting time in cloak rooms and security checks. For instance, visitors cannot carry any food, tobacco products, tripods, portable charges, pens, etc. inside the Taj Mahal.
• Know the best time to visit popular places. Being regarded as the most beautiful building in the world, it is safe to say that the Taj Mahal gets REALLY crowded even at sunrise. I, fortunately, got lucky as India was still closed to international tourists at the time of my visit, but try going as early as possible.
• Trust that the fog is real. If you are planning to visit Agra during the winter season in India, then expect that you may not be able to see the Taj Mahal clearly early in the morning. The visibility can get so low that you can stand just beneath it and still not be able to get a detailed glance!
• You may come across articles online that claim there is nothing else to see in Agra apart from the majestic Taj Mahal. But in reality, this couldn’t be further away from the truth. Give the city more than a few hours and explore some other incredible structures from the Mughal era to see what else it has to offer.
• There is also a lot of talk about Agra being a dirty and smelly place. Since this was only my first time properly seeing the city, I cannot argue if that is always incorrect, but I personally didn’t think the same was true from what I saw and experienced. Maybe it is due to the ongoing pandemic, or less number of daily visitors at the moment, but all the sights and areas I saw were clean.

Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on a comprehensive Agra travel guide from me! I hope you found information in this blog post helpful in planning your trip to Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. 

I tried to include everything I could think of, but if there is anything else I can help you out with, then please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. You can also DM me on Instagram or send an email. I love hearing from you and helping you plan your trips!

Happy Exploring, Charu xx

Want to keep reading? You may like “ Best Instagrammable Places in Jaipur ” and “ 11 Best Instagram Spots in Bikaner ” too.

LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER ⤸

This Post Has 20 Comments

Charu, I love how beautiful your pictures are and how detailed the guides. I started following you on Instagram after coming across your Agra posts and have been waiting for this guide. Thank you for covering every topic that was needed so thoroughly!

Thank you so much for joining me here and on Instagram, Suman. I am glad that you came across my pictures from Agra, thanks for all your kind words 💖

Agra is incredible. I’m so glad I went before COVID. I hope to return one day. Thanks so much for the info. Your pictures are beautiful.

Thank you, Sharon. And yes, so good that you could visit India before the borders shut down. I hope that we can reopen properly soon and people can start returning!

I am blown away by your photos of these historic buildings.

The architecture in India is incredible, thank you Terri.

Beautiful photographs! I love the way the sun appears to set the marble on fire, Although when we visited at sunrise I looked half asleep. The nearby forts are equally magnificent. A really comprehensive post – so useful and visually appealing.

Me too! We were there for quite a few hours, so it was interesting to see how the marble changed colours under different lighting conditions. Our guide also made us observe some precious stones that illuminated due to the sun’s position, which was fascinating to say the least. Thank you for your kind words, Hels!

Your photos are so beautiful! Agra looks amazing to explore, thank you for this great detailed guide!

It really is, Lyne! Have you thought about visiting someday?

Your pictures are incredible!!! Lovely post, thanks for sharing all the details with us 🙂

Thank you for reading, Karla! I am glad you liked it 🙂

Your photos are absolutely stunning! And that architecture!! Thanks so much for sharing such an incredible destination!

Thank you, Kathryn! Agra is truly special.

Beautiful pictures! I visited the Taj Mahal a few years ago but I didn’t get a chance to go there at sunrise. I’d love to go back again some day!

You must. Although the Taj Mahal is beautiful at any time of the day, seeing it at sunrise is truly incomparable. I hope you get to experience that one day!

Wow loved the pictures..so amazing .i remember Visitng long back during childhood..need to visit again

Thank you, Madhu. And yes, you must!

I don’t even know where to start on saving all this info in my planner lol So helpful! Thank you 🙂

Just a side question, but your amazing dresses… do you wearing them out all day when traveling or change at the location before/after? Also, where do you buy your dress, they look so beautiful and flowy.

Hi Channy, I am so pleased to hear that you found this post helpful. I usually wear the dresses all day, but sometimes also change at the location or before/after if it involves a hike. Typically, I take most of my photos in the morning or during sunset so I may also change into something more comfortable for just roaming around the city when not shooting. Most of my outfits from this article are linked in my ‘Outfits’ Instagram Highlight but feel free to DM me for any links if you need.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please enter an answer in digits: one × two =

Sign me up for the newsletter!

1800 22 7979

+91 22 2101 7979

+91 22 2101 6969

+91 88799 00414

Business hours

Top Recommended Destinations

Jammu and Kashmir

Sikkim Darjeeling

Himachal Pradesh

North India

• Chandrataal
• Dharamshala
• Spiti Valley
• Nubra Valley
• Pangong Tso

Punjab & Haryana

• Kurukshetra

Uttarakhand

• Jim Corbett Park

Uttar Pradesh

Fatehpur Sikri

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Neil Island

Andhra Pradesh

• Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
• Chitradurga
• Murudeshwar
• Shravanbelagola
• Athirappilly
• Thiruvananthapuram
• Kanchipuram
• Kanyakumari
• Mahabalipuram
• Pondicherry

Arunachal Pradesh

• Kaziranga National Park
• Manas National Park
• Cherrapunjee
• Bhubaneshwar

West Bengal

• Narmada Tent City
• Rann of Kutch

Madhya Pradesh

• Omkareshwar

Maharashtra

• Chittorgarh
• Kumbhalgarh

Ranthambore

South East Asia

Australia New Zealand

Dubai Egypt Israel

• Nile Cruise

South Africa

• Johannesburg
• Pilanesberg National Park
• Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
• Stellenbosch
• Victoria Falls
• Rio De Janerio
• Los Angeles
• Niagara Falls
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• Nuwara Eliya
• Kuala Lumpur
• Genting Highlands
• Nusa Penida
• Ho Chi Minh
• Cherry Blossom Tours

South Korea

• Great Barrier Reef
• Great Ocean Road

New Zealand

• Christchurch

Western Europe

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican city

Central & Eastern Europe

• Czech Republic

Northern Europe

Mediterranean Europe

• Midnight Sun
• Northern Lights
• Scandinavia

United Arab Emirates

• Ferrari World

Saudi Arabia

An adventure of a lifetime awaits you. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the last frontier on Earth, the serene beauty of icebergs, and witness landscapes that seem straight out of your dreams.

Speciality Tours

POPULAR & available TOURS

Honeymoon special.

Embark on a journey of togetherness.

Inspiring beautiful journeys & Scenic Routes.

Seniors' Special

Golden age celebration tours for 55+ yrs.

Women's Special

Exclusive handcrafted women only tours.

Family Tour Packages

Veena World’s safe, secure, and popular tours

Upcoming Tours

Couples only.

Exclusive tours for middle aged couples.

Luxury Tours

Enjoy the sweet life of luxury & pampering.

One Week One Place

Explore one place at a relaxed pace.

Post Tour Holidays

Explore the city after your big tour.

Short Trips

Quick getaways to stunning destinations.

Treks & Hikes

Exiting adventure & challenges (15-55 yrs).

YOLO Adventures

Experiences for adrenaline junkies (18-35 yrs).

City Walks & Day Trips

Explore the city and culture.

WOW Adventures

Thrilling holidays for family (10-55 yrs).

Students' Special

Dhamaal tours after 10th & 12th exams

Women's Special with Kids

Travel with your kids (boys & girls, under 12 yrs)

Customized Holidays

THEMED EXPERIENCES - Find your reason!

Romantic Holidays

City Breaks

Adventure Stories

Taj Holidays

Air Inclusive Holidays

Luxury Holidays

choose the right tailor-made luxury travel vacations

Island Getaways

explore the tropical island getaways

Buy & Sell Foreign Currency

Aed - uae dirham, gbp - british pound.

All your FOREX needs taken care of

• 10 Best Places To Visit Near Agra

10 Best Places to Visit Near Agra

With its rich history, culture, and fascinating monuments, Agra has many enticing sights to witness for tourists. The early reference for Agra comes from the legendary Mahabharata era, where the city was mentioned as Agravana, which means paradise in Sanskrit. This rich city in North India is preferred by most travellers for a weekend getaway. While most people come to this city to visit the Taj Mahal, there are many other eminent archaeological sites that should not be missed at all. The whole region gives you an insight into rich Indian culture and history. So, once you are done with the places to visit in Agra , and you still have two-three days in hand, you can explore other sightseeing places near the city. The impressive list of tourist spots near Agra comprises everything, including geological sites, historical towns, natural habitats, and holy riverfronts.

Here is a list of the top places to visit near Agra that you can plan a trip to:

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986, Fatehpur Sikri is an ancient town located 40 kilometres away from Agra. It was built between 1571 and 1585 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in honour of the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. It is home to many historical buildings such as Jama Mosque, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Jodha Bai's Palace, Diwan-I-Am, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Ibadat Khana, and more. One of the best tourist places near Agra within 50 km, Fatehpur Sikri, is a unique blend of lavish architecture and religious beliefs.

Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, Vrindavan is one of the oldest cities and a famous pilgrimage place for the devotees of Lord Krishna. This beautiful town hosts many Lord Krishna and Radha temples, including the world-famous ISKCON temple and Banke Bihari temple. It is believed that Lord Krishna had spent his childhood here. Every year, millions of devotees visit this holy town in Uttar Pradesh to fill their hearts with spirituality and joy. Vrindavan is one of the blissful places near Agra for a weekend trip where you can feel divine energy and spiritual vibes. The highlights of this place include Prem Mandir, Nidhivan, Rangaji Temple, Kesi Ghat, and the Holi celebration in Braj - a historical region covering Vrindavan and Mathura.

One of the biggest national parks in India, Ranthambore, is nestled in the vicinity of the Aravali hills and Vindhya terrain. With an area of 1334 sq km, the national park is famous as the natural habitat of a large number of Royal Bengal tigers. Here, you will have the best experience of a lifetime watching majestic tigers roaming freely, enchanting greenery in the vicinity, and species of animals and birds. One of the most exciting places to see near Agra, the Ranthambore landscape consists of valleys, hills, forests, and greenery. Apart from the wildlife, the cultural significance of Ranthambore is also a major attraction among tourists. Jogi Mahal is an iconic place located near Padam Lake in Ranthambore. Other attractions are Rajbagh ruins, the majestic Ranthambore Fort, Trinetra Ganesha Temple, Kachida Valley, Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum, and more.

An exotic offbeat destination, Bharatpur is situated in the Braj region, around 58 km from Agra. Known as the Eastern Gate of Rajasthan, Bharatpur is a popular weekend tourist destination. From wildlife and forests to historical attractions from past centuries - you can find everything in Bharatpur. Here, the Keoladeo National Park is home to over 370 species of animals and birds. The park made its way into the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1985. It is one of the best places to visit near Agra, where you can experience the authentic Rajasthani tradition and religious festivals. The famous 18th century built Lohagarh Fort is quite a crowd-puller here. Other attractions in Bharatpur include Bharatpur Palace and Museum, Government Museum, and Ganga Mandir.

Located around 61 kilometres from Agra, Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the twin-city of Vrindavan (10km distance). One of the top Uttar Pradesh tourist places , Mathura, is mainly famous for Shri Krishna Janmabhumi, a place where Lord Krishna was born. One of Hinduism's seven sacred cities, Mathura attracts tourists with more than 25 serene ghats, religious structures, temples, and landmark monuments. Here, the two most significant temples are the Gita Mandir and Dwarkadheesh Temple. Other attractions include Govardhan Hill, Birla Mandir, Kusum Sarovar, Mathura Museum, Kans Qila, and more. The surreal beauty, old-world charm, religious vibes, and serenity make Mathura one of the top tourist places near Agra within 50 km .

Sariska National Park

Nestled in the Aravali Hills, spreading in an 800 sq km area, Sariska National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The surrounding area of the park has green forests, rocky landscapes, and sheer cliffs. This place was once the reserved hunting ground for the rulers of Alwar and was acknowledged as a national park in 1982. The Sariska Park is famous for majestic Royal Bengal Tigers and many carnivores, including Leopard, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild Dog, and more. The Sariska National Park is surrounded by two lakes, namely Jai Samand Lake and Siliserh Lake, providing shelter to a variety of water snakes, crocodiles, and diverse underwater animals. The park also has the remains of ancient temples of Garh-Rajor from the 11th century. One of the best places near Agra to visit , Sariska National Park, offers a perfect getaway for tourists.

The erstwhile capital city of the Bundela Rajput kings, Orchha, is a historic town in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh, nestled on the banks of river Betwa. Orchha means a hidden place, and the city really is a hidden gem for tourists. Founded by Rudra Pratap Singh in the 16th century, Orchha hardly ever witnessed any fierce battles, keeping the originality and beauty of monuments intact. You will get to feel the previous era the town has witnessed through its unscratched monuments, splendid riverside palaces, royal temples, and Mughal-influenced Rajput palaces. The fascinating history, stunning architecture, and royal charm make it one of the best places to visit Near Agra that you cannot miss out on. Here, you will find attractions like the Jahangir Mahal, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Raja Ram Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Chhatris Cenotaphs, Orchha Fort, and Kanchana Ghat.

National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the top places to visit in Agra near Taj Mahal, National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal weekend getaway for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Located near the tri-point of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, near the Chambal River, the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some of the most endangered species, including Gangetic Dolphins, Indian skimmers, Red-crowned turtles, and Gharial. This beautiful sanctuary offers unpolluted habitat, incredible landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Also, you can get a sight of magnificent ancient ruins, medieval temples, and animal fairs in and around this wildlife sanctuary. You can go for a bicycle ride, horse safari, camel safari, jeep safari, or river safari offered here. National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit near Agra for a leisure break.

A historical city in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior reflects a perfect blend of art, culture, history, and architecture. From royal palaces to striking forts and intricately built temples to classy monuments, the city has many attractions to delight travellers. One of the most stunning places near Agra to visit, Gwalior is renowned for brilliant architectural marvels and music festivals like Tansen Samaroh. With many historical events and stories, the city attracts travellers, photography lovers, and history buffs who wish to travel back in time through ageless monuments. Here, you can visit Jai Vilas Palace, Gujari Mahal, Padavali and Bateshwar, and Gopachal Parvat.

Famous as the Pink city, Jaipur is a perfect destination to experience the warmth and splendour of the bygone era of Rajputana graciousness. The first planned city of India, Jaipur, offers a fascinating mix of regality and modernity. This beautiful city is a part of the golden triangle that includes Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur. There are various sightseeing places in Jaipur, such as well-preserved museums, Amer Fort and Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jhalana Leopard Safari, and more.

With numerous places to visit near Agra, you can find your perfect destination to enjoy a short break from regular life. A good way to plan your trip would be to opt for one of the Agra tour packages that suit your budget and travel preferences.

We are an Indian travel company founded in 2013 and excel at domestic and international tour packages including guided group tours, specialty tours, customized holidays, corporate MICE travel, inbound travel and destination weddings.

Post your Comment Please let us know your thoughts on this story by leaving a comment.

Blog categories.

• Travel Guide

Looking for something?

Embark on an incredible journey with Veena World as we discover and share our extraordinary experiences.

Request Call Back

Tell us a little about yourself and we will get back to you

Our Offices

Located across the country, ready to assist in planning & booking your perfect vacation.

Locate nearest Veena World

Listen to our Travel Stories

5 Minute Travel Tips with Neil Patil

Become a smart traveler in five minutes. Every Monday join Neil Patil and hear about different travel tips and secrets to unlock your full travel Ninja potential.

Aapla Maharashtra

'आपला महाराष्ट्र' ही पॉडकास्ट मालिका म्हणजे महाराष्ट्राची झलकच. गौरवशाली इतिहास , वैविध्यपूर्ण परंपरा आणि आकर्षक भूगोल लाभलेल्या महाराष्ट्राची ओळख करून देण्यासाठीच वीणा वर्ल्डने ही मालिका सुरू केली आहे. या मालिकेतून महाराष्ट्राच्या रोमांचक इतिहासाचे साक्षीदार असलेल्या गड - किल्ल्यांचा थोडक्यात परिचय करुन दिला जाईल. मग दर गुरुवारी न चुकता ऐका ' आपला महाराष्ट्र ' आणि तुमच्या भटकंतीला द्या नवीन दिशा. Looking to explore the wonders of Maharashtra, India? Tune in to 'Aapla Maharashtra', a podcast series that takes you on a journey through the state's rich history, captivating culture, and breathtaking geography. Join us every Thursday for a new episode and discover the many forts that bear witness to Maharashtra's majestic past. Take your travel experience to the next level with 'Aapla Maharashtra'.

Chalo Bag Bharo Nikal Pado

#ChaloBagBharoNikal Pado, a Hindi podcast by Veena World, is here to take you on a virtual tour around the world. Every episode, our host Neil will be joined by expert travellers with years of experience in the Travel and Tourism industry. They’ll share their personal journeys and stories that you’ve probably never heard of before. A new guest, a new experience. New episode every Wednesday. Join us to Celebrate Life virtually.

Know the Unknown

Know something unknown daily in under 3 minutes

Life Stories by Veena Patil

‘Exchange a coin and you make no difference but exchange a thought and you can change the world.’ Hi! I’m Veena Patil... Fortunate enough to have answered my calling some 35 years ago and content enough to be in this business of delivering happiness almost all my life. Tourism indeed moulds you into a minimalist... Memories are probably our only possession. And memories are all about sharing experiences, ideas and thoughts. Life is simple, but it becomes easy when we share. Places and people are two things that interest me the most. While places have taken care of themselves, here’s my podcast, which I consider to be a great platform, through which I can share some interesting stories I live and love on a daily basis with all you wonderful people out there. I hope you enjoy the journey... Let’s go, celebrate life!

Travel. Explore. Celebrate Life Podcast with Neil and Sunila Patil

Travel is indeed one of the things that help us celebrate life. And 2020 has made us realise that more than anything else. With Travel. Explore. Celebrate Life., let's go on a journey around India and the world and talk about culture, history, experiences, food, and more. Your co-hosts Neil Patil and Sunila Patil along with special guests every episode, discuss where to go, what to eat, where to stay, what to pack, what to explore, and much much more. So hop on, chalo bag bharo nikal pado!

Travel Katta

#TravelKatta, a Marathi podcast by Veena World, is here to take you on a virtual tour around the world. Every episode, our host Sunila will be joined by expert travellers with years of experience in the Travel and Tourism industry. They’ll share their personal journeys and stories that you’ve probably never heard of before. A new guest, a new experience. New episode every Friday. Join us to Celebrate Life.

Recommended Tours

Kashmir to Kanyakumari Road Trip

Tour includes, super deal price.

Starts from

Golden Triangle

Most commented, calling out the spiritually inclined - 10 places of worship worth visiting in india, top 10 places in china - discover the land of oldest living civilization, a 2 week itinerary for a holiday in africa - trace your roots in the cradle of mankind, handpicked wedding destinations around the world for your big day, keep travelling all year round.

Subscribe to our newsletter to find travel inspiration in your inbox.

Trending videos for you

Top Travel Experiences

With Veena World

Dekho Apna Desh

Places to Visit in 2023

Veena world tour reviews, what are you waiting for chalo bag bharo nikal pado, highlights of kashmir - pune.

"TOUR CODE :- JKHLP170424/A. TOUR MANAGER :- Amol Patil, Shubham Pawar We recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Kashmir wit... Read more

Best of Thailand

"The tour was fantastic. All arrangements from flying from Mumbai to flying back ... Read more

"Our tour maneger sunil yadav thanks nd I am Dr Rashmi I went with my family, tha... Read more

Singapore Malaysia

"Veena World exceeded our expectations with their impeccable service and seamless... Read more

241 departures

53,870 guests travelled

140 departures

23,284 guests travelled

49 departures

15,935 guests travelled

127 departures

1,06,483 guests travelled

342 departures

73,745 guests travelled

124 departures

1,20,024 guests travelled

31 departures

11,127 guests travelled

16 departures

11,566 guests travelled

• Group Enquiry? NEW

Places to Visit in Agra

• Uttar Pradesh
• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to Visit in Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal, Mehtab Bagh, Akbar's Tomb, Jama Masjid, Anguri Bagh, Sikandra Fort and many more.

Home to one of the world’s seven wonders, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a city full of magnificent Mughal architecture. Although, there are so many more places to visit in Agra beyond Taj Mahal. Be it a family vacation, honeymoon, a solo trip or a group vacation with friends. Agra has something for every trip- romantic strolling at Mehtab Bagh with your partner glaring at Taj Mahal in its full glory or hopping from one fort to another at Fatehpur Sikri and learning all about the Mughal architecture. With the diverse  tourist places in Agra, the city never ceases to be interesting. And the diverse tourist places like Wildlife SOS and Taj Nature Walk make this city all the more unique. Read on to know about these and a lot many places that you can visit in the magnificent city of Agra.

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Agra:

One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal stands tall at the south bank of the river Yamuna in Agra. Taj Mahal or the “icon of love” is one of the best places to visit in Agra and the most popular tourist destinations in India.

Top Experiences To Do in Taj Mahal

Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra, India, stands as a formidable symbol of Mughal architecture and history. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, it served as the imperial residence for successive emperors. Its majestic red sandstone walls encase splendid palaces, gardens, and a glimpse of India's rich past.

Top Experiences To Do in Agra Fort

Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb

Another Mughal mausoleum on the bank of the river Yamuna, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb is one of the best places to visit in Agra. The architecture and interior are known to be inspired by that of Taj Mahal’s as it also has traces of white marble from Rajasthan amidst the red sandstone. And for the same reason, it is also known as the “Baby Taj”.

Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal

Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal is not as well known as the other places to see in Agra but is worth visiting. The gurdwara is dedicated to the ninth guru of Sikhs who is Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The place where it is built is where Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji voluntarily offered his arrest to Aurangzeb.

Best of Jaipur

Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh in Agra stands at the North of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort along the bank of river Yamuna. This is one of the many hidden places to visit in Agra. The garden is a char bagh which is a quadrilateral garden layout inspired by the four gardens of paradise mentioned in the Quran. The garden stands perfectly in symmetry with the view of the Taj Mahal.

Best of Manali

Akbar's Tomb

Akbar’s Tomb was built by Jahangir in 1613. If you’re a history buff, this is one of the best places to visit in Agra for you. The tomb is built in red sandstone and holds some of the most stunning marble designs.

Top Experiences To Do in Akbar's Tomb

Best of Delhi

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. Built on lines similar to the one in Delhi, this mosque too is an architectural splendour. The construction of this mosque was started in 1839 by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah Bahadur. The mosque is rich in history and is one of the favourite haunts of history enthusiasts. The mosque has a central prayer hall with eleven massive arches. The pillars  in the mosque are covered with beautiful and intricate carvings that are reminiscent of Indo-Islamic art. Address: Located in Tahseen Ganj, Husainabad, Lucknow. Timing: The mosque remains open to visitors for all days of the week from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. However, you should try to visit the mosque during the early hours of the day, so that you can admire the architectural splendour of the mosque with ease.

Top Experiences To Do in Jama Masjid

Best of Rishikesh

Anguri Bagh

A landscape of verdant greenery awaits you in the sprawling gardens of Anguri Bagh that is located in Khas Mahal in Agra Fort.

Best of Dehradun

Sikandra Fort

The Sikandra Fort homes the great emperor Akbar’s Tomb. The fort is known for its magnificent gates, tombs, and red sandstone designs which makes it one of the most visited tourist places in Agra. The fort is also known for its architecture which is a blend of Islamic and Hindu designs.

Best of Kullu

Taj Nature Walk

Taj Nature Walk has been developed by the Social Forestry Division of Agra. The trail serves as a great place to enjoy amazing views of the Taj Mahal. It also has many watchtowers along the trail from where you can view the Taj Mahal from different angles. The trail homes some very unique varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees.

Best of Jodhpur

Chini Ka Rauza

Made out of myriad hued tiles of chini, this is one of the most unique historical places to visit in Agra which was built in 1635. The mausoleum is perched on the banks of River Yamuna and charms the visitors with stunning Indo-Persian architecture. The unique building extensively uses glazed glass windows.

Best of Jaisalmer

Dolphin Water Park

If you get tired and saturated with all the Mughal architecture and monuments, this is one of the best places to see in Agra and wind off. Dolphin Water World is north India’s biggest water park.

Wildlife SOS

Wildlife SOS is a rescue and conservation organization in Agra. Their campus is located in the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. The organization also works on rescue operations and conservation of bears and have recently opened the bear rescue facility for visitors.

Diwan-I-Aam

Hailed as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, Diwan-i-Aam is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra. It is famous as the place where Shah Jehan used to have his meetings with the public and heard their problems. It is a stunning specimen of architecture and fascinates everyone.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, situated near Agra, India, stands as a magnificent testament to Mughal architectural grandeur. Commissioned by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period. Its red sandstone structures, including the Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, and the intricately carved Panch Mahal, exhibit exquisite craftsmanship and cultural fusion. The city's layout reflects Akbar's vision of unity among diverse religious communities. However, Fatehpur Sikri's abandonment due to water scarcity underscores the precarious balance between ambition and environmental constraints. Today, it remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivating visitors with its historical charm and architectural marvels.

People Also Ask About Agra

What are the romantic places to visit in agra, how can i spend 2 days in agra.

You can spend 2 days in Agra by indulging in the sightseeing of many popular places. You can talk to the guides and get to know about the stunning history of these architectural marvels. The best places to see in 2 days in Agra are Taj Mahal: No one leaves Agra without seeing the beauty of Taj Mahal. Perched on the banks of River Yamuna, Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal ruler Shah Jehan to commemorate his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is hailed as one of the seven wonders of the world and continues to astound everyone with its brilliant architecture Agra Fort: An exemplar of brilliant craftsmanship, Agra Fort dates back to the 16th century. This is a building made out of red sandstone and well-known as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites It is also called Lal Qila and home to some excellent structures like Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i I Khas, Diwan-i I Aam, Kinari Bazar: A delight for all shopping lovers, Kinari Bazaar will dazzle you with a plethora of colorful shops. Don't forget to utilise your bargaining skills here as you can get many amazing items here like jewelry, fabric, clothing, shoes, marble work etc. Mehtab Bagh: A scenic respite for nature lovers, this is an expanse of sprawling gardens which offer a picture-perfect view of the Taj Mahal. It is a superb spot to capture some sunset clicks and take out some time to contemplate among the colorful flowers. Fatehpur Sikri: With its foundation laid by the Mughal emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri is an important tourist site to be visited from Agra to admire some brilliant architecture. It is a famed UNESCO world heritage site and has many popular attractions like Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and Tomb of Salim Chisti etc. Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah: This stunning piece of architecture in Agra is also known as Baby Taj Mahal. It was built by Noor Jehan and made out of marble which keeps mesmerising the visitors. The design closely depicts Indo-Islamic architecture and presents a sight to behold with its arched entrance and octagonal towers.

Which are the best places to visit in Agra at night?

Light And Sound Show At Agra Fort: This spectacular event showcases an excellent looking fort through a whole new lens. The show is combined with wonderful sound effects and visuals that narrates the history of Agra. Shopping in Agra: Agra is well-known for selling many unique items which can be shopped from its traditional bazaars. Here, you can take home a number of souvenirs ranging from jewellery, embroidered fabrics, carpets, etc. The best places to show your bargaining skills in Agra are Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. Street food of Agra: All the foodies can brace themselves to indulge in a number of Mughal delicacies when they are touring in Agra. The best items that are sure to fill up your tummies with love in Agra include tasty chaats, spicy dalmoth, cheela, tikki, kachori, and delicious petha Enjoy at Special Events in Agra: Agra is well-known for hosting a number of cultural events which invite a lot of tourists throughout the year. These events add glitter to the amazing evenings in Agra and allow you to look at it with a different lens. Some of the prominent events not to miss when you are in Agra are Ram Baraat, Baloon ride, Taj literature festival, Kailash fair, and Gangaur Fair.

Which are the best places to visit in Agra for kids?

Taj Mahal: Don’t leave Agra without showing your kids one of the seven wonders of the world. This historical structure is a brilliant specimen of Mughal architecture and incites curiosity for everyone who has an interest in history. Wildlife SOS: A brilliant initiative to protect animals and conserve the natural heritage of India, this animal rescue organization is much loved by all the kids. The most striking feature of this place is the Agra Bear and Elephant Rescue facility. Sadar Market: One of the loved places to visit in Agra for the kids, Sadar Market is a wonderful retreat to buy many souvenirs, shops, leather goods, marble products etc. When you are here, you can also gorge on traditional delicacies like Chaat which are served on the food stalls here.  Dolphin Water Park: Head to Dolphin World Water Park to enjoy a spectacular day with kids. It is well known for having an amusement park, a play area, a locker room and many other facilities like swimming and games which are well suited to have a recreational day with kids.

What are the places to visit in Agra with family?

Agra Travel Guides

Agra Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Agra

More things to do in agra, more on agra tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

• Travel Blog
• Top Attractions
• Hill Stations
• Places to Visit in India
• Things To Do
• Weekend Getaways
• Historical Places
• Tours & Itineraries
• Festival & Events
• Food & Restaurants
• Delhi Travel Blog
• Jaipur Travel Blog
• Goa Travel Blog
• Mumbai Travel Blog
• Bangalore Travel Blog
• Chennai Travel Blog
• Pune Travel Blog
• Hyderabad Travel Blog
• Kolkata Travel Blog
• Indian Holidays Calendar 2024
• Long Weekends 2024
• Travel Tips & Hacks
• Top 10 in India
• India Tourism Guide
• Indian Railways (IRCTC)
• Indian Railways News
• Metro Rail Networks
• Web Check-in
• Hotels in Delhi
• Hotels in Mumbai
• Hotels in Gurgaon
• Hotels in Bangalore
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Chennai
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Pune
• Hotels in Hyderabad
• Hotels in Kolkata

13 Best Places to visit in Agra: ✔ Entry Fee, Timings, Location

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Destinations > Agra > 13 Best Places to visit in Agra: ✔ Entry Fee, Timings, Location

If you have always wanted to visit the Taj Nagri but the idea seemed too daunting, we have curated an Agra itinerary that will help you explore the most famous places to visit in Agra. With an area of 4,027 km² and an elevation of 170 m, Agra has established itself as the tourist hotspot. 

When planning to visit Agra, the most common mistake people make is to visit just the Taj. Yes, it is a major highlight of the city but there are plenty of other monuments that make for a perfect pitstop. Spend the majority of your time soaking in the beauty of Taj Mahal, however, there are other places around this monument that you can easily cover on your 2-day sojourn to Agra.

Dreaming about standing in front of the Taj already? Read on our Agra trip planner to give you a glimpse of once-in-a-lifetime brilliance.

Place to Visit in Agra:

Agra tour – day 1: , 1. taj mahal, agra.

Taj Mahal | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

Located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River, Taj Mahal rises like a dream from the hazy, and oftentimes chaotic city of Agra. Completed in the year 1653, the entire Taj complex is not only a testament to the beauty and genius of artisans of the bygone era, but is also known to carry a legacy with it.

The complex was a witness to 130 years of Mughal reign. If you want to step back in history and take a peek inside what that era looked like, go for a stroll inside the complex. From the magnificent Mughal architecture to cuisines sold outside the complex, everything has been inspired by the memorable era of the Mughals.

Needless to say, you should start your exploration of the city with the Taj Mahal. It is always recommended to visit this beautiful mausoleum early in the morning; the view of the sunrise is worth every effort. The complex opens even before the sun comes up, so you can start your tour at the earliest (to avoid the crowd later in the day). It is also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra at night.

• Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians (valid for 3 hours, not valid for mausoleum entry), ₹200 (for mausoleum entry) and ₹1250 for foreigners
• Timing: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset, Closed on Fridays
• Accommodation: You can easily find budget hotels in Agra close to the monument.
• Location: Forest Colony, Tajganj
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 6.2 km

YOU MAKE LIKE: Places to stay in Agra at best price

2. Mughal Gardens, Agra

After taking a tour of the minarets, tombs and the entire monument, you can sit at the Mughal Garden or just take a stroll along it. A reflection of the concept of ‘Paradise Garden’, the idea of Charbagh or a Mughal Garden around the Taj was inspired by the Persian gardens. It not only enhances the beauty of the entire complex but has a long avenue of trees laid out according to their scientific names. The fountain in the middle of the garden reflects Taj Mahal on full moon nights, making it an even surreal sight than it already is. Mughal Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra in evening.

• Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners
• Timing: 6 am to 6 pm everyday
• Location: Ram Bagh (Find hotels near Rambagh )
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 6.8 km

3. Taj Museum, Agra

Museum | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

By the time you soak in the beauty of Taj and spend some time, pondering over life, in the Mughal Gardens , it will be afternoon. Replenish yourself with some local delicacy and get ready for an insightful tour of the Taj Museum and Gallery. Mughal Gardens is also one of the best places to visit in Agra in one day. 

Located on the west side of the gardens, the Taj museum is the place where you can find the authentic Mughal miniature paintings including, the original ivory portraits of emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Apart from these paintings, take a tour of the museum and you will find gold and silver coins dating back to the Mughal era. {Fun Fact: Do take a look at the nifty celadon plates. These were said to have split in pieces or even change colour if the food served in them was poisonous. Such a cool thing, right?}

• Entry Fee: Nil  
• Timing: 10 am – 5 pm, Closed on Fridays
• Location: Forest Colony, Tajganj 
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 6.1 km
• Accommodation: Hotels near Taj Museum  

4. I’timād-ud-Daulah or the ‘Baby Taj’ of Agra

Baby Taj | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

The reason why Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is called Baby Taj is pretty self-evident. Yes, it looks like a miniature version of Taj Mahal, however, it has its own charm and elegance. Located on the eastern bank of Yamuna river, the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg has a resplendent architecture and intricately carved jalis or window screens. It is one of the topmost places to visit in Agra near Taj Mahal. 

This was the first structure to be built entirely out of marble stones, with pietra dura, and make use of the famous pleasure gardens. Take a walk around the monument, after which you can leave for exploring the Mehtab Bagh. All these historical monuments also make for a great itinerary for places to visit in Agra in 1 day.

• Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹110 for Foreigners & ₹25 for Camera
• Timing: 6 am – 6 pm
• Location: Moti Bagh
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 9 km

5. Mehtab Bagh, Agra

Mehtab Bagh | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

Conceived long before Taj Mahal came in the picture, the powerful emperor Babur built the Charbagh or famously called Mehtab Bagh. Located north of the Taj complex, this must-visit attraction in Agra is full of greenery and provides a perfect spot to view the Taj Mahal.

Also called as the ‘Moonlight Garden’, this is just the place to get a stunning view of the sunset and capture some insta-worthy shots. The scenic beauty makes it one of the best places to visit in Agra for couples. Visitors often come to Mehtab Bagh to find respite from the usual touristy crowd of the city. The garden gives them that solitude and much more.

• Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians & ₹200 for Foreigners
• Accommodation: Hotels near Mehtab Bagh
• Location: Nagla Devjit 
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 10 km

Time for splurging on souvenirs

After spending the entire day exploring the top 10 places to visit in Agra, it is time for some shopping in the famous markets of Agra.

So, what is the USP of Agra’s bazaar? Handicrafts and art works! Agra may not be high on the list of fashionistas but it is surely a haven for people looking to add something unique and beautiful to their collection. Start your shopping haul from Sadar Bazaar, located right next to the Agra Cantonment railway station. Here, you can easily find leather goods, handicrafts and apparels as well.

Always, we repeat, always bargain when shopping in the markets of Agra. This bazaar is closed on Tuesdays so plan accordingly.

If you are looking for some silk sarees or anything related to silk, Subhash Bazaar is the place for you. It is located near Jama Masjid in the Hawai Gali.

Apart from these two famous places to visit in Agra, you should also stop at Raja ki Mandi and Kinari Bazaar for some exquisite handicrafts and textiles.

Tip: Find some restaurants that provide an exemplary view of the Taj because nothing beats the experience of dining with a view, especially if that view is of the Taj itself. Also, do buy some packed murabbas for your kin.

Agra Tour – Day 2: 

6. agra fort (red fort of agra).

Agra Fort | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

No Agra itinerary is complete without visiting the magnificently stunning Agra Fort . Touted as one of the finest Mughal forts in Agra, this one is often underrated by both tourists and tour guides.

Among the places to visit in Agra in 2 days, Agra Fort shares a close second spot next to the famous Taj Mahal. So, for your second day, we recommend taking in the red sandstone beauty of this fort along with exploring places close by. Start with the Agra Fort. Just keep walking through the long courtyards of this huge fort and you will realize what a magnanimous structure it indeed is.

The fort was the grand plan of Emperor Akbar, who wanted this to be the military base of the Mughal Empire. And the fort did serve its purposes. However, when Shah Jahan came in power, he modified the structure a bit by making some additions with his favorite material – white marble.

A palace and a fortress, this structure has hidden legacies, myths and many corridors that intrigue visitors. From Diwan-I-Am to Sheesh Mahal , you can spend an entire day just soaking up the beauty of this place; it won’t disappoint.

Read also – 5 days golden triangle Tours

The fort is just 2.5 km from Taj Mahal and some 5 km from the Agra Cantonment railway station. Make sure your Agra trip plan includes the Red Fort as well because you wouldn’t want to miss visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site now, would you?

Tip: The Jama Masjid of Agra is just opposite of Agra Fort . Do visit this mosque before you leave for Akbar’s Tomb, the next place on your list.

• Entry Fee: 6 am – 6 pm
• Timing: ₹20 for Indians, ₹300 for Foreigners
• Accommodation: Hotels near Agra Fort
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 5.6 km

7. Akbar’s Tomb, Agra

Akbar’s Tomb | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

At a distance of just 15 km from Taj Mahal is the mighty Akbar’s tomb. Located in Sikandra, the suburbs of Agra, take some time to soak in the legacy of one of the most important Mughal Emperor – Akbar.

According to myths, Akbar himself commemorated the construction of the tomb because it was said to be an ongoing tradition where the rulers had to build their tombs in their lifetime. Complete with minarets and inscriptions on the walls, the entire structure is built in red sandstone and should definitely be a part of your trip.

• Timing: Sunrise to sunset
• Entry Fees: ₹15 for Indians, ₹210 for Foreigners
• Location: Sikandra
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 15.4 km

8. Fatehpur Sikri Fort complex

Fatehpur Sikri Fort | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

No trip to Agra is complete without a visit to the ancient walled city of Fatehpur Sikri . Located at a distance of around 40 km from Agra, it is famed as the political capital of Emperor Akbar and is one of the top places to visit in Agra. 

By visiting Fatehpur Sikri, one goes further back in time to take a look at the reign of Akbar. Just like Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri Fort is also listed among the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO .

Akbar first went to Sikri to meet a Sufi saint by the name of Shaikh Salim Chishti. He prophesied about the heir to the Mughal throne and after the prophecy came true, Akbar decided to move his capital to Sikri.

Just like Akbar’s secular beliefs and his idea to take in the positivity from different cultures and religions, the fort also displays the same ethos. A blend of Persian and Mughal architecture with some glimpses of Hindu, Christian and Jain culture as well, take your time to explore each structure inside the complex.

The establishment has a beautiful mosque along with three palaces, one for each of his wife. Some of the important structures you should not miss are Jodha Bai’s Palace , Panch Mahal and Hiran Minar .

• Timings: Sunrise to sunset, Closed on Fridays
• Entry Fees: ₹40 for Indians, ₹550 for Foreigners  
• Accommodation: Hotels near Fatehpur Sikri Fort complex
• Location: Buland Gate, Dadupura
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 36.5 km

On a concluding note, if you are planning to visit Agra, make sure you do it properly rather than a day’s trip from Delhi . Take your time to soak in the beauty, history and architecture of the world-renowned Taj Mahal. Do not miss out on the other underrated yet highly significant and glorious structures.

Check Other Places to Visit in Agra

9. jama masjid, agra.

Jama Masjid | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

This popular mosque was built by the daughter of Shah Jahan – Jahanara. It is one of the biggest mosques in India and is known for its splendid architecture. The red sandstone construction and intricate designs on the tomb will leave you amazed. It is indisputably one of the best

• Location: Subash Bazar, Kinari Bazar 
• Timing: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 5.1 km

10. Moti Masjid, Agra

Moti Masjid | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

Also known as the Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid was built by Shah Jahan in 1648. It is one of the most visited tourist places in Agra . The mosque boasts beautiful designs and the finest architecture on white marble. The most amazing thing about the mosque is the way it stands on a slope with many side arcades and arched recessions.

• Location: State Highway 62 Agra Fort
• Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Accommodation: Hotels near Moti Masjid
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 5.8 km

11. Sikandra Fort, Agra

Sikandra Fort | Among The Best Places to Visit in Agra

This magnificent fort is among the most famous places in Agra . It houses the tomb of Akbar and has eye-catching gates and designs made of red sandstone. The fort’s architecture is an impeccable blend of Hindu and Islamic designs. What’s more, the intricate stone carvings and excellent craftsmanship of the fort will leave you amazed.

• Location: Tomb of Akbar the Great, Sikandra
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 13.2 km

12. Dolphin Water Park, Agra

When visiting places in Agra , make sure you check out Dolphin Water Park. It is North India’s biggest water park and a favourite among tourists. It houses an amusement park, a water park, and a fast-food plaza that serves Indian and Chinese dishes. Dolphin Water Park is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Agra with family.

• Location: NH-2, Mathura Road, Runkuta
• Timing: 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM
• Adults (Above 4 feet): INR 550
• Children (Under 4 feet): INR 400
• Activities: You can enjoy different rides here, such as multilane water slides, wave pool, clusters, carousel caterpillar, merry go round, dolphin express – the kiddy’s train, and many more. 
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 27 km

13. Wildlife SOS Bear Sanctuary, Agra

This rescue and conservation organisation is among the most popular tourist attractions in Agra . It works to conserve wildlife, especially bears, elephants, leopards, reptiles and other animals. You must pre-book the personal two-hour guided experience that Wildlife SOS offers. This guided tour tells about the history of dancing bears, their conservation, and more.  

• Location: Inde, NH2, Murada
• Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Distance from Agra Railway Station: 36.2 km

Frequently Asked Questions About Agra:

Q: What is the best time to visit Agra?

A: October to March is the ideal time to plan a visit to Agra as the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.

Q: Which tourist places in Agra are UNESCO-listed?

A: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri near the city are the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Agra.

Q: Is there an airport in Agra?

A: Yes, Agra Airport primarily serves as an airbase. However, it currently operates direct flights to and from Jaipur.

Q: Which railway station in Agra is closest to Taj Mahal?

A: Agra Cantt railway station is only 20 minutes away from Taj Mahal. Autos and cycles rickshaws are easily available from here to reach the site.

Q: What modes of transport are available to travel within Agra?

A: Autos and cycle rickshaws are readily available in all parts of the city. Tongas, electric buses and electric tempos are preferred by those travelling to Taj Mahal.

Q: How can I find a tour guide in Agra?

A: You can book official tour guides (recognised and approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India) online or over call from the Office of Approved Guide Association Agra. Self-guided audio tour facility is also provided by the ASI at Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. You can even download one of the smartphone apps to tour the monuments.

Q: Are there any popular events held in Agra?

A: The 10-day long Taj Mahotsav held in February-March every year is one of the best events in Agra. The festival attracts art and culture enthusiasts from world over.

Q: Where can I go from Agra for a weekend?

A: Mathura and Vrindavan are among the most popular weekend getaways from Agra. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is another preferable option.

[showhotelbycity hotelcity=’Agra’]

Wonderful post! Agra is a very beautiful city and it is also famous for the Taj Mahal. There are so many historical and architectural views in the city. Thanks for this great article.

Related Blogs

Latest Travel Blogs

GET FAB BLOGS IN YOUR INBOX!

Book a hotel.

• Social Share

Discover Hotels and Places Nearby

Top places to visit in india, hotels in india, hotels near airport, hotels near railway station, budget hotels, couple friendly hotels.

• Places to Visit in Agra
• Places to Visit in Ahmedabad
• Places to Visit in Amritsar
• Places to Visit in Bangalore
• Places to Visit in Bhopal
• Places to Visit in Chandigarh
• Places to Visit in Chennai
• Places to Visit in Coorg
• Places to Visit in Dehradun
• Places to Visit in Delhi
• Places to Visit in Dharamshala
• Places to Visit in Goa
• Places to Visit in Gurgaon
• Places to Visit in Guwahati
• Places to Visit in Haridwar
• Places to Visit in Indore
• Places to Visit in Jaipur
• Places to Visit in Kolkata
• Places to Visit in Lonavala
• Places to Visit in Lucknow
• Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar
• Places to Visit in Manali
• Places to Visit in Mumbai
• Places to Visit in Mussoorie
• Places to Visit in Nainital
• Places to Visit in Nashik
• Places to Visit in Noida
• Places to Visit in Ooty
• Places to Visit in Rishikesh
• Places to Visit in Surat
• Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram
• Places to Visit in Udaipur
• Places to Visit in Varanasi
• Places to Visit in Pondicherry
• Places to Visit in Coimbatore
• Places to Visit in Kochi
• Places to Visit in Kodaikanal
• Places to Visit in Pune
• FabHotels: Hotel Booking App
• Hotels in Agra
• Hotels in Ahmedabad
• Hotels in Amritsar
• Hotels in Chandigarh
• Hotels in Coimbatore
• Hotels in Coorg
• Hotels in Dehradun
• Hotels in Dharamshala
• Hotels in Gangtok
• Hotels in Haridwar
• Hotels in Indore
• Hotels in Kochi
• Hotels in Kodaikanal
• Hotels in Lonavala
• Hotels in Lucknow
• Hotels in Mahabaleshwar
• Hotels in Manali
• Hotels in Mohali
• Hotels in Mussoorie
• Hotels in Nainital
• Hotels in New Delhi
• Hotels in Noida
• Hotels in Ooty
• Hotels in Pondicherry
• Hotels in Puri
• Hotels in Rishikesh
• Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
• Hotels in Tirupati
• Hotels in Udaipur
• Hotels in Ujjain
• Hotels in Varanasi
• Hotels Near Ahmedabad Airport
• Hotels Near Amritsar Airport
• Hotels Near Bangalore Airport
• Hotels Near Bhopal Airport
• Hotels Near Bhubaneswar Airport
• Hotels Near Chandigarh Airport
• Hotels Near Chennai Airport
• Hotels Near Coimbatore Airport
• Hotels Near Goa Airport
• Hotels Near Gwalior Airport
• Hotels Near Hyderabad Airport
• Hotels Near Indore Airport
• Hotels Near Jaipur Airport
• Hotels Near Kolkata Airport
• Hotels Near Lucknow Airport
• Hotels Near Mumbai Airport
• Hotels Near Nagpur Airport
• Hotels Near New Delhi Airport
• Hotels Near Pune Airport
• Hotels Near Vadodara Airport
• Hotels Near Agra Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ahmedabad Railway Station
• Hotels Near Amritsar Railway Station
• Hotels Near Bangalore Railway Station
• Hotels Near Bhopal Railway Station
• Hotels Near Bhubaneswar Railway Station
• Hotels Near Chandigarh Railway Station
• Hotels Near Chennai Railway Station
• Hotels Near Coimbatore Railway Station
• Hotels Near Dehradun Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ernakulam Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ghaziabad Railway Station
• Hotels Near Gorakhpur Railway Station
• Hotels Near Guwahati Railway Station
• Hotels Near Gwalior Railway Station
• Hotels Near Haridwar Railway Station
• Hotels Near Indore Railway Station
• Hotels Near Kanpur Railway Station
• Hotels Near Kolkata Railway Station
• Hotels Near Lucknow Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ludhiana Railway Station
• Hotels Near Madurai Railway Station
• Hotels Near New Delhi Railway Station
• Hotels Near Pune Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ranchi Railway Station
• Hotels Near Surat Railway Station
• Hotels Near Tirupati Railway Station
• Hotels Near Udaipur Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ujjain Railway Station
• Hotels Near Vadodara Railway Station
• Hotels Near Varanasi Railway Station
• Hotels Near Vijayawada Railway Station
• Hotels Near Visakhapatnam Railway Station
• Budget hotels in Agra
• Budget hotels in Ahmedabad
• Budget hotels in Amritsar
• Budget hotels in Bangalore
• Budget hotels in Bhubaneswar
• Budget hotels in Chandigarh
• Budget hotels in Chennai
• Budget hotels in Coimbatore
• Budget hotels in Coorg
• Budget hotels in Dehradun
• Budget hotels in Ernakulam
• Budget hotels in Gangtok
• Budget hotels in Goa
• Budget hotels in Gurgaon
• Budget hotels in Haridwar
• Budget hotels in Hyderabad
• Budget hotels in Indore
• Budget hotels in Jaipur
• Budget hotels in Kodaikanal
• Budget hotels in Kolkata
• Budget hotels in Lonavala
• Budget hotels in Madurai
• Budget hotels in Mahabaleshwar
• Budget hotels in Manali
• Budget hotels in Mumbai
• Budget hotels in Mussoorie
• Budget hotels in Nashik
• Budget hotels in Ooty
• Budget hotels in Pondicherry
• Budget hotels in Pune
• Budget hotels in Rishikesh
• Budget hotels in Shirdi
• Budget hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
• Budget hotels in Tirupati
• Budget hotels in Udaipur
• Budget hotels in Varanasi
• Couple friendly hotels in Agra
• Couple friendly hotels in Ahmedabad
• Couple friendly hotels in Bangalore
• Couple friendly hotels in Bhopal
• Couple friendly hotels in Chandigarh
• Couple friendly hotels in Chennai
• Couple friendly hotels in Coimbatore
• Couple friendly hotels in Coorg
• Couple friendly hotels in Dehradun
• Couple friendly hotels in Dharamshala
• Couple friendly hotels in Goa
• Couple friendly hotels in Greater Noida
• Couple friendly hotels in Gurgaon
• Couple friendly hotels in Guwahati
• Couple friendly hotels in Hyderabad
• Couple friendly hotels in Indore
• Couple friendly hotels in Jaipur
• Couple friendly hotels in Kanpur
• Couple friendly hotels in Kochi
• Couple friendly hotels in Kolkata
• Couple friendly hotels in Lonavala
• Couple friendly hotels in Lucknow
• Couple friendly hotels in Mahabaleshwar
• Couple friendly hotels in Manali
• Couple friendly hotels in Mohali
• Couple friendly hotels in Mumbai
• Couple friendly hotels in Mussoorie
• Couple friendly hotels in Nashik
• Couple friendly hotels in New Delhi
• Couple friendly hotels in Noida
• Couple friendly hotels in Ooty
• Couple friendly hotels in Pondicherry
• Couple friendly hotels in Pune
• Couple friendly hotels in Rishikesh
• Couple friendly hotels in Siliguri
• Couple friendly hotels in Surat
• Couple friendly hotels in Udaipur
• Couple friendly hotels in Vadodara
• Couple friendly hotels in Varanasi

• Be our Franchisee
• Travel Agent
• Corporate Enquiries
• Quarantine Hotels
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cancellation Policy

Best Time To Visit Agra

Top hotel collections.

Near Taj Mahal

Best Hotels

3 Star Hotels

What is the best time to visit Agra?

The best time to visit Agra is in the winter season between November to March when the weather is perfect for sightseeing. Another good time to visit Agra is between August and October to witness the Taj Mahal at its best. April-June is the summer season in Agra which is scorching hot and not a good time to visit. July-September is the monsoon season in Agra when the weather can get humid at times.

Weather in Agra

Upcoming Agra Weather

Monthly weather in agra, agra travel packages.

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour Package 4 Days

2 Nights 3 Days Jaipur Agra Tour Package from Delhi

Delhi, agra, jaipur tour package: golden triangle tour, super saver delhi agra jaipur varanasi tour package.

Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour Package 5 Days with Mathura

5 Night 6 Days Golden Triangle Tour Package

More about best time to travel to agra, agra in winter (oct - mar), agra in monsoon (jul - sep), agra in summer (apr - jul), events in agra.

Taj Mahotsav

18th - 27th February 2019

17th September - 19th September 2019

Related Posts

Best Time to Visit Uttar Pradesh

Best Time to Visit India

Places To Visit In Agra

Fatehpur Sikri

Itimad-ud-daulah's Tomb

Mehtab Bagh

Nearby Places

Agra Photos

+ 48 photos

Browse Package Collections

Agra package collections.

Taj Mahal Tour Packages

Nearby Destinations for Packages

Top listed packages.

Delhi Sightseeing Tour Package: Agra & Ranthambhore National Park

Delhi Agra Shimla Manali Tour Package: Offbeat Tour by Car

Delhi Agra 2 Days Tour Package - Taj Mahal

Delhi Agra Rajasthan Tour Package with Boat Ride on Lake Pichola

Rajasthan 10 Days Itinerary

Delhi Agra Tour Package 3 Days - Excursion to Rishikesh & Haridwar

Delhi Agra Mathura Tour Package: India Golden Triangle Tour

Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package - 3 Nights 4 Days

Browse Hotel Collections

By hotel type.

Best Hotels in Agra for a Comfortable Stay with a View of Taj

Best Resorts In Agra for a heritage vacation

Best Places To Stay In Agra

By Budget Category

Cheap Hotels In Agra

Luxury Hotels In Agra

Lodges In Agra

Cheap Hotels In Agra Near Railway Station

By Star Category

3 Star Hotels In Agra

4-star hotels in Agra

With Specific Facilities

Hotels Near Taj Mahal

Hostels In Agra

OYO Hotels In Agra

Hotels Near Agra Fort

Homestays In Agra

Villas In Agra

Hotels In Agra With Swimming Pool

Hotels In M.G. Road Agra

Resorts In Agra With Swimming Pool

Hotels Near Jama Masjid

Near Landmarks

Hotels Near Sanjay Place

For Special Purposes

Amazing Pet Friendly Hotels In Agra for You and Your Pooch

Similar Places

Sightseeing

Taj Mahal or Tejo Mahalaya? - The Controversy Around India's Most Famous Monument

17 Interesting Facts About Taj Mahal: The Epitome of Eternal Love

Best Water Parks in Agra for a Funtastic Day-out

Historical & Heritage

Things to Do in Agra

Food & Drink

9 Malls in Agra For Shopping, Food, Entertainment and More!

Places to visit near Agra

View All posts about Agra

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

THE 10 BEST Couples' Activities & Things to Do in Agra

Best things to do in agra for couples.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Bandra East
• Santacruz East
• Western Suburbs
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Taj Mahal

2. Agra Fort

3. Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

4. Wildlife SOS

5. Agra Art Gallery

6. Sheesh Mahal

7. Anguri Bagh

8. Mehtab Bagh

9. Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center

10. Shah Burj

11. D.K. Car and Driver India

12. Sheroes Hangout Cafe

13. Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour - Taxi Service

14. Anaisha journey

15. Kaya Kalp

16. Jiva Spa

17. The Warehouse of Gifts & Souvenirs

18. Ramu Travels

19. Plush Bar

20. Car Rentals Agra- Raj Travel

21. Tattva Spa

22. Ashok Sharma Tour and Taxi Service

23. Agra Cooking & Exotic Dining

24. Taxi on Rent Agra

25. Nikita Holidays

26. 707 Tours

27. Raj Tours & Travels

28. Zainub Export

29. Aiza Tours

30. Mukul Tuk Tuk Wala

What travellers are saying

Protect Your Trip »

The 18 best places to see the northern lights.

Check the aurora borealis off your bucket list.

The Best Places for the Northern Lights

Getty Images

The northern lights, known as the aurora borealis, are a spectacular natural light show visible at certain times of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. They occur when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, creating vibrant streaks of blue, green, pink and violet dancing across the night sky. 2024 and 2025 are an excellent time to catch the northern lights: Solar activity will be at a peak, making for a more impressive experience, if you're in the right place.

The best places to see the aurora borealis have little light pollution, clear skies and no precipitation. The lights are only visible at northern latitudes when it's dark outside, so the months from September to April are best for seeing the aurora. There's also a Southern Hemisphere counterpart, the aurora australis; there are fewer easy spots from which to view this phenomenon, but if you're lucky, it can be equally brilliant.

For more information on the northern lights, scroll down to the FAQ section at the bottom of this page. Read on to discover the top destinations where you can see the kaleidoscopic northern and southern lights.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is by far one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights, as it's located directly under the auroral oval. This ring-shaped zone sits around the Earth's geomagnetic North Pole and is generally associated with the most vibrant aurora sightings. Visitors can expect to see the lights on an average of four out of five clear nights during aurora season, which lasts from late August to late April.

You can book a northern lights tour to see the aurora from the springs and tubs at Chena Hot Springs Resort. This excursion includes round-trip transportation to the resort from town, a soak in the hot springs, a visit to the Fairbanks Aurora Ice Museum and an aurora viewing tour; dinner and drinks centered around Alaska produce are an option extra with hot drinks supplied.

There's more to Fairbanks than just the northern lights: If you visit in late summer, consider family-friendly activities like a ride on the Riverboat Discovery or gold panning. For a festive holiday experience in the winter, head around 15 miles out of Fairbanks to visit the Santa Claus House in the city of North Pole. Travelers can also see ice sculptures in February and March at the impressive World Ice Art Championships or take a dog-sledding or snowmobiling tour .

Where to stay: For excellent chances of aurora viewing, book a private igloo at Borealis Basecamp, a top glamping resort located on 100 remote acres of boreal forest about 25 miles from Fairbanks. With activities like dog-sledding on top of aurora viewing, past visitors regularly describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tromsø, Norway

Located about 220 miles above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is one of several top spots to view the northern lights in Norway. At the darkest point of the aurora season – which runs from September to early April – the sun doesn't rise in this northern part of the country, although there is twilight during the day. With this level of darkness, there are more opportunities to see the aurora.

Tromsø itself is a small but lively city, so there's plenty to see and do when you're not looking up at the sky, including a visit to the beautiful Arctic Cathedral. In late January to early February, the city hosts the Northern Lights Festival, a 10-day music and performing arts event featuring a variety of musical genres.

Aurora chasers can view the lights on their own while in town, but to get a better view, it's recommended to head away from the city lights. Arctic Circle Tours is one company offering guided trips, with small groups for a more personal vibe. Alternatively, adventure-seekers can embark on an exhilarating husky trekking expedition in the Arctic wilderness.

Where to stay: For accommodations with harbor views, look no further than the Scandic Ishavshotel – guests love it for its convenient central location in the city, as well as its plus-sized breakfast buffet with plenty of choices.

Luosto and Rovaniemi (Lapland), Finland

Lapland is located within the Arctic Circle in the northernmost part of Finland. The northern lights are most visible here between the end of August and April – and approximately 200 times a year – so there are many opportunities for aurora spotting. Finnish Lapland is also known as home to the Sámi people (the only recognized Indigenous group in the European Union region), some 200,000 reindeer and Santa Claus – who can be visited in the town of Rovaniemi, the region's largest city and a great base for your aurora expedition.

Consider venturing roughly 70 miles north of Rovaniemi to the resort town of Luosto, set among the picturesque and hilly landscape of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Here, you can also spend a magical evening outdoors under star-filled skies during a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests. Jaakkola Reindeer Farm offers a reindeer sleigh tour to spot the aurora once weekly; it includes a stop to warm up at a bonfire camp with snacks, hot beverages and local fireside stories.

Where to stay: For a bucket list experience, watch the impressive light show from a glass igloo at Santa's Hotel Aurora & Igloos in Luosto. Past visitors love the cozy atmosphere here, boosted by amenities like saunas and log fireplaces. If you're sticking to Rovaniemi, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is a stunning choice, with designer cabins perched among the snow-covered taiga forest.

Orkney, Scotland

This group of captivating (and mostly uninhabited) islands, located about 10 miles off Scotland's remote northern coast, is one of the best places to see the northern nights in the U.K. Fall and winter are the best seasons to witness the aurora, also known in local Shetland dialect as the "Mirrie Dancers," with fall bringing the highest proportion of clear nights. A few places to see the spectacular light show include along the coast at Birsay or the Broch of Gurness, an archaeological ruin on a sweeping and dramatic coastline.

In addition to the aurora, Orkney is home to breathtaking coastal landscapes and more sheep than you can count (try some local lamb, if you can). Travelers can also visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several monuments dating back 5,000 years.

Where to stay: During your visit, plan to stay in the historic town of Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands: The no-fuss Ayre Hotel offers harbor views, and past visitors compliment the hearty meals in the hotel restaurant. Spot the aurora close to town at Inganess Bay and Wideford Hill.

Yellowknife, Canada

Yellowknife, the capital of Canada 's Northwest Territories, dubs itself the "Aurora Capital of the World." Thanks to its position in the middle of the auroral oval, the city puts on one of the world's most awe-inspiring light shows. The period from mid-November to the beginning of April is the recommended time to spot the aurora, but it's also possible to see the aurora during more hospitable weather from late summer to early fall as the lights are visible up to 240 days a year.

Located on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife boasts winter sports such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing. If you visit in March, plan to attend the monthlong Snowkings' Winter Festival, which features events and activities like a snow-carving competition, a snow castle, live music and more.

For a unique experience, book a tour through Aurora Village to view the lights. The property will pick you up from your hotel and take you to its site, where you can stay warm in a tent while sipping hot beverages. The Aboriginal-owned Aurora Village also offers activities such as dog-sledding or snowshoeing excursions.

Where to stay: Warm up in the fireside lounge at The Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife. Previous visitors note the warm and helpful staff as a strength here.

Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

The optimal time for seeing the illuminated skies in the northern part of Sweden, known as Swedish Lapland, is between early September and late March. The small Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi sits around 125 miles above the Arctic Circle on the Torne River and is an ideal locale for aurora viewing. You'll fly to the nearby Kiruna Airport to get here. With the village's origins dating back to the 17th century, you can still find some of the original homesteads, including an old timber cottage. Today the village boasts 800 residents – and more than 1,000 dogs.

Where to stay: If you're up for a chilly overnight adventure, reserve accommodations at the world's first permanent ice hotel, the aptly named Icehotel 365. Each of its artist-designed suites is sculpted from ice with a unique theme and maintains temperatures around minus 5 degrees Celsius (about 23 degrees Fahrenheit). The rooms also feature beds with reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags so you can bundle up during the night. While you're at the property, take advantage of the guided "Northern Lights Safari on Snowmobile" or embark on the "Moose Safari on Horseback" atop an Icelandic horse.

Reykjavik, Iceland

October through March is the best time to chase the aurora borealis in Iceland . There are numerous natural parks and attractions throughout the country where you can view the show during the long and dark winter, but the capital city of Reykjavik also offers many options for accommodations, restaurants, tours and other activities for your visit. For optimum aurora viewing in the city away from the light pollution, head to Öskjuhlið. This wooded and hilly area in Reykjavik sits at 200 feet above sea level and has walkways and paths where you can see the nighttime show.

Atop this hill sits Perlan, which houses the only planetarium in the country and a museum featuring exhibits about Iceland. Perlan is also home to the world's first indoor ice cave and glacier exploratorium. During your visit, don't miss the panoramic views of the city from the building's fourth-floor observation deck. From this vantage point, you'll be able to see the Snæfellsjökull glacier; Keilir, a volcanic mountain; and Esja, the mountain of Reykjavik.

Where to stay: While in Reykjavik, splurge on an overnight tour with Buubble Tours. This experience includes breathtaking sightseeing spots and a night spent under the magical northern skies in a transparent bubble at the 5 Million Star Hotel. For longer stays, consider the eco-friendly Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, with sweeping views of the city – guests love it for its cozy yet chic Scandinavian design.

Southern Iceland

While Reykjavik is a great aurora-viewing spot if you like having amenities close by, consider getting out into Iceland's stunning, otherworldly countryside for a unique backdrop for the northern lights. One unique place to see them is the black sand beach at Reynisfjara (but watch out for the dangerous waves here). Alternatively, head to Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon and seal habitat, where the aurora's reflections in the icy water are truly beautiful.

There's no shortage of tours that will stop by these locations and more for possible aurora sightings. Consider a 10- or 13-day tour around the country with Fun Travel, or a four-day option from Arctic Adventures. If you want to do things at your own place, it's also possible to self-drive – just know that road conditions can be icy, particularly in the depths of winter (although Icelandic roads are generally well-maintained).

Where to stay: Hotel Rangá is a formidable option for aurora-spotting. It offers a variety of special amenities, such as aurora wake-up calls, a lookout deck and snowsuits to keep you warm if you're outside viewing the lights. Past visitors praise Rangá for being a comfortable yet luxurious place to relax, be it in the outdoor hot tubs or the cozy and sociable bar.

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Greenland may not be the most accessible place to travel for viewing the northern lights, with limited flight options (mostly via Iceland), but those who make it here will be thrilled they did. The tundra of Kalaallit Nunaat – the Greenlandic name for the country – is one of the best places on the globe to see the aurora from September to early April.

For the more adventurous aurora seekers, head to the top of the Greenland Ice Cap for spectacular views of the lights. This impressive glacier covers 80% of the country and is accessible via the tiny town of Kangerlussuaq. Located on a fjord right along the Arctic Circle, the town, often described as a gateway to Greenland, was a former U.S. Air Force base and is now home to Greenland's main airport. The town is known for having clear skies on some 300 nights per year, so chances of a sighting are particularly good here.

Tour company Guide to Greenland offers various tours, from two-hour aurora-viewing trips to a tough but rewarding multi-night dog-sledding expedition across the ice. For a less strenuous experience, companies like Nordic Saga Tours offer cruises through the Arctic landscapes around Kangerlussuaq.

Viking cruise along Norway's coast

Courtesy of Viking

Embrace the winter and set sail for the Arctic Circle to experience the aurora in northern Norway. The 13-day "In Search of the Northern Lights" cruise itinerary with Viking departs from London for the North Sea with stops in ports of call that are top aurora-viewing locales, including Tromsø, Alta and Narvik, plus a stop in Amsterdam en route. The cruise ends in Bergen, Norway.

While on land, take in the natural beauty of the snow-blanketed landscapes and book bucket list excursions like a night spent in an igloo or a reindeer sledding adventure. You can also chase the lights into the wilderness by snowmobile, take a dog sled ride under the stars or view them from a Sámi tent atop the mountain Pæska in Alta. This Viking Ocean Cruises itinerary is offered with departure dates from mid-January to mid-March.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

Regarded as one of the top spots in the U.S. to see the aurora outside Alaska, Headlands International Dark Sky Park sits at the top of Michigan 's lower peninsula, less than 5 miles from Mackinaw City. While the northern lights are less common here due to the relatively southern location, the best time to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon is typically during the spring and fall – and appearances can usually be predicted a couple of days in advance. The park even maintains an online Clear Sky Chart so you can check the weather forecast before you go.

There are also other stargazing opportunities throughout the year at Headlands. During the summer months the Milky Way is visible across the sky, and late summer evenings entertain visitors with meteor showers.

Where to stay: If you're visiting between late April and the end of October, splurge on a stay at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, where the aurora should also be visible. Guests describe this iconic property situated along the shoreline of Lake Huron as positively charming, thanks to its historic nature and manicured grounds. The resort also offers a host of outdoor activities from bike rentals to swimming.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Martha Shuff | Courtesy of Voyageurs National Park

Located on the international border between Minnesota and Ontario, Voyageurs National Park is an approximately 218,000-acre labyrinth of boreal forests, lakes and streams. Voyageurs is Minnesota's only national park; it's also unique in that the park's interior is accessible only by boat, unless you visit by snowmobile in winter. As a certified International Dark Sky Park , Voyageurs provides opportunities to view the Milky Way on clear evenings, especially in the summer. Year-round aurora viewing is also possible on evenings with clear dark skies, but chances are better during the winter, when it's dark for longer.

For a guided stargazing tour – including the Milky Way, the constellations and (if you're lucky) the northern lights – book with Voyageurs Outfitters. If you're on your own, park officials note that almost any campsite is a good spot for northern lights viewing and stargazing. You can also check out the boat launch areas around Ash River, Kabetogama Lake and the Rainy Lake Visitor Center for top-notch views.

Where to stay: Those who prefer to sleep in a warm, cozy bed instead of camping under the stars can make reservations at the Cantilever Distillery + Hotel, a boutique Trademark Collection by Wyndham property in the nearby town of Ranier, Minnesota. Visitors report that there's a lot to like here, from the industrial-chic rooms to friendly staff to top-notch cocktails in the active distillery on the premises.

Abisko National Park, Sweden

Given its Arctic location, Sweden is one of the prime spots for aurora viewing in the Northern Hemisphere, with Swedish Lapland at the top of the list. The fall and winter months (from September to March) offer the best opportunities to witness the spectacle, as there is more darkness than light during the days.

If you're up for the Arctic adventure, December is an ideal month to visit Abisko National Park, which some regard as one of the best places on Earth to see the lights dance across the sky. The park's mountainous terrain and clear dark skies offer dramatic front-row seats for viewing the northern lights. The Aurora Sky Station is one of the best vantage points to see the aurora in the park. Join one of the expert presentations to learn about the science behind this fascinating phenomenon.

If you'd prefer to chase the lights with a curated tour, professional photographers and aurora-chasing guides at Visit Abisko lead three- to four-hour tours throughout the fall and winter. If you can, try to join the tours in fall, as this time of year offers a unique opportunity to view the lights both in the sky and reflected in the lakes and rivers, which you won't see in the winter months.

Where to stay: For cozy Nordic vibes, stay at Abisko Mountain Lodge, which also offers activities like ice climbing and snowmobile tours in winter. Guests love the excellent restaurant here, which offers Swedish specialties ranging from salmon to moose.

Nellim, Finland

Courtesy of Wilderness Hotels

Located a stone's throw from the Russian border in Finnish Lapland, this remote Arctic destination is a top-rated locale to view the northern lights due to the lack of light pollution. You'll be seriously out of the way of any built-up areas, as there's not even a paved road into Nellim. The best time to visit is between December and early April. This village is a great place to hunker down in a lodge and relax while enjoying a slice of life in the Finnish wilderness.

Where to stay: The Nellim Wilderness Hotel offers a perfect base with year-round activities, including aurora-chasing tours by car, snowmobile or on snowshoes. You can even take a sleigh ride through the snow to a campsite on Lake Inari to spot the aurora in pristine nature.

Beyond standard rooms, the Wilderness Hotel also offers glass-roofed cabins, as well as classic log cabins and bubble-shaped accommodations for two where guests can watch the dancing lights through the glass roof above your warm, cozy bed. When you're not chasing the lights, enjoy other Arctic activities like a husky safari, ice fishing, snowmobiling or a day in the snow meeting the local reindeer.

Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen, Finland

These two towns are around 150 miles above the Arctic Circle, with a prime location under the auroral oval, allowing as many as 200 opportunities per year to see the northern lights (weather permitting, of course). This area in Finnish Lapland is known for its stunning scenery, Sámi culture, cross-country and downhill skiing, and Urho Kekkonen National Park – one of Finland's largest.

Ski enthusiasts can roll two trips into one by hitting the slopes by day in Saariselkä and aurora spotting by night at Finland's northernmost ski resort. March into early April is the best time to view the aurora, as the Finnish Meteorological Institute notes that the weather is usually clearer at this time of year. But it's possible to see the northern lights at any time during the season from late August to early or mid-April.

Where to stay: Seven miles south of Saariselkä sits the village of Kakslauttanen, where you can book two- or four-person Glass Igloos at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. The new Kelo-Glass Igloos, which sleep up to six, mix the comforts of a log chalet with the visibility of the glass roof; enjoy a private sauna, a fireplace and more. There's also an impressive selection of year-round tours and activities at this resort, including northern lights excursions on snowmobiles or by horse-drawn carriage.

Stewart Island, New Zealand

Courtesy of RealNZ

Although they may be isolated, some far-south destinations offer the chance to see the aurora australis – or southern lights. While you might be able to see them year-round in some locations (just as with the northern lights), certain months are better for aurora viewing in the Southern Hemisphere. Stewart Island is regarded as one of the top spots to see the brilliant display in New Zealand , with 85% of the island encompassed by Rakiura National Park, so there are few people and virtually no light pollution. You can reach Stewart Island by flying in from Invercargill or taking a ferry from Bluff.

New Zealand's winter months – June to August – are the best time to see the southern lights; spring and fall are also not bad times to spot them. The brighter summer months, between December and February, make it more difficult to spot the aurora, but there's still a chance you'll catch a glimpse between midnight and 4 a.m.

Where to stay: Consider reserving a room with at Stewart Island Lodge, an intimate bed-and-breakfast. This beautiful property is just minutes by foot from the village of Oban, and the property will pick you up at the ferry terminal for your stay. Past visitors rave about the spectacular views of Halfmoon Bay and the Foveaux Strait from both the rooms and lodge terrace.

Tasmania sits approximately 150 miles south of mainland Australia. This mountainous island is one of relatively few places on the planet where it's theoretically possible to see the aurora 365 days a year due to its latitude, which allows for full darkness even on summer nights. The capital city of Hobart is the easiest point of entry: It's home to Tasmania's largest airport and serves as a convenient base. The city's burgeoning food and cultural scenes will also give you plenty to see and do.

From here you'll be able to reach several great viewing locations with unobstructed and open views of the sea along the southern and southeast coastlines, like Goat Bluff and Tinderbox Bay. When you're not staring at the night sky, splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter flight with Tasmanian Air Tours. Depending on your whims, your private pilot can whisk you away to soar over the sea cliffs; stop at a local winery to sample local vintages; or head south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Port Arthur , Tasmania 's historic and most notorious prison.

Where to stay: Reserve accommodations at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart. The historic luxury property is situated along the lively waterfront area with harbor views. Past guests admired the historic building housing the hotel and loved the heritage rooms featuring gas fireplaces for those cold Tasmanian nights.

Expedition cruise to Antarctica

If you're one of the lucky few people on the planet to travel to the southernmost continent on Earth, it may be pricey, but you'll have an adventure of a lifetime in Antarctica, especially if the aurora illuminates the sky. The southern lights are most visible in the winter months (between March and October), but due to weather conditions, only researchers brave the Antarctic winter – and they mostly stay indoors.

However, all hope is not lost if you seek to view the aurora australis in Antarctica. Late-season expedition cruises to this continent offered in March also bring the opportunity to view the southern lights and enjoy the end of Antarctica's fleeting summer. As the days shorten in length, you may encounter light snow across the extreme landscape and ice starting to form on the water's surface.

When it comes to wildlife viewing, humpback whale sightings are abundant, and you'll still see penguin colonies – including king and gentoo penguins. You can also keep your eyes peeled for elephant seals, leopard seals, wandering albatross and other species of birds. When night falls on clear evenings, look for the light show in the southern sky. Companies that offer March voyages include Swoop Antarctica, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Silversea Cruises , Aurora Expeditions and Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

There's no one location that's widely accepted as the best place to see the northern lights. However, the strongest light displays are within what's called the "auroral oval": a rough circle around the Earth's magnetic northern pole that tends to occur around 60 to 70 degrees of latitude. The oval's exact size expands and contracts (some more southerly destinations can fall under it when the aurora is particularly strong), but there are certain locations that generally fall within the oval most of the time.

These places include:

• Central and northern Alaska
• Large areas of Yukon, the Northwest Territories and northern Quebec in Canada
• Southern Greenland
• Far northern Norway, Sweden and Finland

Within these areas, it could be argued that Iceland is the best place to see the aurora as it experiences much milder temperatures than some other areas within the oval. But this is subjective, and some travelers may prefer a location like Yellowknife in Canada for a full-on, very cold Arctic experience.

The northern lights are only visible when it's dark out. Since many of the best places to see them are so far north that they experience near-constant daylight in the summer, you'll generally want to schedule a trip between late August and early April. However, within this time period, there's some debate about the best time to catch the lights. For example, the aurora tends to be more active around the September and March equinoxes due to stronger solar winds – but on the other hand, your chances of seeing them may be higher in the depths of winter, since there's longer nights and therefore a longer window in which they might appear.

In more southern locations like Minnesota, it may be possible to see the light show in the summer months, but it's still advisable to go at a time when the nights are longer. It can also be worth trying to schedule your northern lights trip when there's a new moon: While the aurora can shine through moonlight, it may be harder to see if there's a full moon.

Of course, cloudy weather can block the aurora even if you go at the right time of year. So, it may be wise to research the local weather patterns at your chosen destination to find out if there's a month where you can expect clearer skies. In many cases, though, there's a little luck involved.

These two countries can offer excellent views of the northern lights, since both are directly under the typical auroral oval. Yet there are some differences to be aware of.

In Norway, you'll need to head to the north of the country to catch the aurora: While they have been sighted in Oslo , the capital and largest city, it's too far south to be a reliable vantage point. Cities like Tromsø are popular spots, but direct flights there are only possible from some European cities, so North Americans will have to take connecting flights. On the other hand, Iceland is generally easier to reach, with direct flights to its capital, Reykjavik, from a large number of U.S. destinations (particularly from the East Coast) with no further connection required.

Since clear skies are key for seeing the northern lights, weather is another factor to consider. In November, December and March, Reykjavik has statistically slightly more frequent clear skies, while in January and February, Tromsø is a little better, but the difference isn't big: Both places have clear skies only around 25 to 30% of the time in these months. Reykjavik has slightly warmer weather, though, so between that and the ease of access, it has a slight edge over Norway for seeing the northern lights.

Alaska and Iceland are known for stellar aurora light shows, so deciding between them may depend on which destination you find more convenient and more to your tastes. In Alaska , the city of Fairbanks is considered a great spot to catch the northern lights. (They can still be seen elsewhere in the state – for example, in Anchorage, although they're not so common in more southern locations like Juneau). The advantage of Fairbanks is that you won't need a passport , yet there aren't many direct flights from the lower 48 states. Despite being an international destination, Iceland may be more accessible (particularly from the eastern U.S.), thanks to fairly regular flights to Reykjavik from numerous American cities.

Fairbanks does offer statistically better weather for aurora viewing: It has clear skies more often than Reykjavik, particularly in March when the Alaska city experiences them around 45% of the time (compared to about 25% for Reykjavik). But you'll have to be able to tolerate the cold. While temperatures in Reykjavik hover around freezing in midwinter, Fairbanks is a veritable deep freeze, with average highs around 5 degrees Fahrenheit down to lows colder than minus 5 in December.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Timothy Forster , as a Canadian who has traveled from coast to coast in that sprawling country, knows all about travel in the cold northern reaches of the world. Forster used his extensive traveling background along with research expertise to curate this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Waterfalls in Iceland
• The World's Top Treehouse Hotels
• The Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Most Beautiful Landscapes in the World

Tags: Travel , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Flight canceled or delayed what to do.

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024