delhi tourist beaten in agra

Viral video captures Delhi tourist assault in Agra, five detained

Visual Stories

The clip was recorded by a CCTV camera installed inside a sweet shop.

In Agra, a tourist who came from New Delhi to visit the Taj Mahal, was chased and assaulted with batons and rods by devotees after his car touched one of them. The incident took place on Monday and the video has gone viral on Twitter. Several Twitter users tagged Uttar Pradesh Police who informed that the Tajganj police station was directed to take necessary action and five people arrested. Taj Mahal is a famous tourist spot in Agra and thousands of tourists visit the 17th century monument every year.

According to Twitter users, the incident took place in Basai Chowki area in Tajganj, Agra. The clip was recorded by a CCTV camera installed inside a sweet shop where the incident took place.

Watch the video:

Video from Agra . Tourist Beaten by Locals. #shameful #SeemaHaider #KiritSomaiya #Agra #DelhiFloods pic.twitter.com/zuXq7qdwLN — देश सर्वप्रथम (@deshsarvpratham) July 18, 2023

The tourist kept apologising but his attackers ignore all his pleas. The man entered the sweet shop to save himself but his baton-wielding attackers follow him inside the shop.

He was brutally thrashed and the assault continued for several minutes.

Reacting to the video, the police informed on Twitter that they have taken cognizance of the incident and arrested five people involved in the incident. The police said in another tweet that five people have been arrested and search is on for other attackers.

पर्यटक के साथ मारपीट से संबंधित वायरल वीडियो का स्वत: संज्ञान लेकर, #थाना_ताजगंज पुलिस द्वारा तत्काल अभियोग पंजीकृत कर, 03 टीमों का गठन करते हुए, 05 आरोपियों को हिरासत में लिया गया है व अन्य आरोपियों की गिरफ्तारी हेतु लगातार प्रयास किया जा रहा है। pic.twitter.com/yoyjGb6J3d — POLICE COMMISSIONERATE AGRA (@agrapolice) July 17, 2023

Promoted Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

Social media users were shocked by the incident and urged the police to take strict action against the attackers.

"These people brutally thrashed the tourist. They should also be beaten in the same way," commented one user. "Great work by Agra police department... This is why we always trust our system...agra police give us one more reason to trust our system," tweeted another user.

Track Budget 2023 and get Latest News Live on NDTV.com.

Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world .

India Elections | Read Latest News on Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Live on NDTV.com . Get Election Schedule , information on candidates, in-depth ground reports and more - #ElectionsWithNDTV

Watch Live News:

• International
• Today’s Paper
• Premium Stories
• Express Shorts
• Health & Wellness
• Brand Solutions

5 held after video of man being beaten up at Agra sweet shop goes viral

The police are verifying if the victim was a tourist or a local resident..

The police Monday arrested five people in Agra after a CCTV video went viral over social media in which a few men were seen beating a person, officials said, while adding that the victim has not yet been identified. The police are verifying if the person was a tourist or a local resident.

The accused have been identified as Deepak, Saurabh, Brijesh, Sunil and Karan- all aged between 19 and 22 years. They are all residents of Kargana village, the police said.

According to the police, the incident took place on Sunday evening at a petha shop on Fatehabad Road.

“We found that the victim came to the area in a Delhi registration car and was probably a tourist. We registered a case in Tajganj police station under relevant sections and formed three teams to nab the assailants,” said Agra’s DCP (City) Suraj Rai.

“There was an argument with the driver of the car over some issue, which escalated into a fight. So far we have only this much information,” he added.

An official said that during interrogation the accused said that the driver of the car had run over a person’s leg, which led to a dispute.

“One of the accused suffered an injury on his leg. So far we do not know if the man is from Delhi or if he is a tourist. A few eyewitnesses said that the car had a Delhi number plate. We are verifying the CCTV footage and are trying to identify the victim,” said an officer.

Supreme Court orders release of NewsClick founder-editor Prabir Purkayastha, citing invalid arrest and lack of grounds supplied before remand. Delhi Police chargesheet alleges illegal funding from China, routed through US. Purkayastha and HR head Amit Chakraborty arrested in October, Chakraborty becomes approver in January. Bonds must be furnished for Purkayastha's release.

• RR vs PBKS Live Score, IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals 15/1 (2 overs), Sam Curran strikes early to send back Yashasvi Jaiswal 33 mins ago
• Mumbai News Live Updates: Chaos outside Ghatkopar station as gates shut ahead of scheduled 6 pm Metro closure 36 mins ago
• Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live Updates: Congress wants budget allocation on basis on religion, but I will not allow it, says PM 41 mins ago
• CUET UG Exam 2024 Live Updates: Candidates to download fresh admit card for second day exam: NTA 2 hours ago

Best of Express

Buzzing Now

May 15: Latest News

• 01 Chris Hemsworth on Scorsese and Coppola’s criticism of superhero films: ‘Billions watched them, were they all wrong?’
• 02 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Unchecked explosion in retail futures and option trading a challenge
• 03 Israelis mark a subdued Independence Day under the shadow of war in Gaza
• 04 EU asks Tunisia for clarification over arrests of journalists and activists
• 05 Hours after rescue, 1 of 14 trapped after lift collapse at Rajasthan copper mine passes away
• Elections 2024
• Political Pulse
• Entertainment
• Movie Review
• Newsletters
• Web Stories

TYRE PARTNER

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

Delhi Man Visiting Agra Beaten With Sticks By Locals, Shocking Video Captured on CCTV

Curated By : Akanksha Arora

Last Updated: July 18, 2023, 16:14 IST

New Delhi, India

Delhi Tourist Brutally Beaten At Sweet Shop in Agra. (Image: Twitter/@gharKeKalesh)

Delhi tourist was brutally thrashed in Agra. Here is what exactly happened.

In a shocking incident, a tourist from Delhi who visited Agra to see the very stunning Taj Mahal was beaten by devotees after his car touched one of them. The video of the same has now gone viral on social media and has triggered a probe by the police. In the video, you can see a crowd beating the man with sticks as he asked them to stop. After the video went viral, several people tagged Uttar Pradesh Police. It was only after this that Tajganj police station was directed to take necessary action and five people were arrested.

Also Read: ‘Bengaluru Batman’ Mahindra Employee Moonlights As Saviour: Unclogs Drains, Offers Free Therapy

The entire incident was recorded through a CCTV camera. As per the Twitter users, the incident took place at Basai Chowki in Tajganj area of ​​Agra. According to reports he was first chased by the group. In order to save himself, he entered a sweet shop but the group followed him there. In the video, he can be seen getting brutally thrashed. Nobody shows any mercy and the group only gets bigger as the video proceeds.

Have a look at the viral video:

Kalesh b/w Tourists who were coming from New Delhi to see tajmahal and Some devotees pic.twitter.com/CIzTCsuvlp — Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) July 18, 2023

Also Read: Fawad Khan As Batman? Fan’s AI Poster of Pakistan Actor is a Big Hit Among Desi Fans

Meanwhile, earlier, in another similar incident, a tourist family from Delhi was allegedly attacked with swords and knives during their first Goa trip. They were staying at a resort named ‘Spazio Leisure’ near the beach when they were brutally attacked by some people. In an interview with The Indian Express, 24-year-old Jatin Sharma blamed a staffer of the hotel for the entire ruckus. “This was my first time in Goa and the way I was assaulted with knives and belts, I will never be able to visit the place again,” he said.

• India Today
• Business Today
• Reader’s Digest
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• Aaj Tak Campus
• India Today Hindi

Caught on CCTV | Tourist brutally thrashed over minor car accident in Agra

In Agra, a group of young men brutally assaulted a tourist from Delhi. The incident was captured on a CCTV camera, installed in a shop and the video has since gone viral on social media.

The tourist was driving on the Agra-Fatehabad road when his car accidentally touched one of the young men, which triggered the violent response.

The tourist can be seen mercilessly beaten with sticks and iron rods in the video. Despite pleading for his life, the attackers showed no mercy and continued to rain blows on him.

In an attempt to escape, the tourist ran into a sweet shop, but the assailants followed him inside and continued their assault. The shopkeeper failed to intervene.

The attackers first beat the tourist on the road, and when he managed to escape and hide in the shop, they pursued him there.

The victim has since returned to Delhi and has not filed a complaint with the police. However, after the video surfaced, the police have taken cognizance of the incident.

ACP Taj Security, Arib Ahmed, stated that the viral video is being investigated and efforts are underway to identify the culprits. Legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.

OTHER VIDEOS FROM Watch

'What happened to those 14 people was homicide': Shiv Aroor's take on hoarding horror

The tragic accident in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area, where a giant hoarding collapsed during a dust storm, claimed the lives of 14 people.

Meet Korean Buddhist Monk mixing Buddhist scripture with thumping EDM beats

Meet Youn Sung-ho, a comedian-turned-musician. With a shaved head and flowing monk robes, he’s mixing Buddhist scripture with thumping EDM beats.

Behind Hong Kong's skyline: 'Coffin' or 'cage' homes sheltering the poor

Behind the towering skyscrapers, lies the stark reality of Hong Kong. The living conditions of the underprivileged in Hong Kong is nothing less than a nightmare.

Buckingham Palace gets mega King Charles’ portrait by Jonathan Yeo

• THE WEEK TV
• ENTERTAINMENT
• WEB STORIES
• JOBS & CAREER
• Home Home -->
• News News -->
• India India -->

5 arrested for attacking tourist in Agra after video surfaces online

Eight people were booked in connection with the incident

Eight people were booked and five arrested for allegedly attacking a tourist in Agra after a purported video of the assault surfaced online, police said on Tuesday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Suraj Kumar Rai said a purported CCTV footage of the incident came to notice on Monday evening. "As per the footage, the incident took place on Sunday evening at a sweets shop on Fatehabad Road under the Tajganj police station limits," he said.

"In the video, four to five people are seen attacking a youth, who seemed to be a tourist having a car with a Delhi registration number. Based on the CCTV footage, an FIR has been registered against eight residents of Karbhana village," Rai said.

Tajganj police station in-charge Devendra Shankar Pandey said the identity of the tourist is yet to be ascertained. The FIR was registered by Sub-inspector Yogesh Kumar of the Basai outpost on the basis of the CCTV footage received from the sweets shop on Fatehabad Road near Basai Chowki.

He said five people, identified as Deepak, Saurabh, Brijesh, Sunil and Karan, all aged between 20 and 22 years have been arrested.

Agra police denied allegations whether the attackers were 'Kanwariyas'. DCP Rai said the attackers were seen wearing shoes and slippers. They did not seem to be devotees or 'parikarmarthi', he added. 

📣 The Week is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TheWeekmagazine) and stay updated with the latest headlines

Hush money trial: Prosecutors seek $3,000 fine against Trump over social media posts that ‘violate’ gag order

Rafael Nadal says he's ''ready enough'' to play in his last Barcelona Open

Shooting begins for Huma Qureshi's Gulabi

With just Rs 150 base airfare, take a 50-minute flight

Will AI help or hinder trust in science?

Editor's pick.

Challenges galore as Congress fights for survival

'I am not a serious person; I only do my work seriously': Vidya Balan

Dr Vandana Yadav on how to protect your skin from air pollution

Evolving luxury

*Articles appearing as INFOCUS/THE WEEK FOCUS are marketing initiatives

• TN Navbharat
• Times Drive
• ET Now Swadesh

Delhi Tourist Assaulted By Miscreants In Agra, 5 Arrested For Chasing and Beating Him Up With Sticks

Updated Jul 18, 2023, 19:10 IST

More Videos from specials

Latest Videos

Short Videos

Delhi tourist chased, beaten up in Agra during Taj Mahal visit

The video, which has since gone viral on twitter, showed the tourist being thrashed with batons and rods..

A tourist on a visit to the Taj Mahal was chased and beaten up by hooligans in Agra, allegedly after the vehicle he was travelling in touched one of the assaulters.

The video , which has since gone viral on Twitter, showed the tourist being thrashed with batons and rods. He is also seen requesting the assaulters to let him go. Other locals intervene and try to protect the man, however, the mob continues their barrage despite the intervention.

After several Twitter users tagged the Uttar Pradesh Police in the video, they took cognizance of the incident and arrested five accused in the case.

पर्यटक के साथ मारपीट से संबंधित वायरल वीडियो का स्वत: संज्ञान लेकर, #थाना_ताजगंज पुलिस द्वारा तत्काल अभियोग पंजीकृत कर, 03 टीमों का गठन करते हुए, 05 आरोपियों को हिरासत में लिया गया है व अन्य आरोपियों की गिरफ्तारी हेतु लगातार प्रयास किया जा रहा है। pic.twitter.com/yoyjGb6J3d — POLICE COMMISSIONERATE AGRA (@agrapolice) July 17, 2023

The Police Commissionerate of Agra took to Twitter to inform that the Tajganj police had registered a case on the incident and were still on the look out for the other accused.

Get the news updates on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. For all the latest India updates, download our app Android and iOS .

• Ground Reports
• 50-Word Edit
• National Interest
• Campus Voice
• Security Code
• Off The Cuff
• Democracy Wall
• Around Town
• PastForward
• In Pictures
• Last Laughs
• ThePrint Essential

Agra: Within hours of brutally assaulting a tourist couple from Delhi, the Agra police apprehended five local men Monday. The incident happened inside a Petha shop where they brutally hit the man with sticks.

Speaking to ThePrint, DCP (City) Suraj Kumar Rai said that the police came across a viral video showing a man being assaulted by a group of men using sticks and other blunt weapons inside a Petha shop. Upon inquiry, it was found that the incident occurred in the Tajganj police station area.

Narrating the incident, Rai said that the couple was travelling in their car, bearing a Delhi number, when they got embroiled in a dispute with some locals, who then started beating up the man. In an attempt to save himself, the man ran into the petha shop where he was followed by the locals and brutally assaulted for several minutes.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: A tourist, who had come to visit the Taj Mahal, was brutally thrashed with sticks inside a shop in Agra. The assault was captured on CCTV & the video of the incident has gone viral on social media. pic.twitter.com/qk0yHuhHIw — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2023

The nearby shopkeepers tried to chase the attackers but their effort was hindered by a ‘Shiv Parikrama’ religious procession being held in the city. The attackers, taking advantage of the crowd, escaped the site. However, their faces were captured in the CCTV camera of the shop.

While the Delhi couple left the city without filing a complaint, the Agra police took suo moto cognizance of the incident and registered a case against the attackers. Three teams were formed to track down the attackers based on the CCTV footage retrieved from the petha shop.

All five attackers — identified as Deepak, Saurabh, Brijesh, Sunil and Karan, all aged between 20 and 22 years — were produced before the magistrate on Tuesday, from where they were sent to judicial custody .

Also read: US soldier who fled to North Korea faced assault allegations and fine in South Korea

Subscribe to our channels on YouTube , Telegram & WhatsApp

Support Our Journalism

India needs fair, non-hyphenated and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. ThePrint – with exceptional reporters, columnists and editors – is doing just that.

Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.

Whether you live in India or overseas, you can take a paid subscription by clicking here .

• Indian tourists

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel

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

Most Popular

Lok sabha elections 2024 phase-4 live: eci records 52.60% voter turnout till 3 pm, centre to launch its own ott platform, to air ‘clean’ content promoting ‘india’s culture, values’, a showdown in kerala congress expected after ls elections. k sudhakaran at the heart of it.

Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2024 Printline Media Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Delhi tourist beaten up in Agra, viral video makes police act

A new delhi visitor to the taj mahal who arrived in agra was pursued and attacked by rod-wielding hooligans. the….

Statesman News Service | July 18, 2023 3:03 pm

Visuals from the video

A New Delhi visitor to the Taj Mahal who arrived in Agra was pursued and attacked by rod-wielding hooligans. The attackers were part of a religious procession when the car of the tourist accidentally hit one of them.

The devotee lost his cool and started shouting and abusing the tourist. The other devotees in the procession also started beating the tourist with batons and rods.

Twitter users claim that the event happened near Basai Chowki in Agra’s Tajganj neighborhood. The incident was caught on camera by a CCTV system placed inside a sweets shop where the tourist took refuge to save his life. The hooligans entered the shop and continued beating him.

Advertisement

Video from Agra . Tourist Beaten by Locals. #shameful #SeemaHaider #KiritSomaiya #Agra #DelhiFloods pic.twitter.com/zuXq7qdwLN — देश सर्वप्रथम (@deshsarvpratham) July 18, 2023

The incident happened on Monday, and the video quickly became popular on Twitter. The Tajganj police station was instructed to take the required steps, and five persons were arrested, according to information shared by several Twitter users who tagged Uttar Pradesh Police. The 17th-century Taj Mahal is a popular tourist destination in Agra, where thousands of visitors come each year.

The tourist continued to apologize, but his assailants ignored him. In an attempt to defend himself, the man entered the candy store, but his baton-wielding attackers followed him inside.

He was violently beaten, and the attack went on for some time.

In response to the video, the police tweeted that they had investigated the event and had detained five of its participants. Five persons have been arrested, according to a subsequent tweet from the police, and searches are being conducted for the other attackers.

Social media users expressed astonishment over the occurrence and encouraged the authorities to punish the attackers harshly.

“These individuals savagely beat the tourist. They ought to be treated the same way, one user suggested. “Agra police department did a fantastic job… Because of the Agra police, we have even more reason to believe in our system, another user tweeted.

Related posts

Massive fire at income tax office in delhi; 1 dead.

The fire broke out in two of the offices located on the third floor of the building which is situated opposite to the old police headquarters.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to meet with AAP MLAs today, first after exit from jail

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will hold a meeting with the Aam Aadmi Party MLAs in the national capital on Sunday.

Delhi Police intercepts Rs 22 lakh unaccounted cash ahead of polls

The money was intercepted and recovered at a police picket placed on the Pul Mithai by a team of Bara Hindu Rao police station.

You might be interested in

Voting for BJP means voting against Dalits, tribals, farmers and poor upper castes: Kharge

No force in world can change India’s Constitution: Rahul Gandhi

Govt issues first set of citizenship certificates to 14 people under CAA

Top headlines.

Modi govt gave befitting reply to Pak-sponsored terrorism: Amit Shah

In deep crisis, our world is faltering

Srinagar’s way

Creating Safeguards

The Middle Path~I

Pakistan rhetoric in Indian elections

Power deficit

Subscribe Now! Get features like

• Latest News
• Entertainment
• Real Estate
• RR vs PBKS Live Score
• Lok Sabha Election 2024
• Election Schedule 2024
• My First Vote
• IPL 2024 Schedule
• RR vs PBKS Live
• IPL Points Table
• IPL Purple Cap
• IPL Orange Cap
• The Interview
• Web Stories
• Virat Kohli
• Mumbai News
• Bengaluru News
• Daily Digest

5 arrested for attacking tourist in Agra

The video also showed the tourist running inside a shop on Fatehabad road in Agra to save himself from goons who were seen holding batons in their hand.

Five people were arrested after a case was registered against them and three others after a viral video showed the accused thrashing a tourist.

The tourist didn’t lodge a police complaint, but after the viral video, the Tajganj police took note of the incident with sub inspector Yogesh Kumar registering complaint against the five accused.

Deputy commissioner of police (city) for Agra commissionerate, Suraj Rai confirmed the arrests.

“Agra police saw a CCTV footage on Monday evening wherein it was found that four to five youth were beating up a man who appeared to be a tourist,” said DCP (city).

“There was no complaint lodged by the victim who was travelling in vehicle having Delhi registration number and appeared to be a tourist. So, the police got the case registered at Tajganj police station on Monday night. Three teams were created by Agra police commissioner Dr Preetinder Singh to nab the accused,” he said.

“The accused were identified and arrested and presented before magistrate in Agra court on Tuesday,” said DCP Agra Suraj Rai.

He said the tourist was targeted after he had an altercation with these accused.

Case has been registered under section 147 (rioting) 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (provoking insult) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of Indian Penal Code against eight accused identified as Bunty, Bunda, Sunil, Chotu, Deepak, Naga, Lukka and Shiva all residents of Karbana in Tajganj.

• Viral Video

IPL 2024 Coverage

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like.

• Terms of use
• Privacy policy
• Weather Today
• HT Newsletters
• Subscription
• Print Ad Rates
• Code of Ethics

• IPL Live Score
• T20 World Cup Schedule
• IPL 2024 Auctions
• T20 World Cup 2024
• Cricket Teams
• Cricket Players
• ICC Rankings
• Cricket Schedule
• T20 World Cup Points Table
• Other Cities
• Income Tax Calculator
• Budget 2024
• Petrol Prices
• Diesel Prices
• Silver Rate
• Relationships
• Art and Culture
• Taylor Swift: A Primer
• Telugu Cinema
• Tamil Cinema
• Board Exams
• Exam Results
• Competitive Exams
• BBA Colleges
• Engineering Colleges
• Medical Colleges
• BCA Colleges
• Medical Exams
• Engineering Exams
• Horoscope 2024
• Festive Calendar 2024
• Compatibility Calculator
• The Economist Articles
• Lok Sabha States
• Lok Sabha Parties
• Lok Sabha Candidates
• Explainer Video
• On The Record
• Vikram Chandra Daily Wrap
• EPL 2023-24
• ISL 2023-24
• Asian Games 2023
• Public Health
• Economic Policy
• International Affairs
• Climate Change
• Gender Equality
• future tech
• Daily Sudoku
• Daily Crossword
• Daily Word Jumble
• HT Friday Finance
• Explore Hindustan Times
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Subscription - Terms of Use

• WORLD EDITION
• INFLUENCERS

Trending Tags

Video: दिल्ली के पर्यटक को आगरा में लाठी-डंडे से पीटा, जानिए- क्‍या था पूरा मामला, आगरा घूमने आए एक पर्यटक का कुछ श्रद्धालुओं ने पीछा किया और डंडों से हमला कर दिया, क्योंकि पर्यटक की कार उनमें से एक की कार को छू गई थी..

नई दिल्ली से आगरा घूमने आए एक पर्यटक का कुछ श्रद्धालुओं ने पीछा किया और डंडों से हमला कर दिया, क्योंकि पर्यटक की कार उनमें से एक की कार को छू गई थी. यह घटना सोमवार को हुई और इसका वीडियो ट्विटर पर वायरल हो रहा है. कई ट्विटर यूजर्स ने यूपी पुलिस को ये वीडियो टैग किया और ताजगंज पुलिस स्टेशन से आवश्यक कार्रवाई करने की अपील की. वैसे इस संबंध में पांच लोगों को गिरफ्तार किया जा चुका है. बता दें कि 17वीं सदी का ताजमहल आगरा का एक प्रसिद्ध पर्यटन स्थल है और हजारों पर्यटक इसे देखने के लिए आते हैं.

Video from Agra . Tourist Beaten by Locals. #shameful #SeemaHaider #KiritSomaiya #Agra #DelhiFloods pic.twitter.com/zuXq7qdwLN — देश सर्वप्रथम (@deshsarvpratham) July 18, 2023

यह भी पढ़ें

ट्विटर यूजर्स के मुताबिक, घटना आगरा के ताजगंज इलाके के बसई चौकी की है. यह क्लिप एक मिठाई की दुकान के अंदर लगे सीसीटीवी कैमरे द्वारा रिकॉर्ड की गई, जहां यह घटना हुई थी. पर्यटक माफी मांगता रहा, लेकिन हमलावरों ने उसकी एक न सुनी और डंडों से हमला करते रहे. शख्स खुद को बचाने के लिए मिठाई की दुकान में घुस गया, लेकिन उसके पीछे-पीछे लाठी-डंडे लिए हमलावर दुकान के अंदर ही पहुंच गए. चार-पांच लोगों ने इस शख्‍स की बेरहमी से पिटाई की, ये पूरा हंगामा काफी समय तक चला. 

पर्यटक के साथ मारपीट से संबंधित वायरल वीडियो का स्वत: संज्ञान लेकर, #थाना_ताजगंज पुलिस द्वारा तत्काल अभियोग पंजीकृत कर, 03 टीमों का गठन करते हुए, 05 आरोपियों को हिरासत में लिया गया है व अन्य आरोपियों की गिरफ्तारी हेतु लगातार प्रयास किया जा रहा है। pic.twitter.com/yoyjGb6J3d — POLICE COMMISSIONERATE AGRA (@agrapolice) July 17, 2023

वीडियो पर प्रतिक्रिया देते हुए पुलिस ने ट्विटर पर जानकारी दी कि उन्होंने घटना का संज्ञान लिया है. घटना में शामिल पांच लोगों को गिरफ्तार किया है. पुलिस ने एक अन्य ट्वीट में कहा कि पांच लोगों को गिरफ्तार किया गया है और अन्य हमलावरों की तलाश जारी है.

ये भी पढ़ें :- 

• दिल्‍ली में तेजी से बढ़ रहे डेंगू-मलेरिया के केस, NCDC के पूर्व निदेशक ने कहा- "हमें 3 स्तर पर तैयारी करनी होगी"
• विपक्षी एकता पर जमकर बरसे पीएम मोदी, बोले- "एक चेहरे पर कई चेहरे लगा लेते हैं लोग"

लाइव खबर देखें:

Agra Travel Guide | The Best of Agra Beyond the Taj

Agra needs no introduction to most visitors to India, but there is plenty to see beyond the Taj – read my Agra travel guide for all my top Agra travel tips for getting the most out of your time here, enjoying your stay, and discovering the best of Agra beyond the Taj (and crowds!)

This post contains compensated affiliate links. For more info and my full disclosure, please  read here . 

Agra Travel Guide – An Introduction

If there’s one place in India that every traveller eventually makes it to, it has to be Agra.

For some – it’s the highlight of a long awaited India trip. For others, it’s with more reluctance or version of I can’t really leave India without seeing the Taj kind of sentiment.

My own story with Agra was fairly simple. Having seen the major tourist sights in Agra on my early trips to India – and witnessed a fair amount of the over-tourism and hassle, I wasn’t really in any hurry to return. It’s not for nothing that Agra has something of a bad reputation among tourists to India for the number of touts and scams that prevail(ed) here.

That was until I came across Ekaa Villa in Agra and their work to show visitors a different side of Agra – one with fewer crowds, less focus on the Taj Mahal, and more focus on culture, community-centric tourism. Reason enough to tempt me back to see how Agra had changed over the years, as a result of the Pandemic, and to find out if my opinion of Agra would fare better a few years on (spoiler – it did)!

In this Agra travel blog I’ll cover where to visit, my top travel tips for visiting Agra, advice for female travellers and much more – read on for what you need to know while planning your trip to Agra!

The Best Time to Visit Agra

Set in the heart of northern-central India, Agra sees similar weather to Delhi, but with more variation in heat and cold. At time of writing this blog in May, temperatures in Agra are up to almost 50 degrees celsius at the height of summer, as India is experiencing a heat wave. Suffice to say, I do not recommend visiting Agra in April, May or June as these are when temperatures soar.

The most popular (and best weather-wise) time to visit Agra is between late October and early March. In December & January, Agra gets cold (as in you’ll need a coat cold) and this is when Agra also sees a lot of morning fog. For ideal misty morning Taj viewing conditions, you want both sun and morning mist (seeing the mist rising and evaporating over the Taj is something quite special), which can be more likely to happen with warmer weather in February than in January, when the mist can hang about.

Visiting Agra in monsoon (July – late September) is another option, but weather can still be very hot and sticky (high humidity), when it’s not raining.

Whichever time of year you choose to come to Agra, I recommend avoiding weekends , as this is when the majority of Indian domestic tourists travel, and the city and major sights get very crowded. Note that the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday, and special fees and conditions apply if you want to see the Taj during the full moon.

Where to Stay in Agra

For me, this time one of the highlights of my Agra trip was where I chose to stay.

When it comes to choosing between Agra hotels, unfortunately the options are not always inspiring. There’s a dearth of large (and mostly bland) chain hotels that cater to the wedding and conference market in Agra, and there’s the backpacker hostels of Taj Ganj (some with some great rooftop views it has to be said).

But there’s not much in-between, that has character, represents Agra’s culture, or has the real warmth of hospitality that makes travel in India so special. So I was so happy to stumble upon Ekaa Villa Boutique Hotel & Kitchen which is Agra’s first boutique hotel.

Located in the Taj Nagri phase 2 area just 10 drive minutes from the Taj itself, Ekaa Villa is a peaceful retreat away from the tourist throngs and busy streets of Agra. With just 13 beautifully designed rooms, this boutique hotel reflects the city around it in its design and decor, with a contemporary twist. Rooms feature huge comfy beds, Taj frames on the walls and rain showers. There’s a library on the top flor with some great books and photography of Agra (perfect for unwinding on a hot afternoon or after a busy day), and the restaurant area includes a courtyard area for al fresco dining.

The hospitality here is second to none, with the staff seeming to know exactly when you really need one of their thirst quenching iced-teas, a winning formula when combined with the knowledge and passion for Agra that is infectious from its owners.

I highly recommend staying here if you can – and try out one of their Experience packages (see more below in getting off the beaten path in Agra).

Click here to check rates & availability for Ekaa Villa Boutique Hotel

Top Tips for Visiting Agra

As a popular tourist destination in India, Agra needs some pre-planning, especially if its one of your first stops in India. Unfortunately as a place that sees a lot of visitors on whistlestop tours who haven’t done their research, over-charging is common practice, and scams are not uncommon.

Here are some of my tips for seeing the better side of Agra. You can find additional considerations for (solo) female travellers below, too.

• Stay longer than a day . There’s so much more to see in Agra than just the Taj Mahal and the fort, I really recommend staying 2-3 days here if you possibly can to get a real sense of Agra.
• Pre-book your Agra accommodation . The usual rackets operated by rickshaw drivers who will try to take you to hotels that pay them commission is a problem here, which can be avoided if you pre-book and insist on being taken there.
• Negotiate with rickshaw drivers – the prices quoted at popular tourist sights and at railway stations on arrival will be high, so barter them down ( by at least 50% ). I recommend organising a pickup through your hotel from the train station or airport to cut down on hassle.
• Check the weather and dress accordingly – Agra has very seasonal weather, so you’ll need a decent coat/jacket in winter, and light cotton in hot months. If in doubt, pack layers you can peel off as the weather warms up during the day.
• Ignore people who approach you offering to be your guide / show you around / show you a better view, take your photos, claim to know you (eg from your hotel), or just start following you and telling you about things – in all of these cases people are trying to either hire themselves as your guide (will expect payment) or are unfolding some kind of scam.
• Agra is not the best place for souvenir shopping. Because of the high tourist footfall, souvenirs are overpriced here – try to buy in other parts of India from local crafts (wo)men directly if you can.
• Do enjoy the amazing local food . Agra is famous for its mithai (sweets) and milk produce – Lassi, rabri & hot milk as well as for its non-veg (meat) based food. Pick restaurants and stalls that are busy and have a high turnover of customers, or book a food tour with a local guide who can take you the the best spots. If you stay at Ekaa (above) they can take you for delicious local treats.
• Factor in some down time . As with so many of India’s top destinations, there’s so much to see and do here it can be tempting to pack your days solid with sightseeing – but for best results I find some downtime is helpful to reflect on all you’ve experienced and seen, or just catch an afternoon nap – especially important if you’re travelling to Agra during hotter months!
• Buy your monument tickets in advance, online – see more on how to do it below.

Places to Visit in Agra

Agra is dotted with beautiful monuments, the old city, gardens, sunset spots – far more than you might think on an initial glance! As the former capital of Mughal India (from 1501 until 1638 when Shah Jahan built a new capital in Delhi) , there is arguably nowhere better in India to see stunning Mughal architecture.

One thing to note when planning your visits to the various monuments in Agra and around (including Fatehpur Sikri), is that tickets now have to be bought online and are not available at the monuments themselves (you’ll find signs with a QR code that you can scan). Head to this website to buy your tickets – they can be booked up to a week in advance. If you have trouble with your card being accepted, you could ask your hotel to try and book tickets for you on an Indian card and add them to your bill (foreign cards seem to be hit and miss if they are accepted or not).

Y ou can also buy skip the line tickets here which include an English-speaking guide

The Taj Mahal

There may be far more to see in Agra beyond the Taj, but you still won’t want to miss it. No matter how many photos you’ve seen (and even if you’ve visited before), there’s nothing that quite prepares you for the first shining white glimpse of the Taj Mahal through the entrance gate, glinting in the misty morning light.

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal, without question, is for sunrise. The monument is open sunrise to sunset, Saturday to Thursday ( the Taj is closed every Friday ). Sunrise is a little loose as a time… so it’s worth getting there a bit before. In late march, we arrived at the Taj at 06.30 and were a little late, 6am would have been the perfect time to arrive. The reason why sunrise is the best time is a) for the beautiful morning light and b) it’s the only time of day you’ll see the Taj with fewer crowds.

There are three entrances to the Taj Mahal – South (closest to the budget hotels at Taj Ganj), West, and East (closer to the higher end hotels located in the south east of the city). Note that regular auto-rickshaws are not allowed within 500m of the Taj due to pollution, so you’ll have to walk the last stretch or take an e-rickshaw. At Shilpgram (east entrance) the e-rickshaw cost is included in foreigner ticket prices.

The Red Fort

Second only to the Taj Mahal when it comes to top places to visit in Agra, the Agra Fort is one of the finest Mughal forts in India, and a step up on Delhi’s very similar version. Construction of the fort was begun in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, and then finished by his grandson, Shah Jahan, who transformed the military fort into a palace, adding his signature touch of plenty of white marble.

Rising above the Yamuna river, you can easily spend hours wandering around the massive fort. The best time to come is very early morning to avoid the tour groups, preferably while they’re still at the Taj. The fort opens at sunrise. Another bonus for sunrise visitors are the photo ops back over towards the Taj Mahal (you’ll need a decent zoom lens), where if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the sun rising behind the Taj.

Click here for Red Fort skip the line tickets & guided tour options

Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)

Probably my favourite monument in Agra, the tomb of Persian nobleman, Mumtaz Mahal’s grandfather, the “Baby Taj” is a treat for the eyes as well as the crowd-weary. The intricate designs and carved marble lattice screens are impressive examples of Persian architecture, and the river-side location makes for a peaceful spot to take in the Yamuna views of Agra.

Best of all, the traditional Persian style gardens are being restored to their former glory – traditionally these contained cypress trees, roses and flowers according to the Persian traditions around gardens. Cypress trees were used to represent life and death, a figure pointing towards the heavens bridging the life and the afterlife. The gardens follow the traditional ‘char Bagh’ style, divided by four water streams.

There’s an interesting display on the restoration of these gardens to the traditional Persian style with trees and flowers, from the British style grass ‘lawns’ that were imposed during colonial times which destroyed the rich diversity of these and other Mughal gardens in Agra.

Sikandra / Akbar’s Tomb

The resting place of Emperor Akbar, Sikandra lies 10km to the west of Agra, and is another incredible example of the beautiful Mughal architecture in Agra. Most impressive are the entrance gateway to Sikandra with its four towers, along with the beautifully painted ceilings and walls of the main cenotaph.

The gateway opens out onto expansive lawned gardens (presumably the traditional Persian style was present here before the British lawn-ified them). Deer can be seen wandering around, and the gardens are peaceful spot to relax in.

Unfortunately the tomb itself and several of the outbuildings are a shadow of their former glory, having experienced multiple raids by the local Jat warrior rulers that preceded the Mughal kingdom (the bones of Akbar were removed during one of the Jat raids) – and despite restoration work undertaken by the British during the early twentieth century. But, raids aside, this is still one of the most impressive Agra attractions, which receives a fraction of the visitors compared to other Agra must see sights.

Mehtab Bagh & Taj Viewing Point

The park across the river from the park (Mehtab Bagh) has long been a favourite sunset viewing point for the Taj, and the gardens provide for a pleasant stroll however a new sunset viewing point has now been put in which runs in front of the park directly next to the river – so your view from the park may be obscured by people in front of you.

The viewing point is paid access (with heavy surcharges for visiting at the full moon), and additional camera charges apply.

In my view, there are much better viewing points for the Taj – as these days the Yamuna river flow is far reduced, with the effect being you are rather looking across damp grass up at the Taj, rather than the sunset river reflection you have in your mind. It’s also worth noting that boat trips to view the Taj are now banned.

Agra off the Beaten Path & Responsible Tourism in Agra

As home to the Taj Mahal, Agra, unsurprisingly sees a huge influx of tourists (especially in winter, and on weekends) and the volume of footfall has an impact including over-crowding and over-commercialisation. One of the simplest ways to create a better impact on your trip to Agra, is to stay longer and support local businesses.

A surprisingly high percentage of visitors just come for the day, meaning that they don’t spend at hotels, or much at restaurants, or have time to absorb much of the culture, creating a kind of flood-in-flood-out tourism challenge. By doing the opposite and supporting smaller hotels, restaurants and hiring local guides, the positive effects of tourism are magnified. So, come for at least a couple of days if you can, preferably not at the weekend.

Along with Agra’s “big hitters” (above), there are several lesser known monuments around the city to fill your days with and take in on heritage walks – but, beyond a doubt, my favourite way to experience Agra beyond the crowds was on the experiences (short tours) that Ekaa Villa arranged for us.

A highlight was walking through rural villages on the outskirts of Agra, complete with chai-stops at villagers’ homes, and wandering to the edge of wheat fields for what turned out to be some of the most stunning views of the Taj I’ve seen – with no-one else around.

You also do not want to miss out on Agra’s food scene, and by that I don’t mean sticking to tourist-focused restaurants at hotels. Take a trip to the halwaais and sweet makers in old Agra on a food tour, and make sure there’s room in your stomach for plenty of lassi .

Here are a few responsible tourism related organisations to support on your trip to Agra:

• Sheroes Hangout – This cafe is run by local women survivors of acid attacks and domestic violence. Located behind Go Stops Hostel in Taj Nagari Phase 1.
• Agra Heritage Walks – Specialise in walks run by local artists and off the beaten path in Agra
• Ekaa Experiences – Secret Taj walks and excursions for those staying with Ekaa Villa
• Wildlife SOS – The award-winning Indian wildlife conservation group has a nearby sloth bear rescue centre outside of Agra as well as its Elephant rescue centre at nearby Mathura (2 hours drive from Agra). Both are open to visitors on prior arrangement.

Agra for Solo Female Travellers

Located in western Uttar Pradesh, Agra is one of India’s more conservative parts of the country, and although many solo female travellers (including me) visit Agra with absolutely no problem, it’s advisable to think and plan ahead to get the best experience out of your trip.

Here are a few tips:

• You probably know this already, but Agra is not Goa. Leave the shorts firmly in your bag, and see my what to wear in India post here. The advice for ‘conservative India’ applies here
• You don’t need to cover your hair to enter most monuments here, but dressing respectfully is appreciated (no bare limbs)
• Book hotels / homestays with reviews from other solo female travellers ahead of time (Ekaa is a great choice which gets lots of solo female travellers)
• For some of the larger Agra sights such as Sikandra, I recommend hiring a guide – as grounds can be big and there can be groups of men loitering. Book a guide through your hotel or through a pre-booked tour, not someone who claims to be a guide outside sight entrances. (You don’t need a guide for the Taj Mahal which is always busy)
• If you’re going to Fatehpur Sikri, you definitely do need a guide, as sadly the place is full of scammers and touts (and for this reason has been removed from many tour itineraries). I recommend pre-booking a trip and transfer online such as this one or via your accommodation in Delhi or Agra.
• Avoid heading out at night on your own in Agra as a solo woman. If you do want to go out at night, use Uber, or better book a trusted driver through your hotel who will wait for you and get dropped door-to-door. If you’re in a mixed group, going out is no problem, but don’t wander late at night un-necessarily.
• It’s not recommended to go down to the river or remote sunset spots on your own for safety reasons (think groups of men loitering).

Getting to and from Agra

Agra is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi and many other Indian cities.

Train : Agra is very easy to reach by train – but be aware that Agra has several train stations so do check which yours comes into and leaves from. Agra Cantt (Cantonment) is the largest with the majority of trains arriving into and out of. To or from Delhi, the best train to get is the 12050 / 12049 Gatimaan Express – currently one of India’s fastest trains – which runs between Hazrat Nizamuddin in South Delhi to Agra Cantonment.

Book your Delhi-Agra train tickets here

Or – if you like the sound of going to Agra by train from Delhi but would rather someone else did the planning, you can book this Agra day trip by train tour .

Air : Flights from major Indian cities connect to Agra’s airport, which is located 13kms from Agra city.

Road: Agra is a quick 2-3 hour drive of around 185kms from Delhi along the Delhi-Agra Yamuna expressway. You can book a taxi, inter-city Uber, or take one of the many buses serving the Delhi-Agra route.

Agra Travel Guide FAQ’s

When is the best time to visit agra.

October – March is the best time weather-wise. December and January are the coolest months, but also attract the most crowds, so times like late October and late February are a great idea. Whenever you visit, try to avoid weekends if you can.

What should I wear as a Female Traveller to Agra?

Agra is located in one of the more conservative areas of India, so I recommend covering your legs down to at least your knees, shoulders and avoid any strappy, low cut revealing clothes. Leave the shorts in your bag for Goa. Maxi dresses (no big slits) are a good option, as are maxi skirts with a t-shirt or top (plus they’ll look good in your photos). Scarves are super-useful for covering up when need be.

What do I need to know about visiting the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is open daily except Fridays, and tickets need to be bought in advance, online, using the Architectural Survey of India payment portal (link above). At time of writing (April 2022), the rate for foreign visitors is 2500 rupees. There are 3 entrances (west, south and east), with the most useful depending on where you are coming from (see above). The best time to visit the Taj is at sunrise, for beautiful light and fewer crowds. Separate pricing applies for visiting the Taj during the Full Moon and days surrounding it.

Editorial note: Thank you to Ekaa Villa for hosting my stay with them – as usual this doesn’t affect my thoughts, ideas and recommendations!

Plan your Dream Trip to India with Soul Travel India

The Call of Varanasi: Essential Tips for your First Visit

101 Essential India Travel Tips

21 of the Best Street Foods in India – My Top Picks

Soul Travel India

Passionate about all things India travel - journeys of transformation and discovery, local experiences, and getting under the skin of India.

Copyright Soul Travel India 2022, All rights reserved. This website uses compensated affiliate links. 

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

10 best kid-friendly vacation spots near Delhi

May 14, 2024

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is about a 5-6 hour drive from Delhi. Kids can explore the majestic Amer Fort, enjoy elephant rides, visit the City Palace, and have a great time at Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort offering cultural activities and traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

Credit: iStock

Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra is approximately a 3-4 hour drive from Delhi. Kids can marvel at the beauty of the Taj Mahal, explore the Agra Fort, and visit Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance and architectural marvels.

Jim Corbett National Park

Located in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is around a 5-6 hour drive from Delhi. It offers thrilling wildlife safaris where kids can spot tigers, elephants, deer, and various bird species. Many resorts around the park organise nature walks and outdoor activities suitable for families.

Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, is around a 5-6 hour drive from Delhi. It offers a range of adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, and camping, which are sure to keep kids engaged and excited. The city also has numerous ashrams where families can experience spirituality and yoga together.

Shimla is around a 7-8 hour drive from Delhi. It is a picturesque hill station known for its colonial architecture, toy train rides, and stunning views of the Himalayas. Kids can enjoy horse riding, visit the Himalayan Bird Park, and explore the bustling Mall Road.

Another beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, Nainital is around a 6-7 hour drive from Delhi. It offers boating on the Naini Lake, a visit to the Nainital Zoo, and a cable car ride to Snow View Point, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Credit: Unsplash

Mathura and Vrindavan

Mathura and Vrindavan are around a 3-4 hour drive from Delhi. These sacred cities are closely associated with Lord Krishna and offer a rich cultural experience. Kids can visit temples like the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura and the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, participate in evening aarti ceremonies, and enjoy exploring the vibrant streets filled with sweet shops and colourful markets.

Neemrana Fort Palace

Neemrana Fort Palace is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Delhi. This 15th-century heritage hotel offers a unique experience with its historical ambience, picturesque surroundings, and activities like zip-lining, camel rides, and cultural performances. Kids can explore the fort's hidden passages, learn about its history, and enjoy the panoramic views from the top.

Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, is around a 4-5 hour drive from Delhi. Designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier, the city boasts of well-planned gardens, clean streets, and modern architecture. Kids can visit attractions like the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and Rose Garden, which offer opportunities for leisurely walks, boating, and enjoying nature.

Haridwar is around a 5-6 hour drive from Delhi. It is one of the holiest cities in India, located on the banks of the River Ganges. Kids can witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, take a cable car ride to the hilltop Mansa Devi Temple, and visit the Rajaji National Park to spot wildlife like elephants, tigers, and leopards.

Markets snap 3-day winning run; Sensex slips over 100 pts on foreign fund outflows

Read More Here