With the ease in travelling restrictions across India, people are eagerly considering safe and secure venues for weekend getaways, vacations, staycations and workcations. People in-and-near Delhi finds Agra as a classic and closest destination which can be travelled by road. It is a famous city with various historical places and monuments to visit. Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, the beautiful city of Agra is famous since the time Sikander Lodhi made this the capital city. And it was sustained as the capital of India during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.
It was during this period that the city gained some of the most prominent and distinctive monuments that today holds great historical importance, like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Buland Darwaza, etc. With the invasion of Britishers, Delhi became the capital city, and Agra lost some of its charm and powerful significance. Today, it is known as a famous tourist destination and attracts travellers and tourists from all around the globe.
A few of the historical monuments in Agra that one must visit are:
List of 5 Monuments & Historical Places in Agra
Taj Mahal
This name and monument do not need much introduction. It is one of the most famous wonders of the world and visited by umpteen tourists all across the year. It is an eternal symbol of love, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. It is a breath-taking monument built with magnificent detailing and intrinsic architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Reach: Taj Mahal is approximately 6 km from the City Centre, Agra, if you take the Mall Road.
Timings: Visiting hours varies depending on the sunrise and sunset. People can visit from one hour before sunrise till forty-five minutes before sunset. Note that the Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays for tourists.
Entry Fees: Indian tourists need buy a ticket of INR 50 to enter. On the other hand, people visiting from outside India have to pay a sum of INR 1100 and visitors from SAARC nations INR 540 for entry.
Also Read – Exploring Taj Mahal – A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Fatehpur Sikri
This is a historic city built of red sandstone and carries a high heritage of the Mughal era. It was once the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar and is a unique blend of architectural excellence and religious beliefs. It also houses various other historic buildings of importance, like Jodha Bai’s Palace, Jama Mosque, Tomb Of Salim Chisti, Bulan Darwaza, etc.
How to Reach: One has to travel a distance of about 36 km away from central Agra via Fatehpur Sikri Road to reach here.
Timings: fatehpur Sikri is open for visitors from 6 AM in the morning to 6 PM in teh evening.
Entry Fees: For Indians and SAARC citizens, the entry fee is INR 50 and INR 610 for foreign tourists.
Agra Fort
It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is situated at a distance of 2.5 km northwest of the famous Taj Mahal. The massive historical place in Agra was constructed using red sandstone by banks of the river Yamuna and was started by Emperor Akbar.
How to Reach: The fort is two and a half kilometres away from central Agra.
Timings: It is open on all days of the week from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fees: Pay INR 50 to enter if you are an Indian citizen. Foreigners have to pay INR 550 to enter. SAARC citizens pay INR 90.
Akbar’s Tomb
This is a mausoleum that contains the mortal remains of the emperor Akbar. It is an important Mughal architectural masterpiece and is situated in Sikandra, the outskirts of the city. The unique thing about this monument is that the construction of this place was started by Akbar himself, and it faces towards the rising sun instead of Masjid of Mecca.
How to Reach: Akbar’s Tomb is situated at a distance of 9 km from the city centre. One can take NH 19 and Mahatma Gandhi Road to reach it.
Timings: Visitors can come between sunrise to sunset. It is open all seven days.
Entry Fees: Indians and SAARC citizens can enter at a minimal ticket of INR 30, while foreign tourists have to pay INR 310.
Itimah-ud-Daula’s Tomb
This tomb is entirely made out of marbles and is referred to as “Baby Taj Mahal”. The tomb was commissioned by the wife of Jahangir, Nur Jahan, for her father, Mir Gheyas Beg (later known as Itimad-ud-Daulah), who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan.
How to Reach: Itimah-ud-Daula’s Tomb is about 9 km from central Agra. One can take NH 19 and Mahatma Gandhi Road to reach here.
Timings: The tomb is open from 6 am to 6 pm for all tourists.
Entry Fees: Indians and SAARC citizens can pay INR 30 and foreigners INR 310 for entry.
Stay at Jaypee Palace Hotel, Agra
With so many historic places to visit and enjoy the rich heritage of Indian history, you must plan a trip to Agra. Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre is one of the best 5-star resorts in Agra, offering a safe and secure stay to all guests. We offer luxurious and comfortable accommodation to all, ensuring a pleasant trip, even in these unprecedented times. Our hotel brings to you unmatched and not-to-be-missed packages, providing comfortable and sanitized accommodation to all with many contemporary facilities and amenities.
Read More: Places to See in Agra – Sightseeing, Places to Visit & Resort to Stay – Agra Trip
FAQs
1. Which monument is famous in Agra?
The Taj Mahal is the most famous monument in Agra, India. This iconic white marble mausoleum is a prominent historic monument in Agra and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate craftsmanship, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year.
2. What is the special attraction of Agra?
The special attraction of Agra is the Taj Mahal, a breathtaking symbol of love and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. This architectural marvel, made of white marble, is renowned for its stunning beauty and intricate design. In addition to the Taj Mahal, Agra also boasts other historical sites like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, making it a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
3. Can I cover Agra in one day?
Yes, you can cover the main attractions of Agra in one day. A typical day trip can include visits to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (often called the Baby Taj). If time permits, you can also explore the local markets for souvenirs. Starting early in the morning and planning your itinerary efficiently will allow you to experience the essence of Agra in a single day.
