If a tourist imagines Agra, immediately the image that floats in mind is of the wonderful Taj Mahal with a non-viable structure. Just imagine the beauty of getting up and being welcomed by the view of the Taj Mahal from your bed! But if you have already explored its beauty, you might want to explore something else in the city, right? Also, if you are an Agra resident, you might be longing for a weekend getaway place other than the Taj Mahal. For such individuals who live in Agra or are visiting the city for a vacation, we have come up with a list of the best weekend getaways near the city.
Apart from the famous Golden Triangle, there are so many offbeat, delightful weekend tour destinations in Agra. This blog will introduce you to the best places to visit near Agra. So, start reading below to plan your weekend when in Agra.
Famous Places Near Agra for Weekend
Below are some of the most famous Agra nearby tourist places. Explore them to enjoy a fun weekend near the city.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, a historical site that was once the capital of emperor Akbar’s empire, is ideally located at a distance of about 36 km from Agra. So if you are looking for places to visit near Agra within 100 kms, Fatehpur Sikri is a must-visit for you. There are numerous local travel bloggers who have been to this charming fort town and suggested adding it to the checklist of weekend escapades. Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a progressive version of Hindu–Mughal architecture. It is mostly constructed in red sandstone. Some of the things to be seen here are the Buland Darwaza, a large, splendid door to depict the power of the then-reigning Akbar, and Diwan-I-Khas, a hall for the emperor to have his private audiences with visitors. Diwan-I-Aam is for public gatherings, and a majestic Jama Masjid has been functioning to date as a place of worship. Also, Jodha Bai’s Palace – Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture are represented here.
Delhi
Another name when listing famous places near Agra or places to visit near Agra within 300 kms is Delhi. It is the capital city of India and one of the oldest political nerve centres, which can be a great break from the rather laid-back life of Agra. Just 233 kilometres from Agra lies Delhi, a city that never sleeps, overflowing with things to do and see for everyone. It is a culinary heaven with the famous Chandni Chowk that offers some of the most amazing street food everywhere in the world. Tourists and history lovers will appreciate the famous Red Fort, the tall Qutub Minar, the beautiful Humayun’s Tomb, and the famous India Gate. Delhi is not a disappointment for night crawlers, either. Weekend nights are good to enjoy in one of the popular clubs in Hauz Khas Village, which has cafes, lounges, and pubs.
Mathura
Mathura is another interesting city located at a distance of 57 km from Agra and is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It is one of the best places near Agra for the weekend. It is this city that has the prison where the baby Krishna’s parents were imprisoned and where the birth of the divine actually occurred, thus giving the place a historical and spiritual significance. Mathura is famous for its many temples and for the steps leading to the river, the Yamuna, especially during a fair. Holi and Janmashtami are the two main festivals that are celebrated in Mathura with much zeal, and people from all over the world visit Mathura to be a part of the festival. Some of the famous places of the city are Vishram Ghat, Bangali Ghat, Dwarkadhish Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, and Krishna Janmabhoomi, which gives a peep into the history of the city and its devotion.
Bharatpur
Another name when listing places to visit near Agra within 100 kms is Bharatpur. It is just 55 Km away from Agra, and it is a bird watcher’s heaven and nature lover’s dream come true. This town itself is beautiful and houses the Keoladeo National Park, a world heritage site by UNESCO, which is the world’s biggest bird sanctuary. With over 370 species of birds, the park comes alive and is a perfect getaway for the winter weekend from Agra. Birding enthusiasts and photographers will have a field day in this bird paradise, especially during the migratory periods when the park is alive. Apart from its fauna, Bharatpur is a beautiful destination to visit with beautiful sightseeing options.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, the place where Lord Krishna used to play with the gopis of Vraj, even today, is the epitome of Lord Krishna’s bhakti and is visited by devotees from all across the globe. It is one of the best Agra near tourist places. This pious town is just a distance of 75 kilometres from Agra and is a beautiful haven of tranquillity that is dotted with temples and dense forests that still have the spiritual vibes of Lord Krishna flowing through them. Vrindavan city is well known for the temples of Lord Krishna; some of them are Prem Mandir, Banke Bihari Temple, and Nidhivan, where trees and plants are believed to turn into girls at night and dance with Lord Krishna. The large ISKCON Temple is another spiritual place that enhances the spiritual feel of the town as it offers a place for prayers.
Lucknow
Lucknow, the home of the nawabs and the place where poetry is celebrated, is endearingly referred to as ‘Tehzeeb ka Sheher.’ It is a foodies’ paradise as Lucknow is famous for its Mughlai cuisine, and people from all over the country come to savour the famous kebabs, biryanis, and paranthas. Living in this city is pretty basic and involves good food, good music, and long walks in the famous Hazratganj market. It is indeed a city of great historical and architectural significance where, as a tourist, you are bound to be delighted. Bara Imambara, with its marvellous design and the mystery of Bhool Bhulaiya, is one of the must-visits. Lahore is well known for its architectural wonders, and among these, the Rumi Darwaza, also known as the ‘Gateway to the East,’ stands tall.
Gwalior
Gwalior is one of the most beautiful and culturally enhanced cities in Madhya Pradesh, which has a history of centuries. It is one of the best places to visit near Agra within 200 kms. This city makes for a great weekend retreat from Agra, which is only 119 kilometres away and can be reached within three hours. Gwalior is one of the most culturally enriched cities, which is not only historically important but also has architectural beauty. As for the places of interest, the most significant one is the historical city of Padmavati Pawaya, which is a relic of the past. The Kala Vithika Museum gives a detailed view of the cultural history of the area, whereas the Scindia Museum and Jai Vilas Palace give a brief look into the lifestyle of the Scindia royal family.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve, situated 214 km away from Agra, Rajasthan, is an ideal place for wildlife lovers who want to have an exciting Jeep Safari. This vast reserve, located in the midst of hilly pastures, steep rocks, and rough woodlands, is home to a large number of animals. The reserve is home to a number of extra species of animals, for example, the Bengal tigers, striped hyenas, leopards, golden jackals, chitals, jungle cats, caracals, sambar deer, wild boars, and Rhesus macaques. Sariska Tiger Reserve tourists can go on thrilling safaris where they can get a chance to see the tigers roaming freely in the park. Besides these, there are other tourist activities that enhance the experience that one gets while in the reserve.
Read Also – Here Are The Things You Can Do This Weekend In Agra
Bottom Line
The area around Agra can be considered a rich source of interesting weekend destinations that provide tourists with different experiences related to history, culture, and beautiful nature. So, if you are looking for a picnic spot near Agra, it is quite easy to find one. Stretching from the architectural marvel of the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, the colourful bird paradise of Bharatpur, the royal charm of Jaipur, and the spiritual cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, there is something for everyone. These destinations not only give a good break from the busy city life but also throw light on Indian culture and its biodiversity.
When planning your trip, make sure that you have chosen a good hotel in either Delhi or Agra as much as you have chosen good places to visit near Agra. Choose to stay at the Jaypee Hotels, which offer luxury combined with excellent services.
