By Agra, known for its gem “Taj Mahal,” is the name everyone has heard of. The city is famous for its vibrant markets, fine architectural monuments, and beautiful gardens. It indeed reflects the beauty of India’s rich heritage steeping from Mughal times.
Agra, also recognized for its sweet “Pethas” can never disappoint your travel experience. It is certainly a place worth the hype. Let’s learn further about the top 10 places you can visit in Agra as an ultimate holiday destination.
1. Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is the first name that comes to mind when we mention Agra. India is intensely honored to have this exclusive piece of architecture. The monument, made out of pure love, is embedded in the pages of history for its beautiful carvings and white marble known as “Makrana Marble”. Taj Mahal is solely responsible for attracting 7 to 8 million tourists every year to Agra. The monument is maintained by UNESCO World Heritage. Adding to its glory, Taj is accompanied by beautiful gardens and a tranquil pool.
Timings Available: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm ( Friday closed ).
Ticket prices:
- Indian citizens: Rs 50 per person (free for children under 15).
- NRI/Foreigners: Rs 1250.
Tips when traveling:
- The best time to visit is between October and March.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid unnecessary crowds and heat during the summers.
- Try to hire a guide to understand the history of the monument deeply.
2. Agra Fort
Agra Fort, aka “Lal-Qila,” is one of the massive monuments in Agra and is often called the walled city. The monument perfectly justifies the glory of great Mughal architecture and is built purely from red sandstones. The fort is known for its remarkable architecture, which includes beautiful gardens, places, mosques, and meticulously crafted gates. Timings Available: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Ticket prices:
- Indian citizens: Rs 50 per person (Free for children under 15).
- NRI/Foreigners: Rs 650.
Tips for traveling:
- Considering the vastness of the monument, spare a minimum of two or three hours for the complete tour.
- Try wearing comfortable shoes.
- Adequate time to visit is early morning to avoid the midday heat.
3. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, also known as the “Baby Taj,” is another prominent tourist spot. Queen Noor Jahan built the tomb for his father “Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a Persian official who served the Mughal Empire. The tomb is carved with white and black color on yellow sandstones, depicting the intricate design expertise of the Mughals. The tomb also includes an adjacent garden, framing it at the perfect spot among the top places to visit in Agra with family.
Timings Available: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Ticket prices:
- Indian citizens: Rs 30 per person (Free for children under 15)
- NRI/Foreigners: Rs 310
Tips for traveling:
- For the sake of long walks around the tomb, consider breathable clothes and comfortable shoes.
- Try visiting around the weekdays to avoid heavy crowds.
- Carry a water bottle, especially during summer, to stay hydrated.
4.Mehtab Bagh
The famous “Moonlight Garden” is purposely known for its scenic view of the “Taj Mahal,” especially during the sunset. Mehtab Garden is situated directly across the river from the Taj Mahal. Hence, if you want to enjoy and take mesmerizing captures of the Taj without much crowd, Mehtab Bagh can be your terminus.
Timings Available: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Ticket prices:
- Indian citizens: Rs 25 per person (Free for children under 15).
- NRI/Foreigners: Rs 300.
Tips for traveling:
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for some splendid views of Taj Mahal.
- Prep up for a small picnic to spend a leisurely evening in the garden.
- Do not forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture Taj Mahal’s beauty.
5. Chini Ka Rauza
Built-in the memory of the prime minister of the Mughal empire, “Allama Afzal Khan Mullah,” Chini Ka Rauza, as the name signifies, is a beautiful architecture of tilework. The entire monument has an attractive framework of different colored tiles, including turquoise, yellow, green, and orange. The memorial has a Persian influence and is quite different from the rest of the Mughal architecture. So, if you want to watch something unique and unusual, this can be your destination.
Timings Available: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Ticket prices:
- Indian citizens: Free entry.
- NRI/Foreigners: Free entry.
Tips for traveling:
- Spare 1-2 hours to explore the place properly.
- Visit during off-peak hours.
6. Akbar Tomb
Akbar Tomb has been intricately designed to showcase the perfect union of Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhist religion. The monument was a farsighted vision of emperor Akbar, depicting his belief in equality for all religions. With an underlying personal image, Akbar himself curated its design, which his son later completed. The tomb is encircled by mesmerizing gardens, making it among the best Agra places to visit.
Timings Available: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Ticket prices:
- Indian citizens: Rs 30 per person (Free for children under 15)
- NRI/Foreigners: Rs 310
Tips for traveling:
- Try to hire a taxi beforehand as the tomb is situated on the outskirts of Agra.
- You will thank us later for bringing a hat and sunscreen to remain shielded from the scorching heat during the summer.
- Spare some time for the local vendors selling exclusive handicrafts and souvenirs near the tomb.
7. Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center
Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center may not be the most popular place, but it is indeed one of the top places to visit in Agra with family. The Centre runs an incredible show named” Mohabbat the Taj”. The great performers there bring life to the history of the Taj Mahal and how it was built. The place is personally recommended as one of the best Agra places to visit for a leisurely evening.
Timings Available: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Ticket prices:
- Indian citizens: Rs 1000 – Rs 8000
- NRI/Foreigners: Rs 1000 – Rs 8000
Tips for traveling:
- Book show tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Give yourself and your family time to settle and find seats by coming half an hour early to the show.
- Kalakriti hosts special events also, so keep an eye on its website to stay informed about these unique shows.
8. Dolphin Water Park
The Dolphin Water Park can be Agra’s best place to visit if your family, including children and adults, wants to go on a fun ride. This amusement park is one of the largest water parks in Agra, expanding over 14 acres of land. Besides being best for thrilling rides, roller coasters, water slides, and much more, it also has a play area for kids, locker rooms, and other necessary facilities, making it a complete family fun spot.
Timings Available: 11:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Ticket prices:
- Adults: Rs 650
- Children (below 4 feet) : Rs 350
Tips for traveling:
- Bring a comfortable swimsuit to enjoy in the waterpark along with extra set of clothes.
- Avail the locker facility for your belongings.
- Follow all safety rules provided by the park staff to prevent accidents.
9.WildLife SOS: Elephant Conservation and Care Center
If you are an animal lover and love to watch animals lifestyle, there is no better place than Wildlife SOS in Agra. Being one of Agras’s best places to visit, you can visit here to see the super majestic elephants and other wildlife species living and taken care of under a highly knowledgeable unit of professionals. This place has its own vibe, where you feel intensely connected with animals and learn about the wildlife.
Timings Available: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tips for traveling:
- Go for advance booking, as the reservation slot fills up quickly.
- Opt for booking through guided tours to get a hassle-free experience
- Do not feed animals until and unless allowed to avoid any unforeseen situations.
10. Sadar Bazar: For the ultimate shopping experience and delightful food
You can not miss shopping if you come to Agra. Known for its local handcrafts, marble textiles, and leather-made products, Agra can fulfill every single requirement on your shopping list. And there is no better market than Sadar Bazar, which can be your one-stop destination for all such shopping items. Not just shopping, Sadar Bazar is also surrounded by cosy cafes and delicious street food.
Timings Available: 11 am to 10:00 pm (Tuesday closed)
Tips for traveling:
- Do not forget to negotiate the prices, for bargain is very common in the bazaar.
- Be extra cautious of your belongings, as busy markets may evolve pickpockets.
- Carry cash, as vendors usually accept only cash payments.
Agra: A perfect family holiday destination
Agra has something for everyone and can give you the best family vacation experience possible. The inhabitants of the city are kind and helpful, and quality accommodations can be found in every nook and corner. Furthermore, delectable food is a bonus in the city; you may enjoy great street food while relaxing in warm cafés. Agra is a great combination of history and beauty in one location; as on one side, you can experience the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and many other attractions, while on the other, you can entertain your children with the variety of amusement parks and animal reserves accessible. Further shopping is a must-do in Agra since some unique Taj Mahal Souvenirs cannot be found anywhere else than its homeland.
So don’t wait further; book instant tickets with your family and friends to experience incredible Agra.
