9 Must visit attractions in Agra

Taj Mahal, that’s probably the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Agra. But, we’re sure you’d agree, a city’s soul is much deeper than how a tourist would describe it. Delving deeper into this thought, here’s a list of things you can do in Agra aside from visiting the Taj Mahal.

Note: No matter what people say (including us), start your trip from Taj Mahal. If you are in Agra, you just can’t miss it.

1. Spend an afternoon at the Red Fort

While the Taj Mahal is beautiful, Agra’s fort is no less. It is much larger in size compared to Delhi’s Red Fort and holds stories that are worth knowing. Initially built as a military structure, the fort was converted into a palace by Shah Jahan himself. It is also the place where he took his last breaths. Apart from the architecture, you can enjoy a quiet time with the birds chirping in the background, beautiful views of the Taj Mahal, and ponder about the grand lifestyle of the royal families.

• Best time to visit: October to March
• Drive time from The Hosteller Agra: 11 minutes (3.5 km)

2. Hangout at Sheroes Hangout

Sheroes is no more than a regular, day-to-day cafe with food as simple as you’d find anywhere else. But, what makes it unique is what it stands for. The cafe was created in 2014 by Alok Dixit - a journalist and social activist who runs The Chhanv Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) set up by him and Ashish Shukla in 2013 in order to help the survivors of acid attacks. It runs Sheroes Hangout in Agra, Lucknow and Noida which works for the rehabilitation and employment of acid attack survivors. The cafe provides a supportive environment for women who are survivors of acid attacks.

• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Agra: 4 minutes (1.4 km)

Sheroes hangout | Credits: aalokshrivastav, Instagram

3. Spend an evening at Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid refers to a community mosque built for Friday prayers or Jumme ki Nawaz. The term comes from the Arabic phrase masjid jāmi' which means "mosque of congregation". During the Mughal Empire, several of these mosques were built across India and the one in Delhi & Agra are among the largest. The Jama Masjid in Agra was built by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s eldest daughter in the seventeenth century. Visit the mosque on a Friday afternoon or evening & experience the beautiful process of Namaz.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• Top nearby attractions: Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Roshan Ara Pavilion
• Drive time from The Hosteller Agra: 16 minutes (4.5 km)

Jama Masjid | Credits: Canva

4. Shop at Kinari Bazaar

It is kind of a tradition to visit a place and shop for something from the local market. Isn’t it? It may or may not be something fancy but just to act as a memento. If you are in Agra, Kinari Bazaar is where you need to get your memento from. It is a vibrant wholesale market known for its fancy laces, borders, and tassels. It's a designer's paradise, offering a wide selection of beads, beadwork items, fancy paper goods like gifting envelopes, and adornments for festivals and idols. You can get your hands on a lot of things at a very affordable price.

• Best time to visit: Morning hours
• Drive time from The Hosteller Agra: 16 minutes (4.6 km)

Kinari Bazaar | Credits: Incredible Agra

5. Visit Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often referred to as the "Baby Taj" or a "jewel box," is a Mughal mausoleum (a monument and burial chamber for a deceased person or group of people) in Agra. This exquisite structure is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Built between 1622 and 1628, the tomb marks a significant transition in Mughal architecture from the use of red sandstone with marble decorations to the more refined white marble and pietra dura inlay seen in the Taj Mahal.

Commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, the tomb was built for her father, Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, who was a Persian nobleman given the title I'timād-ud-Daulah, meaning "pillar of the state." He was also the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was later constructed. The complex includes not only the main mausoleum but also several outbuildings and gardens, showcasing the intricate beauty and elegance of early Mughal design.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• Drive time from The Hosteller Agra: 19 minutes (7.1 km)

Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb | Credits: Canva

6. Take a stroll in Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is a Charbagh (a Persian word that means "four gardens") complex located in Agra. Situated on the north of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, it lies on the opposite side of the Yamuna River in the floodplains. This garden is designed in a square shape, each side measuring approximately 300 metres, and is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal across the river. Originally part of a series of 11 gardens established by the Mughal emperor Babur, Mehtab Bagh was rediscovered by archaeologists in the 1990s.

The garden offers a picturesque view of the Taj Mahal, especially at sunset, when the monument reflects beautifully in the river's waters. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll along its shady paths, experiencing the serene beauty and historical significance of this Mughal-era garden.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• Drive time from The Hosteller Agra: 23 minutes (7.6 km)

Mehtab Bagh | Credits: Canva

7. Pay your respects to Emperor Akbar at his Mausoleum in Sikandra

Akbar's magnificent mausoleum lies just over 10 kilometres away from Agra in Sikandra. It features a blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, and Jain motifs among others reflecting Emperor Akbar’s religious tolerance and artistic tastes. Step through the gateways of this tomb to admire four minarets, well-manicured lawns, internally filled pools and diverse local animals such as peafowls as well as langur monkeys. This is a Mughal masterpiece where you can take time out for personal reflection while sitting on the reflective perfectly symmetrical ground of Sikandra.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• Drive time from The Hosteller Agra: 42 minutes (18.8 km)

Tomb of Akbar | Credits: Canva

8. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, often called the "silent capital," was built by Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1585 as a grand capital for the Mughal Empire. Despite its architectural splendour and historical significance, the city was abandoned shortly after its completion. The primary reason for its abandonment was water scarcity, which made it challenging to sustain a large population.

Additionally, strategic and political considerations prompted the Mughals to move the capital back to Agra, which offered better administrative control. Today, Fatehpur Sikri stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing a remarkable blend of architectural styles with well-preserved structures like the Panch Mahal and Jama Masjid. Although it has a lovely atmosphere, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of the Mughal era.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• Drive time from The Hosteller Agra: 1 hour (41.1 km)

Fatehpur Sikari | Credits: Canva

9. Seek refuge at the Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a natural escape in Agra that also offers an expansive bird sanctuary and wildlife refuge just outside the city. It is home to more than 230 bird species including painted storks, cranes, ibis, and even the rare Siberian crane in winter which makes it ideal for bird watching.

Sambar deer visit its marshes and woodlands today as they attract endangered species where once they were royal duck shooting preserves. There are numerous bicycles and rickshaws available to give visitors an opportunity to view wildlife from dense forests and serene wetlands.

• Best time to visit: August to November, October to February
• Drive time from The Hosteller Agra: 1 hour 19 minutes (54.5 km)

Keoladeo Ghana National Park | Credits: dr_deepa_mathur_wildlife, Instagram

To conclude, there’s a lot more than the Taj Mahal in Agra to make your visit worthwhile. However, to enjoy all of it, you need your stay to be perfectly positioned. The Hosteller Agra is the best location for budget travellers considering its location. The hostel offers a range of accommodations, including comfortable dormitories and private rooms, ensuring a pleasant stay.

You can book your stay at The Hosteller, Agra directly from here. Book now & get going.