Places to Visit in Agra

The city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh is amongst India's most sought after sight-seeing destination. The Taj Mahal alone sees approx. 2.5 million visitors in a year. However, Agra sight-seeing has much more to offer. These places in Agra are pretty popular too.

Fatehpur Sikri : This capital city to the Mughal Empire was built by Emperor Akbar. The entire complex was built with red sandstone. Marble has been used liberally only in the more elegant buildings. Elements of Muslim, Persian and Hindu architecture have been mixed and are visible all over the place. It is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Agra Fort : It is also known as the lal qila, Red Fort, and Fort Rouge. It is considered to be predecessor to the Delhi Red Gate. The Agra Fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 as a military establishment. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, and is 2.5 km long. This fort gives a feel of a city within a city. The monuments within the Agra fort include Diwan-e-Am, the Diwan-e-Khas, and the Octagonal Tower.
Sikandra Fort : Sikandra Fort is barely 13 km away from the Agra Fort and is home to the tomb of Emperor Akbar. This structure employs the charbagh style wherein a huge garden has the tomb at its very center. This garden is divided into four equal parts by high terraces, which have water channels running through their center. It employs a mix of different styles of architecture.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb : In terms of architecture, Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. The tomb here, of the Wazir, Mirza Ghiyas Beg has a distinctly different architectural style from the earlier Mughal tombs. After the Taj and the Agra Fort, this is said to be the most popular tourist destination in Agra.
Chini Ka Rauza : The Chini Ka Rauza is the tomb of the Wazir to Shah Jahan, Mullah Shukrullah Shirazi. He was also a well know poet. This tomb has glazed glass as a medium of decoration. Bright color schemes adorn the entire monument. It is called "Chini Ka rauza" because the glass work was said to be imported form China.
Ram Bagh : Another great place for Agra sight-seeing. This was among the first pleasure gardens to be built by the Mughals in India. The garden was laid out by the first Mughal Emperor, Babur. It is also known as the Bach-e-Gul-Afshan. There are many waterways, fountains and channels throughout the garden. This garden has features, even today that were set in place by Noor Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jehangir. Its located 500 meters away from Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
Soami Bagh / Dayal Bagh : This is the headquarters of the Radhasoami Faith. There are many satsang specific buildings in this garden. It is a pilgrimage site for many. Radhasoami movement combines elements of Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. The main feature of this garden is the Radhasoami Memorial which is 110 feet high and is made of pure white marble.
Jahangir mahal : This is the most noteworthy structure inside the Agra Fort Complex. It was used as the main palace for the women of the royal household. Huge stone carvings are found at this place. This building uses mixed Transoxanian features like the verandah with courtyard style halls reminiscent of the Gujarat- Malwa- Rajasthan architecture.
Chisti's tomb : A definite destination if going to Fatehpur Sikri. It is the tomb Of Shaikh Salim Chisti, descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Emperor Akbar greatly venerated Salim Chisti. The tomb though it was made of red sandstone, now has a marble facade. This tomb is visited, both by Muslims and Hindus.
The Buland Darwaza : This is the grand gateway in the city of Fatehpur Sikri, which leads to the entrance of the Jama Masjid. It was built to commemorate Emperor Akbar's conquest of the Deccan. It rises to a height of 175 feet and is made of red sandstone with marble decoration. It has verses from the Quran inscribed on its front and pillars.
Palace of Jodha Bai : This palace in Fatehpur Sikri was dedicated to Jodha Bai, who was the Rajput queen of Emperor Akbar. This palace was used by Akbar's wives, and other women of the harem. This palace sees a lovely mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture. An element of Hindu architecture is seen in the form of a central courtyard around which the entire palace is built.
Panch mahal: Yet another great place for Agra sight-seeing. This Palace is in the north-east direction of Jodha Bai Palace. It is a five floored pillared structure. This building was also called badgir or wind tower, and was used to get rid of the heat. The first floor has 48 pillars, the second 56, the third 20 and the fourth 12. the fifth floor has only 4 pillars and is topped with a chhatri or umbrella, giving a feel of distinct airiness.