With another long weekend approaching, all we can think about is getting away from our daily routines and travelling somewhere close by. Here are the reasons we pick Agra over and over again {other than to see the Taj Mahal}:
5 Reasons to Visit Agra {Other Than the Taj Mahal}
The information in this post might be outdated
Fatehpur Sikri
Created by the great Mughal emperor Akbar in the 1500’s ,it is located 36 kilometres away from Agra and is a ghost city in itself. People visit mostly to pray at the famous Salim Chisti Dargah. It is believed that all wishes come true when one prays here with a pure heart, thus pilgrims throng the spot all year.
Other sights to see in this city are the Diwan-i-Khas, palace of Jodha Bai, Panch Mahal and Buland Darwaza, which are all beautiful amalgamations of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Price: INR 50 onwards
Itmad-ud-Daulah
India’s first tomb made completely of marble, Itmad-ud-Daulah is Shah Jahan’s minister, Mir Ghiyas Beg’s tomb. The beautiful monument overlooks the Yamuna and has exceptional architectural design. It is situated in the old Agra city, and can be visited all year round.
Price: INR 10 onwards
Agra Fort
Made of red sandstone, 2.5 kms away from Taj Mahal, Lal Quila, or the Red Fort of Agra, was completed by three generations of Mughals: Akbar, Shah Jahan and Jahangir.
It is a beautiful residential and military fortress that has some of the most exquisite architectural sights like the Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Mina Masjid and much more. Hire a guide while touring this gigantic fort to fully understand why this is even more beautiful than you first thought.
Price: INR 20 onwards
Sikandra
Being Akbar’s mausoleum, this monument is a perfect blend of Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jain themes. It is situated 10 kms away from Agra and is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and watch herds of deer running across its plush gardens. It resembles the Taj Mahal, but is made of red sandstone and marble.
Price: INR 10 onwards
Mehtab Bagh
The ultimate Taj Mahal viewing spot; it lies on the northern bank of the Yamuna, opposite the Taj. It has a four compartment garden design, giving you a picturesque view from all sides. It has lush gardens with beautiful flowers and shrubs—a photographers’ paradise. Best time to visit is sunrise or sunset.
Price: INR 5
All these places are open on all days from sunrise to sunset.
