Top 10 Things To Do In Agra | Home Of The Taj Mahal

Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire, offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and fascinating history, providing many interesting things to see and do.

This is an important part of the Golden Triangle of India, attracting millions of tourists annually. It’s the home of the iconic Taj Mahal, it’s most important attraction, but there is more to see and do, making it worth staying here a day or two.

Although modern day Agra was founded in the early 16th century by Sultan Sikandar Lodhi of the Delhi Dynasty, its golden age was during the Mughal Dynasty rule. Babur, a descendent of Genghis Kahn and the founder of the Mughal Dynasty, defeated Sikandar and made this his capital. The Mughals went on to become one of the richest and longest ruling dynasties of India, ruling most of the Indian subcontinent.

Their dynasty left a rich legacy including the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Agra Fort, the military base and home of the Mughal royal family, full of beautiful palaces, courtyards, and halls, many Persian style gardens, and several stunning ancient tombs.

This post covers the top things to do in Agra.

The Top Things To Do In Agra

The Taj Majal

The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic monuments, is definitely the main attraction in Agra. This tomb, built by Shah Jahan, the fifth emperor of the Mughal dynasty in the mid-17th century, is not only a majestic monument, it’s also a testament to true love. The Taj Mahal was built in honor of Shah Jahan’s most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who tragically died from complications from childbirth. Shah Jahan was reportedly inconsolable, moving into seclusion and planning his monument for her.

Today, the Taj Mahal attracts 6 to 7 million visitors a year. Due to the crowds that visit, it’s best to arrive at the Taj Mahal as early as possible. I pre-purchased my ticket online and entered the park before 6 AM.

There was no line at the entrance that early, so I literally breezed in. There were few people inside and the morning air was still cool (it can be blazing hot in the afternoon). It was really amazing to enjoy the Taj Mahal and the grounds without the crowds.

Another benefit of visiting the Taj Mahal in early mornings is that the Makrana marble that the monument is constructed of, India’s finest marble, has a translucency that reflects the light of the sky, so the color of the Taj Mahal subtly changes as the sun rises.

When I first arrived, the monument was a pinkish-grey.

Within just a few minutes, it turned cream, then white as the sun rose.

Something few people know is that the Taj Mahal is also open for night viewing on full moon nights (except during Ramadan). This includes the two days before and two days after the full moon.

Taj Mahal Gardens

The gardens of the Taj Mahal, known as the Charbagh, are laid out in four equal parts with pools that run between the quadrants and a fountain in the center. These lush, peaceful gardens symbolize paradise, while the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the pools adds to its beauty.

There are many great photo spots around the pools. The most popular are the straight on shots. Here, people take turns waiting for photos and selfies. Photos off to the side are easier to get, but you may have others in your photo. Again, it’s best to arrive early to minimize all this.

Taj Mahal Mosque

The Taj Mahal Mosque sits on the west side of the Taj Mahal (towards Mecca). It’s made of red sandstone with white marble details. Only practicing Muslims can enter the mosque.

Taj Mahal Guesthouse

On the east side of the Taj Mahal in an old guesthouse. It’s also constructed of red sandstone with marble details. As anyone can enter this building, it’s a great place to get photos of the Taj Mahal though one of the doorways (like I did in the center of the gallery above and the photo below).

For more insider tips and more details on the Taj Mahal, see my post, Top Tips For Visiting The Taj Mahal, A Complete Guide.

Tickets For The Taj Mahal

It’s best to buy your tickets online in advance. This not only makes it easier for you, it reduces the queue for everyone. You also save money.

The website to buy tickets in advance is asi.payumoney.com. Two time choices are available. You can either visit forenoon, which is 6 AM to 12 PM, and afternoon, which is 12 PM to 6 PM. As the ticket windows reportedly open an hour before sunrise, you can usually get in early, which is ideal. Especially if you buy online in advance.

I had some trouble with the link on my iPhone, so my accommodation helped me buy and print the ticket (e tickets are an option too).

For night tickets, visit asi.paygov.org.in. Tickets are available in 30-minute time slots, from 8 PM to midnight.

The Taj Mahal is open every day except Friday. It’s best to visit during the week, however, as more locals visit on weekends.

Ticket costs for Indians are 50 INR, plus 200 INR for the interior of the mausoleum. Tickets for foreigners are 1100 INR, plus 200 INR for the interior of the mausoleum (this is $13.31 and $2.42 respectively as of June 2023).

Buying online Indians save 5 INR and foreigners 50 INR. Anyone under the age of 15 is free. There are discounts for SAARC and BIMSTEC. See asi.payumoney.com for more details. I understand the the link looks odd, but this is really the right link!

Full moon tickets are 500 INR for Indians and 750 INR for foreigners (about $9 as of June 2023). Indian and foreign children are 500 INR each from age 4 to 15. Children under 4 are free. There is no mausoleum entry at night. See asi.paygov.org.in for more details.

Taj Yumana Viewpoint At Sunset

The Taj Mahal sits on the south bank of the Yumana River, making the river bank a great place to watch the sunset beside the Taj Mahal. This is Taj Yumana Viewpoint. It’s located 1/3 of a mile (1/2 km) from the East Gate. Just follow the dirt road near the walls along the east side of the Taj Mahal to the river.

Many locals and tourists will also be here, making it a great place to meet other travelers and chat with locals as the sun sets.

There’s also a viewpoint across the Yumana River from the Taj Mahal (by Mehtab Bagh). You can take a small boat across the river from the south bank to get there.

Unfortunately, the Yumana River is the most polluted river in India, so it’s super stinky. I also think it would be very dangerous if something happened to the ‘tiny’ boat that transfers you.

Just standing by the edge of the river, the sulfurous smell is a bit overwhelming, but it’s still nice to see the sunset by the Taj before or after a visit to it.

There is no fee for the viewpoint, but there will be a small fee for the boat ride if you are brave enough.

Taj Nature Walk

The Taj Nature walk, located by the East Gate of the Taj Mahal, is a great escape from the chaos of the city. There’s also a viewpoint of the Taj Mahal through the trees as you move along the trail.

This peaceful walk is known for its wildlife, particularly birds. If you’re lucky, you might see a peacock too.

The cost to enter is 20 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreigners (which is about $1.20 as of June 2023).

Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh means Moon Garden. These Persian gardens, originally built by the first Mughal Emperor Babur (Shah Jahan’s great-great grandfather) in the early 16th century, were renovated by Shah Jahan in the 17th century. They align perfectly with the Taj Mahal across the Yumana River.

There is a rumor that Shah Jahan planned a black mausoleum here as his tomb. As he was unfortunately deposed by his son at Agra Fort, where he died, this never came to fruition. His tomb lies beside Mumtaz in the Taj Mahal, where his son buried him.

Mehtab Bagh is a nice stop when visiting Agra, mainly to see the Taj Mahal from a different perspective. It’s also ideal for a sunset view, although the gardens close at 6 PM. This is why people take the boat over to the bank.

The best time to visit is when the gardens are in bloom and temperatures are not too hot. I visited in April when it was a bit toasty. The flower beds and greens were a little sparse and brown.

Ticket Costs for Mehtab Bagh

The ticket cost is 25 INR for Indians and 300 INR for foreigners (about $3.63 as of June 2023). It’s free for anyone under 15.

How To Get To Mehtab Bagh

Although Mehtab Bagh is located directly across the Yumana River from the Taj Mahal, it’s best to take a rickshaw around to the west and across Ambedkar Bridge to get there. By road it’s 4 miles (6.6 km) from the Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort

Agra Fort was the military base and royal residence, as well as a center for learning, arts, religion, and commerce for several generations of the Mughal Dynasty. The fort, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the third Mughal Emporer Akbar the Great in the mid 1500’s.

It was added to and renovated by both Jahangir, Akbar’s son, and Shah Jahan (who built the Taj Mahal), Akbar’s grandson. Much of its present day appearance, however, is due to Shah Jahan’s architectural achievements.

Tragically, Shah Jahan was imprisoned here by his son, Aurangzeb, after he deemed him unfit to rule. He died here, in Musamman Burj, which overlooks his wife’s tomb of the Taj Mahal in the distance.

The fort is surrounded by red sandstone walls up to 70’ (21 m) high, which is why it’s also called the Red Fort.

There are four gates. Its most noteworthy gates are the Delhi Gate, which is the largest, and the Amar Singh Gate, which is now the only entrance.

Walking Agra Fort, you’ll discover a series of splendid courtyards, airy marble palaces, and beautiful gardens. You can only imagine how stunning everything looked when fully decorated with colorful tapestries, carpets, paintings, chandeliers, and lanterns, and before being plundered after Mughal rule.

This fort is much larger than you expect, so plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours here.

It’s really best to have a guide, as there’s not much information inside. Guides will be standing near the entrance, but make sure they are government approved first.

A guide will go into more detail, but below are some highlights of Agra Fort.

Bengali Mahal

Not far from the Amar Singh Gate entrance is Bengali Mahal. This palace was built by Akbar in the 16th century. It later became known as Jahangir Mahal after the British placed a giant bathtub belonging to Jahangir nearby (Akbar’s son). This tub, carved of stone, is so large, it requires steps to get up to it. Being older, most of this construction is red sandstone.

Musamman Burj

Musamman Burj was built by Shah Jahan for his beloved, Mumtaz Mahal. It’s constructed of marble with detailed, colorful inlay, ornamental niches, a fountain, and delicate lattices for views outside.

On each side of the Musamman Burj, there are two marble structures for his daughters, Roshnara and Jahanara.

Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors

On the western side of Musamman Burj is the Sheesh Mahal. This walls of this imperial bath are inlaid with thousands of tiny mirrors, to reflect the light of the lanterns.

Diwan-I-Am, Hall Of Public Audience

The Dewan-I-Am, or Hall or Public Audience, was also built by Shah Jahan. This is where he would meet with officials and dignitaries and conduct daily business.

It’s composed of 40 pillars, creating 27 airy bays with cusped arches. Made of red sandstone, it was covered with white shell-lime, which gave it the appearance of marble. 

Diwan-I Khas, Or Hall Of Private Audiences

The Diwan-I Khas, or the Hall of Private Audiences was for Shah Jahan to have private meetings with dignitaries and special guests. At one time, this building had a spectacular jeweled throne called the Peacock Throne and the ceiling was inlaid with silver and gold.

Moti Masjid, or the Pearl Mosque

Moti Masjid is another structure that Shah Jahan had rebuilt of white marble. It is called the Pearl Mosque as it reportedly shines like a Pearl on a moonlit night.

Ticket Costs For Agra Fort

The ticket costs for Agra Fort are 35 INR for Indians and 600 INR for foreigners (about $7.32 as of June 2023). Anyone under the age of 15 is free.

Tickets can also be purchased at the same website as the Taj Mahal tickets, asi.payumoney.com. Note that you will still need to buy a separate ticket for ADA Toll tax at the ticket counter though, so it may be best to just buy them at the counter. The ticket options listed on the website are the same as for the Taj Mahal, either forenoon of afternoon.

How To Get To Agra Fort

Agra Fort is located about 1.2 miles (2 km) northwest of the Taj Mahal. It’s easiest to take a rickshaw, but you can also walk.

Shajahan Gardens

The Shajahan Gardens are Mughal style gardens built by Shah Jahan. This park is a lovely green space, located between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

If you choose to walk between the two monuments, you will pass the garden., making it a nice stop.

Tomb Of Akbar The Great

Akbar, the third and greatest Mughal Emperor, chose the site of his tomb in Sikandar, so this is also sometimes called Sikandar Fort. His son, Jahangir, completed the tomb.

The entrance gate is made of red sandstone, embellished with white marble. This opens to a courtyard, where you walk to the building which houses the tomb.

The entryway to this second building is lavishly decorated. Especially the ceiling. Some of this is still under reconstruction.

The room where the tomb lies is all white, with a lantern hanging over the tomb. There was a guard here when I entered. Being the only other person in the tomb, he asked my name and shouted it softly into the shadows, letting it echo around the room. It was interesting as it was as if he was announcing my presence to Akbar.

You cannot take any photos in this room.

From left to right: Akbar Tomb Gate, ceiling restoration detail, and building of the tomb

Ticket Costs for Akbar Tomb

The ticket costs for Akbar Tomb are 30 INR for Indians and 310 INR for foreigners (about $3.78 as of June 2023).

How To Get To Akbar Tomb

Akbar Tomb is on the outskirts of Agra, 8.7 miles (14 km) northwest of the Taj Mahal.

Tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani

Mariam-uz-Zamani was Akbar’s favorite wife. Her Tomb is located very close to Akbar’s. The building is constructed of red carved sandstone, and sits in the center of a garden.

Ticket Costs For Mariam’s Tomb

The ticket costs for Mariam-Uz-Zamani’s Tomb are 25 INR for Indians and 300 INR for foreigners (about $3.66 as of June 2023).

How To Get To The Tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani

The Tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani is located .6 miles (1 km) from the tomb of Akbar the Great.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb

This tomb was built for Emperor Jahangir’s father-in-law, Mizra Ghiyas Beg, who was also the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal. Built about a decade before the Taj Mahal, it is sometimes referred to as the “Baby Taj”.

It showcases the transition from Mughal architecture primarily made from red sandstone with marble embellishment, as in Akbar’s Tomb, to white marble with inlay of semi precious stones, as in the Taj Mahal.

The tomb is located in the center of a Charbagh, or four quartered garden, which symbolizes paradise.

The inlay detail on the marble surfaces is exquisite, and while the interior was once beautiful, it’s in need of some restoration. You still can get a sense of its beauty. Plus, as this is less visited than than the Mahal, you have more time to appreciate the architectural details of the inlay.

Ticket Costs for Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb

The ticket costs for Akbar’s Tomb are 30 INR for Indians and 310 INR for foreigners (about $3.78 as of June 2023).

How To Get To Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb

Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb Is located about 3 miles (5 km) north of the Taj Mahal.

Jama Masjid

One of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Mosque was built by Shah Jahan’s daughter, Jahanara in the 17th century. It’s constructed of red sandstone with white marble details.

Still a functioning Mosque, it’s the main Mosque of Agra. Entry is free, but I’m not sure non-Indians can enter.

How To Get To Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is located just north of Agra Fort, across from the Agra Fort Railway Station.

Where To Stay In Agra

If visiting the Taj Mahal is in your plan, I suggest choosing accommodation within walking distance of it. Preferably one that also offers views of it! Not only does this allow you to arrive early and skip the queues, you also get to soak up the culture and see locals going about their day near the monument, and you can do some local sightseeing, like taking a walk to sunset point near the east gate, taking a boat across the Yumana River to a sunset point just north of the Taj Mahal.

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Accomodation Within Walking Distance With Taj Mahal Views

The three places below are within walking distance and have views of the Taj Mahal from select areas on the property. Plus, two of them are very, very affordable. 

• Joey’s Hostel Agra – Basic
• Oberoi Amarvilas Agra – Luxury
• Sai Palace Within Walking Distance of Taj Mahal – Basic

I stayed at Joey’s Hostel Agra. It’s very (very) basic, but is just a two minute walk to the east gate of the Taj Mahal. I had a private room, with a private bath, and was able to enter the Taj Mahal with no line before 6 AM, when there were very few others inside. The staff there is also super helpful, making sure you have the best experience possible. Plus, they have a dining room balcony that sits just south of the Taj Mahal, so you can enjoy a meal or a beer with other travelers on the rooftop while watching the Taj Mahal. My favorite was when the young boys started flying their kites on other rooftops before us…with the Taj Mahal in the distance.

I list Sai Palace Within Walking Distance of Taj Mahal last, as although it’s similar to Joeys, basic accommodation with with a rooftop view, it gets some really negative reviews.

Oberoi Amarvilas Agra is the ultimate in luxury. It’s still within walking distance, although a little farther away. Here you can have your own personal view of the Taj Mahal from your room, through a large window! It also has a luxurious pool so you can swim and cool off after visiting.

Want To Learn More About India?

For insider tips and more details on the Taj Mahal, see my post, Top Tips For Visiting The Taj Mahal, A Complete Guide. It really helps to understand the details in advance to make your trip as memorable as possible.

India has so many other incredible destinations. Jaipur, known as the pink city, is another famous spot on the Golden Triangle. The sumptuous palaces and forts here are incredible, and their history is captivating. Just a 5 to 6 hour drive west of Agra, I really recommend a short stay here.

Also, as I visited India to see a wedding in lovely Palakkad, I spent time touring the beautiful State of Kerala, which is on India’s southwestern tip. Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is an excellent place to learn about its multicultural history.

If you have time, the Kerala backwaters, south of Kochi, are a great nature retreat. These peaceful backwaters are a vast network of lakes, lagoons, and canals lined with palm trees from Kochi, all the way down to Kollam.

Munnar is another top destination in Kerala, with stunning, brilliant green tea plantations on rolling hills leading to the incredible views at its hill stations and mountain peaks. The views are so beautiful, this area is called the Kashmir of South India.

Another fascinating stop is to visit Adiyogi, a giant statue of the God Shiva represented as Adiyogi, which means the first yogi. This is in Tamil Nadu, which is east of Kerala. If you are on a quest for inner well-being, transformation and empowerment, this is an excellent stop.

If you’ve enjoyed the top things to do in Agra, please let me know your thoughts and leave a note below.

Safe Travels!

Julie