Top 10 Monuments to Visit in Agra

Top Monuments to Visit in Agra

Same Day Agra Tour: A Glimpse

Same Day Agra Tour By Car -the land of the majestic Taj Mahal is known for its versatility. It is famous for its magnificent monuments like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Delicious food treats like bedai-kachori and petha are a part of the everyday meal of the people. Many schools and colleges were built during the late 19th century under British rules like St. John’s College, St.George’s College, and St. Anthony’s College. Agra is also known for its inlay marble handicrafts and wooden showpieces. Agra also exports high-quality leather.

Famous Monuments in Agra

Location

Agra is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is located in the northwestern part of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is the 4th most populous city of Uttar Pradesh and the 24th in India. It is part of the Golden Triangle comprising Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. We give you the best Car Rental Agra at your budget with a unique trip experience.

Agra is also a tourist hub because of the Taj Mahal and many other significant Mughal monuments. Millions of tourists visit Agra every year.

Are you planning to visit Agra?

Are you confused about the places and monuments you want to visit for sightseeing?

We, at OWIC Blogs, have shortlisted the top 10 monuments for sightseeing that you should not miss at any cost when you visit Agra:

1. The Taj Mahal: Symbol of Love

One of the world’s most famous monuments, wonder, and the symbol of love, the Taj Mahal needs no introduction. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz in the year 1632. It is an ivory-white mausoleum that houses the tomb of Shah Jahan as well.

The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz

I found the Taj Mahal as the most appropriate example of artistically expressed love.

Suman Pokhrel

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of tourists every year. It was declared number one in the list of the world’s seven wonders in 2007. The Taj Mahal stands apart in its beauty and grandeur and has been the subject of admiration of scholars and historians. The Taj is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, making it a serene sight to behold.

2. The Agra Fort: The First Red Fort

Akbar, the Greatest of the Mughals built the Agra Fort between 1565-73. It remained his residence until 1568 when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It is situated in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal and near the river Yamuna. The fort attracts a number of tourists every day. In 1983, the Agra fort was given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s situated near the Agra Fort Railway Station and Subash market. Some fascinating sites within the Agra Fort:

The Facade of the Agra Fort
Source: Google
  1. Ghaznin Gate: Gate of the tomb of
  2. Mahmud Ghaznavi at Ghazni. It was brought to the fort by the British in 1842.
  3. The Muthamman Burj (Shah Burj) &. Jharokha: This place, facing the riverside is the largest bastion of the Agra fort. It was originally built by Akbar in red sandstone but Shah Jahan re-built it with white marble.
  4. Shanjahani Mahal: One of the earliest palaces of Shah Jahan in the fort.
  5. Jahangir’s Hauz: A tank used for bathing.

3. Sikandra: Akbar’s Tomb

Sikandra is located on the Suburbs of Agra
Source: Google

Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar was one of the greatest kings to ever sit on the throne of the Indian subcontinent. The third of Mughals, he made various political and social reforms during his reign. His tomb is situated at Sikandra, Agra.

An architectural masterpiece, Akbar’s tomb was built by Jahangir, his son and fourth of the Mughals. The tomb has minute carvings and Indo- Persian- Saracenic architecture. The red structure is not only an important site to visit but in itself an important landmark in Indian History. Don’t forget to keep it in your mind while visiting Agra.

4. Fatehpur Sikri: Buland Darwaza

5. Jama Masjid: Religion and Art

Jama Masjid of Agra is one of the largest mosques in India
Source: Google

One of the largest Mosques in India, the Jama Masjid is situated opposite the Agra fort. It overlooks the Agra Fort Railway Station. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the honor of his daughter Jahanara Beghum. 

A major part of the Masjid is situated in the Subash market, one of the major markets of Agra. It is also called the Jami Masjid and Friday Mosque. It is constructed in red sandstone with delicate white marble designs. It has a large courtyard surrounded by minarets. The main entrance is through the Eastern side. There are cloisters with arches supported by pillars. There are a number of domes as well in the Masjid.

6. Chini ka Rauza: Exotic in the Locale

Chini ka Rauza is not strictly based on the Mughal style of architecture
Source: Google

It is the mausoleum of Afzal Khan, the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Afzal Khan was initially a Persian poet in the court of the emperor Jahangir and then became the Wazir of Jahangir’s son. Afzal Khan dues in Lahore but buried here in Agra. 

The tomb is built facing the holy city of Mecca. It is situated on the Eastern bank of the river Yamuna. Its architectural style is pretty different from the other Mughal buildings in Agra. It has an exotic touch combined with the Sultanate style of building.

7. Itimad-ud-Daula: Bachcha Taj Mahal

Itimad-ud-Daula is called draft of the Taj Mahal.

Popularly called “Bachcha Taj Mahal” (Small Taj Mahal)  Itimad-ud- Daulah is one of the chief monuments of Agra. It is a mausoleum with the main building, other buildings and a number of gardens. The structure was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir for her father Mirza Ghiyas Bheg.

Bhee was given the title of Itimad-ud-Daula meaning “the pillar of the state”. It is situated near the eastern banks of the river Yamuna. The main tomb, built of white marble is erected in the center of the Char Bagh. The tomb exhibits floral and geometrical designs on its walls and pillars. The tomb is an absolute masterpiece and deserves to be on your list if you’re planning to visit Agra.

8. Mariam-uz- Zamani Tomb: To the Lady in the House

Jodha Bai became Mariam after marriage
Source: Google

The mausoleum of Mariam-uz- Zamani is dedicated to Mariam-uz-Zamani, the queen of Akbar. It was built by Jahangir in her mother’s memory. It is located in Sikandar, the suburb of Agra. Mariam was born a Rajput princess but was given this title after she gave birth to Jahangir, the successor of Akbar. Her tomb is located near that of Akbar. The mausoleum contains three tombstones altogether. This lesser-known yet majestic building is a must-visit for any tourist as far as sightseeing is concerned.

9. Jaswant ki Chhatri: The Exception

Jaswant ki Chhatri is the only Hindu architectural structure built during the Mughal rule
Source: Google

Most of the prominent monuments of Agra were built by Mughal and follow the Indo-Persian style of architecture. Jaswant ki Chhatri stands as an exception here. It is said to be the only monument built by a Hindu during the Mughal rule.

It is a domed pillared pavilion-shaped cenotaph, preserved by the ASI as a monument of National Importance. It was built in 1644-58 AD and was dedicated to Rani Hada of Bundi in Rajasthan. The chhatri is a combination of Mughal and Hindu architecture which makes us a really interesting site to be explored.

10. Gurudwara Guru Ka Tal: Symbol of Harmony

Guru ka Tal is the subject of devotion among people
Source: Google

India is a country where all religions are respected and celebrated. In Agra, one of the most significant religious places is Guru ka Tal. A gurudwara is the place of worship for the Sikh community. People from every religion can visit this holy site and observe the values of humility and tolerance being propagated here.

This historically important pilgrimage place was dedicated to the ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This place is located near Sikandra. Originally, there were twelve towers here, but only eight have survived till now. Every day, a number of tourists and pilgrims visit this site to pay homage.

Extra bit: The Keetham Jheel

The Keetham Lake is home to several migratory birds
Source: Google

Keetham Lake is a pentagonal lake situated on the outskirts of Agra on the Agra Delhi Highway (NH2). It is also called the Sur Sarovar. The lake has become a breeding ground for migratory birds from around the world, making it a major attraction for tourists. There are also artificially created islands for this purpose only, making the place more amazing.

Attractions:

  • More than 100+ species of migratory birds visit Keetham Lake.
  • The entire lake area is covered with greenery.
  • The water quality of Kee than Lake attracts a lot of aquatic birds like  Little Grebes, CormorantsDarterGrey Heron, and Purple Heron.
  • The atmosphere is serene and soothing, away from the bustle of the city.

See our Next blog for the Taj Mahal Tour.

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