Agra needs no introduction really. It is universally acknowledged and best known for the majestic Taj Mahal. However, there are other things to do in Agra and sites to see in the city that make it much more than a one-wonder destination.
Albeit the other sites of Agra do link to the wonderous story of the Taj Mahal. But that makes the city of Agra a wholly memorable experience as part of your travel in India!
Here are ten other things to do in Agra – as well as visiting the world-renowned Taj Mahal.
- About Agra
- Best time to visit
- Things to do in Agra – as well as the Taj Mahal
– Agra Fort
– Agra Jama Masjid
– Kinari Bazar
– The ‘Baby Taj’
– Chini Ka Rauza
– ADA Taj Yamuna View Point
– Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden)
– Akbar Mausoleum
– Mariam-uz-Zamani - How to get to Agra from Delhi and Jaipur
- Transport in Agra
- Accommodation in Agra
About Agra – an introduction to the famous city of the Taj Mahal
India is inarguably enormous in both land size, population and culture. But Agra is the one place that every traveller inevitably makes it to at some stage during their journey in the subcontinent.
And for most, it is the iconic wonder of the Taj Mahal that is the obvious draw.
However, there is more to this city of the Taj than just the hype of one site. It is a fabulously historic part of India with a magnificent fort and other legacies of the Mughal empire. And if you have time to take a rickshaw and dodge the enthusiastic touts beelining any tourist in sight, there are some unique and lesser-visited other things to do in Agra.
What is the best time of year to visit Agra?
In the summer months of May and June it can be unbearably hot during the day to travel in north India. Weather-wise though, for clarity and photographs and lesser tourist numbers at the Taj Mahal, this is the best time to visit.
July and August are also hot for travel to Agra, and it is notoriously the monsoon (wet) season in India and there can sometimes be rain.
The winter months from November to February are the coolest temperature for travel anywhere in India. This is the main tourist season. The winter months are considered the best time to visit the Taj Mahal with daytime temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F). However, there is often heavy morning fog at sunrise in winter and with the cooler weather comes larger crowds. This is a busy time to visit the Taj Mahal.
If you have flexibility, we reckon September and October or in March and April is the best time to visit Agra with lighter crowds and reasonable temperatures.
What are the best other things to do in Agra – as well as visiting the Taj Mahal?
Agra is more than just the Taj Mahal. It is undoubtedly the most famous of Agra’s sites. But to make the absolute most of your time in India here are the best other things to do in Agra – as well as visiting the incredible Taj Mahal.
1. Agra Fort – Things to do in Agra
The incredible Agra Fort is often overshadowed by the wonderous Taj Mahal, but it really is one of the finest Mughal forts in India.
It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Today the fort is a well preserved and restored masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The fort is only 2.5 km northwest of the more famous the Taj Mahal and offers a strategic view of the Taj Mahal from certain vantage points within the fort. The emperor, Shah Jahan, who commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, was later imprisoned in the Fort by his son Aurangzeb.
The stories say that Shah Jahan spent his final years in a room facing the Yamuna River with a balcony that provided a direct view of the Taj Mahal, though he was not allowed to ever return to the tomb of his mourned wife. The connection between the two monuments adds to their historical and emotional significance and for this reason we recommend visiting the fort first of the other things to do in Agra.
- Tip: We recommend Agra Fort as the first thing to do in Agra especially if you arrive during the daytime and are planning a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. From the fort you can get a glimpse and first real sighting of the Taj Mahal and learn about the connection between the fort and the famous mausoleum.
- Entry Fee: 650 INR for foreigners. Entry for children below 15 years is FREE.
- Timings: Sunrise – sunset
- Distance: Close to city centre – 1.5km (5 minutes)
2. Shahi Jama Masjid Agra
The Jama Masjid is a 17th-century congregational mosque in the old city of Agra and is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by Jahanara Begum, the eldest surviving child of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
The mosque is made of red sandstone with intricate white marble decorations in the typical Mughal style of architecture of the era. The construction took six years, until 1648, and over five thousand labourers and artisans to complete.
- Entry Fee: Free. But camera and phone photography is chargeable at 30 INR.
- Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM and 1.30 PM – 6.30 PM
- Distance: Close to city centre – 1.5km (5 minutes)
- Read how to visit Jama Masjid in New Delhi and things to know about visiting a mosque in India.
3. Kinari Bazar – Things to do in Agra
The old market located in the narrow streets behind the Jama Masjid, known as Kinari Bazar, is one of the oldest and most visited markets in Agra. It is a busy and bustling traditional market and local shopping area lined with colourful shops selling spices and street food, handicrafts, jewellery and fabrics.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open all day
- Distance: Close to city centre and next to the Jama Masjid – 1.5km (5 minutes)
4. Taj Mahal
Everything about visiting the Taj Mahal is incredible.
- Tip: It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being, “The jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”.
And in real life it truly is that breathtaking.
- Read everything you need to know to plan the best visit to the Taj Mahal.
It is famed as one of the greatest love stories of all time. The magnificent white marble building is a mausoleum, commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Wonders of the World and a crown jewel of art and architecture in the world.
- Entry Fee: 1300 INR for foreigners. Entry for children below 15 years is FREE.
- Timings: Sunrise – sunset
- Distance: Close to city centre and easy by rickshaw or in walking distance from some hotels.
- Read everything you need to know to plan the best visit to the Taj Mahal.
5. I’timad-ud-Daulah / The Baby Taj
The exquisite tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg is nicknamed the Baby Taj. And like the Taj Mahal, it is also a mausoleum. The Baby Taj was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of emperor Shah Jahangir, for her father, Mizra Ghiyas Beg (later known as I’timad-ud-Daulah). He was a Wazir (chief minister) in the court of Shah Jahan.
I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb was the first tomb in India made entirely of marble. It was built between 1622-28, a good ten years before the Taj Mahal was begun in 1632, a year after the death of Mumtaz.
It is one of the lesser visited but highly recommended things to do in Agra. (Gavin rates this as his favourite site in Agra – aside from the Taj Mahal – because it is so peaceful; and it’s stunning!).
The connection between the Baby Taj and the Taj Mahal is well displayed in a small museum just by the entrance. Emperor Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal was Nur Jahan and Shah Jahangir’s third son.
- Entry Fee: 300 INR per person; children under 15 FREE
- Timings: Sunrise – sunset
- Distance: Close to city centre – 5km (15 minutes by auto rickshaw)
6. Chini Ka Rauza / Tomb of Persian Scholar Afzal Khan Shirazi
Chini Ka Rauza is another popular tomb to visit on the list of other things to do in Agra. It is the tomb of Afzal Khan Shirazi, a scholar and poet who was the Prime Minister of emperor Shah Jahan.
The monument is known for its intricate glazed tile work and distinct Persian architecture style. It is believed to be the only building in India with such Persian architecture.
The style of tile work is common in Central Asia and known as ‘Chini’, from which the tomb derives its name. The iconic colours of the Silk Road tile work have faded now but the style of the tomb is impressive and very different from the other Mughal structures in Agra.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Sunrise – sunset
- Distance: Close to city centre – 6km (15 minutes by auto rickshaw)
7. Taj Yamuna ADA View Point – Things to do in Agra
Located on the opposite side to the Taj Mahal on the bank of Yamuna River, the ADA Taj Yamuna View Point offers good sunset views of Taj Mahal.
Note this is not to be confused with Mehtab Bagh. Mehtab Bagh is the gardens opposite the Taj Mahal and just behind the viewpoint. However, the gardens cost a lot more to enter and the view, although impressive, is further back from the river.
The Taj Yamuna View Point is simply a few bench seats above the river with a great view across to the Taj Mahal. The area is well-maintained by the Agra Development Authority (ADA), with clean pathways and strategically placed to sit and soak in the beauty of the Taj Mahal from a different perspective.
- Entry Fee: 50 INR
- Timings: Sunrise – Sunset
- Distance: Close to city centre – 5.5km (10 – 15 minutes by auto rickshaw)
8. Mehtab Bagh / Moonlight Garden
Mehtab Bagh is a Mughal garden opposite the Taj Mahal on the other bank of River Yamuna. The name, Mehtab Bagh, translates as ‘Moonlight Garden’ and is one of few (surprisingly) tranquil things to do in Agra away from the hustle and bustle of the busy modern city.
The garden complex is in the typical style of the Mughal era and square in shape. It measures about 300 by 300 metres and is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank offering unmatched views across the river.
- Entry Fee: 300 INR
- Timings: 6:00AM until 9:00PM
- Distance: Close to city centre – 6km (10 – 15 minutes by auto rickshaw)
9. Akbar’s Mausoleum – Things to do in Agra
The tomb of Emperor Akbar is another interesting thing to do in Agra that further pieces together the puzzle and love story of the Taj Mahal.
Emperor Akbar is often regarded as the greatest of the Mughal emperors of India. He reigned from 1556 to 1605 and extended Mughal power over most of the Indian subcontinent. Akbar was the grandfather of Shah Jahan, the emperor who built the Taj Mahal.
And if you are visiting or have already visited Delhi, you will likely see Humayun’s Tomb there. Humayun was the father of Akbar, and great grandfather of Shah Jahan.
The tomb for Akbar is an important architectural masterpiece of the Mughal era. It is constructed with red sandstone and white marble, with a majestic gateway to the impressive tomb and its surrounding garden.
Akbar’s Mausoleum is at Sikandra, about 10km northwest of the city.
- Entry Fee: 250 INR per person; children under 15 FREE.
- Timings: Sunrise – Sunset
- Distance: 10 km from city centre
10. Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani
The Tomb of Mariam is another of Agra’s special places. It is the mausoleum of Mariam-uz-Zamani. She was the favourite wife of Emperor Akbar.
The tomb is about 1 km away from Akbar’s tomb.
- Entry Fee: 150 INR per person; children under 15 FREE.
- Timings: Sunrise – Sunset
- Distance: 10 km from city centre
How to get to Agra from Delhi
Delhi, Jaipur and Agra – and the Taj Mahal – are part of India’s popular ‘Golden Triangle’ itinerary. These are India’s most visited tourist destinations and hence the city of Agra is well connected by road, rail and air.
To get from Delhi to Agra by road takes around 3.5 hours. It is common and easy to book a driver or tour from Delhi to Agra and the Taj Mahal and onwards to Jaipur. And there are also options to book a day trip from Delhi to visit the Taj Mahal.
- Delhi to Agra: 3 hr 37 min (242.9 km)
- Jaipur to Agra: 4 hr 12 min (238.1 km)
There are daily trains departing regularly from Delhi to Agra. The local trains take between 3 – 4 hours. The fastest daily train is the Gatimaan Express which departs from Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) Railway Station in New Delhi arriving to Agra Cantt (AGC) in just 1 hour 40 minutes.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
Delhi to Agra
#12050 GATIMAAN EXPRESS
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun*
Departs 8:10am from New Delhi (HZM)
Arrives 9:50am to Agra Cantt (AGC)
*Note the Gatimaan Express does not operate on a Friday.
- Read all about taking the train Delhi to Agra or return by train from Agra to Delhi.
How to get to Agra from Jaipur
There are also daily trains departing regularly from Jaipur to Agra.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
Jaipur to Agra
#22987 AII AGRA FORT SF EXPRESS
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Departs 8:10am from Jaipur (JP)
Arrives 12:45pm to Agra Fort (AF)
It is easy to arrange a pick-up from the train station on arrival and transfer to your accommodation.
- Read about trains in India, choosing a train and class of travel and how to book and travel by train from Jaipur to Agra.
- Book tickets for trains in India through 12GoAsia.com.
Transport in and getting around within Agra
The easiest way to get to the Taj Mahal and to the other things to do in Agra once you are already here is by auto rickshaw or taxi.
We always stay at Aman Homestay which is just a short ride to the Taj Mahal by rickshaw. Agra Fort and the Baby Taj are easily doable by rickshaw too. And even Akbar’s Tomb is fine by rickshaw, though more expensive to get to as it is further out of town.
Booking an auto rickshaw and driver for 1 or 2 days to see the Taj Mahal and things to do in Agra is a friendly and convenient way to get around and can easily be booked through your accommodation host.
- Tip: We organised a rickshaw through our accommodation the night before to take us to the Taj Mahal, wait for us and bring us back for breakfast afterwards.
Where to stay in Agra near the Taj Mahal
These are the hotels in Agra near the Taj Mahal that we use and can recommend for your stay in Agra and visiting the Taj Mahal.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: Aman Homestay
Very friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals. We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj
Located only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel and comfortable common areas. A great dinner and breakfast option. We really enjoyed staying here.
- Agra / Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- Local desert cuisine and the food to try in Jaisalmer
- Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer
About travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!
