Traveling to India is like taking yourself to another dimension. There are so many cities to explore in India – Goa, Manali, Mumbai, Jaipur, name it. When you think about India, you think about the Taj Mahal, that imposing mausoleum of white marble known by the rest of the world. In this travel guide, you’ll learn about Agra, the home city of Taj Mahal. There are a plethora of things to do in Agra.

The incredible allure of the Taj Mahal draws travelers to Agra, India like how moths are attracted to an luminous flame. True, the hype about this place is unbelievably real, but Taj Mahal is not the only attraction in Agra. The legacy of the Mughal empire in India has left a magnificent fort, and fascinating tombs and mausoleums around. And who would ever forget about the bustling markets? Join us as we explore the various things to do in Agra, beginning with the Taj Mahal.

Discover India’s Pride: Best Things To Do In Agra 

Many tourists head to Agra in India to see the magnificence of the Taj Mahal. But there are more things to do in Agra. Make the most of your trip. 

1. See The Beauty Of Taj Mahal

You’ve seen the allure of Taj Mahal in many photographs and postcards about India. Isn’t it beautiful? Isn’t it grand? Now that you’re setting foot in Agra, you’ll finally be able to see this landmark in person. 

The Taj Mahal is actually a tomb (not really a palace) constructed in Mughal style, fusing together Indian, Islamic, and Persian architectural designs. 

There are so many things to do in Agra while you’re here in the Taj Mahal. You can marvel at the intricate Quora inscriptions, the building’s perfect symmetry, and the beautifully manicured gardens surrounding the structure. But take the Taj Mahal differently. Beyond its beauty, travelers are mesmerized by its story. 

Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, fell deeply and madly in love with Mumtaz Mahal, the name she got from the emperor, which means “Chosen One of the Palace.” 

After several years of happy marriage, Mahal died while giving birth to her 14th child. To remember their undying love for each other, the Mughal emperor had this Taj Mahal built as an elaborate tomb. 

Taj Mahal is made up entirely of white marble, with jade, lapis, crysta, turquoise, and amethyst stones laid throughout. It has been said that tens of thousands of workers labored over this structure for over two decades. It’s worth your visit to Agra. 

2. Keep Marveling At India’s Beauty At Agra Fort

Exploring Agra, India is not just all about the Taj Mahal. There are many other things to do in Agra that you should stay in this city a little bit longer. One of these is the Agra Fort. 

Overshadowed by the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is a formidable fortress located on Yamuna River’s west bank. It is around a century older than Taj Mahal, and being so, it boasts stunning red sandstone architectural elements, making it be dubbed as one of the best Mughal forts in India. The Mughal dynasty ruled the majority of north India between the 1500s and 1700s. 

Various rulers made their mark on Agra Fort while they resided in it, including Shah Jahan himself, the emperor behind the construction of the Taj Mahal. He seemed to be obsessed with white marble, as Agra Fort’s white marble features are credited to him. He was also responsible for turning Agra Fort into a palace. As an added fact, his grandfather, Emperor Akbar, built it as a fort some hundred years earlier. 

Travelers visiting Agra Fort today can admire its mosques, courtyard, and towers – one of which served as a prison for Jahan until his passing away. Today, some areas of Agra Fort are used by the Indian military, and thus, are closed to the general public.

Welcome to our “things to do in Agra” guide. If you’re loving India so far from the perspective of Agra, we have more stories about the country here. 

3. Spot Some Deer In The Gardens Of Akbar’s Mausoleum 

As you go deeper into discovering Agra, you’ll realize that it’s a family thing. Akbar’s Mausoleum is the eternal resting place of Emperor Akbar, the grandfather of Emperor Jahan. This tomb was built from 1605 to 1613 by Akbar’s son, the father of Jahan, Jahangir. 

Stretching across 199 acres of land, Akbar’s Mausoleum is the epitome of the beauty of Mughal architecture, making visiting it one of the best things to do in Agra. Just like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, you can find white marble in many of its sections. There’s also sandstone, and there are also Mughal gardens designed by Emperor Akbar himself where you can spot some deer roaming around. 

4. Admire More White Marble At Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb

You’ll notice that many parts of your tour around Agra will involve you marveling at the city’s architectural landmarks from the past. After the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Akbar’s Mausoleum, another impressive structure is Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.

This tomb belongs to Itmad-ud-Daulah, the lord treasurer in the court of Emperor Jahangir, one of the children of the legendary Emperor Akbar. It also so happened that Jahangir ended up marrying Daulah’s daughter. 

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is situated on the east bank of Yamuna River, just a few miles from central Agra, and it boasts quite a picturesque setting. 

Did you know that this tomb is the first mausoleum in India to be built entirely of white marble, the same stone used to build the Taj Mahal? This is why Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is also called “Mini Taj” or “Baby Taj.” 

5. Get To Know How India Protects Its Natural Heritage At Wildlife SOS

Just a few minutes from Agra by car is Wildlife SOS, and there are so many things to do in Agra while you’re here. Started in 1995, Wildlife SOS is a conservation non-profit organization in India with the goal of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in distress, thereby preserving the natural heritage of this South Asian country. Wildlife SOS is also one of the largest wildlife organizations throughout South Asia. 

In this tour, you will explore Agra in a different style, and especially for animal lovers, you will love this. You’ll spend a day getting to know the conservation work of the Wildlife SOS people. 

Loving this “things to do in Agra” thus far? How about a travel guide to Delhi, also a wonderful city in India?

6. Meet India’s Past At Agra’s Old City

Like many other destinations around the world, Agra also takes pride in its Old City, where you’ll get to meet India’s past. It is true that many visitors to Agra are here for the Taj Mahal, but there’s more to Agra than it meets the eye. 

As you visit the Old City, you’ll see Agra’s spice markets, bazaars, the Jama Masjid mosque, temples, and the beautiful colonial architecture of its railway station. At the end of this tour, you’ll realize that those visiting the Taj Mahal are only scratching the surface. 

7. Witness A Story Of Love Kalakriti Dance Drama Show

If the guides touring you around Taj Mahal and telling you about the love story behind the building of the place do not satisfy you, you can relive this romantic story by watching the Kalakriti Dance Drama Show. It is one of the best things to do in Agra at night.  

Every evening, the Kalakriti Dance Drama Show performs an 80-minute dance musical that tells about the love saga of one of the world’s most iconic couples, Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. 

With spectacular costumes, a fascinating stage art, colorful lights, and an enchanting replica of Taj Mahal on stage, your experience here will undoubtedly be memorable. 

8. Brush Up Your Bargaining Skills At Agra’s Flea Markets

Shopaholics will say that their tour around Agra won’t be complete without shopping the city’s bazaars or flea markets. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Agra. 

Agra’s flea markets are always vibrant and bustling. Here, you can find stores that sell spices, silk, saris, handicrafts, leather goods, jewelry, souvenirs, and shoes, among many others. Plus, if you wish to find some hidden gems, don’t forget to traverse the bazaar’s narrow lanes. Don’t forget to also bargain, bargain, and bargain, so you won’t pay more than what the actual price of the product you are eyeing is.

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Agra” guide? Learn more about Asia. 

9. Party All Night

Yes, we’re serious about this. Who says that Agra is just about the historic landmarks? Think again. If you are looking for some wild things to do in Agra, you should not miss out on putting on your dancing dresses and shoes, and heading over to the city’s glitzy clubs. 

Many of these clubs serve scrumptious food and tasty cocktails, as well as treat partygoers to the best beats and ambiance. After all, what’s to visit a great destination in the world without seeing how people party in that place? Whether you’re with your relatives or friends, Agra’s nightclubs will provide what you are looking for. 

Some of the best clubs include Club Rush, Liquid Lounge Bar, Colorbar, The Bar, and Maikhana. 

10. Visit Mehtab Bagh, One Of The Gardens Of The Mughal Dynasty’s Founder

Mehtab Bagh, also known as the Moonlight Gardens, is located opposite the Taj Mahal on Yamuna River’s northern side. These gardens are the last of Emperor Babur’s gardens that once lined the river. Emperor Babur is the founder of the Mughal dynasty. 

Compared to other royal gardens, such as the gardens at the Versailles Palace in France, Mehtab Bagh is modest, and this is because its purpose today is a very practical one. After the Mughal empire fell, these gardens were neglected. Winds would pick up the sands left in the plot and fly to Taj Mahal, causing officials to worry about erosion. So, Mehtab Bagh was rehabilitated specifically to protect Taj Mahal from these occurrences. This is also one of the things to do in Agra that deserves your presence.

11. Hear The Story Of Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is another Mughal structure in Agra that has a rich backstory. History says that sometime during the 1500s, Emperor Akbar, the one who built Agra Fort as you learned earlier, visited the Sikri village to seek help from a saint to bless him with sons to be heirs to his throne. After seeking guidance of the saint, interestingly, Akbar was blessed with sons who would continue his legacy. 

Just as Emperor Jahan celebrated his love for Mahal, Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri – which means “City of Victory” – to celebrate the saint’s blessings. 

It is also interesting to note that Fatehpur Sikri was intended to be Agra’s capital and the Mughal dynasty’s seat. We know what you’re thinking, why have you never heard of this place before? Well, because the place lacked water, it was abandoned just a few years after its construction. 

But today, thanks to its status as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is visited by several travelers from all over the world. While you’re here at Fatehpur Sikri, be sure to visit Akbar’s royal chambers, the Diwan-i-Khas, as well as the Jami’ Masjid, the mosque within the site said to be patterned after the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.  

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Best Things To Do In Agra: How Much Budget Should You Prepare?

So you can enjoy the things to do in Agra to the fullest, how much budget should you prepare?

Previous travelers to Agra say you should plan to spend around $45 per day on your vacation in this Indian city. These previous travelers have spent an average of $16 on meals for a day, and an average of $10 on local transportation. Hotel prices in Agra range from around $2 per night to around $500 per night. 

Taj Mahal And More

Embark on a journey around Agra as you hear tales and stories of its landmarks, breathing life into your senses. It seems that every historic structure in this city in India has a story to tell, from the romance behind Taj Mahal to the miracle behind Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is a vibrant tapestry of wonders and flavors that will leave an indelible mark on your heart, making you long for more. From visiting buildings from the past to exploring its nightlife, there are a multitude of things to do in Agra. Visit incredible India.