Places to Visit in Agra

1. Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal is not just the most famous landmark in Agra but one of the most recognized monuments in the world. Built by Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum is a symbol of eternal love. The monument, with its stunning Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural influences, is a marvel of symmetry, with intricate Pietra Dura inlay work adorning its walls. The Taj Mahal stands on the banks of the Yamuna River, and the reflection of the monument in the water adds to its breathtaking beauty.
Visiting hours: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Fridays) Entry fee: INR 50 (for Indian nationals), INR 1100 (for foreign tourists)
2. Agra Fort Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, this massive fortress was built by Akbar in 1565 and later enhanced by his successors. The fort is an imposing structure, primarily built of red sandstone, and served as the royal residence of the Mughal emperors. Within the fort, you’ll find palaces like the Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal, as well as the stunning Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor would meet with the public and his ministers.
Visiting hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Entry fee: INR 50 (for Indian nationals), INR 650 (for foreign tourists)
3. Fatehpur Sikri Located about 37 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire during Akbar’s reign. This city, built entirely of red sandstone, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of Mughal town planning. Key attractions here include the Buland Darwaza, the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, and the Panch Mahal. Despite being abandoned due to a scarcity of water, the city’s architectural grandeur remains intact.
Visiting hours: Sunrise to Sunset Entry fee: INR 50 (for Indian nationals), INR 610 (for foreign tourists)
4. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb Known as the "Baby Taj," Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is a precursor to the Taj Mahal and is one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs in Agra. Built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, for her father, the tomb is adorned with intricate Pietra Dura work and is set in a peaceful garden. The white marble structure, along with its delicate inlays of semi-precious stones, makes it one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.
Visiting hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Entry fee: INR 25 (for Indian nationals), INR 310 (for foreign tourists)
5. Mehtab Bagh Located directly across the river from the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh is a beautiful garden that offers stunning views of the Taj, especially during sunset. This Mughal garden was originally built by Babur and later restored during Shah Jahan’s reign. The garden is the perfect spot to capture panoramic photos of the Taj Mahal and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Visiting hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Entry fee: INR 25 (for Indian nationals), INR 310 (for foreign tourists)
6. Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra Situated in Sikandra, about 10 km from Agra, Akbar’s Tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. The tomb is set within a large garden and is an architectural masterpiece that reflects Akbar’s secular beliefs, combining elements of Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain architectural styles. The monument is made of red sandstone and white marble and is surrounded by lush gardens, where peacocks and deer roam freely.
Visiting hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Entry fee: INR 30 (for Indian nationals), INR 310 (for foreign tourists)
7. Jama Masjid Located opposite the Agra Fort, the Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in

Geography and Climate
Agra is located in the fertile Gangetic plains, at an elevation of approximately 171 meters (561 feet) above sea level. The Yamuna River flows through the city, creating a scenic backdrop to its many monuments. Agra covers an area of around 4,027 square kilometers and is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Gwalior via road and rail networks.
The climate of Agra is typically subtropical, with extremely hot summers, mild winters, and a short monsoon season. Summers (April to June) can be quite hot, with temperatures soaring up to 45°C (113°F), making sightseeing during these months challenging. Winters (November to February) are more pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 7°C and 25°C, ideal for exploring the city’s historical landmarks. The monsoon season (July to September) brings moderate rainfall but can cause occasional flooding due to its proximity to the Yamuna River.