Explore the Taj Mahal & Forts of Agra

The opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal, one of humanity’s greatest masterpieces, is enough to attract millions of tourists to Agra, a city renowned for its stunning Mughal-era architecture.

While the Taj Mahal will undoubtedly be the main highlight of your time in Agra, don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on it. There’s much more to explore in this incredible city. Be sure to take the time to discover other attractions, especially if you’re only spending a day or two in Agra—you’ll want to make the most of your visit!

Taj Mahal

No trip to India feels truly complete without experiencing the iconic Taj Mahal, a stunning masterpiece that transforms in color throughout the day. This magnificent white marble structure was built by Shah Jahan in honor of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Not only is the Taj Mahal celebrated as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, but it is also recognized as a symbol of eternal love. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and included in the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal’s beauty is particularly breathtaking during a full moon night, leaving visitors in awe. Bookmundi offers an exciting tour to the Taj that will allow you to experience this remarkable monument at its most enchanting.

Relevant Tour:

• Day Trip To The Wonderful Taj Mahal & Fort In Agra

Agra Fort

Agra Fort may not be as famous as the iconic Taj Mahal, but it is every bit as beautiful. Popularly known as the Red Fort of Agra, this 16th century fort is another example of the architectural brilliance of the Mughals and since it is located just 2 kms away from the Taj Mahal, you can also look at the magnificent building from the fort. In fact, Shah Jehan spent the last few years of his life imprisoned in this very fort viewing the monument he built for the love of his life. The fort is also home to a number of palaces such as Jahangir Palace and Shish Mahal.

Jahangir Palace

Jahangir Palace, a beautiful combination of Central Asian and Hindu architectural styles, is one of the largest palaces to have ever been built inside a fort. It was built by Emperor Akbar for his son Jahangir and was designed to offer all kinds of luxuries befitting a prince.

Shish Mahal

The Shish Mahal was designed with tiny mirrors in its walls and was often used as a dressing room. Jehangir’s Hindu mother Jodhabai also had a dressing room in the mahal, and this is why you see one room that has been designed using a Hindu architectural style. The mahal also had a typical Mughal garden where grapes were grown and a huge bowl carved from a single stone stood at its entrance. A trip to this mahal speaks volumes about the lifestyle and the culture of the Mughals.

Khas Mahal

The Khas Mahal is another beautiful white marble wonder inside the fort. Built by Shah Jehan for his daughters Jahanara and Roshanara, the mahal was dominated by its beautiful fountains, open courts and white marble pavilions. The central hall was separated by two identical pavilions that were plastered with ornate floral patterns, skillful gold work and white shell plaster. Blue and gold were the colors used to decorate the walls and traces of these colors can be seen even today.

Mehtab Bagh (featured image)

Mehtab Bagh is a garden complex located on the bank opposite the Taj Mahal. Popularly called the Moonlight Garden, the park was originally built by Mughal Emperor Babur, much before the Taj was conceived. It consists a total of 11 parks and fell into complete disrepair. However, in an effort to preserve the Taj, the sand was removed from the park and the gardens were reconstructed. Today these gardens offer one of the best views of the Taj as they are perfectly aligned to the iconic monument. In fact, the view of the Taj from the fountain in front of the entrance gate is sure to become one of your best experiences in Agra.

Akbar’s Mausoleum

Built using red sandstone as well as marble, Akbar’s Mausoleum is located in the city of Sikandara, located at a distance of 10 kms from Agra. The complex consists of two buildings, a massive gate and the mausoleum itself, both being connected by a wide paved walkway. The Buland Darwaza, also called the Gateway of Magnificence, and is one of the most impressive feats of Mughal architecture and is far more impressive than the mausoleum. It presents a huge archway and four beautiful marble minarets and leaves you speechless with its exquisite architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri

Built by Emperor Akbar in the year 1570, Fatehpur Sikri is a city that was actually a tribute to a Sufi saint. Considered to be the perfect blend of Persian, Indian and Islamic architecture, the city was built using red sandstone and remained the capital of the Mughal Empire for close to 10 years. The city houses some of the most important buildings of the period such as Birbal’s House, Jama Masjid and Panch Mahal and was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1986.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the first tomb of India, was made entirely out of marble and signaled a new era in Mughal architecture. Before the construction of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, most Mughal buildings were created using red sandstone. The tomb was built in the memory of Mirza Ghiyas, the father in law of Jahangir, and it presents an Islamic architectural style with a Persian touch. The wall paintings inside the palace are particularly beautiful.

Any tourist hotspot is sure to have a downside in the form of touts, unofficial guides, ‘souvenir’ vendors, and things seem far worse in this part of the world. However, once you adjust to the cultural and sensory overload, you should be able to look beyond these problems and explore Agra at its beautiful best. Reserve a lot of time for the mesmerizing Taj Mahal, but don’t forget to add a few other forts and palaces from this list into your itineraries. Each of these Mughal monuments is worth exploring, for every palace and every fort is full of tales, stories and mind-boggling architecture.