12 most historical places in Agra that are a must to visit

Agra is a city in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state. It's home to the iconic Taj Mahal , a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mah

Agra is a city in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state. It's home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal (who died in childbirth in 1631). The imposing main building features a massive dome and intricately carved white marble inlaid with precious stones.

Top historical places in Agra

1. Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is situated north of the Taj Mahal complex and the Agra fort on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the floodplains. The garden was designed as an integral part of the Taj complex in the riverfront terrace pattern. Its width was identical to that of the rest of the Taj.

2. Mankameshwar Temple

Mankameshwar Temple is one of the ancient temples devotes to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at Rawatpara, near Agra Fort railway station. It is said that the shivlinga is covered by the silver Metal and was founded by Lord Shiva himself during Dwapara era when Krishna was born in Mathura. For child Krishna darshan shiva arrived from mount Kailash and rested here.

3. Chini ka Rauza

Chini ka Rauza is a funerary monument, Rauza in Agra, India, Containing the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, a scholar, and poet who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The tomb was built in 1635.

4. Moti Masjid

Moti Masjid in Agra was built by Shah Jahan. During the rule of Shah Jahan the Mughal emperor, numerous architectural wonders were built. Most famous of them being the Taj Mahal. Moti Masjid earned the epithet pearl mosque for it shined like a pearl. It is held that this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of the royal court.

5. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra in the Indian state Uttar Pradesh. Often described as a “jewel box”, sometimes called the “Baby Taj”, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah’s is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal.

6. Akbar’s Tomb

Akbar’s Tomb is an important Mughal architectural masterpiece. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suited site for it. After his death, Akbar’s son Jahangir completed the construction in 1605-1613. Akbar was one of the greatest emperors of his time. The south gate is the largest with four white marble chhatri-topped minarets which are similar to those the Taj Mahal and is the normal point of entry to the tomb.

7. Jama Masjid (Agra)Jama Masjid is opposite to the Agra Fort and overlooking the Agra Fort railway station. It is also popularly known as the Jami Masjid or “Friday Mosque”. It is one of the largest mosques in India.

8. Fatehpur Sikri

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Fatehpur Sikri is a city and a municipal board in Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. The imperial complex was abandoned in 1585, shortly after its completion, due to the paucity of water and its proximity to the Rajputana areas in the North-west, which were increasingly in turmoil.

8. Agra Fort

Agra Fort is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh. It was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar on the remains of an ancient site known as Badalgarh. An interesting mix of Hindu and Islamic architecture is found here.

9. Taj Mahal

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Taj Mahal, it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in Memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world, and one of the three World heritage sites in Agra. This perfectly symmetrical monument took around 22 years of labor and around 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers to build and is set amidst and is being listed in the category of most historic places in India.

10. Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah

This tomb is the first which is built of white marble instead of red sandstone, which has officially marked the end of red sandstone from Mughal architecture. Itimad-ud-Daula is oftentimes referred to as the "Baby Taj" or Draft Of The Taj Mahal because it has been built with same detailed carving and Pietra Dura (Cutout Stonework) decorating techniques. The tomb is bordered by amazing gardens, making it a breathtaking site to relax and feel the beauty of the ancient era, rich in culture, art, and history. Timings: 8 a.m.–12 a.m.

11. Anguri Bagh

Anguri Bagh is located midway in the Khas Mahal premises. IN 1637, it was given the architecture by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. According to the name, Khas Mahal (or Aramgah- i - Muqaddasa) was built for the emperor as his exaggerated place of rest and leisure, as per his taste. Other than several other beautiful addendums in the palace, the major section features a hall with recess area and rooms in a neighboring semicircular shape and a massive courtyard at the front place consisting of fountains, hammams, and tanks overlooking the magnificent garden, Anguri Bagh. The royal baths or hammams were used by regal women to spend quality time in all-together a complete privacy place, so as to socialize and most importantly relax. It's the heaven garden located right in front and was designed, keeping in mind the absolute retreat for the women. The extensive charbagh, consisting of four complex compartments, which are styled with gardens that pinpoint the complex geometrical designs. The place is mainly popular for the harvesting and cultivation of grapes here and hence, the garden is known as the Garden of Grapes (Anguri Bagh). The nearby structure features well-accomplished white marble which was painted initially and adorned in gold and was embellished with some beautiful paintings. it is known to believe that in the past, the garden was loaded with dense green vineyards of juiciest grapes and was more beautified with small artificial fallings of water and lovely water fountains. It's a must-visit place in Agra that gives the insights of the Mughal history.

12. Chini ka Rauza

Chini Ka Rauza was built to commemorate court's Prime Minister, Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, during the regime of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. This memorial is a catacomb monument located on the eastern bank of River Yamuna in Agra.

Chini Ka Rauza, also known as China Tomb, in which Chini is originated from 'China' and 'Rauza' means Tomb. The shrine is the ultimate resting place made for Persian poet and scholar. The construction of the place held during the time period of 1628 and 1639, the construction of Chini ka Rauza is an awe-inspiring blend of both Indian and Persian style.

Located at a distance of 1 km from the North of Itimad-ud-daulah's Tomb, the monument is positioned. It's a place having the secrecy in a secluded spot of trees and is generally an unusual place, but surely a pretty happy finding amongst the visitors. It's probably the unique one which is adorned by shiny glassy tile work. These extraordinary tiles are known to be imported from China, which makes this remembrance even more appealing to eyes with their color combinations, artwork, decorations. Even though, the decorating work and paints are eroding away due to weather conditions and no sort of renovation taking place here. The Chini ka Rauza is a fine example of ancient architecture and style.