The Taj Mahal is the reason most people visit Agra, but the city was a Mughal capital for much of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and it shows. Forts, tombs, gardens and a ghost city sit within a short drive of the Taj. Skipping them means missing most of what makes Agra’s history so rich.
This guide covers the best places to visit in Agra besides the Taj Mahal, so you can plan a full day or even two.
Top Places to Visit in Agra Besides the Taj Mahal
1. Agra Fort
Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important building in the city after the Taj Mahal. The red sandstone fort was the main residence of the Mughal emperors, and its palaces, audience halls and mosques show how the architecture changed from Akbar to Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal can be seen from certain parts of the fort, and it is open every day, unlike the Taj.
2. Fatehpur Sikri
About 37 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and abandoned within about fifteen years. Its red sandstone palaces, courtyards and the huge Buland Darwaza gate are exceptionally well preserved. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best half-day trip from Agra.
3. Itimad-ud-Daulah (the Baby Taj)
This tomb on the bank of the Yamuna is often called the Baby Taj. It was the first Mughal building to use white marble extensively with inlay work, and many historians see it as a prototype of the Taj Mahal. It is small, quiet and detailed, and it is usually far less crowded.
4. Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a garden directly across the Yamuna from the Taj Mahal. It offers a clear view of the monument from the opposite side, especially good at sunset, and it is one of the best places for photographs.
5. Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra
The tomb of Emperor Akbar sits in a large garden in Sikandra, about 10 km from the city centre. The red sandstone gateway, with its inlaid marble, is particularly impressive. Deer and langurs sometimes wander the grounds.
6. Mariam’s Tomb
Close to Akbar’s Tomb, this is the tomb of Akbar’s wife, Mariam-uz-Zamani. It is a quiet stop that fits well with a Sikandra visit.
7. Chini Ka Rauza and Ram Bagh
Chini Ka Rauza is a Persian-style tomb known for its glazed tile decoration. Ram Bagh, also known as Aram Bagh, is considered one of the earliest Mughal gardens in India. Both are low-key and give you a break from the crowds.
8. Jama Masjid and the Old Bazaars
Agra’s Jama Masjid stands near the fort and the old markets of Kinari Bazaar and Sadar Bazaar. Walk through for marble souvenirs, leather goods and street food, and look for the city’s famous petha sweet.
9. Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur)
About 55 km from Agra, this bird sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and especially good from winter into early spring, when migratory birds arrive. It is a good option for travellers who enjoy nature.
Sample One-Day Agra Plan Without Rushing
- Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, then breakfast.
- Late morning at Agra Fort.
- Lunch with a petha stop in the old city.
- Afternoon at Itimad-ud-Daulah.
- Sunset at Mehtab Bagh.
How Many Days Do You Need in Agra?
One full day covers the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, the Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh. Add a second day for Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra. Most Golden Triangle itineraries include Fatehpur Sikri on the drive from Agra to Jaipur.
Practical Tips
- Taj Mahal closure: the Taj is closed to visitors on Fridays, so plan the other sights for that day.
- Best season: October to March has the best weather. Summer afternoons are very hot.
- Early starts: the Taj and the fort are quieter in the first hour after opening.
- Official guides: hire a licensed guide at the gate or book through your tour operator.
Visit Agra with Hello India Tour
Hello India Tour can build an Agra plan that includes the Taj Mahal and the lesser-known sights, with a licensed guide and comfortable transport, either as a day trip from Delhi or as part of a Golden Triangle tour.
Places to Visit in Agra Besides Taj Mahal FAQ
What are the best places to visit in Agra besides the Taj Mahal?
Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Itimad-ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh and Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra are the highlights.
Is Fatehpur Sikri worth visiting?
Yes. It is a well-preserved Mughal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 37 km from Agra.
What is the Baby Taj?
It is Itimad-ud-Daulah, a marble tomb by the Yamuna that many historians see as a precursor to the Taj Mahal.
Where can I see the Taj Mahal from a distance?
Mehtab Bagh, across the Yamuna, gives a clear view, especially at sunset. Parts of Agra Fort also offer a view.
How many days do you need in Agra?
One day for the main sights, two days if you add Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra.
Is the Taj Mahal open on Fridays?
No. The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Fridays, but Agra Fort and other monuments remain open.
The Taj Mahal is the reason to come to Agra. The rest is the reason to stay a little longer.
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