Agra Beyond Taj Mahal
Forts, tombs, ghost cities, bird sanctuaries, and hidden gems. Discover what makes Agra far more than just one monument.
More Than Just the Taj
Most visitors see only the Taj Mahal and leave. But Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire for over 90 years. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dozens of Mughal-era monuments, a vibrant food culture, and is surrounded by incredible day-trip destinations. As Agra locals, we want to show you the city we love -- the one that goes far beyond that famous white marble dome.
Must-Visit Attractions
Five landmarks that rival the Taj Mahal in history and beauty
Agra Fort
A massive red sandstone fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556-1648. Contains palaces, audience halls, and the famous Musamman Burj where Shah Jahan spent his last days gazing at the Taj Mahal.
Fatehpur Sikri
A UNESCO World Heritage ghost city built by Emperor Akbar in 1571 and abandoned just 14 years later due to water scarcity. Features the Buland Darwaza (world's highest gateway at 54 meters), Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid, and Salim Chishti's tomb.
Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
An exquisite marble tomb often called the Baby Taj or the Draft of the Taj Mahal. Built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father. Features the first extensive use of Pietra Dura (marble inlay) in Mughal architecture.
Mehtab Bagh
The Moonlight Garden directly across the Yamuna from the Taj Mahal. Offers the most iconic Taj view for photography. Originally built by Emperor Babur, restored by ASI. Best at sunset.
Sikandra (Akbar's Tomb)
The majestic tomb of Emperor Akbar, started by Akbar himself and completed by his son Jahangir. Unique blend of Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain, and Christian architectural styles. Surrounded by a beautiful garden with deer and monkeys.
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
These spots are equally beautiful but far less crowded. Our drivers love showing these to curious travelers.
Chini Ka Rauza
A Persian-style tomb decorated with glazed tiles (Chini means China/porcelain). Built for Afzal Khan, a poet and Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. Most of the tile work has deteriorated but remnants show stunning blue, green, and yellow patterns. Free entry.
Rambagh
One of the oldest Mughal gardens in India, laid out by Emperor Babur in 1528. A peaceful retreat from tourist crowds. Well-maintained gardens on the Yamuna riverbank. Entry ₹25.
Jama Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara in 1648. A large, beautiful mosque near Agra Fort. Free entry, active mosque (dress modestly). The surrounding market area has Agra's best Bedai-Jalebi breakfast stalls.
Mariam's Tomb
The tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani (Jodha Bai), Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife. A serene garden tomb with beautiful carved sandstone. Rarely visited, offering a peaceful alternative to crowded sights. Entry ₹25.
Guru Ka Taal
A Sikh gurdwara and historical complex commemorating Guru Tegh Bahadur's imprisonment. Beautiful architecture with a sacred tank. Open to all visitors. Free entry and langar (community kitchen).
Day Trips from Agra
Extend your Agra experience with these incredible nearby destinations
Mathura & Vrindavan
50 km (1-1.5 hrs)Birthplace of Lord Krishna. Visit Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir (stunning marble temple), ISKCON Temple, and the colorful ghats of Vrindavan. Best during Holi (March) and Janmashtami (August).
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo)
55 km (1.5 hrs)UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the world's finest bird habitats with 350+ species. Cycle or rickshaw through the park. October-February is best when migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia arrive.
Chambal Safari
70 km (2 hrs)National Chambal Sanctuary. Boat safari to see Gharials (critically endangered crocodilians), Gangetic dolphins, turtles, and 300+ bird species. A unique and offbeat experience. Best October-March.
Bateshwar Temples
70 km (1.5 hrs)A complex of 200+ Hindu temples on the banks of the Yamuna. Dating back to the 7th-8th century, recently restored by ASI. Annual cattle fair in October/November. An uncrowded, authentic experience.
Recommended 2-Day Agra Itinerary
The ultimate way to experience Agra -- cover everything without rushing
01Day 1 - Agra City
02Day 2 - Extended Agra
2-day local Agra cab: ₹2,500-3,000 (includes Fatehpur Sikri) | From Delhi: ₹6,500 sedan (2-day round trip)
Frequently Asked Questions
1What can I see in Agra besides the Taj Mahal?
Agra has many attractions: Agra Fort (UNESCO site), Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO site, 37 km), Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), Mehtab Bagh, Sikandra (Akbar's Tomb), Chini Ka Rauza, Rambagh, and Jama Masjid. Day trips include Mathura-Vrindavan (50 km) and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (55 km).
2How many days do I need to see everything in Agra?
1 day covers Taj + top 3-4 sights. 2 days lets you explore everything in Agra city plus Fatehpur Sikri. 3 days adds day trips to Mathura-Vrindavan or Bharatpur. Our 2-day itinerary is the most popular and comprehensive.
3Is Fatehpur Sikri worth visiting?
Absolutely! Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- an entire abandoned Mughal city built by Emperor Akbar. The Buland Darwaza is the world's highest gateway. It takes 2-3 hours and is 37 km from Agra. Highly recommended for history lovers.
4What is the Baby Taj?
Itimad-ud-Daulah, called the Baby Taj, is an exquisite marble tomb that predates and inspired the Taj Mahal. It features the first extensive use of Pietra Dura (marble inlay) in Mughal architecture. Smaller and less crowded than the Taj, it is equally beautiful in detail.
5Can I visit Mathura-Vrindavan from Agra?
Yes! Mathura-Vrindavan is only 50 km from Agra (1-1.5 hours). Birthplace of Lord Krishna, it has beautiful temples (Krishna Janmabhoomi, Banke Bihari, Prem Mandir, ISKCON). We offer Agra + Mathura combined day trips. Add ₹1,500 to your Agra tour.
6What is the Chambal Safari?
The Chambal River Safari at National Chambal Sanctuary (70 km from Agra) offers boat rides to see Gharials (rare crocodilians), river dolphins, turtles, and migratory birds. A unique nature experience, different from typical Agra tourism. Best October-March.
7Are there any hidden gems in Agra most tourists miss?
Yes! Chini Ka Rauza (Persian-style glazed tile tomb), Rambagh (oldest Mughal garden), Jama Masjid (near Agra Fort, free entry), Mariam's Tomb (Akbar's wife), and the Kalakriti Cultural Show (evening Mughal dance performance). Our drivers can take you to all of these.
8What is the best 2-day Agra itinerary?
Day 1: Sunrise Taj Mahal, breakfast, Agra Fort, lunch, Baby Taj, Mehtab Bagh sunset, moonlight Taj (if full moon). Day 2: Fatehpur Sikri (morning), Sikandra (noon), Rambagh, Chini Ka Rauza, shopping at Sadar Bazaar, departure. This covers everything.
More Agra Guides & Tours
Explore the Real Agra with Locals
We show you the Agra that guidebooks miss. Custom itineraries, hidden gems, and insider knowledge.