A visit to North India would not be complete without visiting Agra. This city has become a must because it houses the famous Taj Mahal in its centre. From a tourist point of view, the Taj Mahal is generally the main reason for visiting Agra, but you should know that the city has a strategic position and a major influence in the north of the country. Historically, it is also a very rich city. Even if today the charms of this former Mughal capital seem to be somewhat hidden, know that there are still some treasures to discover in the city and its surroundings. Let’s explore in this article some of the hidden gems of Agra that you must explore on an overnight agra tour despite the Taj Mahal.
What to do and see in Agra?
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, whose name means "crown palace," is one of India's architectural jewels located in Agra, in the north of the country, on the banks of the Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges. It is a white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his beloved wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, who died in childbirth in 1631.
Considered the jewel of Mughal architecture, this monument harmoniously combines features from many Indian, Islamic, Iranian, and Ottoman styles. The Taj Mahal is not a mosque, but a mausoleum built in honor of its king, so the minarets next to the building are just decorations.
The Agra fort
Just like in Delhi, there is a Red fort in Agra that was built in the 16th century by Sultan Akbar and then finalized by his grandson Shah Jahan. This superb building offers sumptuous gardens and a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal. Unlike the Red Fort in Delhi, the monument in Agra is perfectly preserved. Presenting great similarities from an aesthetic point of view, it is strongly advised you to privilege the visit of that Agra.
The Tomb Of Akbar
Akbar's tomb is also a mausoleum, certainly smaller than the Taj Mahal but no less beautiful. It is distinguished by its beautiful pink colour and its many Arabic writings throughout the building. Even if it will delight lovers of architecture, its visit is not an excursion in its own right. Consider all the same to stop there on the way to a city around Agra, for example.
The Sheroe's Cafe
This cafe is just a nice place where you can drop by to relax and enjoy a meal and/or sip Indian tea. Its particularity is that it is run by women survivors of acid attacks (unfortunately, there are still too many in India) as part of the “stop acid attacks” project. The mother of one of them is the cook, and the girls are there to serve you and chat with you. Some of these women have even developed new skills such as sewing or decorating and offer their creations for sale in the café. A Bollywood film inspired by the story of one of these girls has just been shot with Deepika Padukone as the main actress.
So, what are you waiting for? Explore now the Agra 1 night 2 days tour package and other packages to explore Agra's hidden gems.
