Discover Agra: Taj Mahal, Gardens and Nature

The Taj Mahal combines white marble with the story of Shah Jahan. In Agra, other tombs, gardens, a Sikh shrine and the birdlife at Keetham Lake add to the range of travel experiences.

Mughal history in tombs and buildings

The Taj Mahal is a vast mausoleum made of white marble. Shah Jahan had it built between 1631 and 1648 in memory of his favourite wife. It stands on the right bank of the Yamuna in a Mughal garden covering nearly 17 hectares. Official visiting hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset.

Another tomb with its own story is Itimad-ud-Daulah: Empress Nur Jahan had it built between 1622 and 1628 for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani near Sikandra is a burial site converted from a Lodi baradari, set in a walled garden.

Akbar’s tomb stands in Sikandra in an expansive charbagh covering 119 acres. Its five-storey pyramid of sandstone and marble combines Hindu, Islamic and Persian design motifs. This gives the building a different architectural character from the Taj Mahal’s white-marble mausoleum.

Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1571 and served as the Mughal Empire’s capital for about 14 years. The city includes the 54-metre-high Buland Darwaza. Its founding, limited time as a capital and monumental gateway give the site its own historical significance.

Gardens, riverbanks and birdlife

Mehtab Bagh lies on the left bank of the river, directly opposite the Taj Mahal. The garden is a viewpoint from which you can see and photograph the Taj Mahal, especially at sunset. The restored charbagh has fruit trees and paths. Ram Bagh offers a different garden landscape, with terraced paths, water channels and pavilions; its shady gardens are ideal for morning walks.

Nature is also part of the region’s character. Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is in Agra district on the Delhi–Agra Highway. Keetham Lake in the sanctuary is a habitat for more than 126 species of migratory and resident waterbirds. Several small paths lead into the woods along the walkway.

Visits and getting around

Guru ka Taal is a Sikh shrine in Sikandra. It marks the place where the ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, surrendered to Aurangzeb for arrest in 1665. The shrine welcomes devotees and visitors of all faiths; langar, a community kitchen, is served daily. Head coverings are required, and scarves are available at the entrance.

At Agra Fort, Agra Fort railway station and the metro station are right by the fort. Fatehpur Sikri can be reached by regular UPSRTC buses from ISBT and Idgah, as well as by taxi. City buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis are available to Akbar’s tomb. If you are planning a bus trip to Fatehpur Sikri, checking the timetable may be helpful.

In the wider region

The National Chambal Sanctuary extends across the Agra and Etawah districts. The transboundary protected area covers 5,400 square kilometres and is a habitat for the endangered gharial, the red-crowned roofed turtle and the threatened Ganges river dolphin. Its wide regional reach sets it apart from Agra’s individual attractions and gardens.

Discover more destinations: Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Kagarol, Basai, Kiraoli, Bah, Kahrai, Banda.

For the overview of the wider region: Uttar Pradesh.