If you are staying in Delhi - NCR and looking out for options for a nice weekend getaway destination then first place which comes to mind is Agra - home to the world's greatest monument and the symbol of eternal love - the Taj Mahal. Though Agra itself is a small and chaotic industrial town filled with touts, rickshaw pullers and unofficial guides but the rustic charm of the city, its UNESCO World Heritage sites and age old buildings built in Islamic style of architecture; can make your trip a memorable one. 

It would not be incorrect to say that most of the tourists visit this historic city of Agra just to have a glimpse of one of the seven wonders of the world - the majestic Taj but truly speaking, Agra has much more to it. Here are some of the major tourists attractions in Agra which must be listed in your itinerary.

Taj Mahal

Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal has been described as 'a teardrop on the face of eternity' by the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. The magnificence and majestic beauty of this memorial of love is indescribable in words. White marbled walls adorned with exquisite carvings and semi precious stones, Taj Mahal is truely an architectural marvel. When the sun rays fall on its pristine white marble, the beauty gets enhanced manifolds giving the monument a soft pinkish glow. Your visit to the Taj Mahal is not complete without being photographed in front of this famous monument. Many professional photographers hover around the monument; you can easily hire one and get some nice pictures clicked with the Taj in the backdrop.

Agra Fort

Founded in 16th century by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, the Agra Fort has made its place in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Once the capital of the Mughal Sultanate, it is today one of the major highlights of Agra. It is believed that Shah Jahan (founder of Taj Mahal) was imprisoned in the Musamman Burj inside the Red Fort by his son Aurangzeb. It is here where he also took his last breath. 

According to the legends, Shah Jahan used to sit in the balcony of the Musamman Burj and gaze at the Taj Mahal. Enclosed inside the fortress walls are the palaces (Khas Mahal, Jahangiri Mahal and Sheesh Mahal), mosques (Moti Masjid and Nageena Masjid), and reception rooms (Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam). 

Built in red sandstone and standing tall in its full glory on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort is worth a visit to get some awesome views of the Taj Mahal and the Yamuna River.

Excursions from Agra

There are a number of places from Agra that are good for one day excursion trips. Some of the places nearby Agra are listed below.

Fatehpur Sikri

Located around 37 km. west of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, built in Indo-Islamic style was the first planned city created by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Legend has it that it was in Sikri where Akbar was blessed for his heir by the the Sufi Saint Salim Chisti. 

As a gratitude to the Saint, Akbar got the city of Fatehpur Sikri constructed with an intention to make it the joint capital with Agra. But the city had soon to be deserted due to the lack of the water supply system.

Recenly listed amongst the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Fatehpur Sikri or the 'City of Victory' is another architectural wonder from the Mughal times that is worth a visit.  

Major highlights of Fatehpur Sikri are listed below.

Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti - It is the burial place of the Saint Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar for his son and heir Jahangir. Akbar got this tomb built with pure white marble intricately carved as a respect to the great saint. Main tomb building is enclosed by beautiful marble screens. People come here to seek the blessings of the great saint and it is believed that whoseever ties a black thread on the screens, his/her wish definitely gets fulfilled. One has to come and untie the thread once the wish gets fulfilled.

Buland Darwaza - The main entrance to the city of Fatehpur Sikri is through the 'Buland Darwaza' which stands tall at a height of around 54 feet above the ground and that is the reason it is also considered as one of the tallest gateways in the world. Built almost in red sandstone with black and white marble inlay work, the architecture of Buland Darwaza is a strong blend of Hindu and Persian styles of architecture.

Birbal Bhawan - Another interesting place to visit in Fatehpur Sikri is the Birbal Bhavan which is a small palace and was once the residence of Akbar's favourite courtier Birbal who was famous for his wit.

Jodha Bai Palace - The other important highlight of Fathepur Sikri is the Jodha Bai palace which is a building located in the centre of the Harem complex (where all the wives of Akbar used to live.)

Other places of interest in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hawa Mahal, Panch Mahal and Hiran Meenar.

Sikandara

Famous for the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Sikandra is a suburb of Agra. It is believed that Akbar himself selected the site for his tomb and after his death, his son Jahangir got the tomb built at Sikandra. Around 1 km. away from the Akbar's tomb lies the tomb of his wife Mariam-uz-Zamani, the mother of Jahangir. These two are the must visit sites when you are in Agra.

Bateshwar

Bateshwar is a small religious town near Agra and is famous for its 101 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Most famous of the 101 temples is the Bateshwar Nath Temple. Every year in the months of October and November, a cattle fair is organized at this place. The event is attended by lots of pilgrims who come here and take a holy dip in the waters of Yamuna River.

Mathura/Vrindavan 

Mathura/Vrindavan are the twin cities associated with the birth of Lord Krishna. Due to the presence of lots of temples here, the towns of Mathura and Vrindavan are considered as one of the major pilgrim places for Hindus in India. A visit to the Dwarkasheesh Temple is a must when you are in Mathura-Vrindavan.

Shopping in Agra

Famous for its arts and crafts, Sadar Bazaar in Agra is the right place to purchase some hand crafted leather shoes and embroidered carpets. One of the must buy souvenirs when you are in Agra are the miniature Taj Mahal pieces made with pure white marble. You can also shop for marble inlay pieces (items like vases and tabletops) of all shapes and sizes. Bargaining is the key while shopping in the Sadar Bazaar area. While returning, do not forget to get some Pancchi petha (delicious sweet) for your near and dear ones.