As soon as someone mentions Agra, of course all attention goes to the Taj Mahal, the pride of Mughal architecture. Listed among the top landmarks in the world, it draws millions and millions of visitors who are indefinitely left awestruck by the sheer beauty of the majestic monument, and the tale of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. When visiting Agra for the first time, the number one thing to do is of course take a tour of the Taj Mahal. But if you thought that's all that the historical city has in store for you then you are highly mistaken. Agra makes for a great weekend getaway and that's for more reasons than the Taj.
Here's a list of interesting things to do while in Agra:
1. Mehtab Bagh
Yes, it's a garden but visiting it is worthwhile to get a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal from the opposite side of the bank. The restored Mughal garden complex may not be as grand as it would have been back in time, but it still does hold a charm. Head there to catch the sunset or during full moon nights.
(Also read: 7 Things You Should Do While You Are In Lucknow)
2. Agra Fort
The UNESCO World Heritage site is popular too, drawing in tourists throughout the year. The historical fort, which is made of red sandstone, was the place of residence for the Mughal emperors when their capital was Agra. Emperor Shah Jahan had revamped certain parts of the fort with white marble, particularly a balcony that overlooks the Taj Mahal. The architecture is noteworthy, with an interesting mix of Hindu and Mughal styles.
3. Meal with a view of the Taj Mahal
Who wouldn't want to enjoy a meal overlooking the Taj Mahal? While The Oberoi Amarvilas makes for a great option for a luxurious meal with a view, there are several other rooftop cafes that won't burn a hole in your pocket. You need to head to an area known as Taj Ganj. A popular restaurant there is Saniya Palace with undoubtedly the best view.
4. Buy leather goods at Sadar Bazaar
If you like leather products then you must head to Sadar Bazaar where you can shop bags, shoes, belts, laptop bags and other amazing products. The prices are cheap but the designs are nothing short of trendy.
5. Go nuts shopping at Kinari Bazaar
Kinari Bazaar is a paradise for wedding shoppers as well as those interested in fashion designing. You can get your hands on exquisite embroidery, zardosi work, stone work, laces, borders and even junk jewellery at dirt cheap prices.
6. Explore Mughlai cuisine, street food and Agra petha
For food lovers, the city has much to offer. You will probably not find such delicious Mughlai food anywhere else in India. Head to Taj Ganj and indulge in boti kebabs, pasanda, korma, biryani and other delectable treats. For street food, the place to be is chaat gali in Sadar Bazaar, where some of the famous shops incude Shri Agrawal Chat House and Agra Chat Bhandar. For breakfast, you must try bedai and jalebi. Bedai refers to fluffy breads, quite similar to kachoris, that's served with a spicy subzi with a dollop of curd. And before you leave, make sure to eat and pack the famous Agra petha, a translucent white candy made from ash gourd. You can find it the legendary shop - Panchhi Petha Store, or head to Rawatpara, which is also known for its spice market.
7. Heritage tours
To experience Agra beyond the Taj, there are many heritage tours you can sign up that will let you explore Mughal-era monuments (Itmad-ud-Daula tomb) and the old city, the rich food culture and the nearby villages. You can even sign up for cooking classes with Agra Magic.
Make the most of your trip to Agra, from sightseeing to shopping and feasting.
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