Agra architecture by Jack Thompson, your backpacking architect.
Agra the city of love and legacy, is an architectural paradise that transports visitors through centuries of grandeur, craftsmanship, and cultural evolution.
Home to the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most celebrated monuments, Agra’s skyline is dotted with magnificent Mughal forts, intricate tombs, and stunning palaces. But beyond its famed icon, Agra boasts a wealth of architectural wonders that showcase Indo-Islamic, Persian, and Rajput influences, making it an essential destination for architecture lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
For backpackers and explorers, Agra offers not only breathtaking sights but also vibrant bazaars, rich street food, and an old-world charm that lingers in its bustling streets.
You can visit just the Taj and the Agra fort in a day tour from New Delhi if you are short on time but if you are fortunate enough to have a slower visit to Agra then we have plucked out 12 must-visit architectural sites in Agra, along with the best places to stay and essential packing tips for exploring Agra' stunning architecture.
Lets not hang around here and get straight into this and we will of course start with the obvious ...
12 Best Architectural Sites to Explore in Agra
-- No.1. Taj Mahal – The Ultimate Symbol of Love --
Year of Establishment: 1632–1653
Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
Style: Mughal architecture with Persian and Indian influences
Why Visit: The Taj Mahal is more than a monument; it’s a poetic expression of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The white marble structure changes hues with the time of day, glowing golden at sunrise and silver at night.
What to Explore: Admire the intricate pietra dura (stone inlay work), the symmetry of the gardens, and the calligraphy-laden gateway.
Entry Fee: ₹250 for Indians, ₹1300 for foreign visitors
Recommended Tour: Skip the line ticket and guided tour
Recommended from New Delhi: Day Tour to the Taj Mahal
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise for fewer crowds and magical lighting.
-- No.2. Agra Fort – The Red Fortress of Power --
Year of Establishment: 1565
Architect: Commissioned by Emperor Akbar
Style: Mughal architecture with Rajput influences
Why Visit: Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the seat of Mughal power before Delhi. It’s an architectural wonder with a fusion of red sandstone and marble structures.
What to Explore: The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), and the spectacular Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace).
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹650 for foreigners
Recommended Tour: Skip the line ticket and guided tour
From New Delhi: Day Tour to the Taj Mahal (Includes the fort)
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for cooler weather and great lighting for photos.
-- No.3. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb – The "Baby Taj" --
Year of Establishment: 1628
Architect: Commissioned by Empress Nur Jahan
Style: Persian-inspired Mughal architecture
Why Visit: Often called the "Baby Taj," this tomb predates the Taj Mahal and is an exquisite blend of white marble, intricate floral designs, and symmetrical gardens, lesser known you will find it a lot more quite then "the big Taj" yet the detailing is still simply stunning.
What to Explore: The delicate jaali (lattice work), Persian-style dome, and stunning use of marble inlay.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹310 for foreigners
Recommended Tour: Hope in a tuc-tuc and take this one on, on your own, maybe we should put together a map and some info for it?!
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for fewer people crowds, even with the crowds it should far less busy than the Taj!
-- No.4. Mehtab Bagh – The Perfect Taj Mahal Viewpoint --
Year of Establishment: 1652
Architect: Commissioned by Emperor Babur
Style: Charbagh (Persian-style garden layout)
Why Visit: Located across the Yamuna River, Mehtab Bagh provides a serene and uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal, especially at sunset.
What to Explore: Walk through the symmetrical gardens and soak in the breathtaking reflection of the Taj in the Yamuna River.
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners
Recommended Tour: Try the hidden gems tour which includes Mehtab Bagn (No.4), Akbars Tomb (No.5), John Hessing's Tomb (13) & Chini Ka Rauza (No.7)
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for spectacular photography, take a long lens and get those hazy glows.
-- No.5. Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra) --
Year of Establishment: 1613
Architect: Commissioned by Emperor Jahangir
Style: Mughal architecture with Hindu and Persian influences
Why Visit: This is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar, the most powerful Mughal ruler. The tomb’s grand entrance, carved sandstone, and intricate mosaic patterns make it a masterpiece, I mean just look at this thing ⬆️.
What to Explore: The ornate gateways, frescoed ceilings, and sprawling gardens where peacocks roam freely.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹310 for foreigners Recommended Tour: Try the hidden gems tour which includes Mehtab Bagn (No.4), Akbars Tomb (No.5), John Hessing's Tomb (13) & Chini Ka Rauza (No.7)
Best Time to Visit: Morning for a peaceful visit.
-- No.6. Jama Masjid Agra --
Year of Establishment: 1648
Commissioned: Shah Jahan
Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri (attributed)
Style: Mughal architecture with Islamic influences
Why Visit: One of the largest mosques in India, known for its stunning domes and detailed inscriptions from the Quran.
What to Explore: The red sandstone structure, intricate tile work, and the massive prayer hall.
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Friday mornings to witness local prayers but be respectful with your camera.
-- No.7. Chini Ka Rauza – The Persian-Influenced Blue Tomb --
Year of Establishment: 1635
Architect: Unknown (commissioned by Shah Jahan for Afzal Khan Mullah)
Style: Persian-Mughal funerary architecture
Why Visit: This lesser-known gem is the tomb of Persian scholar Afzal Khan Mullah, a court official of Shah Jahan. It’s unique for its blue-glazed tile work (chini), geometric designs, and calligraphy, showcasing strong Persian influences in Mughal funerary architecture. While some of the tiles have faded over time, the octagonal structure and domed design remain breathtaking.
What to Explore: The tomb’s intricate floral patterns, Arabic inscriptions, and the peaceful Yamuna riverbank location.
Entry Fee: Free
Recommended Tour: Try the hidden gems tour which includes Mehtab Bagn (No.4), Akbars Tomb (No.5), John Hessing's Tomb (13) & Chini Ka Rauza (No.7)
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for good lighting on the tile work.
-- No.8. Moti Masjid – The Pearl Mosque of Agra --
Year of Establishment: 1648
Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri (attributed)
Style: Mughal religious architecture with Persian influences
Why Visit: Often overshadowed by other landmarks, Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) is one of Shah Jahan’s most elegant constructions. Built entirely from white marble, this serene and symmetrical mosque symbolizes purity and simplicity in Mughal religious architecture. Unlike the grander Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid is a place of quiet beauty.
What to Explore: The mosque’s delicate domes, its marble courtyard, and the symmetrical prayer hall with slender arches.
Entry Fee: Included in Agra Fort ticket
Best Time to Visit: Midday for peaceful exploration.
-- No.9. Mariam’s Tomb – A Fusion of Mughal and Rajput Styles --
Year of Establishment: 1623
Architect: Unknown (commissioned by Emperor Jahangir)
Style: Mughal-Rajput fusion architecture
Why Visit: This tomb, dedicated to Mariam-uz-Zamani, the Hindu wife of Emperor Akbar, beautifully merges Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. Unlike other Mughal tombs, this structure is simplistic and elegant, reflecting the queen’s status and influence.
What to Explore: The ornate Rajasthani-style chhatris (pavilions), the carved red sandstone pillars, and the serene surrounding gardens.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹310 for foreigners
Best Time to Visit: Morning for a tranquil experience.
-- No.10. Ram Bagh – India’s First Mughal Garden --
Year of Establishment: 1528
Architect: Babur’s court architects
Style: Persian-Mughal Charbagh garden
Why Visit: Ram Bagh, built by Babur, is India’s oldest Persian-style garden and a prototype for future Mughal gardens, including the Taj Mahal’s Charbagh layout. It features terraced platforms, flowing water channels, and shaded walkways, designed as a symbolic paradise.
What to Explore: The step fountains, the Mughal-era garden layout, and the remains of Babur’s original tomb.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹310 for foreigners
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for golden sunlight filtering through the trees.
-- No.11. Fatehpur Sikri – The Lost City of Akbar --
Year of Establishment: 1571
Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri (attributed), various Mughal architects
Style: Indo-Islamic and Persian-Mughal imperial architecture
Why Visit: This UNESCO-listed abandoned Mughal capital was built by Akbar but deserted due to water shortages. The red sandstone palaces, mosques, and courtyards remain beautifully preserved, offering insight into Mughal urban planning.
What to Explore: The towering Buland Darwaza, the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the beautifully carved Panch Mahal.
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹610 for foreigners
Day Tour Suggestion: Fatehpur Sikri From Agra
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds.
-- No.12. Buland Darwaza – The Gate of Magnificence --
Year of Establishment: 1575
Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri (attributed)
Style: Mughal-Persian gateway architecture
Why Visit: At 54 meters, this is the tallest gateway in India. Built by Akbar to celebrate his victory in Gujarat, the Buland Darwaza stands as a symbol of Mughal military power and Persian architectural influence.
What to Explore: The Quranic inscriptions, the intricate geometric detailing, and the imposing staircase leading to the main entrance.
Entry Fee: Included in Fatehpur Sikri ticket
Day Tour Suggestion: (Same as above) Fatehpur Sikri From Agra
Best Time to Visit: Morning for dramatic sunrise views.
-- Where to Stay In Agra --
🎒 For Backpackers
🏨 For Mid Range Budgets ($30-70pn)
🏛️ For Luxury Budgets ($100+ per night)
-- Packing Essentials for Exploring Agra & India --
🥻Clothing
🛀 Hygiene
🪭 Accessories
-- The Blueprint India Map --
We are constantly updating the map so please use it, check back regularly and let us know what you would add to the Map.
-- Final Thoughts On Agra --
With these buildings to explore, Agra and its architecture becomes more than just the Taj Mahal. The city is made up of simply stunning architectural brilliance. From Mughal tombs to grand mosques and sprawling gardens, you are simply not going to get board exploring this wonderful part of India. It really does not matter if you have tens of thousands to spare or are on a shoe string, you will find pleasure taking in the history of Agra.
Let us know what you think about Agra and if you have taken on any of the tours in our recommendations.
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