What is there to do in Agra besides the Taj Mahal?

 Some people simply stop in Agra on a day trip to see the Taj Mahal and do little else. While it certainly wasn't our favorite city in India (aka very touristy and polluted), we are so glad we did some exploring.

There are some interesting things to see in Agra other than the Taj Mahal for visiting this city: 

1. Agra Red Fort

Only 3 km away from the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is worth visiting after you have seen the Taj in the morning. The entire exterior of the fortress is made of red sandstone and many rooms are highly decorated with marble inlays.

We spent about an hour and half walking around the fort while listening to a free audio guide from CaptivaTour, which did a good job explaining the fort, keeping it light and funny, but not going into too many boring details. 

Agra Fort Admission: 300 rupees. Open daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2. "Baby Taj Mahal" - Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah

Another short drive across the Yamuna River lays the Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, sometime called the "Jewel Box" or the "Baby Taj". It is not as massive as the Taj Mahal, but the detail of the marble inlays are remarkable and worth the visit inside. We spent about 30 minutes walking around and taking pictures of the Baby Taj. 

Quick history lesson: The "Baby Taj" is the tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg whose granddaughter, Mumtaz Mahal, was the woman for whom the Taj Mahal was built.

Baby Taj Mahal Admission: 210 rupees. Open sunrise to sunset.

3. Mehtab Bagh Gardens - Riverside View of the Taj Mahal

Don't miss the backside of the Taj Mahal, it is one of the best views and there will be less people photo bombing your shot. Enjoy the beautiful gardens that perfectly frame the Taj Mahal. 

Mehtab Bagh Garden Admission: 200 rupees. Open sunrise to sunset.

Lesser known things to do in Agra

We discovered a few fun things to do in Agra that not many tourists traveling through take advantage of! Here's a list of our favorites:

4. Have lunch at Sheroes Hangout 

If you do one thing other than the Taj while in Agra, make it lunch at Sheroes Hangout. Other than the Taj Mahal, this was the highlight of our time in Agra.

This non-profit cafe supports and is run by women who were victims of acid attacks (which is sadly not uncommon in India).

Watch their short, but powerful, documentary. They serve delicious local food and there are no prices. You simply pay what you wish, but we hope you give generously to these strong Sheroes.

5. Have dinner (and a drink!) at a rooftop restaurant with a great view

There are plenty of roof top restaurants in Agra, but the one we liked the best was Hotel Saniya. The prices were pretty affordable and the sunset view of the Taj was great. Plus, they served beer, which isn't always possible to find in the "dry" state of Uttar Pradesh.

Tip: Kingfisher Strong has 8% alcohol, so you might only need one! Drink carefully!

6. Escape the heat and relax poolside 

Escape the heat and head to a roof top pool in Agra. It is the perfect way to relax after touring the Taj and Agra Fort in the morning, or to escape the midday heat.

Book a hotel with a pool or walk into one with a pool and ask if you can pay a fee to use their facility.

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Where to Stay in Agra

Agra is a town with many tourists, so there are plenty of hotels to choose from. Here are some recommendations:

Celebrity-status Hotel in Agra

The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra - Beyond luxury, this 5-star hotel is unbelievable! Spas, pools, restaurants and marble everything! However one night at this place, cost more than our whole 1-month trip to India for two people (I just put the link here because you should check out how crazy-over-the-top-gorgeous it is! We could never afford this, but it's nice to dream!)

Luxurious Accommodation in Agra

Hotel Radisson Blu Agra Taj East Gate - Just a mile from the East Gate of the Taj Mahal, this 5-star hotel has everything you need and is extremely affordable (around $50/night). Rooftop pool, relaxing spa, fitness center, children's play center, restaurant and bar. 

Mid-Range/Couple Stay Hotel in Agra

Aman Homestay - Get to the owner in this lovely homestay with a garden and spacious rooms. The reviews are excellent and it is located within walking distance to the Taj Mahal (1.8 km). 

Budget with Social Atmosphere in Agra

Zostel Agra Hostel - Offering private and dorms rooms, this social hostel has an excellent air conditioned common room and serving tasty snacks for after a long day touring Agra. It's the best location for the price only 1.5 km away from the Taj Mahal East Gate. This is where we stayed in Agra, and we had a great experience.