Posted 31 January 2023 in Travel Wanderlust

Best spots in Agra every photographer should visit

Agra is a city that needs no introduction. The city of the Taj Mahal, Agra is all about India’s rich history and architecture. The city is located along the banks of the Yamuna River, which happens to be an important part of Agra. The city is blessed with numerous locations that are ideal for a photoshoot. For photography enthusiasts, Agra has a lot to offer in terms of monuments, sunsets along the river, cultural activities and more.

Agra is like a book that recounts the rich cultural history of India under the Mughal Empire. Apart from the Taj Mahal, there are lots of monuments to discover. For instance, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.

If you enjoy watching beautiful architecture and art, then Agra is going to become your favourite city in no time. Once here, you must also visit other places like Akbar’s Tomb, Jama Masjid and Anguri Bagh.

While there are many places to visit in Agra, visitors and tourists often visit these four momentous places in the historic city for photography:

1. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is an epitome of exquisiteness. It is one of the top places in the world where people love to get photographed not just because it is one of the wonders of the world but because of its beauty. Located at a distance of about 5 km from the city centre, this exemplary architecture of the Mughals is any tourist’s first destination in Agra.

Taj Mahal was built in Agra by the order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal and since then this magnificent Mughal architecture is known to be a symbol of love.

The mesmerising beauty includes a garden and a pool. The complex features semi-precious stones in geometric and floral patterns. Four smaller domes surround the central dome. It is said that the Taj Mahal looks more beautiful and bewitching during full moon night. Buy a ticket in advance if you wish to see the enthralling beauty at night. It is open for five nights every month during the full moon except Friday and in the month of Ramadan.

Timings: One hour before sunrise and up to 45 minutes before sunset (from western and eastern gate).
Entry fees: It charges INR 50+200 for Indian tourists, INR 1100+200 for foreign tourists and INR 540+200 for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries. Entry for children below the age of 15 is free.

2. Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab means moon in the English language. A visit to the Taj Mahal is incomplete without visiting Mehtab Bagh. People come here for pre-wedding photography and other photoshoots. It is situated along the Yamuna River at a distance of around 7 km from the Taj.

Emperor Shah Jahan thought it a great idea to witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal from this garden on a full moon and that is the reason why this beautiful garden was named Mehtab Bagh. The moonlit garden offers spectacular views of the Taj Mahal, especially on a full moon.

Timings: 6 a.m to 6 p.m.
Entry fees: It charges INR 10 for Indian visitors and INR 100 for foreigners.

3. Agra Fort

Agra Fort is an immortal symbol of Mughal power and culture. The place is heaven for historians and people who have an interest in architecture. Every corner of the fort is worth being photographed. It will take almost 2 hours to take a complete tour of the fort, which is spread over 94 acres. It is located at a distance of 5 km from Agra Cantonment Railway Station and only 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal.

This UNESCO world heritage site came under Mughal rule after the battle of Panipat in 1526. Mughal emperor Akbar gave the fort its present appearance. According to Akbar's historian, Abul Fazl, around 4,000 workers worked on it every day for eight years, completing it in 1573.

The fort, also known as a walled city, houses several historic sites including Jahangir's Hauz (Tank), Shahjahani Mahal, Jahangir's Chain of Justice, Ghazni Gate, the Muthamman Burj & Jharokha and the Shish Mahal among others.

Timings: From sunrise to sunset every day
Entry fees: The place charges INR 40 for Indians, INR650 for foreigners and is free for children under the age of 15 years.

4. Itmad-ud-Daula

Itmad-ud-Daula is also known as the ‘Baby Taj’ because of its architecture. Located at a distance of 3.5 km from Agra Fort, the tomb was constructed between the period 1622 and 1628. It is said that the interior decoration of Baby Taj has inspired the Taj Mahal.It is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who was the father of Jehangir's favourite wife Nur Jahan. He was bestowed upon with the title of I'timad-ud-Daulah, which means pillar of the state.

The beautiful architecture of this tomb attracts numerous tourists every day. The walls of the tomb are built with white marble encrusted with semi-precious stone decorations like cornelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx and topaz.

Timings: From sunrise to sunset every day
Entry fees: The charges are INR 10 for Indians, INR 110 for foreigners and free for children under the age of 15 years.

Photogenic markets in Agra

Saddar Bazaar: Located near the Agra Cantt Railway Station, Saddar Bazaar market has a lot of things to offer you, ranging from handicrafts and sweets to garments, leather bags, shoes and more. It is indeed a very colourful market and is the heart and soul of Agra. It is an ideal location to capture, if you really want to capture the pulse of the city.
Shoe Market: Located in an area called Hing ki Mandi, the shoe market is very famous. As you know, Agra is known for its shoe and leather quality. So, when you are here, make sure you buy some good quality leather shoes, juttis, sports shoes, sandals, chappals and more. The best part is that you will get these at very good rates.
Subhash Bazaar: This bazaar is located in Halwai Gali, which is near Agra Fort. This place is known for silk products, especially silk sarees. So, if you have to give gifts to people back home, then you can buy some good quality silk items from this place at great prices.
Kinari Bazaar: Located near the Jama Masjid of Agra, this market is full of hustle and bustle. It is basically a wholesale market, so you will get great prices on whatever you buy. This place is good to buy things like handicrafts, marble showpieces, glassware, leather and textiles. Please remember that the place is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your trip accordingly.
Raja Ki Mandi: One of the most happening and crowded markets in Agra is Raja ki Mandi. There is also a railway station near it with the same name. This place is famous for products like sweets, garments, jewellery and household items.

Food photography at Chaat Gali, Sadar Bazaar

People also come to this city for food photography. Agra's trademark cuisine is Mughlai. Great Mughal rulers ruled this city and this cuisine can be viewed as a souvenir from that era. Mughlai cuisines offer a vast number of delicious and colourful dishes.

Chaat Gali in Sadar Bazaar has a plethora of lip-smacking street food options making it easier for you if you are into food photography. Also, this place is the answer to all your street food cravings. From different types of golgappas to chaats and kulfis to bhelpuris, you can satisfy your cravings as well as get some fine food photography shots.

Some of the other famous eating joints in Agra where you can savour some scrumptious dishes while getting a perfect shot for your camera are Panchhi Petha at Hari Parvat crossing and Mama Chicken/Mama Franky House in Sadar Bazaar.

Travel tips

It is always advisable to book a hotel near tourist places to save your travelling time. Nevertheless, one can also book rooms after arrival as well.
Prefer wearing Indian ethnic wear while visiting monuments in Agra.
While the monuments are naturally beautiful, you can get some of the perfect shots during a particular time of the day or night. So, keep some buffer time in advance.
Shoes are not allowed in the main building of the Taj Mahal. Visit accordingly during the time when it’s not so hot or cold to walk barefoot.
Most of the monuments are spread over acres of land so wear comfortable shoes.
Due to the ongoing COVID situation, most of the monuments may be closed at the time of your visit. So, it is advised to call the authorities before visiting any place. Also, take necessary precautions when travelling.

How to reach?

By air: Kheria Air Force Station is a public airport and a military airbase that serves the city. However, the airport operates domestic flights exclusively. The Agra airport is conveniently connected to major cities of the state and the country.
By rail: Agra has an integrated rail system that connects the city with neighbouring cities. There are five railway stations in Agra, however, Agra Cantonment Station serves the city as the central railway station. The railway station connects Agra to all the major destinations of India like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Gwalior and others. There are regular trains to and from these locations. Taj Mahal is located at a short distance of 4.5 km from the Agra Cantonment Railway Station.
By road: With regular government and private buses, Agra is well-connected to the neighbouring states. Buses are available regularly at short intervals. It is one of the cheapest modes of transportations. As Delhi is connected to Agra through the Taj Express Highway/ Yamuna Expressway, the drive to the city is quite easy if you are going from Delhi-NCR.

Climate/Weather

Agra enjoys a semi-arid climate. The city is really hot during the summers and enjoys mild winters with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C. While Agra does not receive as heavy rainfall as other parts of the country, July and August receive the most rainfall.

Best time to visit

The ideal time to travel to Agra is during the winter season between October and March. During winters, the weather is pleasant and enjoyable. The summer season is too hot and tourists generally avoid this season due to the scorching heat waves and humidity. The autumn season is also preferred by some people to visit Agra.

Conclusion

Agra is a weekend trip option and can be covered within two days. It is perfect for people who want to know more about Indian history by diving into Mughal architecture and culture. Explore the city and indulge in the richness of its culture and heritage. For getting around in Agra, locals prefer auto-rickshaws and taxis.