The land of the Taj Mahal, can actually offer many offbeat things to do in Agra could actually surprise travellers. These offbeat things do present you an opportunity to explore the cultural side of this beautiful old city. Of course, most of us come here to marvel at the majestic Taj Mahal, but if you are thinking what else is there to do in the city, we have you covered here. Agra is located close to Delhi, and can be reached by air, railway, and road. If you want to explore a different side of Agra, and experience other places in Agra, beyond the Taj Mahal, then here you are.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
About an hour away from Agra, this beautiful place is known for its exotic birds, and is a sight for sore eyes. Located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, it has a rich history of royalty. The place was turned into a marsh almost 250 years ago, and is surrounded by dense jungles. One can spot beautiful birds, such as waders, raptors, flycatchers, and more. Winter is probably the best time to visit this place; it is also home to the Siberian cane during the winter months.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this one is also close to Agra, and must be visited for an extra lesson in history. Fatehpur Sikri translates in English as the City of Victory, and was built by Emperor Akbar in the second half of 16th century. The city was in fact the capital of Mughal Empire for almost 10 long years, before being abandoned due to the lack of drinking water. It holds some of the greatest architectural marvels of the time, and is definitely one of the most important Mughal destinations in India.
Agra Fort light and sound show
After having seen the Agra Fort during the day, evenings can be spent here enjoying the light and sound show. Guests can pay INR 50 each to watch this amazing light and sound show that mostly deals with history and historical anecdotes.
Sweets in Agra are famous throughout India, and you will miss out if you do not try the famed Agra’s petha. This is a translucent candy, which is soft and is made from pumpkin. This too has a royal past, as supposedly the sweet had come from the kitchen of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. With nuts and coconut added to the mix, the sweet is something that you have to try during your trip to Agra.