11 Unique Things to Do in Agra for an Unforgettable Experience
Looking for unique things to do in Agra to make your trip extra special? This list is full of fun ideas for an offbeat experience you’ll always remember!
Everyone knows that the main attraction in Agra is the Taj Mahal! But there’s so many other fun things this city has to offer. This list is full of unique things to do in Agra that will make for a memorable vacation.
From exploring abandoned cities, ancient villages and India’s oldest artisanal tea boutique, you uncover some of the history in the region. You can also learn about the culture through theatrical performances and classes to learn about local cuisines. If you’re willing to travel just outside Agra, then you’ll find even more fun things to do in nature!
I traveled to Agra for the first time in 2017 after moving to India. Of course, what brought me there was the Taj Mahal. But I stayed for 3 days and had an amazing time exploring the city! I enjoy activities that are off the beaten path to better understand what the city is all about, so these are my top recommendations for things to do.
This post is all about unique things to do in Agra.
Unique Things to Do in Agra
#1 Explore the Forgotten Ruins of Fatehpur Sikri
Fathpur Sikir was an ancient city that used to be the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar’s reign. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 40km from Agra. It was eventually abandoned because of water shortages, but now is a great place to learn about the history of life in that time.
You can walk around and see the various structures which are stunning. There’s a blend of Islamic, Persian and Hindu architecture. Some of the most famous things to see include the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti.
They also offer guided tours which include rides to and from from Agra’s city center or your hotel. I never did a tour when I went because I like to just explore on my own, but if you like learning about history then it’s a really great option! Otherwise you can just hire a driver to take you.
#2 Enjoy Tea Tasting in India’s Oldest Artisanal Tea Boutique
Everyone in the world knows that India is famous for their chai! If you’re traveling to India, you’re bound to try a cup. Visiting a tea boutique is one of the most unique things to do in Agra though!
Sancha Tea is the oldest boutique and is a great way to learn about and sample different teas. Because of its success, there are now 11 other branches of Sancha Tea around India. And even though the business is old, the store in Agra is updated and super inviting (yes, there’s AC!)
When you go to the shop, you can learn about various types of tea and sample them. Of course you also can buy tea there to take home which makes for a great souvenir or gift!
#3 Attend Mohabbat The Taj Show at Kalakriti Cultural Center
This was my FAVORITE thing to do in Agra (aside from seeing the Taj of course). Mohabbat the Taj is a performance that tells the story of the Taj Mahal and how it was made. It’s centered on the love story between Shah Jahan and his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who he built the Taj for.
Aside from the fact that the cultural center is beautiful, the performance is really impressive to see! There’s dancing, singing and it’s overall a stunning cultural performance. To be honest, I knew nothing about the history of the Taj until I saw this. The center also hosts other cultural events too if you have the time.
#4 Watch Migrating Birds at Keetham Lake
Keetham Lake is famous for its birds! If you are traveling to Agra in the winter months, you’re especially lucky because that’s when migratory birds visit. There’s over 100 known species to see and even if you don’t go in winter, it’s still impressive!
The Lake is located outside Agra’s city center, about a 30-45 minute drive. It’s a beautiful place to relax and spend half a day hanging out. If you are wanting to get into nature, this is a great option!
#5 Watch Local Artists Produce Handicrafts and Textiles (plus, go shopping!)
One of the most fun and unique things to do in Agra is to see local artists create stunning work! Agra is famous for their handicrafts and textiles, especially marble. There are many places to go throughout the city to shop for these things, but it can be confusing knowing where to go and how to get a good price.
Anil Handicrafts is a well-established and trusted place to see artists live and shop around. Many of the pieces they sell are produced by artists in the shop and it’s incredible to watch how they make things! You can find beautiful marble inlays, paintings, and handicrafts here as well which make for perfect souvenirs or gifts.
#6 Explore Kacchpura Village with a Mughal Heritage Walk
The Mughal Heritage Walk is a short 1km walk through the ancient Village, Kucchpura and goes through various sites that were historically important. You can see the first Mughal observatory, the Humayun Mosque, and the Mehtab Bagh.
While you could do this walk yourself, there are initiatives meant to help local youth who were trained to give the walks. It’s actually a really nice way to learn about the history of the area! The Mughal Heritage Walks are more like storytelling sessions while you’re taking a stroll and soaking in the views.
They also offer other super unique activities like poetry walks and walks focused on Mughal Women!
#7 Get to Know Rescued Elephants and Bears at Wildlife SOS
Wildlife SOS is a wonderful organization situated just outside Agra and is perfect for animal lovers! They help rehabilitate elephants and bears at their centers. It’s a really beautiful experience and plus you get to see these majestic animals!
While you can’t touch or interact with them, you can watch them and learn about their personal stories. The staff are super knowledgeable and dedicated to the animals, so they are happy to tell you about their journeys that led them to be at Wildlife SOS.
This is a great idea for a day trip if you’re looking to get out of the city and want a really unique experience. It would also be a fun activity especially if you have kids.
#8 Learn How to Cook Local Cuisines in a Family’s Home
Agra is famous for its North Indian and Mughal dishes! A cooking class is a fun way to learn about the different spices used and how dishes are made. Plus, you get to eat what you make and try new foods!
Many of the cooking classes in Agra are led by locals in their homes. They offer pick up and drop off from your hotel, and it’s a great way to learn more about what real life is like there. This is one of the most unique things to do in Agra and the perfect opportunity to get to know a local!
#9 Dive into History at the Mughal Museum
While there are a lot of well-known monuments to explore in Agra (obviously the Taj Mahal being one of them), the Mughal Museum tends to get overlooked. But it’s actually a really nice way to learn about the history of the Mughal Empire and see what life would’ve been like in that era.
The museum is well-maintained and features various exhibits. They have a lot of impressive artifacts and intricate artwork from the Mughal period. You can see miniature paintings, Mughal calligraphy, jewelry and really phenomenal handicrafts.
#10 Relax with a Spa Treatment Inspired by Mughal Practices
Kaya Kalp is a famous and luxurious spa which is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. They are known as the “Royal Spa.” They try to create the essence of the Mughal era but in modern times.
The spa is absolutely beautiful and they offer a wide range of treatments. They are well-known for blending contemporary techniques with ancient practices. Some of their signature treatments include the use of herbs, spices, fruits and oils that were commonly used back in the day.
Kaya Kalp is actually one of the biggest spas in India and there is a lot to do there. They also have a gym, swimming pool and beautiful gardens all around.
#11 Take a River Safari at Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is about a 2 hour drive from the Agra city center, but is one of the most highly recommended things to see if you’re in the area! We all know safaris, but what makes this safari unique is that you’re diving into nature from the view of a boat.
This is a perfect day trip that will allow you to see a stunning side to the native landscapes of the region. You’ll get to see the Ganges dolphin, gharial (an endangered type of crocodile) and lots of turtles! There are also a ton of different species of birds.
Overall, this is a super unique and fun thing to do if you enjoy being in nature and are looking for an activity outside the city!
This post was all about unique things to do in Agra.
