Exploring the many-splendoured vistas and visuals of the historic city of Agra at night holds the promise of capturing the most memorable moments spent in this erstwhile Mughal bastion.
To get the very best of your nighttime tour of the city it's even more rewarding to do it with a local friend, or go for a curated guided tour, for you to comfortably enjoy all that the city offers to visitors when the day is done.
A Tryst with the Taj in the Moonlight
The pristine white marble edifice, ‘this teardrop on the cheek of time’ in its glorious Charbagh ‘Paradise on Earth’ Persian garden setting is a luminous icon, untouched by the dust and dreariness of life in the fast lane of urban Agra.
Nestled by the waters of the sacred Yamuna in Agra, the Taj Mahal is a slice of Mughal exotica which still stirs the world. Still and serene in the lambent light of a pearly dawn it whispers of the love of a distraught emperor for his beloved wife, with whom he had dreamed of making that final journey together to the gates of Jannat.
The luxury-loving Shajahan gave full rein to his obsession for opulence and the pursuit of perfection in this grand memorial to Mumtaz Mahal. An evocative testament to a tragic tale of romance and splendour, this ‘poem in marble’ captures the rich nuances of timeless sympathy shared by lovers from all over the world.
If you’ve been blown away by the breathtaking splendour of this monument to love… at sunrise or sunset, imagine what would happen if you witnessed the magic of it bathed in the light of a full moon.
It is a rare phenomenon indeed, because night viewing of the Taj Mahal is available only five days in a month — on a full moon night, and two nights before and two nights after the full moon. In case the full moon falls around a Friday, when the Taj is closed, the viewing is open only for four days.
If you are in travelling to Agra around these days, book well in advance for a nighttime viewing of the Taj, to witness that unique otherworldly experience, locally known as ‘chamki’, when on a full moon night on Sharad Purnima, bathed entirely in moonlight, the Taj glistens with the iridescence of a priceless pearl. This is because there is a particular angle at which the full force of the moonlight reflects off the marble façade of the Taj to create an evocative mirage of shimmering lights.
In case you find all the viewing slots are booked to capacity, you can enjoy this fabulous experience (even on Fridays!) from across the river at the Taj View Point ADA developed by the Agra Development Authority, directly in front of Mehtab Bagh which is open till 12 midnight.
Slow Boat on the Yamuna
Catch a local boat to enjoy a friendly night time viewing of the glittering Agra skyline as you row your boat gently down the river. The Taj on a moonlit night from the river offers another perspective of the grand monument. A boon, surely for an avid photographer.
Night Shopping
The glitter and glory of Kinari bazaar can best be enjoyed at night time when the shoppers, both domestic and visitors, throng the market for the exotic fare on sale…from rich brocades to bridal wear to jewellery… This is an experience not to be missed on a dark velvety Agra night.
Plunge into the delights of the treasure trove that is Mughal Bazaar, a bustling hub at Taj Ganj for handicrafts and souvenirs, jewellery and ethnic wear, amongst other allurements. At night it has a different vibe altogether from what you witnessed in the day.
The night markets of Agra are an unmissable experience of the erstwhile Mughal bastion’s inimitable rhythms of everyday life.
Foodie Agra
Its unique setting on India’s Northern Plain in the Indo-Gangetic belt has resulted in a rich cross-culture of culinary pursuits in Agra. From the lavish Mughal and Awadhi persuasions to the amazing variety of the Braj region Agra’s culinary heritage is a treasure trove for foodies. As a critical spot in Uttar Pradesh’s tourist circuit Agra is also a pulsating hub for its traditional Satvik, Raajsic and Taasmic culinary delights which are shaped by Ayurvedic traditions, followed by its Hindu community’s holistic approach to one’s wellbeing.
From the nearby towns of Mathura and Vrindavan in the Braj region come milk products richly associated with the Krishna legend. From pedas to ladoos to the fabulous Chappan Bhoj, a platter of 56 Satvik vegetarian dishes offered to the deity, Agra has embraced its traditions well. And how can one not spoil one’s taste buds with the inimitable Mathura ke-dubkiwale-allu teamed with fluffy puris cooked in desi ghee?
The temptations of the culinary adventure in this Mughal city are an experience not to be missed. Join streams of locals heading out to favourite hotspots to sample the best that Agra offers— from succulent kebabs to fragrant pulaos and breads, from creamy curries to sinful desserts like shahi tukre and sweets like pethas in different flavours and hues — all served up to wholeheartedly embrace another night of foodie indulgences.
And indulgences they are— from makhani (butter) gujia, stuffed with paneer… to golguppas made with dal or suji (semolina) filled with spicy water infused with herbs. Street vendors found around Johari Bazaar and Hing ki Mandi stay open till late at night to cater to the shopkeepers who wrap up business late and want to indulge in some snacks and savouries or tandoori fare and biryanis. Enjoy korma gravies with a new twist, but rich and flavourful, and fragrant with all manner of spices. Sanjay Palace is another bustling foodie hotspot for street vendors. Sadar Bazaar has Chaat Galli to cater to all tastes, from allu tikki to dahi puri, bhel puri, papdi chat to golgappas made with atta and suji at Agra Chaat House. At Pandit Ji Chat Bhandar unleash your taste buds on yummy chole bhature. In Sadar Bazaar you can also sample chicken frankies to Mughlai-style seekhs at Mama Chicken Mama Franky House.
At the city’s swanky hotels, the nights are long and delightful as their iconic restaurants cater to one’s whims and fancies of patrons with exceptional gourmet experiences. From candle light dinners to dining and wining under the stars on rooftops with city views… indulge your nighttime Agra in style.
From The Nawabs with its Awadhi biryanis and kebabs, to Peshwari with its NW-Frontier indulgences like their raan and burra kebabs… from Esphahan with its tandoori delights to The Salt Cafe Kitchen & Bar dimsums, pastas and tikka— the journey has just begun.
The hotels and clubs are no less famous for their watering holes— bars stocked with all manner of liquors, and summoning up exotic cocktails and mocktails.
Entertainment
The city never sleeps… From clubs and bars to live music to dancing, Agra doesn’t want to lose a moment of living it up—till it has to keep its eyes open propped up with match sticks!
For more classic cultural fare, one can catch a performance at a popular city venue, especially in the winter months when the city transforms into a vibrant tourist hub.
The Kalakriti Culture and Conventional Centre in town arranges a popular show — Mohabbat-e Taj, which brings alive the spectacular nuances of the story of the Taj Mahal. Depicted by highly talented performers, the show runs to full houses.
Going the Classic Way
Lovers of Hindustani classical music and dance can get lucky if there are special performances arranged by some hotels and cultural centres in the city.
Agra has long been associated as a proponent of Hindustani Classical Vocal Music. You might even catch a performance of Kathak, the classical north Indian dance.
The Agra Gharana of Hindustani Classical Vocal Music is marked for its fusion of the styles of Dhrupad-Dhamar and Khayal Gayaki (style of singing). Famed for his perfect rendition of Raga Deepak, Sujan Singh, a Rajput army commander in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar, became the founder of the Agra Gharana of music. So overwhelmed was Akbar by his performance he conferred on him the title of ‘Deepak Jyoti.’ Sujan Singh went on to compose over 700 hundred Dhrupad songs with their Ragas.
The greatest maestro of the Agra Gharana was the 20th century born Ustad Faiyaz Hussain Khan, ‘Aftab-i-Musiki’. Other luminaries of the gharana include Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan, and Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan.
The Agra Gharana alone has a massive inventory of ragas, bandishes and singers and composers in Indian Classical Music. Amongst the richest and most prominent schools of North Indian Classical music the Agra Gharana has an important spot in the most important classical musical events held across India. The first recorded music of Agra Gharana was by its famous member Zohrabai Agrewali. Today Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan is held in high regard as a great contemporary voice of the Agra Gharana.
Kathak in Lucknow finds its roots in the 19th century in the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah who was a great patron and no mean performer himself. Kathak is linked to three principal gharanas—Lucknow, Jaipur, and Benaras. Well known exponents of the Lucknow genre were Birju Maharaj and Sitara Devi. Check out the Mughal city’s social calendar to enjoy a mesmeric kathak performance as one of your best takeaways of nighttime Agra.
This a spotlight but on a small window to Agra’s nighttime diversions. Spend moments here to discover your own must-dos to keep on your wish list when you can return to explore it in a more leisurely way.