Things to Know about Jama Masjid Agra before Visiting

One of the largest mosques in India is the Jama Masjid of Agra. Built in the 17th century during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it is an iconic symbol of Persian and Islamic architecture and the most visited tourist attraction in Agra, apart from the Taj Mahal.

Among the greatest monuments in India, the Jama Masjid in Agra stands as a timeless testament to the Mughal Empire's history.

Jama Masjid was built in 1643 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan by his eldest daughter, Jahanara Begum. Construction took around 5,000 labourers and artists six years, from 1643 to 1648.

It was built according to Persian and Islamic styles with Persian engravings and a ‘Buland Darwaza’.

A large open area in the front of the Masjid was built in an octagonal chowk, also known as Tripoli Chowk. It existed between Jama Masjid and Agra Fort Delhi Gate. The Chowk was later destroyed in the 19th century to build an Agra Fort Railway Station at the same spot.

Built with red sandstone and white marble decorations, the Masjid attracts visitors' eyes and provides tranquillity to devotees' hearts.

• The mosque stands on a platform with 35 stairs. In front of the prayer hall, it features an open, rectangular courtyard with a fountain in the centre.
• Ahead of it is a rectangular prayer hall, again separated into five sections and crowned with three domes. These domes are adorned with inverted lotus and kalash finials.
• Five archways connect the courtyard and prayer hall. The central archway is engraved with Persian calligraphy, and two minarets are on each side of it
• The interior walls and ceilings are beautifully painted with blue colour, and on the west, a mihrab and pulpit are built in white marble, making this mosque a serene place.

1. Best time to Visit Jama Masjid Agra

The best time to visit is during the winter season, from November to February. Agra is most visited during cold weather to explore comfortably.

2. Jama Masjid Agra Location

Jama Masjid is located in the Kinari Bazaar opposite the Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

3. Jama Masjid Agra Timings

• Days - All days except Friday ( Closed on Friday)
• Morning sessions - 7 am to 12 pm
• Afternoon sessions - 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm

4. How to Reach Jama Masjid Agra?

Jama Masjid is very close to Agra Fort Railway Station, which is well-connected to local transportation facilities. There are a few ways to reach the Masjid: train, bus, and airport.

• Nearest Railway Station to Jama Masjid Agra: Jama Masjid is 5 km away from Agra Cantt railway station. Any bus, rickshaw or cab is easily accessible from the station.
• Nearest Bus Station to Jama Masjid Agra: Idgah Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Jama Masjid, which is 4 km away. You can take a rickshaw or cab from there.
• Nearest Airport to Jama Masjid Agra: Agra airport is the nearest airport to Jama Masjid, which is 7 km away. Any taxi or cab is easily available near the airport.

5. Entry Fee of Jama Masjid Agra

The entry fee for visiting Jama Masjid is free for all. But there are some extra photography charges.

• Photography Charges: ₹30

6. Jama Masjid in Agra Nearby Places to Visit

Here are some nearby places in Jama Masjid Agra that you might consider visiting.

1. Taj Mahal
2. Agra Fort
3. Tomb of Akbar the Great
4. Moti Masjid
5. Mehtab bagh
6. Agra Art Gallery

While history shares the monument's construction, here are some facts you should know while visiting Jama Masjid in Agra.

1. Tripoli Chowk was built in front of the courtyard, but it was later destroyed in the 19th century.
2. The Chowk has now been transformed into an Agra Fort railway station, which the government built after destroying Chowk.
3. Shah Jahan later chose the mosque to build the tomb of Sheik Salim Christi.