Jama Masjid - How to Reach, Best Time & Travel Tips

Location:Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Friday Close) Visit Duration: 1-2 hours Entry Fee: Free Entry (Photography Chargeable) Planning a Trip? Speak to an expert Jama Masjid, also known as the Friday Mosque or Jami Masjid, is a historic and religious site in Agra. It was built by Jahanara Begum, the eldest daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Today, this majestic mosque stands as a significant site, drawing thousands of tourists and worshippers daily. The site’s rich history and intricate architecture make it a must-visit destination in Agra. To know more on how to plan your trip, refer to this Agra city travel guide.

Architecture of Jama Masjid Agra

The mosque, a striking blend of white marble and red sandstone, is a prime example of Mughal architecture combining Indian and Islamic influences. It is a mosque built primarily with red sandstone and white marble. The mosque features a large central dome surrounded by four smaller domes, all decorated with intricate designs and patterns. The Jama Masjid’s walls are decorated with geometric designs, coloured tiles, and calligraphic inscriptions. Over the centuries, the mosque’s massive central courtyard has served as a place for prayer and meditation. The building’s features include a pillared Dalan, a beautiful Chhajja, and the Chhatri on the roof. The main Iwan, relatively simple in design, contains a central arch with intricate geometric patterns.

History of Jama Masjid

Shah Jahan’s eldest daughter, Jahanara Begum, built the Jama Masjid of Agra in 1648. Construction of this mosque began in 1642 and took six years to complete. Over the years, the mosque has undergone several renovations and restorations, including the destruction. Today, it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Agra.

How to Reach Jama Masjid?

Agra is very well connected by road, air, and train. Once you reach Agra, you can easily reach the Masjid by bus, E-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, or cab. Let’s take a closer look at how to reach Jama Masjid from the airport, bus stop, and railway station: From Airport: The mosque is located 6.3 km from Agra Airport. You can take a cab or shuttle bus to Jama Masjid from here. From Bus Stop: The main bus stop in Agra is the Idgah bus stand, located 4.4 km away. The other nearest bus stop is Bijli Ghar, just a few hundred meters from the mosque. From Railway Station: The main railway station is Agra Cantonment, which is around 5km away from Jama Masjid. Another famous railway station is Agra Fort, just a short distance from Jama Masjid. From Metro Station: Mankameshwar is the closest metro station to the Mosque, only 600 meters away. From there, you can walk to the Jama Masjid.

Jama Masjid Location

Address: Jama Masjid, Subash Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Hing ki Mandi, Mantola, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003

Jama Masjid Timings

Opening Hours: Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM Afternoon: 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM Special Considerations: Closed to non-Muslims on Friday.

Visiting Tips:

Prefer visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
Ideal visiting times: Morning and Late afternoon

Jama Masjid Ticket Price

There is no entrance fee to Jama Masjid Agra. However, a charge of INR 30 applies for camera/phone photography.

Places to Visit Near Jama Masjid Agra

Several iconic attractions and landmarks are within walking distance of this monument:

Taj Mahal (2.8 km – 10 minutes)
Agra Fort (700m – 5 minutes)
Mehtab Bagh (4.2 km – 15 minutes)

Here is a list of all the religious places in Agra that you may want to include in your travel plan.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jama Masjid Agra is from November to March when the weather is cooler. Agra experiences winter during these months, with temperatures ranging between 8°C and 22°C. Monsoon season is another good time to visit. Monsoon rains from July to September can sometimes disrupt travel plans, but the weather is more bearable than during the summer.

Travel Tips to Visit Jama Masjid

To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning.
It is best not to visit the mosque during main prayer times, especially Friday prayers.
Photography may be restricted or require permission in some areas.
Hire a local guide to learn more about the mosque’s architecture and history.
Take snacks and water with you since there are limited facilities.

For a tailored travel experience, consider checking out Agra tour & travel packages that include visits to the Jama Masjid and other significant landmarks.