
Chini Ka Rauza Agra
A historic mausoleum on the Yamuna River, famed for its intricate Persian-style glazed tile work and surviving interior paintings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Chini Ka Rauza Agra
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic mausoleum on the Yamuna River, famed for its intricate Persian-style glazed tile work and surviving interior paintings.
"A forgotten monument on the bank of river Yamuna, the ceramic inlay makes this place special."

Free Entry Alert! 🎟️
Enjoy this historical site without an entrance fee. Perfect for budget travelers exploring Agra!
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The grounds are uneven in places, and you'll want to explore the garden and monument comfortably.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glazed Tile Facade
Exterior Walls
Glimpse the remnants of vibrant blue and green glazed tiles, showcasing Persian architectural influence.
Intricate Interior Paintings
Interior Walls and Ceiling
Marvel at the surviving colorful paintings, offering a peek into the mausoleum's original splendor.

Yamuna River Views
Rear of the Monument
Enjoy peaceful vistas of the Yamuna River from the monument's serene garden setting.
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Planning Your Visit
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry Alert! 🎟️
Enjoy this historical site without an entrance fee. Perfect for budget travelers exploring Agra!
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The grounds are uneven in places, and you'll want to explore the garden and monument comfortably.
Appreciate the Past ✨
Much of the tile work is worn. Come with an eye for history and imagine its former glory.
Local Vibe :camera_with_flash:
Locals use the space for recreation. Be respectful and capture the unique atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry Alert! 🎟️
Enjoy this historical site without an entrance fee. Perfect for budget travelers exploring Agra!
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The grounds are uneven in places, and you'll want to explore the garden and monument comfortably.
Appreciate the Past ✨
Much of the tile work is worn. Come with an eye for history and imagine its former glory.
Local Vibe :camera_with_flash:
Locals use the space for recreation. Be respectful and capture the unique atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chini Ka Rauza is a historically significant monument on the Yamuna River, noted for its unique glazed tile work and interior paintings, offering a glimpse into Persian architectural influence. While appreciated as a 'hidden gem' and a peaceful escape, many reviews highlight its poor maintenance and the wear and tear on its decorative elements, lamenting its neglected state despite its potential beauty.
"Along the river beyond Itimad ud Daula's tomb, lies another less grand one of another Mughal wazir. The blue and green tiles of the facade can be imagined from the few that remain but the real treasure lies on the inside, where the colours of the walls and ceiling are how they must have been when the mausoleum was first constructed.
Lovely river views and a sweet garden. The ASI has been working to upgrade this morning monument."
Nive Raitz von Frentz
"Hidden gem of architecture in Agra on the bank of river Yamuna. The ceramic inlay makes this place special & it's a protected monument so those who wish to visit should get info about logistics and it's 100% worth visiting."
Lav Paliwal
"A forgotten monument located the Agra city.Its a tomb of former prime minister of mughal court.The maintenance of this monument is very poor.Only few tourists visit here.Entrance path is also not maintained.No ticket required.it must have been very beautiful monument in its full glory.Niw inly few patches of blue and green tiles design are visible.If local do not suggest to visit here."
Gaurav Agrawal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chini Ka Rauza is located on the northern bank of the Yamuna River, a short distance from Agra Fort. You can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi for a convenient ride. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
While direct public buses might be limited, you can take a local bus towards the northern side of the Yamuna and then a short auto-rickshaw ride to reach the monument. It's advisable to confirm routes with locals upon arrival.
From the Taj Mahal, you can easily hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw. The drive is relatively short, offering pleasant views along the Yamuna River.
Limited parking is usually available near the entrance. If you're arriving by private car or taxi, you should be able to find a spot, though it might not be a designated lot.
Yes, Chini Ka Rauza is located along the river beyond Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb. A pleasant walk along the riverbank is possible, offering scenic views, though it might take about 20-30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Chini Ka Rauza. This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly historical site to explore in Agra.
Chini Ka Rauza is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to confirm these hours locally, as they can sometimes vary.
Since there is no entry fee, advance booking is not required. You can visit anytime during its opening hours.
While it's a protected monument, reviews suggest that maintenance can be poor, with some areas needing restoration. However, the ASI is reportedly working on upgrades.
Chini Ka Rauza is generally open daily during its operating hours. There are no specific closures mentioned for weekdays or weekends.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Chini Ka Rauza. You can capture the intricate tile work and interior paintings, but be mindful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site.
The exterior walls with the remaining glazed tiles and the interior walls and ceiling with their colorful paintings offer excellent photo opportunities. The garden and river views also make for picturesque shots.
As with most historical monuments in India, drone photography is likely restricted or requires special permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It's best to avoid using drones without prior authorization.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography. The golden hour can enhance the colors of the tiles and paintings, creating a magical ambiance.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to check with the ASI or local authorities for any specific permits or regulations that might be in place.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Chini Ka Rauza was built in the 1630s as the mausoleum for Afzal Khan Shirazi, who served as the Prime Minister (Wazir) under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Its unique feature is the extensive use of glazed tile work, known as 'Chini' or 'Kashi' work, which is of Persian influence. It's considered one of the few monuments in India with such prominent Persian architectural elements.
The name 'Chini Ka Rauza' translates to 'Chinese's Tomb' or 'Persian Tomb,' referring to the glazed tile work that resembles Chinese porcelain and the Persian origin of the architectural style and the person buried there.
While historically significant, the monument's condition is described as neglected by some visitors, with much of the original tile work worn off due to climatic conditions. However, it is a protected monument and undergoing some restoration efforts.
Chini Ka Rauza is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, not far from the Taj Mahal and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb. It was built around the same period as the Taj Mahal for a prominent figure in Shah Jahan's court.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific child-centric facilities, the peaceful ambiance and the visual appeal of the remaining tile work can still spark curiosity. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to Mughal history in a less overwhelming setting. Pack snacks and water, as amenities might be limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free or low-cost activities in Agra, or use it as a peaceful stop between more expensive attractions. The lack of an entry fee makes it an easy addition to any Agra itinerary without impacting your budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Glazed Tiles
This style of decoration was relatively uncommon in Mughal architecture, making Chini Ka Rauza a significant example of Persian artistic influence in India. The detailed patterns and the way the tiles catch the light would have created a dazzling effect when the mausoleum was first constructed. Visitors are encouraged to look closely at the surviving sections to appreciate the artistry involved.
A Neglected Gem on the Yamuna
Despite its condition, the monument is a protected site, and there are indications that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is working on upgrades. The lack of extensive tourist traffic means it retains a sense of quietude, allowing for a more personal experience. It's a place that evokes a sense of melancholy for its past glory, with many hoping for its full restoration to its original beauty.
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