Gyarah Sidi (Humayun's Observatory)
Agra, Uttar Pradesh · monument
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Gyarah Sidi — literally the "Eleven Steps" — is one of Agra's least-known and most intriguing Mughal relics: the ruined remains of an astronomical observatory associated with Emperor Humayun (reigned 1530–1540 and 1555–1556). It stands in a quiet field in Kachhpura village on the north bank of the Yamuna, a short walk from Mehtab Bagh and almost directly across the river from the Taj Mahal. The name refers to a flight of eleven stone steps that overlook hemispherical cavities set into the ground — an arrangement from which shadow lengths and the positions of celestial bodies could be read. Humayun was famously absorbed in astronomy and astrology, ordering aspects of court life around planetary associations, and Gyarah Sidi is the physical trace of that intellectual passion.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦No pure-veg eatery at the site itself — this is a rural spot, so carry your own water and snacks and confirm any village stall's fare on arrival.
- ✦Panchhi Petha (Sadar Bazaar / city outlets) – Agra's most trusted pure-vegetarian petha house; stock up in the city before or after the north-bank loop.
- ✦Deviram Sweets (Pratap Pura area) – long-standing pure-vegetarian institution known for bedai with jalebi in the early morning; confirm the outlet on arrival.
- ✦Bhagat Halwai (Agra, est. 1795) – long-standing pure-vegetarian sweet and namkeen house known for dalmoth and mithai, a dependable city stop after visiting the north bank.
About
Gyarah Sidi — literally the "Eleven Steps" — is one of Agra's least-known and most intriguing Mughal relics: the ruined remains of an astronomical observatory associated with Emperor Humayun (reigned 1530–1540 and 1555–1556).
- It stands in a quiet field in Kachhpura village on the north bank of the Yamuna, a short walk from Mehtab Bagh and almost directly across the river from the Taj Mahal.
- The name refers to a flight of eleven stone steps that overlook hemispherical cavities set into the ground — an arrangement from which shadow lengths and the positions of celestial bodies could be read.
- Humayun was famously absorbed in astronomy and astrology, ordering aspects of court life around planetary associations, and Gyarah Sidi is the physical trace of that intellectual passion.
- Historians describe the structure as a diminutive, roughly two-century-early precursor to the monumental Jantar Mantar observatories that Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II would build at Jaipur and Delhi in the 1720s–30s.
- Where those are vast masonry instruments, Gyarah Sidi is intimate and austere — weathered sandstone steps and worn depressions rather than grand calibrated arcs.
- Much of the original apparatus is lost or eroded, and the site today reads as an evocative ruin rather than a working instrument, which is precisely its appeal for travellers who enjoy the overlooked corners of history.
- The setting is a large part of the experience.
- Because it sits on the peaceful north bank within the Mehtab Bagh–Kachhpura landscape, the walk out here passes rural lanes, fields, and glimpses of the Taj across the water — a serene, crowd-free counterpoint to the monument-tourism crush of the south bank.
- It is commonly included on the guided Mughal Heritage Walk through Kachhpura.
- For vegetarian travellers, note that this is a rural, essentially food-free spot — carry your own water and snacks.
- There are no reliable pure-vegetarian eateries in the immediate field; plan to eat back in the city, where Agra's celebrated pure-veg petha houses and sweet shops (Panchhi Petha, Deviram, Bhagat Halwai) are the dependable choices.
- Combine Gyarah Sidi with Mehtab Bagh in a single north-bank half-day for the most rewarding, offbeat outing.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Kachhpura village, near Mehtab Bagh, north bank of the Yamuna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282006
How to Reach: Kachhpura village on the north bank of the Yamuna, near Mehtab Bagh, about 7–8 km from central Agra. From the Taj Mahal area, an auto-rickshaw to Mehtab Bagh costs roughly ₹150–250 (25–35 minutes via the road bridge); Gyarah Sidi is a short walk from there through the fields. From Agra Cantonment Station a taxi is about ₹300–400. A local guide on the Kachhpura Mughal Heritage Walk is helpful, as the ruin is unsigned and easy to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gyarah Sidi in Agra?
Gyarah Sidi means the 'Eleven Steps.' It is the ruined remains of an astronomical observatory associated with the Mughal emperor Humayun, standing on the north bank of the Yamuna near Mehtab Bagh in Kachhpura village. A flight of eleven stone steps overlooks hemispherical cavities from which shadow lengths and celestial positions could be read — making it a small, roughly two-century-early precursor to the later Jantar Mantar observatories at Jaipur and Delhi.
Is there an entry fee for Gyarah Sidi?
No, Gyarah Sidi is an open, unticketed ruin with no formal admission charge. It sits in the fields near Mehtab Bagh; note that Mehtab Bagh itself, which you typically visit alongside it, does charge a separate ASI ticket. Please confirm access locally, as arrangements at the unsigned site can vary.
How do I reach Gyarah Sidi?
It is in Kachhpura village on the Yamuna's north bank, near Mehtab Bagh, about 7–8 km from central Agra. Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Mehtab Bagh (roughly ₹150–250 from the Taj area, 25–35 minutes via the bridge), then walk a short way through the fields. Because the ruin is unsigned and easy to miss, a local guide on the Kachhpura Mughal Heritage Walk is genuinely useful.
What can you see at Gyarah Sidi?
You will see weathered sandstone steps and worn ground depressions rather than a grand, intact instrument — much of the original apparatus is eroded or lost, so it reads as an evocative ruin. The real reward is the setting: a peaceful, crowd-free north-bank landscape with views of the Taj Mahal across the river, especially atmospheric at sunrise and sunset. It suits travellers who enjoy offbeat, lesser-known history.
When is the best time to visit Gyarah Sidi?
October to March offers the most pleasant weather and clear skies, and early morning or late afternoon gives soft light and the best Taj views across the water. There is no shade at the site, so avoid the harsh summer midday. Pair it with Mehtab Bagh for a rewarding north-bank half-day.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Gyarah Sidi?
There is no reliable pure-vegetarian eatery at this rural site, so carry your own water and snacks. Plan to eat back in the city, where Agra's famous pure-veg options are dependable — Panchhi Petha for the city's most trusted petha, Deviram Sweets for bedai with jalebi in the morning, and Bhagat Halwai (est. 1795) for dalmoth and mithai. Confirm the specific outlet on arrival.
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