travel to agra

Exploring the world, one place at a time.

A complete agra travel guide: all you need to know before visiting in 2023.

• Post published: January 15, 2022
• Post category: India
• Post author: Charu Goyal

Agra is one of the most visited cities in India for a reason. Home to the iconic Taj Mahal , a magnificent wonder of the world, it is a former capital of India that welcomes millions of tourists every year, eager to visit the country’s most famous monument. Though there is plenty more to experience for those willing to stick around for more than a day.

Boasting a plethora of Mughal tombs and gardens, the historically rich city of Agra is an integral part of India’s Golden Triangle. With three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and dozens of lesser known landmarks under its belt, there is plenty to captivate visiting photographers, travellers and historians to this part of Uttar Pradesh.

So, if you are planning to visit Agra and are wondering what else is there to see beyond the Taj Mahal, then worry not. I spent four days there in October 2021, and am happy to share up-to-date information to help you plan your dream Agra trip. In this guide, you’ll find everything from where to stay to what to see in Agra and much more.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of those links, I may get a small commission. Thank you for your continued support!

Table of Contents

Where is Agra?

Located on the banks of Yamuna river, Agra is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 210 km south of India’s capital city, New Delhi, and 240 km east of Jaipur in Rajasthan. If grouped together, these three cities make North India’s Golden triangle, the most popular tourist route in the country. 

If you only have a limited number of days to explore this region, then doing the Golden triangle circuit is a great way to get an insight into the world of maharajas and Mughal emperors. Travelling through these three neighbouring states, you will see some of India’s most beautiful architecture, and taste delectable cuisines. 

But should you have more time on hand, the heritage arc of Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Lucknow, and Varanasi is also worth checking out. Lucknow is situated at a distance of around 335 km from Agra and has been on my bucket list since so long!

How to get to Agra?

Being one of the top bucket list destinations in India, Agra is well-connected to other Indian cities by an extensive rail and road network. There is also a domestic airport in Agra, but it is usually more convenient to fly to New Delhi or Jaipur due to more frequent flight options.

From those cities, you can take a taxi to Agra or hop on a train. Agra has several train stations, out of which Agra Cantonment (Agra Cantt) and Agra Fort are closer to the city centre. The Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station in New Delhi only takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Agra Cantonment. You can find more information about trains to Agra here .

Alternatively, you can also take your own car or book a private taxi and reach Agra at your convenience. The roads connecting Agra with both New Delhi and Jaipur are in good condition and the drive is pretty smooth and easy. Depending on how early you leave and the route taken, you can get from Jaipur to Agra in approximately four to six hours.

My friend and I booked a taxi from Savaari car rentals for this trip. They are an online cab aggregator in India that provides affordable chauffeur driven taxis in various cities across the country. Their expertise regarding road trips in India is really valuable, especially when going to off-beat places. I used their service to go from Kolkata to Odisha as well and loved that their quoted price includes tolls, state tax and GST so there are no surprises in the end. Check prices for their Jaipur to Agra cab here.

Although trains to Agra take less time to reach, it may make sense for you economically to book a taxi when travelling in a group. But if on a tighter budget, there are also frequent buses that go to Agra daily. You can check the timing and prices for buses to Agra on redBus .

CG’s tip: Almost all train and bus stations have taxi stands nearby. You can hail a ride to your accommodation from there or book a taxi online.

Best time to go?

Although the Taj Mahal looks marvelous throughout the year, the best time to visit Agra is during the winter months from October to February . Summer in North India is uncomfortably hot, followed by months of downpours that make it difficult to freely roam around and explore as desired.

Also keep in mind that during the winter season, the weather changes fast and can affect visibility to only a few meters at dawn. If you want clearer mornings and dreamy sunrises, then head to Agra either between October to mid-November or mid-February to early March. But, if you are looking to create moody pictures, then peak wintertime would be good as well.

I visited in the last week of October and had beautiful sunrises and sunsets throughout. There was a little fog by the Yamuna river during one sunrise towards the end of my trip, but it cleared quickly as I took hundreds of pictures of one of the seven wonders of the world sitting in front of me.

CG’s tip: Regardless of which month you plan to travel to Agra, just note that the Taj Mahal remains closed to the general public every Friday for religious reasons. However, all the other landmarks can still be accessed. 

How many days are enough?

Most travellers visiting Agra mainly come to see the Taj Mahal on a day trip from New Delhi. But, in my opinion, that is equivalent to barely scratching the surface. Not only does the Taj Mahal have a distinctive charm at different times of the day, there are also several viewpoints nearby that shouldn’t be missed to admire it from other perspectives.

Being a historically significant city during the Mughal era, there are also SO many other landmarks worth checking out in Agra that a few hours in the city can never be enough. If you are planning to see most of these sights, then spending 2-3 full days is highly recommended.

However, if you only have time for a day trip, then I recommend doing a guided tour from New Delhi to make the most of your time in Agra. This private one leaving at 2:30 am allows you to still catch the sunrise at Taj Mahal, followed by a delicious breakfast and a visit to Agra Fort. Alternatively, this one leaves a bit later and covers Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Baby Taj and a buffet lunch in Agra.

How to get around Agra?

I usually love walking and getting around a new city by foot, but if I am being completely honest, then Agra isn’t ideal for that. The roads are chaotic and if you are not staying super close to the Taj Mahal, then using a transport to go from one place to another is more feasible.

Depending on your budget, there are auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks), taxis, and public transport available throughout Agra. Online cab aggregators like Uber and Ola work seamlessly too and cost almost the same as hailing an auto-rickshaw from the street for one-way rides. You can also hire the latter for approximately INR 800 for a day of exploring. Just remember to haggle if getting a rickshaw from the street.

CG’s tip: Between both the cab companies, I found Ola to be working more efficiently in Agra. I went out for sunrise every morning and Ola cabs would come in a couple of minutes even at 4 am. Uber sometimes took longer.

Where to stay in Agra?

From affordable guesthouses and hostels, to some of the most luxurious hotels in all of India, Agra has no dearth of places to stay. Irrespective of what your preferences, budget, and purpose of the trip may be, you can undoubtedly find an appropriate property to base yourself in, without a hassle.

I stayed at the ITC Mughal for the first three nights of the trip and then moved to The Oberoi Amarvilas for the last one to celebrate my birthday. ITC Mughal is for you if you are looking for a reasonably-priced luxury property that is on the top of their game when it comes to safety protocols for the pandemic. Their sanitization protocols impressed me exceedingly throughout the stay!

But, if you are in Agra for a special occasion, or just want to experience the best, then look no further than The Oberoi Amarvilas. Situated only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, all rooms there provide an unobstructed view of the Taj (!) while the interiors pay homage to Mughal architectural elements. Pair this with delectable food, outstanding amenities and extremely warm staff and you will know why the property is so highly rated and loved. You can check hotel prices and availability in Agra here.

For those of you interested in low and mid-range accommodations, there are many options in Taj Ganj, Rakabganj and Fatehabad Road areas. Taj Ganj is super close to the Taj Mahal, but this neighbourhood can feel a bit unpleasant and congested. On the flip side, places like Hotel Kamal and Hotel Saniya Palace located there come with rooftop restaurants overlooking the Taj that make it better. 

Alternatively, Hostels like Moustache are always a popular and safe choice among backpackers.

Best places to see in Agra?

Agra has a wealth of incredible places to offer. From the world-famous Taj Mahal, to lesser known spots like Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra, there are plenty of incredible monuments to entice both domestic and international travellers. Here are some sites that you should unquestionably add to your Agra itinerary:

Where do I even begin with this one? Built to immortalise the undying affection of a man for his wife, the Taj Mahal is an iconic symbol of love and India’s most recognisable monument. It was built in 1630 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his third (and favourite) wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14 th child. 

Containing tombs of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan himself, Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece and a World Heritage Site. If you could only visit one place in India, then by all means, don’t even think twice before heading here. The monument’s perfect symmetry is so compelling that you have to see it in person to understand why it is often regarded as the most beautiful building in the world. 

Apart from the white marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal complex also houses Taj Museum, Charbagh , a mosque, a reflective pool and a guesthouse. Most travellers visiting Taj Mahal stop at the reflecting pool at the front, trying to jolt each other for the iconic shot with the mausoleum. While it is a really picturesque spot, I would advise you to head to the mosque on the west and spend more time there instead. You’ll be surprised to see how less crowded it is!

Re ad More: Best Taj Mahal Viewpoints in Agra

There are three gates that visitors can usually use to enter the premises when visiting, but at present, the South gate is not functional . Between the other two, the West gate is the busiest as most tourists and tour guides tend to avoid the East gate due to the longer walking distance between the vehicle drop-off point and the main entrance. However, in my opinion, it is the best one to use as it is the least crowded.

CG’s tip: Sunrise is the most beautiful time to visit the Taj Mahal. The crowds are relatively smaller and you will get to admire the monument as it ethereally reveals itself through the morning mist. Try to reach 30 minutes before opening hour to ensure you are at the front of the queue in time for opening. If visiting on a day trip from Delhi, you can accordingly book a sunrise tour for the same.

Opening hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset, every day except Friday. Taj Mahal is closed every Friday for religious reasons. There are also night viewings two days prior to the night of and the two days after the Full Moon, except during the month of Ramadan and on a Friday. Entrance fee: INR 45 for Indians and INR 1050 for Foreigners. Entrance to the mausoleum is an additional INR 200 for both.

Restored by Mughal Emperor Akbar, Agra Fort is the city’s second most impressive landmark and another World Heritage Site. It was primarily constructed as a military fortress in 1565, but was later transformed into a palace by Shah Jahan, who embellished it with white marble and precious stones during his reign. 

When visiting Agra Fort, make sure to take a moment to appreciate its impressive red sandstone wall that is nearly 22 m high in several parts. The interiors are equally stunning as well and there are also a few vantage points that provide an unobstructed view of the Taj. When Shah Jahan was overthrown and imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, he spent eight years here gazing out at the river and admiring the Taj Mahal from a distance until his death.

Some of the places to not miss in Agra Fort are Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir’s Palace), Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of private audience), Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of public audience), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror palace), Musamman Burj, Moti Masjid (Pearl mosque) and Nagina Masjid (Gem mosque). The area is enormous and you’ll need a few hours to see it all. There is also a light and sound show here every evening.

CG’s tip: Agra Fort can get really crowded on Fridays due to Taj Mahal being closed. If you are in Agra for more days, then plan to visit here the same day as the Taj. Alternatively, you can go early morning and enjoy it while it is still quiet. Just avoid going near closing time as the guards tend to rush people out from beforehand.

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 35 for Indians and INR 550 for Foreigners. Plus, a separate ticket for ADA Toll Tax upon arrival, which is INR 10 for Indians and INR 50 for foreigners.

Mehtab Bagh

Located directly across the Yamuna river from the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh is a Mughal botanical garden that has one of the best viewpoints in Agra. If you are looking to get epic sunrise and sunset photos of the Taj Mahal without the crowd, then make sure to not skip this spot. The garden is perfectly aligned with the Taj and there are several photo points facing the monument.

Mehtab Bagh is also known as The Moonlight Garden and there is even a popular myth associated with this place. Legend says that Shah Jahan wanted to make an exact copy of the Taj Mahal for his own burial here, only with black marble instead of white. But the construction of Black Taj never took place as he was imprisoned by his son, who buried him next to Mumtaz Mahal inside the Taj Mahal itself. Whether this is true or just a myth remains unverified.

CG’s tip: Although Mehtab Bagh is just opposite the Taj Mahal on the other side of Yamuna river, getting there takes time. The garden is approximately 8 km from the Taj Mahal and you will need to hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to get there. Nevertheless, the picture-perfect view of the Taj Mahal is worth it, especially at sunrise or sunset. 

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreigners. No ADA Toll Tax is charged here.

Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah

Often known as the Baby Taj or the Bachcha Taj, the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is another Mughal mausoleum in Agra. It was built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, who was known by his title I’timād-ud-Daulah, meaning pillar of the state. Completed in 1628, this mausoleum was one of the first Mughal structures to have ever been built entirely in white marble.

This tomb is situated in the centre of a Charbagh, with four usual enclosing walls and side buildings made of red sandstone. Out of these, the pavilion on the western side beautifully overlooks the Yamuna river. But what sets I’timād-ud-Daulah’s tomb apart from other monuments is the beautiful floral patterns depicted by stone inlays and mosaic work. It even served as an inspiration for the Taj Mahal, which was built for Mirzā Ghiyās Beg’s granddaughter Mumtaz.

CG’s tip: Being a lesser known monument in Agra, the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah doesn’t see that many visitors throughout the day. I would suggest you to visit popular places in the morning and then visit here afterwards. Since it is located near Mehtab Bagh, you can easily club the two together too.

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreigners. Plus, ADA Toll Tax of INR 5 for Indians and INR 10 for Foreigners upon arrival.

Chini ka Rauza

Situated just 1 km north of I’timād-ud-Daulah’s tomb, Chini ka Rauza is another funerary monument in Agra. It contains the tomb of Shukrullah Shirazi Afzal Khan ‘Allami’, a Persian scholar and poet, who later became the Prime Minister of Emperor Shah Jahan. It also has a large garden and nice riverside views.

If you like exploring lesser known places and are in the area anyway, then definitely make a pit stop here. The exterior of this monument is covered in glazed tile work, which is one of the reasons to admire it. The interiors, on the other hand, feature paintwork and inscriptions from the Quran, both of which seems to be depleting to an extent.

However, seeing the dome from inside is still pretty impressive. Just don’t head here with high expectations as the structure isn’t maintained like other popular places in Agra. Some of the tile work on the outside is either falling off or has lost its colour due to the weather. Hopefully it can be restored to its former glory someday!

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: Free.

Tomb of Akbar

Akbar’s tomb is another beautiful example of impressive Mughal architecture. It is a hidden gem that is the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is located in the town of Sikandra, about 40 minutes outside of the main city. Emperor Akbar planned and constructed most of the monument himself while he was still alive. But, it was completed by his son Jahangir, after his death.

The mausoleum itself is five stories tall and is made with red sandstone and white marble. It is surrounded by vast gardens, housing deer, monkeys, peacocks and other wildlife. If you love architecture and photography, then make sure to not give this picturesque sight a miss. The chhatri-topped minarets, painted interiors and detailed inlay work are really remarkable to see up close.

CG’s tip: Sikandra is en-route to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra. If you are planning to visit there, then you can make a stop at Akbar’s tomb on the way to save time. The tomb of Mariam Zamani, Akbar’s wife, is also situated close by in Sikandra itself. 

Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani

Not too far from Akbar’s tomb lies another Mughal mausoleum in Sikandra. This is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar’s favourite wife, Mariam-uz-Zamani. It was built by their son Jahangir and is about a 5 minute driving distance from the tomb of Akbar. If you are travelling to Sikandra to see Akbar’s tomb, then you can make a stop here as well.

Mariam’s tomb was formerly an open baradari (pleasure pavilion) built by Sikander Lodhi in 1495 AD. The Mughals acquired it in the 17 th century and reconstructed the exterior walls by introducing red sandstone to the edifice. Similar to other Mughal sites in Agra, this mausoleum is also surrounded by lush gardens. However, there isn’t much else to see at the site.

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreigners. ADA Toll Tax is not levied here.

Note: All the above-mentioned entrance fees are as per the online ticketing charges. The prices will be slightly higher if you purchase them via cash, when or if the ticket counters open up (more on this below). You can book online tickets to any of these on the official website here .

Taj Nature Walk

Located a few metres away from the East Gate entrance of Taj Mahal, it is a peaceful park providing walking trails and beautiful viewpoints. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Agra, then take a stroll through this 70 hectare green belt and enjoy glimpses of Taj Mahal every now and then.

Taj Nature Walk is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Including an array of birds, you can expect to come across peacocks, peahens, hyena, and more here. Some people also like to go here for a picnic, but in general, it is not a busy attraction. For the best experience, visit here in the morning or evening hours when the weather is pleasant.

CG’s tip: The entrance to Taj Nature Walk is on the Taj East Gate Road. You may be asked for an ID when visiting, so make sure to carry one with you. Taking a reusable water bottle is also recommended as there is no place to buy it once there.

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 100 for Foreigners.

If you are in Agra for longer, then there are also some other landmarks that you can check out. Taj Mahal itself has plenty of viewpoints, especially for those willing to walk around the nearby areas in pursuit of different perspectives. My personal favourite is the chhatri situated close to Dussehra Ghat, and from the boat ride on Yamuna river. 

Agra also enjoys local markets which are an experience in themselves. If you don’t mind the constant honks, large crowds, haggling, etc., then visit the narrow lanes of Kinari Bazaar near the Taj Mahal. The enormous Jama Masjid is also located there. Sadar Bazaar is another famous market in Agra.

Day trips from Agra?

Even though there is a lot to see in Agra itself, there are also remarkable destinations outside it that you can explore when there. The roads are in good condition and you can easily do a day trip to see other gems of Uttar Pradesh. Here are some places that I would recommend checking out:

Fatehpur Sikri

Situated less than 40 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a 16 th century city that was built predominantly in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar. It was founded as the capital of the Mughal Empire and later abandoned after just 15 years due to multiple reasons. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must visit for every architecture lover.

Combining Hindu and Muslim elements, Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour. The city is surrounded by a large fortification wall and there are several entryways to access the premises. Known as the Gate of Magnificence, the Bhuland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri is the highest gateway in the world at a height of 54 metres.

Other must-see attractions at Fatehpur Sikri include The Jama Masjid, which is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. The Palace of Jodha Bai, Panch Mahal, Anup Talao, Diwan-I-Khaas, Diwan-I-Aam, and the Treasury are wonderful too. Just try to visit early in the day so you have enough time to go around and see everything at a relaxed pace. You will easily need a couple of hours here.

CG’s tip: Fatehpur Sikri is divided into two parts: the mosque, and the palace complex. Most taxi drivers will try to drop you close to Bhuland Darwaza, which is the entrance to the Jama Masjid. But, I suggest visiting the palace area first.

Bhuland Darwaza is surrounded by many hawkers, beggars and young children that roam around freely pretending to be guides harassing tourists in the name of charity. Just head to Diwan-I-Aam or Jodha Bai entry gates and visit there later to have a quick visit of the mosque. 

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, every day. Entrance fee: INR 35 for Indians and INR 550 for Foreigners. An additional ADA Toll Tax of INR 10 for Indians and INR 50 for Foreigners is also charged upon arrival. The Jama Masjid complex at Fatehpur Sikri can be visited free of cost.

Located about 25 km from Fatehpur Sikri lies Bharatpur. It is an Indian city in the state of Rajasthan that has an array of beautiful palaces, forts and temples to offer. I would typically suggest to stay here overnight to be able to explore it properly, but if you are short on time, then it can be a great addition to your Fatehpur Sikri day trip from Agra too. There are many tours that cover both places.

The most popular site to not miss in Bharatpur is the Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. It is a World Heritage Site where you can spot over 350 species of birds, especially during the winter season. The landscape is really beautiful and you can choose between covering the trails on foot, bikes or a cycle rickshaw. Boating is also available there.

CG’s tip: Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri both fall on the way on the Jaipur-Agra route. If you are travelling between Jaipur and Agra by road, then you can visit either of them or both, depending on how much time you have. For Keoladeo National Park, I would recommend having a few hours in hand.

Opening hours: Keoladeo National Park is open from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm in Winter and 6:00 am to 6:00 pm in Summer.  Entrance fee: INR 75 for Indians and INR 500 for Foreigners. Prices for vehicle hire at the Keoladeo National park are separate.

For those interested in spirituality and Hindu culture, the city of Mathura is another option for a day trip from Agra. It is located approximately 57 km from Agra and is popular for being the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Offering landmarks like sacred temples and serene ghats, Mathura is unlike most other cities in India.

Known as the holiest place in the city, the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is one of the must visit sites in Mathura. There are large celebrations here during the festivals of Holi and Janmashtami. Other notable landmarks in Mathura are Vishram Ghat, Kusum Sarovar, Kans Qila, Jama Masjid, Krishna Balaram Mandir, Goverdhan Hill and more.

Your trip to Mathura can also be combined with a visit to its twin city of Vrindavan. The town of Deeg is also an easy drive from both Mathura and Bharatpur.

Located around 15 km from Mathura, Vrindavan is another holy city situated on the banks of the Yamuna river. It is a Hindu pilgrimage site that is known for being the city where Lord Krishna spent a considerable amount of his childhood. There are numerous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in Vrindavan.

Shri Banke Bihari Mandir is one of the most popular temples to visit in Vrindavan. It is also the main centre of celebration of the Holi festival in Vrindavan, where events take place for a whole week. The shrine at Banke Bihari Mandir is one of the most admired in all of India.

Other places to see in Vrindavan include Prem Mandir, Govind Devji Temple, ISKCON Vrindavan, Radha Raman Temple, Nidhi Van, Keshi Ghat, and more. You can drive to Vrindavan yourself, use public transport or book a private guided tour. This one from Agra takes you to both Mathura and Vrindavan.

Where to eat in Agra?

Indian food is one of my all-time favourites, so I love travelling within India and tasting local delicacies of different regions. Here are some places that I would recommend for good vegetarian food in Agra:

Bellevue: Bellevue is an all-day dining restaurant at The Oberoi Amarvilas, serving Indian and International cuisines. It has both indoor and outdoor seating, where the latter overlooks the hotel’s beautiful, lush gardens and the pool area. From hand rolled pastas to chaat boxes containing mouth-watering street food, you can expect to find great quality no matter what you order. Their Thai Stir Fried Tofu and Vegetable Krapow were my personal favourite!

Esphahan: Esphahan is a speciality tandoor dining restaurant serving Mughal cuisine at The Oberoi Amarvilas. You can order Thalis or multiple course set menus here and enjoy a delicious dinner while listening to live music. My friend and I went with the traditional Indian Thali option and loved everything. The Dal Esphahani and Pistachio Kulfi were a delight!

Peshawri: Peshawri is another North Indian fine dining restaurant in Agra. It is located inside the ITC Mughal and serves dishes that are cooked in traditional clay pots or tandoors. Some of the dishes were not available during our visit as the restaurant had just re-opened that night itself, but we had Dal Bukhara, Kebabs and lots of butter Naan. Their bread was so good that I could eat just that on its own!

Sheroes Hangout: Sheroes Hangout in Agra is a café with a cause. It is a colourful place that is run by acid attack survivors who welcome customers with utmost love and big smiles. Their mission is to raise awareness about these attacks and empower other victims to continue living life in public. The menu at Sheroes Hangout doesn’t have any prices and customers are requested to pay what they deem right. Please remember to pay fair and support them in whatever way possible.

Other than these, we mostly ate our weight in breakfast buffets and decent looking all-day dining places close to where we were. If you happen to be in the Taj Ganj area, then you can also check out rooftop restaurants like Hotel Saniya Palace that are known for their view of the Taj Mahal. The food is mostly simple, but worth a visit for the viewpoint.

What to buy in Agra?

Agra is known for many things, out of which Petha is the most popular. It is an Indian soft candy made from white pumpkin. Most sweet shops in Agra sell Petha and there are often numerous flavours available. If you like sweets, then make sure to try this local delicacy or bring back some for your loved ones. You can get Petha near the Taj Mahal, at bus and train stations, and in local markets and speciality stores. 

Another souvenir that you can buy from Agra are marble replicas. From a Taj Mahal miniature to products like trays, vases, or boxes, you can find many items inlaid with semi-precious stones in ornate floral designs that are commonly found in Mughal architecture throughout Agra. There are many stores on Fatehabad Road that sell these.

Other products that Agra is known for are leather goods, silk sarees and textiles, rugs and carpets, handicrafts, and more. Have a stroll around Kinari Bazaar or Sadar Bazaar and you’ll probably find something interesting for yourself. Just note that Kinari Bazaar is closed every Tuesday. 

What to pack for Agra?

• A camera! Taj Mahal is one of the most photogenic sites in the world, so you would be crazy to travel to Agra and not capture it. Whether you are comfortable using a smartphone or a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera, make sure to take one with you and snap some pictures. I recently upgraded to a Sony mirrorless !
•  A wide angle lens . The monuments in Agra are designed in such a way that you’ll sometimes wish you had a wider lens to shoot the entire setting. Landmarks like Akbar’s Tomb are enormous in size, and if you want the iconic arch shot of the Taj Mahal then definitely carry this with you.
• A zoom lens may also be useful if you are looking to get some detailed shots while in Agra. It would particularly come handy in places like Mehtaab Bagh where Taj Mahal would be a little further.
• A hard drive because all those photos need to be stored somewhere now, don’t they? This may not apply to everyone, but I like to take a backup of my files every day and thus carry a hard drive on all my trips. Not only does it help to empty SD cards, but I honestly sleep better knowing my photos are safely backed up. This is the one I use.
• Weather appropriate clothing. The temperatures in Agra vary vastly between the different seasons, so make sure to bring suitable clothing for your trip. However, for women, I suggest leaving tanks behind and bringing light maxis or similar if travelling in summer. Agra is still a conservative city.
• If you are a female, then carrying a scarf to cover your bare shoulders when visiting masjids, temples and other religious sites is also a must. I personally take one or a light jacket with me on most trips around India as they can also be useful in crowded areas to avoid unnecessary attention.
• A travel plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D, and M. If your devices are bought from outside India, then make sure to check this to have a seamless experience at your accommodation or check with your hotel for a spare. This one works in most places around the world.
• A portable charger. Since you are going to be out and about all the time and using your phone for photos, directions, restaurant reviews, you may run out of battery quickly. A portable charge ensures you always have a working device with you!
• Last but not the least, make sure to carry hand sanitizers and face masks . You can never have too much of these while travelling during these uncertain times.

Some things to know before visiting Agra

• Entrance tickets for all the monuments in and nearby Agra must now be purchased online. There used to be functioning ticket counters at all the touristic sites before the pandemic, but that isn’t the case anymore.
• You can now either buy your tickets for Agra monuments here before visiting or scan one of the QR codes displayed on the entrances and get an electronic ticket on the spot. However, sometimes the portal does not work efficiently due to poor connectivity so it is better to purchase from before with hotel WIFI.
• Should the ticket booths open again soon, remember that in person tickets are more expensive. If you purchase tickets to monuments in Agra online (either before visiting or paying by card on arrival), then automatic discounts are applied to the final price. The deductions are not huge, but do make a difference when visiting many places.
• On top of the entrance fee, the Agra Development Authority (ADA) also imposes a charge commonly known as ADA’s Pathkar or Toll Tax. It will already be included in the price of your Taj Mahal ticket, but you will be asked to pay it on top of your tickets at other landmarks. 
• All foreign citizens visiting other monuments in Agra on the same day as the Taj Mahal do not have to pay the ADA Toll Tax again (make sure to show your ticket for the same if asked). However, you will not be exempted from it the next day. The ADA doesn’t levy any Toll Tax on Fridays so you can visit then to save money.
• Some landmarks in Agra have a huge list of prohibited items that are strictly not allowed inside the premises. Before visiting any of these locations, make sure to check the list from beforehand to avoid wasting time in cloak rooms and security checks. For instance, visitors cannot carry any food, tobacco products, tripods, portable charges, pens, etc. inside the Taj Mahal.
• Know the best time to visit popular places. Being regarded as the most beautiful building in the world, it is safe to say that the Taj Mahal gets REALLY crowded even at sunrise. I, fortunately, got lucky as India was still closed to international tourists at the time of my visit, but try going as early as possible.
• Trust that the fog is real. If you are planning to visit Agra during the winter season in India, then expect that you may not be able to see the Taj Mahal clearly early in the morning. The visibility can get so low that you can stand just beneath it and still not be able to get a detailed glance!
• You may come across articles online that claim there is nothing else to see in Agra apart from the majestic Taj Mahal. But in reality, this couldn’t be further away from the truth. Give the city more than a few hours and explore some other incredible structures from the Mughal era to see what else it has to offer.
• There is also a lot of talk about Agra being a dirty and smelly place. Since this was only my first time properly seeing the city, I cannot argue if that is always incorrect, but I personally didn’t think the same was true from what I saw and experienced. Maybe it is due to the ongoing pandemic, or less number of daily visitors at the moment, but all the sights and areas I saw were clean.

Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on a comprehensive Agra travel guide from me! I hope you found information in this blog post helpful in planning your trip to Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. 

I tried to include everything I could think of, but if there is anything else I can help you out with, then please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. You can also DM me on Instagram or send an email. I love hearing from you and helping you plan your trips!

Happy Exploring, Charu xx

Want to keep reading? You may like “ Best Instagrammable Places in Jaipur ” and “ 11 Best Instagram Spots in Bikaner ” too.

LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER ⤸

This Post Has 20 Comments

Charu, I love how beautiful your pictures are and how detailed the guides. I started following you on Instagram after coming across your Agra posts and have been waiting for this guide. Thank you for covering every topic that was needed so thoroughly!

Thank you so much for joining me here and on Instagram, Suman. I am glad that you came across my pictures from Agra, thanks for all your kind words 💖

Agra is incredible. I’m so glad I went before COVID. I hope to return one day. Thanks so much for the info. Your pictures are beautiful.

Thank you, Sharon. And yes, so good that you could visit India before the borders shut down. I hope that we can reopen properly soon and people can start returning!

I am blown away by your photos of these historic buildings.

The architecture in India is incredible, thank you Terri.

Beautiful photographs! I love the way the sun appears to set the marble on fire, Although when we visited at sunrise I looked half asleep. The nearby forts are equally magnificent. A really comprehensive post – so useful and visually appealing.

Me too! We were there for quite a few hours, so it was interesting to see how the marble changed colours under different lighting conditions. Our guide also made us observe some precious stones that illuminated due to the sun’s position, which was fascinating to say the least. Thank you for your kind words, Hels!

Your photos are so beautiful! Agra looks amazing to explore, thank you for this great detailed guide!

It really is, Lyne! Have you thought about visiting someday?

Your pictures are incredible!!! Lovely post, thanks for sharing all the details with us 🙂

Thank you for reading, Karla! I am glad you liked it 🙂

Your photos are absolutely stunning! And that architecture!! Thanks so much for sharing such an incredible destination!

Thank you, Kathryn! Agra is truly special.

Beautiful pictures! I visited the Taj Mahal a few years ago but I didn’t get a chance to go there at sunrise. I’d love to go back again some day!

You must. Although the Taj Mahal is beautiful at any time of the day, seeing it at sunrise is truly incomparable. I hope you get to experience that one day!

Wow loved the pictures..so amazing .i remember Visitng long back during childhood..need to visit again

Thank you, Madhu. And yes, you must!

I don’t even know where to start on saving all this info in my planner lol So helpful! Thank you 🙂

Just a side question, but your amazing dresses… do you wearing them out all day when traveling or change at the location before/after? Also, where do you buy your dress, they look so beautiful and flowy.

Hi Channy, I am so pleased to hear that you found this post helpful. I usually wear the dresses all day, but sometimes also change at the location or before/after if it involves a hike. Typically, I take most of my photos in the morning or during sunset so I may also change into something more comfortable for just roaming around the city when not shooting. Most of my outfits from this article are linked in my ‘Outfits’ Instagram Highlight but feel free to DM me for any links if you need.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please enter an answer in digits: thirteen − 13 =

Sign me up for the newsletter!

The magical allure of the Taj Mahal draws tourists to Agra like moths to a wondrous flame. And despite the hype, it’s every bit as good as you’ve heard. But the Taj is not a stand-alone attraction. The legacy of the Mughal empire has left a magnificent fort and a liberal sprinkling of fascinating tombs and mausoleums, and there’s also fun to be had in the bustling chowks (marketplaces).

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Agra. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Poet Rabindranath Tagore described it as 'a teardrop on the cheek of eternity'; Rudyard Kipling as 'the embodiment of all things pure'; while its creator,…

With the Taj Mahal overshadowing it, one can easily forget that Agra has one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Walking through courtyard after…

Mehtab Bagh

This park, originally built by Emperor Babur as the last in a series of 11 parks on the Yamuna’s east bank (long before the Taj was conceived), fell into…

Itimad-ud-Daulah

Nicknamed the Baby Taj, the exquisite tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg should not be missed. This Persian nobleman was Mumtaz Mahal’s grandfather and Emperor…

Akbar’s Mausoleum

This outstanding sandstone and marble tomb commemorates the greatest of the Mughal emperors. The huge courtyard is entered through a stunning gateway…

Jehangir's Palace

This huge red-sandstone palace inside Agra Fort, a combination of Indian and Central Asian architectural styles, was most likely built by the Mughal ruler…

This beautiful marble pavillion and pool formed the living quarters of Shah Jahan, while the large attached courtyard housed the court harem.

Elephant Conservation Centre

Wildlife SOS runs this conservation centre, which offers rehabilitation and medical care to rescued elephants. You'll get to see the elephants while…

Plan with a local

Experience the real India

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Agra

Jan 4, 2018 • 1 min read

As befitting one the seven new wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal attracts millions of people every year but now authorities are considering visitor…

Apr 4, 2013 • 5 min read

Apr 13, 2012 • 4 min read

Aug 27, 2011 • 4 min read

Nov 26, 2010 • 3 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Agra

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Agra with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical…

Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Agra travel blog — the fullest agra guide, itinerary & what to do in agra for 3 days.

The city of Agra is located on the banks of the Yamuna river, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the fourth most populous city in the state and twenty-fourth in the whole of India. Agra is a popular tourist destination for its Mughal period architecture, among them, the most well-known ones are Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. So, what to do in Agra? — the city is famous for its magnificent Taj Mahal and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Agra for the first-time? Let’s check out our Agra travel blog (Agra blog) with the fullest Agra travel guide (Agra guide, Agra tourist guide, Agra city guide) from how to get there, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and things to do in Agra during my Agra itinerary 3 days to find out the answer!

• Taj Mahal blog — 10 Taj Mahal photography tips & tips for visiting Taj Mahal
• Ladakh travel tips — 11+ Ladakh tips & things to know before going to Ladakh
• What to buy in Ladakh? — Top 9+ Ladakh souvenirs & must things to buy in Ladakh
• Zanskar Ladakh travel blog — The ultimate guide with top things to do in Zanskar Valley for first-timers
• New Delhi travel blog — The fullest New Delhi travel guide for first-timers

Agra travel blog: Overview of the City of Agra

Geographically, the city of Agra is located about 204km south of the Indian capital New Delhi. Agra is a metropolis of the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Here you can explore the ancient culture and history of the city through its fortresses, palaces, mausoleums and royal gardens.

And, for many travelers, the purpose of visiting Agra is simply because it owns an extremely worldwide famous place on the list of wonders of the world, which is the Taj Mahal. However, you will also explore many other attractions that are equally unique.

I will write about the Taj Mahal to guide you in detail in a separate article, and within the scope of this article, I will generalize important destinations to help you have an overview and the most basic to know what to expect, things to do in Agra, what to do in Agra India when coming to this city.

Agra blog: When is the good time to visit Agra?

Agra’s climate does not have 4 seasons, but only 3 main seasons: winter, summer and the other season is the rainy season. Summer in India lasts 3 months from March to June, followed by a rainy season from June to September and the following winter from October to February of the following year.

September to March is the best time to explore Agra. During this time, Agra does not have rain and is not too hot, so visitors can comfortably check in without getting tired of the weather.

Agra travel guide: How to get to Agra?

Usually, you will go to Agra from New Delhi by express train, stay for a few days and then take the train back to New Delhi or continue to other cities.

Because it is about 204km from the capital, you can also choose to go to Agra early in the morning to visit the Taj Mahal and return in the evening. However, this way is very rushed and it is not possible to visit the Taj Mahal at the most beautiful time of the day, which is early morning.

To traveling between attractions, tuktuk is still the most economical and reasonable option even though the roads are quite dusty.

From Agra train station, exit the station gate and then take a tuktuk back to the hotel.

Agra city guide: How to get around Agra?

If you go with a large group, you should take Uber (in big cities like New Delhi or Jaipur, there is Uber service) or Tuktuk. The advantage of these two means over bus/metro is drop on/drop off at the place, no need to walk to the bus stop or station, don’t have to share with anyone. The price is also known in advance, going in a group so when share the cost, it’s not much.

There is no Uber in Agra, so we travel entirely by Tuk-tuk, walking for short distances. Taking Tuk-tuk, you should remember always have to bargain. Tips are:

• Preview the distance in advance from the place of departure to the destination to estimate the appropriate price. I feel that tuktuk in Agra or Varanasi is more expensive than in a big city like New Delhi.
• Remember to bargain hardly because the drivers are very challenging, if you can’t pay the price, just turn around. Tuk-tuk is a lot, do not afraid to find another driver, if you refuse this driver, another driver will rush over.
• If you travel a lot in a day, you can negotiate the combo price for that whole day, attractions to go, time,… Only pay after the end of the day.

Agra travel blog: Where to stay?

Agra is the 4th city in my journey, so when I come here, I give a lot of priority to the most attractive place to visit of this city, the Taj Mahal. Therefore, I chose the hotel closest to its entrance gate for convenience.

It can be said that the hotel in Agra is the worst hotel in almost 10 hotels I stayed in during my India trip. Terrible dirty room, without change bed sheet, no cleaning, no hot water… but always asking for a 5 star for rating after stay. And to avoid this issue, I recommend this tip: Just enter the name of the hotel you want to book into the Tripadvisor app to see reviews from previous guests. Pay attention to the good reviews from Indians, those reviews are not trustworthy because they are fake reviews to deceive you.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Agra ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Holiday Inn Agra MG Road, an IHG hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Crystal Sarovar Premiere ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Trident, Agra ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Courtyard Agra ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• The Oberoi Amarvilas ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top and best hotels in Agra on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Agra travel blog: Where to go and what to do in Agra?

With an Agra itinerary 3 days 2 nights, I will share with you the places that I think are really beautiful and worth going.

1. Taj Mahal 2. Agra Fort 3. Fatehpur Sikri 4. Itimad-ud-daulah’s Tomb 5. Jama Masjid 6. Mehtab Bagh 7. Local market 8. Rooftop coffee 9. Chini Ka Rauza

A few notes:

• If you have been to, or plan to go to Jama Masjid in New Delhi, you should skip Jama Masjid in Agra because it is nothing special.
• Fatehpur Sikri is very far from the center, it takes a whole day to go here and return, so I also skipped it because I didn’t have too much time for Agra.
• I also skipped Agra Fort because I have visited too many forts in Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur… so this place is not very attractive to me. Instead I spent quite a lot of time for the Taj Mahal.

Address: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India Construction started: 1631 Height: 73 m

Details on how to go, how to take beautiful photos and important information when visiting, I will dedicate another article to have more information for you refer to.

If you don’t have much time for the Taj Mahal, you can buy a day tour from your hotel in New Delhi. There will be a shuttle service to pick up and drop you off at the place. If you are familiar with train travel in India, you can also buy a express train ticket to go back and forth in the same day, although it is a bit difficult.

The Taj Mahal is very crowded, or in other words, extremely crowded from the very early morning, most of which, I think 80-90%, are Indian tourists. So queuing to buy tickets is also very difficult. So, you can also purchase tickets in advance through travel apps or through the official Taj Mahal website here:  https://www.tajmahal.gov.in/

Each ticket is only allowed to visit in the Taj Mahal for exactly 3 hours, if you return late, you have to pay an extra fee. Day tickets are not allow to access at night. On the ticket, there are very specific requirements, please remember to read carefully.

Important note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for general viewing.

Address: Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003, India

Agra Fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge or Red Fort. Agra Fort is the second most important destination after the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort is located in the northwest of Agra city, 2.5 km northwest of Taj Mahah. So, standing here you can see the Taj Mahal in the distance.

Originally Agra Fort was a brick fortress built by a family of Rajputs. However, the fort was later occupied by the Mughal dynasties and later rebuilt by the emperor Akbar. The inside of the fortress also includes mosques, halls, palaces, towers, and beautiful courtyards.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah

Address: Moti Bagh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006, India Hours: 8AM–12AM

This mausoleum is located across the Yamuna River, also known as Baby Taj for short. The main structure of ​​the mausoleum is built of white marble and is famous for its elaborate and sophisticated carvings. Many people consider it to be a small version of the Taj Mahal because of its very similar architecture.

This mausoleum was built in honor of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a bankrupt merchant who got lucky after his wife gave birth to their daughter Nur Jahan.

Thereafter, Ghiyas Beg became the great treasurer under the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and was conferred the title Itmad-ud-Daulah (The “pillar of the State”) while his daughter was married to the emperor.

His daughter, Nur Jahan, built this mausoleum for her father in the 1620s and his granddaughter, Mumtaz Mahal, was also built the Taj Mahal by her husband, the emperor Shah Jahan.

After visiting the Taj Mahal, you can catch a tuktuk to continue going to Itimad-ud-daulah which is reasonable because they are quite close to each other.

Jama Masjid

This mosque is a magnificent 17th-century Mughal masterpiece set amidst the bustling traditional markets of Agra. Jama Masjid with its impressive architecture stands prominently on a high platform in the center of a vibrant traditional market.

The Mosque is located in the middle of the lively Kinari market in Agra, near Agra Fort Station and about a 15-minute drive from Agra Cantonment Station.

While here, make sure to walk along the maze-like walkways of Kinari Market to discover shops selling a variety of colorful fabrics, jewelry, sari, spices and more.

Mehtab Bagh

Address: near Taj Mahal, Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Nagla Devjit, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India Hours: 6AM–9PM/Thursday: 6AM–5PM

Also known as Moonlight Garden, it is located on the north bank of the Yamuna River, opposite the Taj Mahal overlooking a river, and is a great place to see the Taj Mahal from afar.

The park Mehtab Bagh is not very special, apart from seeing the Taj Mahal from afar, especially in the afternoon is a very beautiful time. Admission is INR 100 but Indians will be free.

Craft workshops

These are also well-known places to visit of Agra  that is loved by many tourists. Here you can choose great souvenirs for relatives and friends. Agra’s famous products are stone sculptures. In which, the statue of the Mughal Emperor is considered the pinnacle of sculpture.

Mughal Heritage Walk in Kachhpura Village

The Mughal Heritage Walk was initiated by Centre for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE India). This is a community-based tourism initiative in India to help local people get more income from tourism, thereby improving people’s lives.

Taj Mahal and Agra Private Tour with Kachhpura Village Walk from Delhi

People trained to be guides for tourists participate in a 1km walk, on the riverbank on the opposite side of the Taj Mahal, through the village of Kachhpura and the last stop is Mehtab Bagh. Along the way you’ll get to visit lesser-known ruins of the Mughal Age, admire the views of rural India, interact with locals, and of course admire the stunning beauty of the Taj Mahal.

What to do in Agra India: Local markets

A market in Agra that is mentioned by many people is Sadar Bazaar. This can be considered as the central local market because it is quite large, trading is very busy.

If you don’t have time, you can also visit the Kinari market located right next to the Jama Masjid.

Rooftop cafe

Many people whisper to each other to visit the rooftop coffee Hotel Saniya, because here, you can see the Taj Mahal from afar. Sipping a cup of coffee, sitting on the windy roof watching 1 of the 7 wonders of the world is a very wonderful feeling that you should experience.

Hotel Saniya serves drinks and meat dishes, mainly chicken. But looking at the piece of chicken dyed red with curry is not very attractive.

Address: 34/277 Chowk Kajziyan South gate of Taj Mahal, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India Hours: Open 24 hours

Chini Ka Rauza

This is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, a scholar, poet and close-in-chief of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The tomb was built in 1635. Chini ka Rauza is located just 1 km north of the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, on the east bank of the Yamuna River.

Therefore, after visiting Itmad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) you can visit here very conveniently. The tomb is located in a spacious and airy ground, next to the windy, quiet Yamuna River, there were almost no tourists, so many locals come here to walk and read books.

Agra travel tips

• For me, Agra is not very special except the attraction of the Taj Mahal. Therefore, I just spent 3 days in Agra and then took the train down to Varanasi to continue my journey in India.
• You can visit Agra for 1-2 days then return to New Delhi or continue heading to Varanasi is the most convenient route.
• You should choose a hotel near the Taj Mahal so that you can get up early to take beautiful pictures.
• Agra is quite dusty, so always have a mask and outerwear ready.
• You should visit the Taj Mahal in the morning to avoid crowds. The afternoon is spent visiting one of the sites: Agra Fort, Akbar Tomb and the last stop is Mehtab Bagh to watch the sunset.
• You should check and bargain the tuk tuk driver. Tuk tuks and taxis here always say overcharge, always 2-3 times higher.
• Go to places of interest, just go to the ticket booth to buy tickets, don’t listen to fake tour guides.
• Some spots need to book tickets in advance to avoid crowds: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Agra you can refer to

• Taj Mahal Fast Track Entry Ticket
• Itmad-ud-Daulah Ticket in Agra
• Taj Mahal and Agra Private Day Tour by Express Train from Delhi
• Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Day Tour from Delhi
• Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Private Half Day Tour
• Walking Tour Of Agra City
• Sunrise Tour Of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort from Delhi
• Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Day Tour from Jaipur
• Private Sunrise Tour Of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort from Delhi
• Private Tour Of Taj Mahal + Agra Fort From Agra
• Agra Street Food Crawl

Read more: Taj Mahal blog — 10 Taj Mahal photography tips & tips for visiting Taj Mahal and more India guide here .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Must eat in melaka — 10+ famous malacca street food & must try food in melaka, what to do in alishan — 5 top attractions & best things to do in alishan, taiwan, hong kong food culture — hong kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land.

Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers

Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go & top things to do

Tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in tokyo

Yamanashi blog — The Yamanashi travel guide & top things to do in Yamanashi

Guide to Suzhou nightlife — 5+ what & best things to do in Suzhou at night

Editor picks.

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street...

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &...

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1452
• Trip Inspiration 469
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 207
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Agra Travel Guide | The Best of Agra Beyond the Taj

Agra needs no introduction to most visitors to India, but there is plenty to see beyond the Taj – read my Agra travel guide for all my top Agra travel tips for getting the most out of your time here, enjoying your stay, and discovering the best of Agra beyond the Taj (and crowds!)

This post contains compensated affiliate links. For more info and my full disclosure, please  read here . 

Agra Travel Guide – An Introduction

If there’s one place in India that every traveller eventually makes it to, it has to be Agra.

For some – it’s the highlight of a long awaited India trip. For others, it’s with more reluctance or version of I can’t really leave India without seeing the Taj kind of sentiment.

My own story with Agra was fairly simple. Having seen the major tourist sights in Agra on my early trips to India – and witnessed a fair amount of the over-tourism and hassle, I wasn’t really in any hurry to return. It’s not for nothing that Agra has something of a bad reputation among tourists to India for the number of touts and scams that prevail(ed) here.

That was until I came across Ekaa Villa in Agra and their work to show visitors a different side of Agra – one with fewer crowds, less focus on the Taj Mahal, and more focus on culture, community-centric tourism. Reason enough to tempt me back to see how Agra had changed over the years, as a result of the Pandemic, and to find out if my opinion of Agra would fare better a few years on (spoiler – it did)!

In this Agra travel blog I’ll cover where to visit, my top travel tips for visiting Agra, advice for female travellers and much more – read on for what you need to know while planning your trip to Agra!

The Best Time to Visit Agra

Set in the heart of northern-central India, Agra sees similar weather to Delhi, but with more variation in heat and cold. At time of writing this blog in May, temperatures in Agra are up to almost 50 degrees celsius at the height of summer, as India is experiencing a heat wave. Suffice to say, I do not recommend visiting Agra in April, May or June as these are when temperatures soar.

The most popular (and best weather-wise) time to visit Agra is between late October and early March. In December & January, Agra gets cold (as in you’ll need a coat cold) and this is when Agra also sees a lot of morning fog. For ideal misty morning Taj viewing conditions, you want both sun and morning mist (seeing the mist rising and evaporating over the Taj is something quite special), which can be more likely to happen with warmer weather in February than in January, when the mist can hang about.

Visiting Agra in monsoon (July – late September) is another option, but weather can still be very hot and sticky (high humidity), when it’s not raining.

Whichever time of year you choose to come to Agra, I recommend avoiding weekends , as this is when the majority of Indian domestic tourists travel, and the city and major sights get very crowded. Note that the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday, and special fees and conditions apply if you want to see the Taj during the full moon.

Where to Stay in Agra

For me, this time one of the highlights of my Agra trip was where I chose to stay.

When it comes to choosing between Agra hotels, unfortunately the options are not always inspiring. There’s a dearth of large (and mostly bland) chain hotels that cater to the wedding and conference market in Agra, and there’s the backpacker hostels of Taj Ganj (some with some great rooftop views it has to be said).

But there’s not much in-between, that has character, represents Agra’s culture, or has the real warmth of hospitality that makes travel in India so special. So I was so happy to stumble upon Ekaa Villa Boutique Hotel & Kitchen which is Agra’s first boutique hotel.

Located in the Taj Nagri phase 2 area just 10 drive minutes from the Taj itself, Ekaa Villa is a peaceful retreat away from the tourist throngs and busy streets of Agra. With just 13 beautifully designed rooms, this boutique hotel reflects the city around it in its design and decor, with a contemporary twist. Rooms feature huge comfy beds, Taj frames on the walls and rain showers. There’s a library on the top flor with some great books and photography of Agra (perfect for unwinding on a hot afternoon or after a busy day), and the restaurant area includes a courtyard area for al fresco dining.

The hospitality here is second to none, with the staff seeming to know exactly when you really need one of their thirst quenching iced-teas, a winning formula when combined with the knowledge and passion for Agra that is infectious from its owners.

I highly recommend staying here if you can – and try out one of their Experience packages (see more below in getting off the beaten path in Agra).

Click here to check rates & availability for Ekaa Villa Boutique Hotel

Top Tips for Visiting Agra

As a popular tourist destination in India, Agra needs some pre-planning, especially if its one of your first stops in India. Unfortunately as a place that sees a lot of visitors on whistlestop tours who haven’t done their research, over-charging is common practice, and scams are not uncommon.

Here are some of my tips for seeing the better side of Agra. You can find additional considerations for (solo) female travellers below, too.

• Stay longer than a day . There’s so much more to see in Agra than just the Taj Mahal and the fort, I really recommend staying 2-3 days here if you possibly can to get a real sense of Agra.
• Pre-book your Agra accommodation . The usual rackets operated by rickshaw drivers who will try to take you to hotels that pay them commission is a problem here, which can be avoided if you pre-book and insist on being taken there.
• Negotiate with rickshaw drivers – the prices quoted at popular tourist sights and at railway stations on arrival will be high, so barter them down ( by at least 50% ). I recommend organising a pickup through your hotel from the train station or airport to cut down on hassle.
• Check the weather and dress accordingly – Agra has very seasonal weather, so you’ll need a decent coat/jacket in winter, and light cotton in hot months. If in doubt, pack layers you can peel off as the weather warms up during the day.
• Ignore people who approach you offering to be your guide / show you around / show you a better view, take your photos, claim to know you (eg from your hotel), or just start following you and telling you about things – in all of these cases people are trying to either hire themselves as your guide (will expect payment) or are unfolding some kind of scam.
• Agra is not the best place for souvenir shopping. Because of the high tourist footfall, souvenirs are overpriced here – try to buy in other parts of India from local crafts (wo)men directly if you can.
• Do enjoy the amazing local food . Agra is famous for its mithai (sweets) and milk produce – Lassi, rabri & hot milk as well as for its non-veg (meat) based food. Pick restaurants and stalls that are busy and have a high turnover of customers, or book a food tour with a local guide who can take you the the best spots. If you stay at Ekaa (above) they can take you for delicious local treats.
• Factor in some down time . As with so many of India’s top destinations, there’s so much to see and do here it can be tempting to pack your days solid with sightseeing – but for best results I find some downtime is helpful to reflect on all you’ve experienced and seen, or just catch an afternoon nap – especially important if you’re travelling to Agra during hotter months!
• Buy your monument tickets in advance, online – see more on how to do it below.

Places to Visit in Agra

Agra is dotted with beautiful monuments, the old city, gardens, sunset spots – far more than you might think on an initial glance! As the former capital of Mughal India (from 1501 until 1638 when Shah Jahan built a new capital in Delhi) , there is arguably nowhere better in India to see stunning Mughal architecture.

One thing to note when planning your visits to the various monuments in Agra and around (including Fatehpur Sikri), is that tickets now have to be bought online and are not available at the monuments themselves (you’ll find signs with a QR code that you can scan). Head to this website to buy your tickets – they can be booked up to a week in advance. If you have trouble with your card being accepted, you could ask your hotel to try and book tickets for you on an Indian card and add them to your bill (foreign cards seem to be hit and miss if they are accepted or not).

Y ou can also buy skip the line tickets here which include an English-speaking guide

The Taj Mahal

There may be far more to see in Agra beyond the Taj, but you still won’t want to miss it. No matter how many photos you’ve seen (and even if you’ve visited before), there’s nothing that quite prepares you for the first shining white glimpse of the Taj Mahal through the entrance gate, glinting in the misty morning light.

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal, without question, is for sunrise. The monument is open sunrise to sunset, Saturday to Thursday ( the Taj is closed every Friday ). Sunrise is a little loose as a time… so it’s worth getting there a bit before. In late march, we arrived at the Taj at 06.30 and were a little late, 6am would have been the perfect time to arrive. The reason why sunrise is the best time is a) for the beautiful morning light and b) it’s the only time of day you’ll see the Taj with fewer crowds.

There are three entrances to the Taj Mahal – South (closest to the budget hotels at Taj Ganj), West, and East (closer to the higher end hotels located in the south east of the city). Note that regular auto-rickshaws are not allowed within 500m of the Taj due to pollution, so you’ll have to walk the last stretch or take an e-rickshaw. At Shilpgram (east entrance) the e-rickshaw cost is included in foreigner ticket prices.

The Red Fort

Second only to the Taj Mahal when it comes to top places to visit in Agra, the Agra Fort is one of the finest Mughal forts in India, and a step up on Delhi’s very similar version. Construction of the fort was begun in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, and then finished by his grandson, Shah Jahan, who transformed the military fort into a palace, adding his signature touch of plenty of white marble.

Rising above the Yamuna river, you can easily spend hours wandering around the massive fort. The best time to come is very early morning to avoid the tour groups, preferably while they’re still at the Taj. The fort opens at sunrise. Another bonus for sunrise visitors are the photo ops back over towards the Taj Mahal (you’ll need a decent zoom lens), where if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the sun rising behind the Taj.

Click here for Red Fort skip the line tickets & guided tour options

Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)

Probably my favourite monument in Agra, the tomb of Persian nobleman, Mumtaz Mahal’s grandfather, the “Baby Taj” is a treat for the eyes as well as the crowd-weary. The intricate designs and carved marble lattice screens are impressive examples of Persian architecture, and the river-side location makes for a peaceful spot to take in the Yamuna views of Agra.

Best of all, the traditional Persian style gardens are being restored to their former glory – traditionally these contained cypress trees, roses and flowers according to the Persian traditions around gardens. Cypress trees were used to represent life and death, a figure pointing towards the heavens bridging the life and the afterlife. The gardens follow the traditional ‘char Bagh’ style, divided by four water streams.

There’s an interesting display on the restoration of these gardens to the traditional Persian style with trees and flowers, from the British style grass ‘lawns’ that were imposed during colonial times which destroyed the rich diversity of these and other Mughal gardens in Agra.

Sikandra / Akbar’s Tomb

The resting place of Emperor Akbar, Sikandra lies 10km to the west of Agra, and is another incredible example of the beautiful Mughal architecture in Agra. Most impressive are the entrance gateway to Sikandra with its four towers, along with the beautifully painted ceilings and walls of the main cenotaph.

The gateway opens out onto expansive lawned gardens (presumably the traditional Persian style was present here before the British lawn-ified them). Deer can be seen wandering around, and the gardens are peaceful spot to relax in.

Unfortunately the tomb itself and several of the outbuildings are a shadow of their former glory, having experienced multiple raids by the local Jat warrior rulers that preceded the Mughal kingdom (the bones of Akbar were removed during one of the Jat raids) – and despite restoration work undertaken by the British during the early twentieth century. But, raids aside, this is still one of the most impressive Agra attractions, which receives a fraction of the visitors compared to other Agra must see sights.

Mehtab Bagh & Taj Viewing Point

The park across the river from the park (Mehtab Bagh) has long been a favourite sunset viewing point for the Taj, and the gardens provide for a pleasant stroll however a new sunset viewing point has now been put in which runs in front of the park directly next to the river – so your view from the park may be obscured by people in front of you.

The viewing point is paid access (with heavy surcharges for visiting at the full moon), and additional camera charges apply.

In my view, there are much better viewing points for the Taj – as these days the Yamuna river flow is far reduced, with the effect being you are rather looking across damp grass up at the Taj, rather than the sunset river reflection you have in your mind. It’s also worth noting that boat trips to view the Taj are now banned.

Agra off the Beaten Path & Responsible Tourism in Agra

As home to the Taj Mahal, Agra, unsurprisingly sees a huge influx of tourists (especially in winter, and on weekends) and the volume of footfall has an impact including over-crowding and over-commercialisation. One of the simplest ways to create a better impact on your trip to Agra, is to stay longer and support local businesses.

A surprisingly high percentage of visitors just come for the day, meaning that they don’t spend at hotels, or much at restaurants, or have time to absorb much of the culture, creating a kind of flood-in-flood-out tourism challenge. By doing the opposite and supporting smaller hotels, restaurants and hiring local guides, the positive effects of tourism are magnified. So, come for at least a couple of days if you can, preferably not at the weekend.

Along with Agra’s “big hitters” (above), there are several lesser known monuments around the city to fill your days with and take in on heritage walks – but, beyond a doubt, my favourite way to experience Agra beyond the crowds was on the experiences (short tours) that Ekaa Villa arranged for us.

A highlight was walking through rural villages on the outskirts of Agra, complete with chai-stops at villagers’ homes, and wandering to the edge of wheat fields for what turned out to be some of the most stunning views of the Taj I’ve seen – with no-one else around.

You also do not want to miss out on Agra’s food scene, and by that I don’t mean sticking to tourist-focused restaurants at hotels. Take a trip to the halwaais and sweet makers in old Agra on a food tour, and make sure there’s room in your stomach for plenty of lassi .

Here are a few responsible tourism related organisations to support on your trip to Agra:

• Sheroes Hangout – This cafe is run by local women survivors of acid attacks and domestic violence. Located behind Go Stops Hostel in Taj Nagari Phase 1.
• Agra Heritage Walks – Specialise in walks run by local artists and off the beaten path in Agra
• Ekaa Experiences – Secret Taj walks and excursions for those staying with Ekaa Villa
• Wildlife SOS – The award-winning Indian wildlife conservation group has a nearby sloth bear rescue centre outside of Agra as well as its Elephant rescue centre at nearby Mathura (2 hours drive from Agra). Both are open to visitors on prior arrangement.

Agra for Solo Female Travellers

Located in western Uttar Pradesh, Agra is one of India’s more conservative parts of the country, and although many solo female travellers (including me) visit Agra with absolutely no problem, it’s advisable to think and plan ahead to get the best experience out of your trip.

Here are a few tips:

• You probably know this already, but Agra is not Goa. Leave the shorts firmly in your bag, and see my what to wear in India post here. The advice for ‘conservative India’ applies here
• You don’t need to cover your hair to enter most monuments here, but dressing respectfully is appreciated (no bare limbs)
• Book hotels / homestays with reviews from other solo female travellers ahead of time (Ekaa is a great choice which gets lots of solo female travellers)
• For some of the larger Agra sights such as Sikandra, I recommend hiring a guide – as grounds can be big and there can be groups of men loitering. Book a guide through your hotel or through a pre-booked tour, not someone who claims to be a guide outside sight entrances. (You don’t need a guide for the Taj Mahal which is always busy)
• If you’re going to Fatehpur Sikri, you definitely do need a guide, as sadly the place is full of scammers and touts (and for this reason has been removed from many tour itineraries). I recommend pre-booking a trip and transfer online such as this one or via your accommodation in Delhi or Agra.
• Avoid heading out at night on your own in Agra as a solo woman. If you do want to go out at night, use Uber, or better book a trusted driver through your hotel who will wait for you and get dropped door-to-door. If you’re in a mixed group, going out is no problem, but don’t wander late at night un-necessarily.
• It’s not recommended to go down to the river or remote sunset spots on your own for safety reasons (think groups of men loitering).

Getting to and from Agra

Agra is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi and many other Indian cities.

Train : Agra is very easy to reach by train – but be aware that Agra has several train stations so do check which yours comes into and leaves from. Agra Cantt (Cantonment) is the largest with the majority of trains arriving into and out of. To or from Delhi, the best train to get is the 12050 / 12049 Gatimaan Express – currently one of India’s fastest trains – which runs between Hazrat Nizamuddin in South Delhi to Agra Cantonment.

Book your Delhi-Agra train tickets here

Or – if you like the sound of going to Agra by train from Delhi but would rather someone else did the planning, you can book this Agra day trip by train tour .

Air : Flights from major Indian cities connect to Agra’s airport, which is located 13kms from Agra city.

Road: Agra is a quick 2-3 hour drive of around 185kms from Delhi along the Delhi-Agra Yamuna expressway. You can book a taxi, inter-city Uber, or take one of the many buses serving the Delhi-Agra route.

Agra Travel Guide FAQ’s

When is the best time to visit agra.

October – March is the best time weather-wise. December and January are the coolest months, but also attract the most crowds, so times like late October and late February are a great idea. Whenever you visit, try to avoid weekends if you can.

What should I wear as a Female Traveller to Agra?

Agra is located in one of the more conservative areas of India, so I recommend covering your legs down to at least your knees, shoulders and avoid any strappy, low cut revealing clothes. Leave the shorts in your bag for Goa. Maxi dresses (no big slits) are a good option, as are maxi skirts with a t-shirt or top (plus they’ll look good in your photos). Scarves are super-useful for covering up when need be.

What do I need to know about visiting the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is open daily except Fridays, and tickets need to be bought in advance, online, using the Architectural Survey of India payment portal (link above). At time of writing (April 2022), the rate for foreign visitors is 2500 rupees. There are 3 entrances (west, south and east), with the most useful depending on where you are coming from (see above). The best time to visit the Taj is at sunrise, for beautiful light and fewer crowds. Separate pricing applies for visiting the Taj during the Full Moon and days surrounding it.

Editorial note: Thank you to Ekaa Villa for hosting my stay with them – as usual this doesn’t affect my thoughts, ideas and recommendations!

Plan your Dream Trip to India with Soul Travel India

The Call of Varanasi: Essential Tips for your First Visit

101 Essential India Travel Tips

21 of the Best Street Foods in India – My Top Picks

Soul Travel India

Passionate about all things India travel - journeys of transformation and discovery, local experiences, and getting under the skin of India.

Copyright Soul Travel India 2022, All rights reserved. This website uses compensated affiliate links. 

hungryoungwoman

How to Plan a One Day Trip to Agra: Places to see, Food to try, and Agra Itinerary

Last Updated on May 28, 2020 by hungryoungwoman

Agra is a city in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Although Taj is the primary reason people come to visit Agra, there are other sights worth seeing in Agra. Conveniently, these are all near the Taj Mahal and can be seen in one day. Read on for a perfect self-guided Agra itinerary for a one day trip to Agra.

Agra has always been on my list when traveling to India. Other than the famous landmark, Taj Mahal, our guest writer Lora tells us about Agra tourist places, the lesser known places to visit in Agra, and how to explore Agra in one day.

This includes

Plan a one day trip to Agra: What to include in your Agra Itinerary

Sunrise at the taj mahal.

The best time to visit Taj Mahal is at sunrise. The Taj Mahal is among the most popular attractions in India. On busy days, the Taj Mahal attracts as many as 70,000 people. You’re never going to have it to yourself, but if you visit at sunrise there will be significantly fewer people there. As a bonus, getting there early makes walking around a much more pleasant experience since India can become hot and humid during the day.

Start your Agra sightseeing tour by visiting the Taj Mahal which  opens at 06:00 AM and closes at 06:30 PM.  While I was there in November the sunrise was at 6:50 AM, so we arrived at 6:15 AM and only just made it inside before the sunrise because the line-up at the entrance was so long. Security is tight at the Taj Mahal. It’s similar to going through an airport, with bag scanners and body scans, so allow lots of extra time to get through. Plus, the earlier you get there, the more photos you can get without people in them. The entry fee of Taj Mahal is Rs. 45 per person for Indian visitors and Rs. 1,050 per person for foreigners.

When I walked through the main gate and saw the Taj Mahal for the first time I felt my entire body shiver with excitement. It was surreal to be walking towards one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. It also takes you by surprise by how large it is. Walking around, the monument becomes even more impressive as you see the intricate work that went into every detail of the monument. It was mindblowing to think about how it took over 20 years to construct, and how every piece was carefully crafted by artists and stone carvers.

TIP: To skip the crowds, get a ticket for this Private Sunrise Tour from Delhi. The tour includes a private car to pick-up from your hotel and guide that will help you throughout your time at Taj Mahal.

Once inside, you can explore the gorgeous white marble mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love for his favorite wife. The Taj Mahal complex consists of five main elements. First, you can walk through the main gate. From there, the Taj Gardens extend all the way to the Main Mausoleum. Inside the main mausoleum is the false tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, which you can go inside to see.

On the west side of the main Mausoleum is a mosque made of red sandstone used for prayer. This mosque is not open to the public aside from those going to pray. On the east side, there is an identical building to the mosque called the rest house, which allows visitors as it is not used for prayer purposes. The exact purpose of the building is unknown, but it was likely built for symmetry.

Depending on how many photos you want to take, I would allow yourself at least two hours to properly explore the Taj Mahal complex. Click here for a chance to get skip-the-line tickets for a private sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal!

The next from the places to visit in Agra near Taj Mahal is the Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site . The fort is only a 3km/10minute ride on an auto rickshaw from Taj Mahal.  The entry fee for Agra fort is  Rs. 40 For Indian Tourists and Rs. 550 for foreigners. You can walk around the fort on your own, or arrange an Agra tour guide at the front entrance.

The Agra Fort is worth a visit because of its historical significance. It was the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1638. It’s just a great experience to be able to walk through such an important part of history, and the structure is well-preserved. It’s also nice to admire the red sandstone and the intricate marble inlays in many of the rooms inside the fort. Basically, it’s a beautiful monument!

Agra fort often tends to be forgotten in the shadow of Taj Mahal, but it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s a nice break from the hoards of tourists at Taj Mahal and offers many interesting photo opportunities.

Have lunch at Sheroes Hangout

After a jam-packed morning of sightseeing, you can take a break for lunch. A nice place to go for lunch is Sheroes Hangout, a socio-entrepreneurial project just blocks away from the Taj Mahal. The café was opened by Stop Acid Attacks, a non-profit in India that provides long-term rehabilitation and assistance to acid attack survivors. The cafe aims to foster confidence in women who have survived the devastating attacks.

I had no idea about the prevalence of acid attacks in India before going to Sheroes café; it was an educational experience. The food at the café is delicious, offering both Indian and Western cuisine. Order the Paneer Butter Masala while you’re there! I ate this a lot in India and it was particularly delicious at Sheroes Hangout.

All profits go towards the project, and payment for food is made on a donation basis, so you pay what you want.

CHECK: An easy way to prepare Matar Paneer at Home!

Visit tomb of i’timād-ud-daulah.

If you’re wondering what to see in Agra apart from the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, head over to the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah, also known as Baby Taj. The cost to enter is Rs. 250.

Queen Nur Jahan built the structure for her father before the Taj Mahal. It is said that Baby Taj was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, and walking around this becomes apparent, as the two have striking similarities. I enjoyed getting to walk around Baby Taj; there were only a few other tourists there when we visited in the late afternoon so it felt much more peaceful than the Taj Mahal. Baby Taj has a lot of beautiful photo opportunities that would be a hit with both aspiring and expert photographers alike!

Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah represents a transition in Mughal architecture construction from red sandstone with marble decorations, to white marble decorated with pietra dura inlay. As you walk around inside you can see the intricate details of the mausoleum in greater detail than at the Taj Mahal. This is often missed by most tourists visiting the city but is an absolute must to visit during your travels in Agra.

Sunset at Mehtab Bagh Park

If you have time at the end of the day, head to Mehtab Bagh Park to watch the sunset. The park was reconstructed to protect the Taj Mahal from the erosive effects of the sand blown across the river. Now, the park is one of the best places to view the great mausoleum and offers the opportunity to get some fantastic photos.

What to eat in Agra?

If you’re having an Agra tour for more than a day or are someone who wants to really experience the local cuisine, head to the street food stalls there. Here you can find some great recommendations for what to eat in Agra and where you can find Indian street food like Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, and crispy Jalebi! Click here for the street food in Agra guide.

Looking to Stay in Agra? 

If you’ve decided to spend more time in this magical city and thought of extending your Agra itinerary, I would suggest you look at some of the best resorts in Agra according to your budget and requirements.

• The Coral Court Homestay: For budget travelers and offering possibly the best place to stay in Agra, is this homely hotel that has colorful decor. The Taj Mahal is a short distance from the hotel but unfortunately not clearly visible through its balcony. Breakfast is included but you can also choose to have a vegetarian home cooked dinner at the hotel. Check here to see the latest prices.
• Radisson Blu Agra Taj East Gate: If you prefer staying in a hotel with multiple dining options and more facilities, I suggest choosing Raddison Blu. Apart from the 5 dining options they offer, the hotel has a fitness center and a swimming pool overlooking the Taj Mahal. They also have 24-hour room service for all your needs. I would say, for the services available this could be one of the best budget hotels in Agra. You can have a look at the pictures and prices here.
• The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra: The one that tops the list of luxury hotels in Agra is The Oberoi. Situated among lush greenery and a view of Taj Mahal that no hotel can beat, this is surely the best hotel in Agra for couples and families. Since it is one of the hotels in Agra near Taj Mahal, it makes full use of the landmark to provide a room completely dedicated to unparalleled views which would make for the perfect Instagram picture or just a beautiful moment to cherish. The service and facilities offered are top class and highly recommended. See pictures and prices of different rooms here.

What to pack for Agra? 

January – March are winter months in Agra with temperatures going lower than 5-degree Celcius. This is probably the best time to see Agra attractions. If you are visiting during this time, be sure to pack something warm to wear like this Parka Puffer Jacket that has a soft fur rim. Click here to see it.

April – June is when temperatures start heating up and go 45 degrees Celsius. It is very important to travel with sunscreen during this time and light cotton clothes with breathable fabric. This might not be a good time to plan your one day trip to Agra if you cannot take the heat.

The months from July to October is when the monsoon season starts in India. Expect continuous showers at all times. It may not be advisable to see Agra famous places during this season.

Other than being home to the worldwide known Taj Mahal, Agra is a city that one should take time to enjoy. Much thanks to Lora for contributing for this post and giving us the push to book our tickets to Agra! Find out more about her below.

India is a beautiful place to visit, another city you can visit from Agra city is Jaipur. Read more about Amber Fort and Water Palace in Jaipur here.

About Lora from Explore with Lora :

Lora is a Canadian travel blogger on a quest to visit every country in the world and discover the best wildlife and nature that each one has to offer. She has traveled to 49 countries and just returned from a one-year trip backpacking around the world.  While traveling, her favorite activities to do are hike, dive, and photograph wildlife. Lora is passionate about wildlife conservation and responsible tourism. Her blog, Explore with Lora, aims to show readers that anyone can live their travel dream, no matter how big or small, without harming the planet. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. On her blog, Lora writes about organizations and projects that are leading examples of responsible and sustainable tourism, as well as destination guides, and advice on solo female travel. Find her Instagram page here.

Until then, happy traveling! xx

P.S. If you want to save and read later, here are some pinnable versions 🙂

5 thoughts on “ How to Plan a One Day Trip to Agra: Places to see, Food to try, and Agra Itinerary ”

• Pingback: 10 Things to do in Ahmedabad: Local Sightseeing - hungryoungwoman
• Pingback: How to Plan a Karnataka Itinerary for First Timers - hungryoungwoman
• Pingback: Best Places to Visit in Ooty in 3 Days - hungryoungwoman

I can totally relate to what you’re saying here. It’s refreshing to see someone address the challenges and solutions so accurately. Kudos.

“Embark on a seamless journey through the cultural tapestry of India with ‘One Day Agra Trip.’ The magic of the Taj Mahal awaits as you indulge in the enchanting Same Day Delhi Tour By Car Visit: https://www.onedayagratrip.com/same-day-delhi-tour/

I'd love to know your thoughts! Cancel reply

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Agra

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 22, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The Taj Mahal is an icon of India and one of the top tourist attractions in the world , drawing millions of visitors to the city of Agra every year. This breathtaking landmark is every bit as incredible as you've imagined. But while most travelers might be eager to escape Agra's pushy touts and exhausting crowds as soon as they've left the Taj Mahal, you should consider sticking around a bit longer.

The Taj Mahal is just one of many amazing places to visit in Agra. While here, you can explore the historically significant Agra Fort ; experience the impressively beautiful Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah ; see one of the largest mosques in India at Fatehpur Sikri; and find respite in Mehtab Bagh , a serene park in the shadows of the Taj.

Animal lovers, take note: Agra boasts two compassionate wildlife projects (the Agra Bear Rescue Facility and the Elephant Conservation and Care Center ) that welcome tourists to learn about some of India's most beloved creatures.

Don't let other tourists convince you there's nothing to see in Agra besides the Taj Mahal. Plan your trip to this heritage hot spot with our list of the top attractions in Agra.

1. Taj Mahal

2. agra fort, 3. itimad-ud-daulah's tomb, 4. mehtab bagh, 5. subhash emporium, 6. akbar's mausoleum, 7. fatehpur sikri, 8. agra bear rescue facility, 9. elephant conservation and care center, 10. agra's old city, 11. gurudwara guru ka tal, 12. kalakriti cultural & convention center, 13. jama masjid, 14. chini ka rauza, map of attractions & places to visit in agra.

You've seen it in history books, on postcards, and in social media posts. But now, you've made your way to India, and you finally have the chance to see this bucket list destination in real life.

The magnificent structure dates back to the 17th century. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was heartbroken after his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, passed away during childbirth, and decided to pay tribute to her with a white mausoleum. Construction took more than 20 years to complete and required the manpower of around 20,000 laborers.

There's never a bad time to see the Taj Mahal, but it's worth getting here early–the building seems to radiate at sunrise. Tourists can enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site via the west and east gates. Once inside, explore the ornamental gardens, which feature calming water features that reflect the Taj. Then, head inside the Taj itself and admire its perfect symmetry and white marble with elaborate floral cavings and semiprecious stone inlays.

Sightseeing around the Taj Mahal complex continues at the Kau Ban Mosque , west of the Taj, and the Jawab , a building intended to mirror the mosque and preserve symmetry on the main structure's eastern side.

Hot tip: Hang on to your Taj Mahal ticket–it gives you same-day discounts on entry to other nearby attractions around India , including Fatehpur Sikri and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb .

Address: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra

Official site: https://www.tajmahal.gov.in/

The Taj Mahal isn't the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra–the city is also home to Agra Fort, a centuries-old red sandstone fortress that was once the imperial city for a succession of Mughal rulers.

Sightseeing here is like wandering around a city within a city. The most extraordinary building at Agra Fort is Jahangir Mahal , a massive palace that blends stunning Hindu-inspired features (like overhanging enclosed balconies) with Central Asian architectural elements (such as the signature pointed arches). Inside, tourists can see the gilded central court where royal women once passed their days.

Tourists can also check out a range of other noteworthy structures, including Anguri Bagh (a courtyard with puzzle piece-like outlines of gardens around water channels), Khas Mahal (a palace with pavilions made of white marble and red sandstone), Musamman Burj (an octagonal tower with intricate marble inlay work), and Diwan-i-Khas (a gathering hall featuring a pair of black and white marble thrones).

With so much to see, Agra Fort will require at least a few hours on your itinerary. It makes for a great afternoon stop after a morning at the Taj Mahal.

On the banks of the Yamuna River sits another one of Agra's exquisite structures: Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb. The mausoleum contains the remains of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a Persian official who served the Mughal empire, as well as his wife.

Legend has it that this jewelry box-like tomb was actually the inspiration for the Taj Mahal , earning it the nickname "Baby Taj." The red sandstone and marble structure features 13-meter-high hexagonal towers on each corner.

The most noteworthy thing about this attraction, though, is that it was the first structure to use pietra dura , the iconic Indian inlay technique that uses semiprecious stones to create decorative floral designs in marble. You'll see exquisite geometric patterns, depictions of vases and cups, and delicate flower bouquets from floor to ceiling of the graceful structure–reminiscent of those on the Taj Mahal.

Despite its beauty, Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb gets far fewer visitors than other attractions around Agra, making it an ideal place to appreciate the lovely features without the crowds.

Address: Moti Bagh, Agra

The Taj Mahal almost seems to extend across the Yamuna River at Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden), a square garden complex measuring 300 meters on each side. It's the only remaining park in a series of nearly a dozen Mughal-built gardens in the area.

The park has some pretty flowering trees and bushes–a stark improvement from its state in the mid-1990s, when the site was just a mound of sand. The Archeological Survey of India is hard at work restoring Mehtab Bagh and has already planted Mughal-era plants to help bring the site back to its original glory.

The landscape aligns perfectly with the gardens of the Taj, making it one of the best places in Agra to get a view (or a photo) of the stunning structure–especially at sunset. Outside of the gates to the complex, you can shop for Taj Mahal trinkets and other souvenirs from sellers in the area.

Address: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Nagla Devjit, Agra

The graceful attractions around Agra will make any tourist fall in love with marble inlay. If you find yourself eager to take a piece of this craftsmanship home with you, head to Subhash Emporium. The boutique has a decades-strong reputation as the go-to place to shop for stone handicrafts in Agra.

Inside, you'll find tons of travel-friendly marble inlay souvenirs, like floral coaster sets, animal statuettes, small boxes, and candle holders. The store also sells larger items, like lamps, tabletops, and carved-marble trays, that it can ship directly to your home.

Even if you don't want to shop, it's worth swinging by Subhash Emporium for its captivating demonstrations –one of the top things to do in Agra. The experienced craftspeople here will show you the precise art of inlaying small pieces of polished stone into hard marble–which might make the high prices of these items seem slightly more reasonable.

Address: 18/1, Gwalior Road, Opp BSNL office, Shahzadi Mandi, Agra

Official site: http://www.marbleemporium.com

For nearly 50 years, emperor Akbar the Great ruled the Mughal kingdom, tripling its empire to include most of the northern half of the Indian subcontinent. His remains (along with those of two of his daughters) can be found at what is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra, Akbar's Mausoleum.

The complex features a marvelous sandstone and marble tomb with striking marble inlay in a variety of colors. The structure is surrounded by Mughal gardens that are home to deer, antelope, monkeys, and even a few peacocks.

If you happen to travel with a compass, whip it out at this site. You'll notice that the tomb faces east–a contrast to nearly all other Mughal tombs, which point toward Mecca.

Address: Sikandra, Agra

Just an hour's drive from the Taj Mahal , Fatehpur Sikri makes for a worthwhile day trip from Agra. The city, once the capital of the Mughal Empire some 500 years ago, was built by Akbar as a salute to the famous Sufi saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti, who accurately predicted the birth of an heir. Residents abandoned the city not long after it was built, when water supplies ran too low.

Tourists can now explore the well-preserved remains of this red sandstone ghost town, still surrounded by a fortification wall. Check out the Jama Masjid , a mosque and one of the first buildings finished in the city. Then, explore the three palaces , built for each one of Akbar's wives. They combine a variety of religious-inspired architectural styles that honor the women's individual spiritualities.

Finally, get off the beaten path and stroll to Hiran Minar , a circular spiked tower covered with stone elephant tusks, atop which Akbar himself supposedly gazed at wildlife.

Dig in deeper to this incredible site with a visit to the Archaeological Museum , near the Diwan-i-Am main gate. It contains four galleries filled with treasures from the Mughal era and beyond, including grey ware pot shreds, terra-cotta lamps, mini human heads in stone, jewelry molds, and much more.

Between its reverence for cows and its temples dedicated to specific creatures, India has a fascinating relationship with animals. But not every tradition has been kind to four-legged creatures. Case in point: Dancing sloth bears.

For thousands of years, India's Kalandar community has poached sloth bear cubs, driven a red hot poker and coarse rope through their muzzles and yanked on the string to force them to put on painful "performances" for a paying audience. India prohibited the cruel practice in 1972. However, the mistreatment continued–leaving animal rights activists, such as Wildlife SOS , to save the victimized bears.

You can see around 130 of these rescued dancing bears playing, foraging, and climbing trees at Agra Bear Rescue Facility. Visits to the center include a tour guided by an expert who can shed light on India's vanishing wildlife and conservation efforts. It's an insightful experience, and all proceeds go toward rehabilitation efforts.

Address: Inde, National Highway 2, Muranda, Agra

Official site: https://wildlifesos.org/locations/agra-bear-rescue-facility/

Sloth bears aren't the only focus for Wildlife SOS –the animal protection organization also takes care of abused elephants at a sanctuary just 30 kilometers outside of Agra. On tours of the facility, you can see more than 20 rescued elephants that were forced to work in harsh conditions. Lucky tourists may even be invited to help prepare lunch for the tusked mammals.

While you will definitely have other opportunities to interact with elephants on your trip to India, visiting the Elephant Conservation and Care Center is by far one of the most ethical (and fulfilling) ways to get up close to these special creatures.

Address: Near Sachdeva Institute of Technology Thurmura Ghari, NH2, Mathura

Official site: https://wildlifesos.org/locations/elephant-conservation-and-care-centre/

For an authentic look at the life of Agra's present-day residents, take a heritage walking tour around the Old City . The three-hour excursion teaches tourists about Agra's architecture, history, culture, and street food as they wander around the neighborhood.

You'll get the chance to see what everyday life is like for Agra locals, learn where to go for the best views of the Taj Mahal, and stop by the bustling wholesale spice market for an explosion of color and aroma. Come hungry–the tour guide will also take you to Agra's oldest sweet shop for some treats.

Mughals may have spread Islam throughout this part of India, but the region around Agra is also home to a devout Sikh community. Many of them make pilgrimages to Gurudwara Guru ka Tal, a spiritual center near Agra.

This peaceful place was built in the 17th century, and modern-day tourists can see the eight towers that remain of the structure's original dozen. Tourists can also enjoy free meals from the community kitchen–perfect for refueling before a trip back to the city.

Address: Chennai-Delhi Highway, Maharishi Puram Colony, Agra

Official site: http://www.gurdwaragurukataal.com/

The Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center is on a mission to deepen tourists' appreciation of Indian art and culture. Every evening at 6:30pm, it puts on a performance of "Mohabbat-the-Taj: The Saga of Love," a dramatic musical that brings the legendary love story of the Taj Mahal to life. Expect Bollywood-inspired dance and song throughout the hour-long show. Afterward, head to the center's handicrafts showroom to shop for intricately designed marble inlay souvenirs and other treasures.

Address: 41/142, A/1 VIP Road-Taj Mahal Road, Fatehabad Road., Agra

One of India's largest mosques can be found in the historic core of Agra, just across from the Agra Fort . Still the city's principal mosque, the Jama Masjid was built during the 17th century under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The striking red sandstone structure stands atop a platform, and features remarkable white marble inlay with blue-washed ceilings and walls. Throughout the interior, tourists can see graceful inlaid panels similar to those at the Taj Mahal.

The Friday prayer service draws massive crowds to the Jama Masjid, but outside of that time, it's relatively empty. The mosque encourages tourists to observe silence when visiting this sacred place.

Address: Jama Masjid Road, Kinari Bazar, Hing ki Mandi, Mantola, Agra

After visiting Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb , head one kilometer north to see Chini ka Rauza, a funerary monument that houses the tomb of Afzal Khan Shirazi, who served as the prime minister for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

While not nearly as well preserved as other attractions in Agra, the Indo-Persian structure is noteworthy for being the first monument to feature chini, a distinctive decoration made from turquoise, yellow, green, and orange glazed tiles. As the name of the building suggests, each of its tiles were imported from China–an impressive feat during the 17th century, when this monument was constructed. Step inside Chini ka Rauza to see an array of detailed paintings and Islamic inscriptions.

After visiting the Chini ka Rauza, you can take a 10-minute walk south to see the ruins of the Tomb of Sultan Parwiz , who was the brother of Shah Jahan.

Address: Katra Wazir Khan, Agra

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit in India: India is filled with incredible sights and cities and planning a trip here can be a bit daunting. If you are just getting started on your itinerary, have a look at our guide to the Top Attractions in India . Most visitors will transit through either Mumbai or Delhi , both of which are home to a long list of things to see and do.

More on India

A Solo Traveler's Guide to Agra

When asked where they plan to travel in India , most solo travelers include Agra to their itineraries. Part of India’s golden triangle (with Delhi and Jaipur) and home to the Taj Mahal , Agra is on the bucket list of every adventurous solo traveler. For a hassle-free trip, read our guide to walk you through every aspect of travelling in this magnificent city.

Getting to agra.

Most tourists take a flight to Delhi and plan their journey from there, and Agra is 210 kilometres (130.5 miles) away, which is an approximately three-hour drive via the brand-new Yamuna Expressway. Take the NH11 from Jaipur to Agra within four hours, or take the NH2 from Lucknow (two hours) or Kanpur (five hours). If travelling by train, take the Delhi-Mumbai or Delhi-Chennai routes. Regular trains run from several other cities like Jaipur and Gwalior, and usually arrive at the city’s main station, Agra Cantt Station. Several buses run to Agra daily from cities likes Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Lucknow and Kanpur. Agra has two main bus terminals: the Idgah Bus Stand in the city centre and ISBT (both quite near the Taj Mahal).

Where to Stay

What to eat.

Ask an Agra local which foods to try, and they won’t fail to mention the city’s specialty, petha . This sugary, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy is made from winter melon and is available in a variety of flavors such as angoori (grape), chocolate and many more. The best, most authentic pethas are at Pancchi Petha , which has many branches across the city but the one in Sadar Bazaar is most popular amongst tourists. Sadar Bazar is a one-stop shop tourist experience: roam about and observe the local lifestyle, shop for clothes and shoes, apply henna and enjoy some of the most delicious street food at the Chaat gali. Agra is known best for its bhalla , a potato cutlet mixed with tamarind, yoghurt and Indian spices. You can also simply and enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee at the Taj Khema , which is set atop a grassy hillside and provides breathtaking views of the mausoleum and the city.

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 500$ on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Take the opportunity to devour some authentic Mughlai food (which originated from the era when Agra was the Mughal capital) and some of the richest curries in the country. Peshawari in ITC Mughal is one the best fine dining restaurants that provides the full Mughal experience with its grand décor, ambience, delicious food and attentive service. Another great option – and slightly easier on the wallet – is Pinch of Spice , which offers traditional north Indian food as well as other cuisines such as Chinese and Italian.

What to See

One of the new seven wonders of the world gloriously stands tall in this city of love: The Taj Mahal , built by Emperor Shah Jahan, still holds the same value as it did when it was built, and millions of tourists visit Agra each year just for a glimpse of this marble mausoleum. The perfect time to visit the Taj Mahal is early in the morning, when there are fewer people, calmer weather and peace and quiet to enjoy the scenic beauty. Your best bet is to head out early, visit the mahal and then make your way to the Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts in India.

For history enthusiasts, it doesn’t stop here – Agra is home to Mughal-built architecture that could take a whole day to see. The Tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah, Akber’s Tomb, Chini ka Roza and Tomb of Mariam are especially worth seeing. Plus, tour guides and Agra locals love to share their stories with a bit of added flair and drama. Evenings in Agra tend to be cooler, especially during winter months (November–March), make them ideal for enjoying a walk in one of the popular Mughal-style gardens, such as Taj Nature Walk or Mehtab Bagh. While the gardens do not hold the same splendor as they did several years ago, they are still worthwhile to visit and enjoy some time away from typical city life. They also offer views of the Taj Mahal from various angles, perfect for capturing a few sunset shots of the mausoleum.

For animal lovers, Agra is home to Wildlife SOS , which works to conserve India’s wildlife. It began by rescuing the ‘dancing bears’ but has steadily grown to provide shelter and help to leopards, elephants, reptiles and several other animals. The organisation offers a two-hour guided experience (tourists can interact with the bears and feed them fruit or porridge).

Health and Safety

First-time travellers should be careful about eating and drinking. Bottled water, such as Bisleri, is easily available in all hotels and shops and is the safest form of drinkable water. The food can sometimes come across as too spicy, especially for foreigners, so the best bet is to try food where it can be altered for taste, such as in hotel restaurants. Alcohol is easily available all over the city, but be advised to purchase it from licensed shops rather than individual bootleggers. The perfect months to travel to Agra are winter (November–March) and Monsoon (August–November) as sightseeing becomes much more enjoyable in the more bearable weather.

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Film & TV

Embrace the barbie spirit by visiting the world's most colourful cities.

Guides & Tips

Top tips for travelling in india.

The Best Places to Travel in November

See & Do

The top things to do and see in jaipur.

Fun-Filled Travel Experiences to Boost Your Serotonin Levels

Photo Journal: 10 Photos From Jaipur's Ganguar Festival

5 Delicious Indian Dry Bean and Lentil Recipes

This Homestay Could Help Save Rajasthan’s Nomadic Camel Pastoralists

How To Spend a Week in Maharashtra

How to spend 10 days in Madhya Pradesh, India

Simran Lal, Founder of Nicobar, On How She Launched Her Lifestyle Brand and Tips On Travelling to India

A Guide To Madhya Pradesh’s Tiger Reserves

• Post ID: 1217967
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

The Best Places to Visit in Agra in One Day

This post is a travel guide about the best places to visit in Agra in one day. Agra is a city that I still have a love hate relationship with. It’s home to some of the most beautiful historical sights in India, but it is also one of the most hectic and dirty cities on India’s Golden triangle. Luckily it is possible to see all the places to visit in Agra in one day. 

I have seen the Taj Mahal three times now and every time it took my breath away. The Taj mahal alone is worth the effort to conquer the chaos of Agra. But there is more to Agra than just the Taj Mahal. The other places to visit in Agra are equally interesting and neatly fit in a one day itinerary. 

Agra in one day

On my first visit to India in 2007 I almost didn’t make it to Agra. I fell ill in the nearby village of Fatehpur Sikri. The accumulation of 3 weeks of Indian bacteria in my stomach finally took its toll. I stayed in a lovely guesthouse where I stayed in bed for two days while the concerned staff brought me roti’s and herbal teas.

I was supposed to stay only one night, but eventually stayed almost a week. The neighbour children took me to their local madrassa and invited me for tea to their homes. The hospitality was heartwarming and it was hard to leave.

But if I still wanted to continue to Varanasi and Nepal I had to go. But I still didn’t go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Everything inside of me didn’t want to go to this hectic city, but I made a decision. The next day would be my birthday and nothing is more special than seeing the Taj Mahal on your 25th birthday, isn’t it?

I would take the bus and then hire a tuk tuk to see all the places to visit in Agra in one day. It was the best decision ever. While its tourist attractions are stunning, the rest of the city is nothing to write home about. 

Later in my life I visited Agra two more times. The Taj Mahal never gets boring. Even though I never spent more than one day in Agra itself, I did discover some of the interesting places to visit nearby Agra such as Fatehpur Sikri and Mathura. 

In this post I will share with you the most important places to visit in Agra in one day and some suggestions of places to visit nearby Agra in case you have more time. 

Places to visit in Agra in one day

The Taj Mahal is the most beautiful mausoleum in the world and a symbol of love. It was built by the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Although it was an arranged marriage when they were both very young they eventually fell in love. She died in 1631 giving birth to their 14th child. 

Her last wish was for a large mausoleum in Agra. It almost emptied the royal treasury and led to famines in the region as grain was diverted to Agra to feed the 20.000 man workforce.  

The mausoleum is made of white marble and famous for its pietra dura. An inlay technique in which colored stones are used to create beautiful images. Obviously it is a must see, but it is also one of the most busy and crowded attractions in India with over 7 million visitors annually. 

The gardens are large enough for people to spread out, but expect to stand in line to get inside the tomb chamber. The cenotaphs you see here are actually empty and the real tombs are at a lower level.

Insider tip : The only reason to stay in Agra is to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise when it is almost pink. It opens at 6 AM and in my opinion it is worth the early wake up call. Not only is the Taj Mahal at its most beautiful in the early hours of the day, but it is also still relatively quiet. Sunset is another great time to see the Taj Mahal, but this time it is better from a boat on the Yamuna from where you have some of the best views minus the crowds. 

The Agra Fort was the residence of the very first Mughal emperors before the capital changed to Delhi. If you have been in the red fort in Delhi , where the Mughals moved next, you might see some similarities. Both are in fact more like a walled city within a city.

Akbar began construction of the fort in 1565 on the site of an ancient fort built by the Lodi dynasty. The fort was built mainly as a military structure to protect the Mughal capital of Agra from invading forces. It features a number of impressive structures, including the Jahangiri Mahal, the Khas Mahal, the Diwan-i-Khas, and the Diwan-i-Am.

Shah Jahan, who is perhaps best known for building the Taj Mahal, made significant additions to the fort during his reign in the mid-17th century. He built the beautiful Moti Masjid, or Pearl Mosque, within the fort and also constructed a number of other structures, including the Sheesh Mahal and the Musamman Burj.

The fort was the site of a number of significant historical events, including the imprisonment of Shah Jahan by his son Aurangzeb, who overthrew him in a bloody coup in 1658. The British also used the fort as a military barracks and administrative center during their rule in India.

Personally I liked the Agra fort even more than the one in Delhi and it is definitely among the top places to visit in Agra in one day.

The tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah is often called the Baby Taj, but it is in fact slightly older than the Taj Mahal and might even have been used as an inspiration. It’s one of the first examples of the pietra dura inlay technique using precious stones. 

It was built in the early 17th century by Nur Jahan, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Mirza Ghiyas Beg was a Persian nobleman who had served in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and his son Jahangir. He had been given the title of Itimad-ud-Daulah, which means “pillar of the state,” and had amassed a considerable fortune during his lifetime.

After Mirza Ghiyas Beg’s death in 1622, Nur Jahan decided to build a tomb for her father in Agra. She chose a site on the banks of the Yamuna River and commissioned the construction of a beautiful marble mausoleum. The design of the tomb was influenced by Persian architecture and features delicate marble inlay work, intricate carvings, and elaborate floral designs.

Even though the Baby Taj is much smaller, I might have liked it even more. For one, it lacks the crowds and the pietra dura floral patterns are very pretty. Inside you will also find images of trees and vases. Where the Taj Mahal impresses you by its size, the beauty of the Baby taj are in its details.  

Jame Masjid

The Jame Masjid (large mosque or friday mosque) in Agra was another master piece by Shah Jahan. Like the Friday mosques in Delhi and Fatehpur Sikri it is made from red sandstone with white marble decorations.

The Jama Masjid of Agra is one of the largest mosques in India and is capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers. It has a large courtyard, which is surrounded by a cloistered arcade with a series of domes and minarets. The mosque has three large entrance gates, which are decorated with intricate designs and calligraphy.

The Jama Masjid of Agra was built at a time when the Mughal Empire was at its height and the city of Agra was one of the most important cultural and political centers in India. The mosque was built to serve as a place of worship for the people of Agra and also to demonstrate the power and wealth of the Mughal Empire.

Sadar bazaar

If you still have some time left I can recommend a visit to Sadar bazaar. This is one of the less touristy parts of Agra and a great place to do some shopping. It is not as big or colorful as the bazaars in Jaipur or Delhi, but you can definitely find some nice souvenirs here. For Dinner head to Mamma Franky house that has the best chicken kebabs with naan in Agra.  

Places to visit near Agra

While it is possible to see all the places to visit in Agra in one day, there are some interesting places nearby that are a good reason to stay a bit longer in this region. If you have more than one day in Agra consider some of the lesser known places below. All of them are an easy day trip from Agra or offer a good alternative for a place to base yourself.  

Fatehpur Sikri

Most people visit Fatehpur Sikri as a daytrip from Agra, but I did it the other way around. I am not a city person and I loved the village atmosphere in this small rural town where I enjoyed the sunset views from the rooftop of my guesthouse while I recovered from my stomach bug. 

On my next visits to Agra I always came back to Fatehpur Sikri. Nowadays it is a typical poor village in Uttar Pradesh, but it was once the capital of the Mughal empire. It was founded by Akbar and the choice for Fatehpur Sikri as the new capital was not a coincidence. The place was much loved by Akbar’s predecessors and first Mughal emperors Babur and Humayun. 

It was also in Fatehpur Sikri that saint Salim Chisti predicted the birth of Akbar’s son Jahangir who was born there. The glory days of Fatehpur Sikri were short though. The city became the capital of the Mughal empire in 1571, but Akbar abandoned it already in 1585. 

Highlights include Akbar’s red sandstone palace, the Jame Masjid with the Buland Darwaza gate (highest gateway in the world) and the tomb of Saint Salim Chisti that is still a popular pilgrimage site for local muslims. 

Sikandra 

Only 10 kilometers away from Agra lies Sikandra where you will find the impressive tomb of Akbar the Great. It’s a great example of Mughal architecture and although it is not as big as some of the other Mughal structures it is very beautiful and rich in elaborate and colorful decorations. 

Mathura & Vrindavan

Being the birthplace of Krishna, Mathura is one of the seven holy cities in India that attracts hundreds of pilgrims every day. It’s a city of temples and scenic ghats along the Yamuna river that reminded me a bit of Varanasi. 

Nearby Vrindavan is equally important as lots of events in Krishna’s life played out in this area. Nowadays it is a shelter city for widows that come here to seek refuge after the death of their husbands.  

Like everywhere in India the business around religion and the amount of annoying wannabe guides can be a bit overwhelming at first. There will be more temples than you can visit, apparently over 5000 of them. The best way to enjoy the towns is walking through the scenic alleyways and the picturesque ghats. 

For nature head to Bharatpur for the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and the Keoladeo National Park. This area is an important breeding site and wintering area for a number of aquatic birds. You will spot lots of them here including my favourite kingfisher. Besides birds you might also spot deers or wild boars. 

Bear rescue center

The Agra bear rescue facility is one of the largest sloth bear rescue facilities in this world. It is run by Wildlife SOS that works throughout India for the conservation of sloth bears, elephants, leopards and other animals. 

Places to visit in Agra in one day travel tips. 

How to get to agra.

Agra has good connections by rail to major cities in India. The city has four railway stations – Agra Cantt, Agra Fort, Agra City, and Raja ki Mandi. Many express trains and superfast trains connect Agra to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and other major cities in India.

There are also several bus services that operate between Agra and nearby cities like Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra, Mathura and Bharatpur.

How to get around in Agra

If you wish to see all the places to visit in Agra in one day it is best to use taxi’s or tuk tuks. To avoid having to negotiate everytime I can recommend the use of a taxi hailing app. 

Uber is a good way to get around in Agra, but India has its own similar business called Ola cabs that is even more popular. The good thing about both Ola and Uber is that it is cheaper than a tuk tuk and you do not need to negotiate the price. Both offer a pool option in which you share your ride with others that makes it even more affordable.

Ola also has a tuk tuk option that is one of the best and most affordable ways to travel for shorter distances. 

Places to eat in Agra

One of my favourite restaurants in Agra was the roadside stall “Time 2 Eat Mama Chicken” or “Franky’s chicken house”. There is no place to sit, but the chicken is the best you will ever taste.

Places to sleep in Agra

The first question is whether you should sleep in Agra. Personally I prefer to visit Agra as a day trip while staying in Fatehpur Sikri. However, there is one good reason to stay at least one night in Agra. That is to visit the Taj Mahal early (it opens at 6 AM) to see the sunrise and escape the crowds. 

Agra : Good hostels in Agra are Max guesthouse , Anukampa Paying guesthouse and Coral House Homestay

Fatehpur Sikri : The Sunset View Guesthouse is behind the mosque in Fatehpur Sikri. It is not as clean as it could be and staff are of mixed quality, but the owner is friendly. The best about this guesthouse is the peaceful and quiet location and the view from the rooftop terrace. As the name implies, a great place to watch the sunset. I stayed here 3 times now and during my last visit we saw parrots, peacocks and squirrels who came to join us on the rooftop for breakfast.

When to visit Agra

The best time to visit Agra is between November and February, during the winter season. The weather during these months is pleasant and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C and cool nights. This makes it a perfect time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions, such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and other historical monuments.

The summer months from March to June can be very hot, with temperatures soaring up to 45°C, which can make outdoor sightseeing very difficult and uncomfortable. However, if you do visit during this time, it is best to visit the monuments early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat.

The monsoon season in Agra starts in July and lasts till September. During this time, the city experiences heavy rainfall.

Sustainable Travel in Agra

Agra is a large city and pollution is a very big problem. Traveling sustainably in Agra, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the local community:  You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, markets and restaurants. It is better to try Northern Indian cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. Northern Indian food is very vegetarian friendly and it is easy to follow a vegan diet.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

Where possible, I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can also try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Use public transport : Agra has a well-developed public transportation system. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of private cars to reduce carbon emissions.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. Agra has a Hindu majority. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Hindi, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This post about the best places to visit in Agra in one day contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

8 thoughts on “The Best Places to Visit in Agra in One Day”

• Pingback: Top 10 things to do in Rajasthan | Backpack Adventures

I can’t believe I still haven’t been in India! But it’s definitely on my list, and I really want to see Taj Mahal!

So great to know that there is more to do in Agra than see the Taj Mahal, we can’t wait to go there. The people seem so warm and welcoming, how sweet of them to look after you when you were sick. We will be sure to watch out for those monkeys, ha ha 🙂

Great post and great photos! Very useful to us as we fly to India for the first time next week. So excited and of course cant wait to see the Taj Mahal. Weve been wanting to see it well forever 🙂 … We are teachers and the school thing sounds really interesting. Is this common in India to volunteer at places like this or just give donations? Thanks for sharing 🙂

Lovely post… Taj is very special but I liked the way you are helping local schools offering free education that’s really great

Agra is just an amazing travel destination, I have been there twice. I would love to go back again and again. I love the Taj a lot.

Thanks for your amazing travel guide and your photos are mind-blowing.

An impressive article you have created.

I have been to Agra thrice and have explored most of the iconic sites.

I visited Agra two days back, and your blog was of so much help. Thank you so much 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Kale by LyraThemes.com.

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• uttar-pradesh
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

The splendour of Agra – India’s capital under the Mughals – remains undiminished, from the massive fort to the magnificent Taj Mahal . Along with Delhi , 204km northwest, and Jaipur in Rajasthan , Agra is the third apex of the “Golden Triangle”, India’s most popular tourist itinerary. Although it’s possible to see Agra on a day-trip from Delhi, the Taj alone deserves so much more – a fleeting visit would miss the subtleties of its many moods, as the light changes from sunrise to sunset – while the city’s other sights and Fatehpur Sikri can easily fill several days.

Where to stay in Agra

Where to eat in agra, shopping in agra, agra orientation, akbar’s mausoleum.

Most of the city’s major Mughal monuments, including the Taj Mahal, are lined up along the banks of the Yamuna River, which bounds the city’s eastern edge. They date from the later phase of Mughal rule and the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – exemplifying the ever-increasing extravagance which, by Shah Jahan’s time, had already begun to strain the imperial coffers and sow the seeds of political and military decline.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for India, created by local experts

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

Tailor-made trips for   India

Most budget travellers end up in Taj Ganj, the jumble of narrow lanes immediately south of the Taj. With their unrivalled rooftop views and laidback cafés, the little guesthouses here can be great places to stay, although checkout time is usually 10am. There are more modern and upmarket lodgings along Fatehabad Rd, southwest of Taj Ganj, while the leafier Cantonment area and the adjacent Sadar Bazaar have places to suit every budget.

Agra is the home of Mughlai cooking, renowned for its rich cream- and curd-based sauces, accompanied by naan and tandoori breads roasted in earthen ovens, pulao rice dishes and milky sweets such as kheer . Taj Ganj has innumerable scruffy little travellers’ cafés, though standards of hygiene are often suspect and the food is generally uninspiring, with slow service the norm. Taj Ganj’s saving grace is the rooftop cafés, many with fine Taj views, which cap most of its buildings. Local specialities of Agra include petha (crystallized pumpkin) – the best is the Panchi brand, available at various outlets all over town, particularly in the row of petha shops in Kinari Bazaar along the northeast side of the Jama Masjid (past Chimman Lal Puri Wale). Look out too for ghazak , a rock-hard candy with nuts, and dalmoth , a crunchy mix made with black lentils. Agra’s restaurants – including even apparently reputable places – are not immune to the epidemic of credit-card fraud. It’s best not to pay by credit card except in the city’s five-star establishments, or, if you do, to supervise the operation carefully.

Agra is renowned for its marble tabletops, vases and trays, inlaid with semi-precious stones in ornate floral designs, in imitation of those found in the Taj Mahal. It is also an excellent place to buy leather: Agra’s shoe industry supplies all India, and its tanneries export bags, briefcases and jackets. Carpets and dhurries are manufactured here too, and traditional embroidery continues to thrive. Zari and zardozi are brightly coloured, the latter building up three-dimensional patterns with fantastic motifs; chikan uses more delicate overlay techniques. Shopping or browsing in Kinari Bazaar and Sadar Bazaar is fun, but be prepared to haggle; tourist emporiums are worth avoiding. A lot of private shops try to disguise themselves to look like state-run “cottage” or “handlooms” outlets – an indication of their level of integrity.

Credit-card fraud in Agra

Agra sees a large amount of credit-card fraud; be wary of ordering anything to be sent overseas, never let your credit card out of your sight, even for the transaction to be authorized, and make sure that all documentation is filled in correctly and fully so as not to allow unauthorized later additions. A list of stores against whom complaints have been lodged is maintained by the local police department. Remember that if you arrive at any shop in a rickshaw or taxi, the prices of anything you buy will be inflated (and not by just a little) to cover the driver’s commission. If you’re planning on buying, ask to be dropped off nearby, and then walk to the shop (not allowing your driver to see where you are going).

Clustered around the Taj, the tangled little streets of Taj Ganj are home to most of the city’s cheap accommodation and backpacker cafés. A couple of kilometres to the west, on the far side of the leafy Cantonment area, lies Sadar Bazaar, linked to Taj Ganj by Fatehabad Road, where you’ll find many of the city’s smarter places to stay, as well as numerous restaurants and crafts emporiums. Northwest of Taj Ganj lies Agra Fort and, beyond, the third of the city’s main commercial districts, Kinari Bazaar, centred on the massive Jama Masjid.

Jahangiri Mahal, a palace at Agra Fort © Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

The high red-sandstone ramparts of Agra Fort dominate a bend in the Yamuna River 2km northwest of the Taj Mahal. Akbar laid the foundations of this majestic citadel, built between 1565 and 1573 in the form of a half-moon, on the remains of earlier Rajput fortifications. The structure developed as the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire for successive generations: Akbar commissioned the walls and gates, his grandson, Shah Jahan, had most of the principal buildings erected, and Aurangzeb, the last great emperor, was responsible for the ramparts.

The curved sandstone bastions reach a height of over 20m and stretch for around 2.5km, punctuated by a sequence of massive gates (although only the Amar Singh Pol is currently open to visitors). The original and grandest entrance was through the western side, via the Delhi Gate and Hathi Pol or “Elephant Gate” (closed to the public), now flanked by two red-sandstone towers faced in marble, but once guarded by colossal stone elephants with riders which were destroyed by Aurangzeb in 1668. Access to this and to much of the fort is restricted, and only those parts open to the public are described here.

Sound-and-light show

Every night after sunset (in English at 7pm in winter, 8.15pm or 8.30pm in summer), a sound-and-light show takes place at Agra Fort in front of the Diwan-i-Am. The show lasts an hour, during which time lights play on various parts of the fort as a commentary takes you through the history of the great Mughals. It’s fun, but nothing spectacular. Tickets can be bought at the gate.

Diwan-i-Am and the great courtyard

Entrance to the fort is through the Amar Singh Pol, actually three separate gates placed close together and at right angles to each other to disorientate any potential attackers and to deprive them of the space in which to use battering weapons against the fortifications. From here a ramp climbs gently uphill flanked by high walls (another defensive measure), through a second gate to the spacious courtyard, with tree-studded lawns, which surrounds the graceful Diwan-i-Am (“Hall of Public Audience”). Open on three sides, the pillared hall, which replaced an earlier wooden structure, was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1628. The elegance of the setting would have been enhanced by the addition of brocade, carpets and satin canopies for audiences with the emperor.

The royal pavilions

Heading through the small door to the left of the throne alcove in the Diwan-i-Am and climbing the stairs beyond brings you out onto the upper level of the Macchi Bhavan (Fish Palace), a large but relatively plain two-storey structure overlooking a spacious, grassy courtyard. This was once strewn with fountains and flowerbeds, interspersed with tanks and water channels stocked with fish on which the emperor and his courtiers would practise their angling skills, though the maharaja of Bharatpur subsequently removed some of its marble fixtures to his palace in Deeg, and William Bentinck (governor general from 1828 to 1835) auctioned off much of the palace’s original mosaics and fretwork.

Nagina Masjid

On the north side of the courtyard (to the left as you enter) a small door leads to the exquisite little Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque), made entirely of marble. Capped with three domes and approached from a marble-paved courtyard, it was commissioned by Shah Jahan for the ladies of the zenana (harem). At the rear on the right, a small balcony with beautifully carved lattice screens offers a discreet viewpoint from where members of the harem were able to inspect luxury goods – silks, jewellery and brocade – laid out for sale by merchants in the courtyard below, without themselves being seen.

The raised terrace on the far side of the Macchi Bhavan is adorned by two thrones, one black slate, the other white marble. The white one was used by Shah Jahan, the black one by the future emperor Jahangir to watch elephant fights in the eastern enclosure. It now serves, somewhat less gloriously, as a favoured perch for couples posing for photos against the backdrop of the distant Taj.

Diwan-i-Khas

To your right (as you face the river), a high terrace overlooking the Yamuna is topped with a sequence of lavish royal apartments designed to catch the cool breezes blowing across the waters below. The first is the delicate Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), erected in 1635, where the emperor would have received kings, dignitaries and ambassadors, and is one of the most finely decorated buildings in the fort, with paired marble pillars and peacock arches inlaid with lapis lazuli and jasper.

Mina Masjid

A passageway behind the Diwan-i-Khas leads to the tiny Mina Masjid, a plain white marble mosque built for Shah Jahan and traditionally said to have been used by him during his imprisonment here.

Musamman Burj

Beyond, the passageway leads to a two-storey pavilion known as the Musamman Burj, famous as the spot where he is said to have caught his last glimpse of the Taj Mahal before he died, and the most elaborately decorated structure in the fort. Its lattice-screen balustrade is dotted with ornamental niches and with exquisite pietra dura inlay covering almost every surface. In front of the tower a courtyard, paved with marble octagons, centres on a pachisi board where the emperor, following his father’s example at Fatehpur Sikri, played pachisi (a form of ludo) using dancing girls as pieces.

Anguri Bagh

Beyond the Musamman Burj, another large courtyard, the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), is a miniature charbagh, its east side flanked by the marble building known as Khas Mahal (Private Palace), possibly a drawing room or the emperor’s sleeping chamber. The palace is flanked by two so-called Golden Pavilions, their curved roofs covered with gilded copper tiles in a style inspired by the thatched roofs of Bengali village huts.

In front of the Khas Mahal, steps descend into the northeast corner of the Anguri Bagh and the Shish Mahal (Glass Palace), where royal women bathed in the soft lamplight reflected from the mirror-work mosaics that covered the walls and ceiling; the building is currently locked, so you can only peek in through the windows.

The Jahangiri Mahal

South of the Khas Mahal lies the huge Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir’s Palace), although the name is misleading since it was actually built for Jahangir’s father, Akbar, and probably served not as a royal palace, but as a harem. Compared to the classic Mughal designs of the surrounding buildings, this robust sandstone structure has quite a few Hindu elements mixed up with traditional Mughal and Islamic motifs.

From the central courtyard, a gateway leads out through the main gateway into the palace, whose impressive facade shows a characteristic mix of Mughal and Indian motifs, with Islamic pointed arches and inlaid mosaics combined with Hindu-style overhanging eaves supported by heavily carved brackets. Immediately in front of the palace sits Jahangir’s Hauz (Jahangir’s Cistern), a giant bowl with steps inside and out, made in 1611 from a single block of porphyry and inscribed in Persian. Filled with rosewater, it would have been used by the emperor as a bathtub, and it’s also believed that the emperor took it with him on his travels around the empire – though it seems difficult to credit this, given the bath’s size and weight.

Given the Mughal tradition of magnificent tombs, it is no surprise that the mausoleum of the most distinguished Mughal ruler was one of the most ambitious structures of its time. Akbar’s mausoleum complex is entered via its huge Buland Darwaza (Great Gate), surmounted by four marble minarets, and overlaid with marble and coloured tiles in repetitive geometrical patterns, bearing the Koranic inscription “These are the gardens of Eden, enter them and live forever”. Through the gateway, extensive, park-like gardens are divided by fine raised sandstone walkways into the four equal quadrants of the typical Mughal charbagh design. Langur monkeys may be seen along the path, while deer roam through the tall grasses, just as they do in the Mughal miniature paintings dating from the era when the tomb was constructed, lending the whole place a magically peaceful and rural atmosphere.

Top image: Red Fort in Agra, Amar Singh Gate, India © Rafal Cichawa/Shutterstock

Discover more places in India

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Travel Guide Puerto Rico
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to India and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover India?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

Taj Mahal Visit: Expert Tips + Agra Travel Guide

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from any qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

This article is an Agra travel guide that contains information on planning a Taj Mahal visit along with expert Taj Mahal visiting tips and secrets.

Visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first visit to India. Agra, in general, is overcrowded with locals. Furthermore, the large influx of tourists adds to the population. Nonetheless, that being said, there's nothing more captivating than seeing the Taj Mahal for the very first time. This post is a detailed Agra travel guide that will come handy whether you're a first time visitor to Agra or even if you've been there before. In fact, with this post, your Taj Mahal visit will be simplified, with some expert Taj Mahal visiting tips and secrets.

Pin this for later!

Table of Contents

• Taj Mahal Timings - When does the Taj Mahal Open and Close

Best Time of the Day to Visit the Taj Mahal

Best time of the year to visit the taj mahal.

• Taj Mahal Visit - Top Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal

What to Wear During Your Taj Mahal Visit

Planning a taj mahal visit from delhi, how to reach taj mahal from delhi, one day trip from delhi to agra, agra travel guide - places to visit in agra in 2 days, where to stay in agra, what to know before visiting the taj mahal.

If you're looking to make the best of exploring the monument during your Taj Mahal visit, it's important to know a few facts first. I've met quite a few people (including myself) who didn't do enough research before visiting an important monument. Consequently, it leads to a few shocks and disappointments. Take a look at some relevant information with respect to visiting the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal Timings - When Does the Taj Mahal Open and Close

The Taj Mahal opening timings are from sunrise to sunset . The ticket counters open an hour before sunrise. It's important to note here that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays . There is a small percentage of people who come to Agra on Fridays, not knowing that they won't be able to visit it. While there are plenty of Taj Mahal viewpoints where you'll get to see it anyways, you don't wanna miss out on viewing the Taj Mahal from up-close. Check out the opening time of the Taj Mahal on the official wesbite of the Taj Mahal .

The best time of the day to see the Taj Mahal is, undoubtedly, sunrise. You will be surprised to see a large number of people gathered at the gates early in the morning. Granted that it gets overwhelming to see a huge crowd. At the same time, there will be numerous people coming to you, asking you to hire them as your guide. All of that being said, there's nothing more mesmerizing than watching the Taj Mahal come alive during sunrise . Similarly, sunset is also one of the best times to visit the Taj Mahal. The reflection of the sun in the nearby Yamuna river visible from the Taj is quite spectacular.

Must Read: Best Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days

• October to March : This is probably the best time of the year to visit Agra . Although some might find the weather a little cold, it's a much better alternative to visiting Agra during the summer heat. With this in mind, note that December and January can get quite cold with temperatures dropping as low at 2°C.
• April to June : These summer months are the hottest time of the year . Generally speaking, summer in North India can be unsparingly hot. Carry a water bottle with you at all times to stay hydrated.
• July to September : The monsoon showers during this time of the year provide the much-needed respite from the heat. If you're trying to avoid the extreme heat and cold, this is the best time of the year to visit Agra. In any event, carry a raincoat or umbrella while traveling to Agra in the rainy season.

Must Read: A Bangalore Itinerary for 1 Day

Taj Mahal Visit - Top Tips for Vsiting the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal gets over 8 million visitors annually. Needless to say, it gets crowded and overbearing. To make the most of your Taj Mahal visit and avoid facing any hassles, follow these simple tips. These will help you to seamlessly visit this top attraction in Agra.

1. Choosing the Gate to Enter the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal has three gates - the eastern gate, the western gate, and the southern gate. The southern gate is an exit-only gate in a not-very-nice area and is best avoided. The western gate of the Taj Mahal is a popular choice, which makes it the most crowded one. This is the reason why choosing the eastern gate to enter the Taj Mahal would be a wise decision. In the morning, the queue here is approximately 10-15 minutes long, which is quite decent.

2. Where to Buy Tickets to the Taj Mahal

Tickets to the Taj Mahal can be bought on the spot from ticket counters near the gates. Ticket counters open an hour before sunrise . The Taj Mahal ticket costs are divided into four categories.

• Indian Nationals - INR 50 ( plus an additional INR 200 to enter the main mausoleum)
• Visitors from SAARC or BIMSTEC Nations - INR 540 ( plus an additional INR 200 to enter the main mausoleum)
• Foreign Nationals not belonging to SAARC or BIMSTEC Nations - INR 1100 ( plus an additional INR 200 to enter the main mausoleum)
• Children below the age of 15 - Free

You can even buy tickets to the Taj Mahal online .

Must Read: A Guide to all the Old Goa Attractions

3. How to Reach the Taj Mahal

This one is probably one of the more helpful Taj Mahal visiting tips that I found. If you're staying on the Taj Mahal east gate road, which I recommend, walk to the Taj Mahal eastern gate parking. On the other hand, if you're staying elsewhere, ask your cab or tuk-tuk driver to drop you here. At this point, no vehicles are permitted to go any closer to the Taj Mahal. Here you'll find rickshaws or tuk-tuks charging you INR 50 or more to drop you to the Taj, which is at the distance of 1.2 km from the east gate parking. However, what a lot of people don't know is that if you go inside the parking area, the government operates battery vehicles that take you directly to the Taj Mahal . Moreover, they just charge INR 10 for this ride! These vehicles operate both to and from the Taj Mahal and the parking lot.

4. Know What Not to Carry inside the Taj Mahal

Security inside the Taj Mahal is tight. There is a thorough bag check done at the gate. Thus, to avoid wasting your precious time, know what not to carry to the Taj Mahal. Tripods and drones are banned inside the Taj Mahal. In fact, drones are illegal in all of Agra. Any books, except for guide books, are not permitted inside. Also, be mindful of any cigarettes or lighters lying around in your bag. In my experience, carrying a small bag containing just a wallet, important cards, a camera, and a small water bottle is enough.

5. Get that Famous Shot of the Taj Mahal

The moment you walk into the Taj Mahal's big gate, there's the first Taj Mahal viewpoint. There'll be scores of people gathered here to take a picture. However, you need to keep walking ahead. There is another viewpoint located just a few meters ahead. The view of the Taj Mahal looks much better from here. Not to mention, most of the "famous" shots of the Taj Mahal are taken from this second viewpoint. There's even a bench here to sit and get a nice shot with the Taj Mahal in the background. Often there's a queue to get a picture taken here. Wait patiently for a few minutes and you'll get your epic shot!

Must Read: Where to Find the Best Views of the Taj Mahal

6. Get a Close-Up View and Notice the Intricate Details

The Taj Mahal is more than just a structure made of white marble. From far, it may look like a simple marbled tomb whereas, from up close, you'll be able to notice just how much effort has been put into the details. As a matter of fact, the entire monument has been carved up with intricate writings and patterns all over it. Get up close, enter the area just outside the main mausoleum and take some time to walk around to marvel at these details.

7. View the Taj Mahal from a Mosque

There are two structures on either side of the Taj Mahal. On the east side, there's a building called the Mehman Khana  whereas, on the west, there's a mosque. This is the place to go if you want a picture of the Taj Mahal from a beautifully arched frame. In fact, I've written a detailed post on where to find the best views of the Taj Mahal . You'll find a guide to this mosque and many more Taj Mahal viewpoints in that post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpB65XH4H3/

8. Beware of Footwear Thieves inside the Taj Mahal

Yup, you read that right. To enter the mausoleum inside the Taj Mahal, you need to either remove your footwear or cover it up with a cloth that you can purchase outside the gate. If you choose to remove your footwear, be mindful that when you come back, it might not be there. And this comes from personal experience. It happened to my friend while we were inside the mausoleum. This is the reason why purchasing a protective cover is advised. However, most people don't dispose of these covers properly and you'll find them littered all over the place. If you choose to go with this option, please discard these covers only in the dustbin instead of throwing it on the road.

Generally speaking, there's no official dress code for visiting the Taj Mahal . However, it's advisable to wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, especially because that part of India is conservative and also because there's a mosque inside the Taj Mahal complex. Maxi dresses, long skirts, brightly-colored trousers look great against the white of the Taj. Many men and women dress up in Indian clothes such as sarees and churidars. It's heartening to see them embrace the local style of clothing. During the summers, carry light cotton clothes. On the other hand, during winter, definitely wear sweaters and jackets to keep yourself warm.

Delhi to Agra is a distance of 230 km approximately. This small distance can be covered via road or by train. Buses and trains are inexpensive ways to reach Agra from Delhi. But, these two means of transportation can get crowded. In that case, hiring a cab is also a viable, albeit, more expensive option.

Must Read: Top 8 Instagrammable Spots in Delhi

Delhi to Agra by Train

There are plenty of trains from Delhi to Agra running all day. Nonetheless, I suggest taking an early morning train to beat the afternoon heat and reach Agra as early as possible. I would recommend 2 trains. First is the Taj Express . It leaves Delhi at 7.10 am from the Hazrat Nizamuddin station and reaches Agra within 3 hours. It has comfortable seating and you can usually book the train on the same or previous day and still get a seat. 

The second train, the one I traveled in, is the Gatimaan Express . This too leaves from Hazrat Nizamuddin station in Delhi. It's the fastest train from Delhi to Agra . It leaves from Delhi at 8.10 am and reaches Agra within 1 hour 40 minutes. There are 2 coaches on this train - the AC chair car (costing INR 750 per seat) and the executive AC chair car (costing INR 1500 per seat). They serve a warm wholesome breakfast on this train . I would highly recommend taking this train from Delhi to Agra!

Delhi to Agra by Bus

Just like trains, there are also regular buses from Delhi to Agra. Head to any travel agency and they will put you on a comfortable AC bus to Agra. The cost of the ticket is usually INR 500. The journey from Delhi to Agra by road takes approximately 3 hours via the Yamuna Expressway.

Since Agra is just a short distance from Delhi, some people choose to take a day trip to Agra. Since the Taj Mahal can get crowded before noon, it's advisable to leave from Delhi early in the morning . Thus, reach Agra by 10 am. Firstly, visit the Taj Mahal. Then, see some of the other famous sights in Agra, which are mentioned in the next section. Before you leave, don't forget to see a sunset view of the Taj Mahal. Finally, you can leave Agra just after seeing the sunset. There are trains running all day. Just make sure you know the timing of the last train to Delhi.

Must Read: A Complete Delhi Travel Guide

Even though this Agra travel guide focuses mainly on the aspect of planning a smooth Taj Mahal visit, I strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Agra to take in all the views of the Taj Mahal and to visit all the other sightseeing spots. Take a look at some of the best places to visit in Agra in 2 days.

1. Agra Fort

The Agra Fort was the colossal home of the Mughal Emperors and their families. From the Mughal emperor Akbar to his son Jehangir and Jehangir's son Shahjahan, the creator of the Taj Mahal, each of them has lived here. This fort has a beautiful garden, red sandstone as well as white marble sections, and great views of the Taj Mahal. The Mughals lived lavish lives so you'll get an insight into their abode. I would highly recommend hiring a guide because of the interesting stories they will tell you about the fort.

2. Mehtab Bagh

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwcBZwYj-R5/

Mehtab Bagh, or "Moonlight Garden" offers one of the best views of the Taj Mahal. It's located across the river, directly opposite the Taj Mahal. The garden is quite large and has some tress so you can sit in the shade and look at the Taj. Additionally, it's also great to walk around and find good angles for photographing the Taj Mahal.

3. Sunset View of Taj Mahal from Dussehra Ghat

Not only does Dussehra Ghat offer a spectacular view but also the most beautiful sunset view of the Taj Mahal. To reach here, turn right from the Taj Mahal eastern gate and walk down to the end of the road. This spot is getting popular among visitor so you'll see quite a few of them gathered to watch the sunset. Watching the sun go down across the Taj is one of the best things to do in Agra.

4. Watch out for the hillarious signs

Let's be honest. We all love a misspelt road sign that makes us laugh. Luckily enough, you'll find quite a few of these in Agra. There was one liquor shop that I came across which had a hysterical sign board. Can you guess what it says?

5.. Visit a Rooftop Restaurant in Agra

If you're looking for unique places to photograph the Taj Mahal, then the answer lies in the rooftop restaurants in Agra. As a matter of fact, it's one restaurant in particular. Saniya Palace Restaurant  is well-known for some of the best views of the Taj Mahal. It is located close to the southern gate of the Taj Mahal and is also an easy walking distance from the east gate. The food here is decent enough. Plus, you get a breathtaking view with your meal.

It's advisable to find hotels near the Taj Mahal Eastern Gate which will put you a short walk away from the Taj Mahal. There's a range of hotels and hostels on this road.

• Hostels in Agra - Zostel Agra , ZigZag Hostel , Moustache Hostel
• Budget Hotels in Agra - Taj Villa
• Mid-Range Hotels in Agra - Howard Palaza The Fern Agra , Trident Agra
• Luxury Hotels in Agra - The Oberoi Amarvilas

Search for hotels in Agra on Booking.com

Zostel Agra

I stayed at Zostel Agra for 3 nights when I had planned my Taj Mahal visit. What I loved the most about Zostel Agra was it's close proximity to the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal. I just had to walk a couple of hundred meters to reach the battery car parking and take a ride to the Taj Mahal for a mere INR 10. Even without it, the Taj Mahal was less than a kilometer from the hostel. Plus, it was convenient to go to the other places to visit in Agra in 2 days from here. Zosel Agra has dorms as well as private rooms and the cafe + common room has a view to die for! (pictured above).

Did You Enjoy this Article on Planning a Taj Mahal Visit + Agra Travel Guide?

If you liked reading this article on planning a Taj Mahal visit plus an Agra travel guide that includes all the places to visit in Agra in 2 days then follow me on my social media handles   Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest to receive quick updates and be the first one to know when I release a new blog post!

32 Comments

Pingback: Places to visit in and around Manali - The Spicy Journey

Pingback: Top 8 Instagrammable Places in Delhi - A Delhi Photo Guide - The Spicy Journey

Pingback: Best Views of the Taj Mahal - Photographing the Taj Mahal - The Spicy Journey

I think the crowds are what worry me the most, but this was very reassuring!

The Taj Mahal is one of those bucket list places that I really hope to visit soon!! Thanks for this great and very informative guide. The rooftop restaurants in Agra sound wonderful

This is the most complete guide I have ever seen about visiting the Taj Mahal. I’m going this fall and I am for sure going to use all your tips!! Thank you for sharing.

I’m glad this post could be of help 🙂

This blog post was so well written! I’ve been wanting to visit India so badly and will save this for when I finally make it there. Great photos as well!

This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing this, as I’m planning to visit Taj Mahal later this year and just started to do my travel research – there is so much to consider! Your photos are beautiful, I wish I was there already.

You’ll love visiting the Taj Mahal! Hit me up if you need any other info while planning your trip 🙂

Such a detailed, informative post and the photographs are stunning. Would love to sit down by the Dussehra Ghat and take in the view next time we visit.

I have a friend who’s going to India soon, I think he needs to read this. 🙂 What I liked the most is funny road signs. Made me laugh.

As someone who had never been to the Taj Mahal before, I found this to be supremely helpful, so thank you! This might be a dumb question, but why aren’t books allowed inside?

Thats one well written post, good job. I know it takes a really long time to make a post like that, and how many hours that goes into research. Creds!

Thanks for sharing handy guide regarding visit to Taj Mahal. Sometimes, it is very crowded and therefore your tips are very useful. Also from which gate to enter, is also very important information. You have taken wonderful shots of Taj.

It was probably the crowd or the heat or the combination of both, but I felt Taj Mahal was totally overrated. Being asked for a guide every 2 minutes was the most irritating bit! Why can’t the government control the number of guides like in Rajasthan where it is allotted from a common ticket window? Anyway, you’ve gorgeous pictures and great tips for first time visitors.

You have no idea how much I actually wanted to visit this place. It looks so awesome and charming. Besides this guide for first timers seems to be really useful, I make sure to save it for later.

Thanks for this- especially what to wear at the Taj Mahal! There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there, but now I see it’s because while the dress code isn’t “official”, it’s still in a more conservative area.

Great tips and very handy. We were just talking to some friends who had recently visited The Taj Mahal and they talked alot about the crowds. I like your tips about visiting at sunrise as well as capturing shots with other view points. Great post!

This is such handy guide to visit Taj mahal. Crowds worry me lot and at Taj, beating the crowd at sunrise also seems impossible!! loved reading your post.

Interesting – why is it closed on Fridays? Is that for religious reasons? Good tip on the shoes – I’m assuming you could also take them off and put them in your bag? And why no books??

There’s a mosque within the premises which holds the namaz on Fridays. I’m not sure why they don’t allow books inside – it seems incredulous but unless it’s a guidebook on the Taj Mahal, they won’t allow you to carry it inside.

Completely a great written post to explore Agra Tajmahal, also a Beautiful place to capture pictures and the views. Thanks for sharing the guide.

Pingback: Best Places to visit in Manali - A Detailed Guide - The Spicy Journey

Taj Mahal is very popular place, and the world’s miracle one of them is in India. Most of tourist visit this place because of historical places. You shared the info is useful for new visitors. Great blog!

Pingback: Top Places to Visit in Varanasi: A City Guide - The Spicy Journey

Pingback: New Delhi Travel Guide: Expert Tips for Surviving India's Capital City - The Spicy Journey

This was incredibly helpful. Is it said I had no idea about the Friday closures? The photos and tripod information are really useful too. Thanks for sharing

Such beautiful photos – they bring back memories 🙂 I loved the Taj and would love to return one day with my little family, this post is super useful, thanks for sharing.

This post is so helpful. The Taj Mahal is on my list of things I really want to do. I am concerned about the crowds that visit but hopefully with some suggestions from your post I will be fine.

Such a detailed post! Love it. This is on my bucket list. Saving this for when I can make it there! Thanks so much.

Nice coverage of the place, Very informative blog and suggestion for travelers. I really like to this blog its very interesting and informative. Thanks for your amazing travel guide and your photos are mind-blowing.

Comments are closed.

How to spend 3 days in Agra and see the Taj from every angle!

We came to Agra for the same reason everyone else does: to see the Taj Mahal – the one attraction that sits at the top of every visitor’s Agra travel itinerary. This symbol of undying love is one of the seven Wonders of the Modern World and one of the most beautiful buildings in India , so like countless travellers before us, we too made the long journey to see it with our own eyes. (Spoiler alert: it lived up to every single expectation and then some!)

Since our month in India was all about travelling at a slow and leisurely pace, we gave ourselves three full days in Agra (we later learned that most people only stay a night or two!), and fortunately for us, that meant we got to see and do quite a bit around the city. Now here’s a look at how we spent our 3 days in Agra:

Agra Travel Itinerary

Tour Agra Fort on foot

Agra Fort was the main residence of the Mughal emperors before they moved their capital to the Red Fort in Delhi , so if you’ve already been there on your travels through India, it’s kind of cool to see some of the similarities between the two structures. 

Like the Red Fort in Delhi, Agra Fort is also a walled city and inside the enclosure you’ll find gardens, palaces, mosques, audience halls, and basically a maze of marble and red sandstone. If you’re interested in the history of the fort, you can easily hire a guide at the gates, however, it’s also the kind of place that you can enjoy on your own.

The cherry on top is that because Agra Fort is located just 2.5 kilometres from the Taj, you get some pretty cool views of it as well!

Admire the Baby Taj up close

Alright, so you’re not going to get any views of the Taj Mahal from the baby Taj, but if you’re already heading to Mehtab Bagh, this stop is right along the way.

The Baby Taj, whose real name is the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah, is a mausoleum that was commissioned for Mirzā Ghiyās Beg; he was the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, the woman the Taj was built for.

The Baby Taj has been regarded as an early draft for the Taj, but I personally don’t see the resemblance – I think Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi offers a better representation of that! But what I can agree with is that the Baby Taj looks a bit like a jewelry box. From a distance the building may appear to be solid white marble, however, when you get up close you can see that it is covered in arabesques, geometric patterns, and colourful semi-precious stones!

Catch sunset at Mehtab Bagh

Another place you should make time for in Agra is Mehtab Bagh, which also goes by the ever romantic name: Moonlight Garden.

Aside from offering a quiet respite from Agra’s busy streets, these gardens sit directly behind the Taj Mahal and right across the Yamuna River, which means that once again you get some postcard perfect views.

This location is really popular at sunset , and couples, families, and tour groups were already starting to gather across the lawn long before the sun went down.

Legend has it that Emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal, had wanted to build a mausoleum of black marble for himself in these very gardens to mirror the Taj Mahal. As history would have it, Shah Jahan’s own son ended up throwing him in prison, which meant this plan never came to pass, but can you imagine what that would look like today?

Tip: Because Mehtab Bagh is located so close to the Yamuna River, it can partially flood during the rainy season. Something to keep in mind if you visit during that time of year.

Get close to nature on the Taj Walk

One of the biggest surprises in Agra was the Taj Walk, also known as the Taj Protected Forest, which is located just before reaching the East Gate.

The Taj Walk is a mix of paved paths and dirt trails, where you can spot peacocks roaming wild, however, the crowning jewel of the park are the free views of the Taj Mahal! They have a few benches scattered across the grounds and every once in a while you’ll come across an unexpected hill that offers views of the Taj dazzling in the sunlight.

Because the park is located east of the Taj, you get the best views in the morning when the sunlight hits the building. You can still visit in the afternoon, but the Taj will be backlit – something to keep in mind for all you photogs out there.

Enjoy a meal with a view of the Taj

Saniya Palace Rooftop Restaurant calls itself “the restaurant with the best views of the Taj Mahal”, and while I didn’t try every restaurant in town, I can’t really argue with that statement either because the views were pretty spectacular.

This restaurant is located on top of a guesthouse by the South Gate and you have to huff and puff your way up several flights of stairs, but once you reach the top, you can see the Taj Mahal framed by pastel buildings.

The food did take a long time to arrive (we waited 45 minutes) and it’s not going to win any awards (expect standard Indian fare), but if you’re in no rush, the rooftop is a nice place to linger while you enjoy views of the Taj just a little bit longer.

Visit the Taj Mahal itself

And now I’ve saved the best for last: seeing the Taj Mahal up close!

What can I say about the Taj Mahal that hasn’t already been said before? The structure is striking from the minute you first set eyes on it.

We decided to skip the early morning wake-up call for sunrise, and made our way there at 9:00 a.m. without any rush. We were visiting on a weekend, but there were no lines at the East Gate, so we went through security and were standing in front of the Taj within minutes.

We spent the entire morning walking along the complex, gawking at the building’s beauty from every angle, and taking a gazillion pictures because you never know when you’re going to be back! If you’re planning on visiting, I would suggest you give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore every nook and cranny .

Tip: Once a month on the full moon, the Taj Mahal is open for nighttime viewing , so if your trip happens to coincide with that, it’s a pretty rare opportunity to enjoy! Sadly, we missed the full moon by just a few days.

Stay within walking distance of the Taj

Our hotel in Agra was my favourite property of our whole month in India , so I just have to write about it! We stayed at a place called The Coral Court Homestay , which is a boutique hotel with a familiar touch.

The property was run by a travel-loving couple who had a colourful home filled with trinkets from around the world . I loved that wherever I looked there was an unusual artifact with a story, be it embroidered silk pillows with elephants, tinted glass lamps dangling from the ceilings, or shelves and coffee tables piled with books in foreign languages . It was like setting foot in the home I’d like to have one day. 

Aside from being a beautiful property, it was also within walking distance of the Taj Mahal while simultaneously being in a quiet area just off of Taj East Gate Road. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Agra, I would highly recommend this hotel!

Lastly, they served breakfast, lunch and dinner in a communal dining area where guests could mix and mingle, while swapping tales from their travels across India .

To wrap things up, I’m really glad I had three full days in Agra to sightsee without rush and tack on some lesser visited attractions . That being said, if you are on a tighter schedule, you can still pack quite a bit into a day or two, especially if you hire a rickshaw driver to take you around, so either way, you’ll enjoy your visit.

Would you add anything else to this Agra travel itinerary?

13 Comments

Wow! amazingly described. Taj Mahal is really really beautiful. I visited the monument 2 years ago. Lovely pictures!

This is so stunning….I have been to India once but unfortunately couldn’t visit the Taj Mahal……lovely read.

The Taj Mahal for me is one of the most stunning buildings we have! It is so much better in person. When we visited the place in 2013, I just couldn’t believe it! The experience is surreal!

Hello! I recently had found your videos on YouTube and have since started following your blog. I was wondering if you had a post that kind of explains more about your back-story and how you came to be able to travel as much as you do? Thanks!!

Hi Tabitha, I guess you could say I got started with teaching English overseas. I’ve always enjoyed travelling and I took the opportunity to do so during every winter holiday and summer break when I was in university. Once I graduated, I took a job teaching English in Korea, met my husband, and ended up travelling around Southeast Asia with him. Along the way I started this blog and a YouTube channel, both of which I monetized, and I also got work writing pieces for travel websites. I should probably write a more in depth blog post about it at some point, but that’s the short version!

Fab photos! I thought the Baby Taj was beautiful. Were you disappointed by the scaffolding on the Taj Mahal? Apparently the whole dome will be covered this year which is a shame, but it’ll look stunning when back to it’s original glory.

Ahh, someone had warned me about the scaffolding, so I can’t say I was disappointed since I knew to expect it. It’s not great for photographers looking to get that iconic Taj shot, but the building is beautiful regardless! Apparently they’re also going to be applying mud packs to clean the yellow marble, so at least I missed that.

Beautiful post! Nice to read about places other than Taj in Agra, that provide beautiful views of it. Love reading your blog posts 🙂

I absolutely adored Agra. It’s such a beautiful enchanting place! I could have stayed there all day.

Well, without all the crowds of course, but still!

Beautiful post! Agra really is an oasis of charm and splendor. But the Taj is not a stand-alone attraction. The legacy of the Mughal empire has left a magnificent fort and a liberal sprinkling of fascinating tombs and mausoleums. Wonderfull place to visit!

Hi Audrey, Thank you for sharing your experience in Agra with us in such a wonderful post. I really enjoyed reading it with your tips and recommendations on where to have a good view and stay while travelling in Agra. The monuments that you mentioned are really the most important monuments in Agra but i would like to add to the list, the tomb of Akbar or Sikandra, which is located 15 kms from Taj Mahal. The tomb is built on an area covering 119 acres during early 17th century. This is the mausoleum that Akbar chose for himself but could not finish it during his time. The monument has Mughal elements like red sandstone and marble with inlay works and geometric patterns. The tomb is not a UNESCO’s heritage site but still worth visiting.

Agra is just an amazing travel destination, I have been there twice. I would love to go back again and again. I love the Taj a lot.

Thanks for your amazing travel guide and your photos are mind-blowing.

Agra is an amazing place to visit and The Taj Mahal is the most beautiful building i have ever seen. The beauty of The Taj Mahal is just amazing and can’t be explain in words.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• 2 Weeks for Couple
• 2 Weeks for Family
• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

7 Places to Visit in Agra + 1-Day and 2-Day Trip Plans

Being home to the famous Taj Mahal and a stop on India's Golden Triangle of tourist cities, Agra is not missed off any classic India trip. No one should leave India without visiting this lovely city.

Once the capital of the Mughal Empire , beyond the iconic Taj Mahal, you can visit five more places to discover Agra's glorious history: Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb (the "Baby Taj"), Akbar's Tomb, and Fatehpur Sikri. Apart from the Mughal monuments, don't miss Wildlife SOS if you are an animal lover.

Among our suggested seven places, the first four places (The Taj, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Baby Taj) could be visited in one day. For a longer visit to Agra, Akbar's Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, and Wildlife SOS are great excursions, which are just 1 hour's driving from the Taj Mahal.

• The Taj Mahal
• Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
• Mehtab Bagh
• Akbar's Tomb
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Wildlife SOS
• Sample Itinerary for 1 Day in Agra
• Sample Itinerary for 2 Days in Agra

1. The Taj Mahal: a Majestic Monument to Love

The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Undoubtedly, the Taj Mahal is the icon of Agra, even India. Its alluring reflection in the long pool is shown in most photo albums and travel brochures. As a symbol of love, it's the best place to visit for couples . You will see newly-weds taking wedding photos there.

With its fame, you might meet crowds there. So, an early morning visit is helpful to avoid the crowds and heat. The Taj usually opens 45 minutes before sunrise. When the Taj is lit up by the early morning light, you'll capture incredible pictures of the glow!

You might hear of popular moonlight tours before. As per most reviews, they're not as enjoyable or worth the money. Paying 1.5 times the daytime price, you just get 30 minutes to see the Taj from the gateway on a platform (quite a long distance from the Taj). Without the help of floodlights , you can't see it clearly. If you would like a night view (that is just as good), booking a hotel with Taj Mahal views or going to the Mehtab Bagh is much better value. Read more details about how to explore the Taj Mahal from different perspectives .

See more travel guides about Visiting the Taj Mahal >>> and seek the best places for night views of the Taj >>>

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

2. Agra Fort: Home to Mughal Emperors

Your Agra itinerary is not complete without the marvelous Agra Fort. Once the palace of royal families of the Mughal Empire, Agra Fort is the epitome of Mughal buildings. Mighty fortifications, ornate decorations, and a glorious history make Agra Fort impressive.

Like the Red Fort in Delhi , Agra Fort (also called the Red Fort of Agra) shares some similarities in architecture. Both are red sandstone walled cities with gardens, palaces, audience halls, etc. inside. But Agra Fort is more recommended as it is larger, better preserved, and more accessible. It is "wheelchair friendly".

You can see the Taj Mahal at a distance from a pavilion in Agra Fort. When the emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned in Agra Fort for his final 8 years, gazing at the Taj Mahal was his only way to relieve his loneliness and depression until his death.

Recommended Private India Tours to explore Taj Mahal and its love story:

• 7-Day Golden Triangle India Tour
• 10-Day India Highlights and North-West Frontier Tour

3. Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Baby Taj): Inspiration for the Taj Mahal

If the Taj Mahal shows the love of a husband, Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb is the proof of a daughter's love of her father .

Although Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb was built earlier than the Taj Mahal , it is always called the Baby Taj Mahal due to its smaller size. As a model for the Taj Mahal , it was the first marble monument in India.

Despite the similarities, Itmad's Tomb has more details in its hand-carved marble covering exterior walls.

Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb is a perfect oasis to immerse yourself in artwork and exquisite decorations without The Taj's crowds . Step back into Mughal history, walk around the gardens, and enjoy the river views behind the tomb.

Different from other attractions, local guides are not available on the spot . If you want to get a deep insight into the Tomb, book a guide before ( we can help you book one of the best English-speaking guides in Agra ).

4. Mehtab Bagh: Sunset and Moonlight Views of The Taj Mahal

The Mehtab Bagh, or Moonlight Garden, is a beautifully-landscaped garden located alongside the Yamuna River opposite the Taj Mahal.

Perfectly aligned with the gardens of the Taj Mahal, it is the perfect place to snap sunset pictures of the Taj . Away from the crowds, you can enjoy the Taj (from a distance) in relative peace.

It is said that Emperor Shah Jahan intended to build himself "the Black Taj" there to mirror the Taj Mahal, his wife's mausoleum, so that he could still look upon his wife's monument across the river after death. However, he failed to do this as he was placed under house arrest by his son.

5. Fatehpur Sikri: the Abandoned Capital of the Mughal Empire

Fatehpur Sikri is closed on Fridays.

For a history buff , Fatehpur Sikri is a must-see in Agra. You can visit it on your way to Jaipur as it is located on the Jaipur–Agra highway.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the red sandstone ruins are still viewed by many as the finest showpiece of Mughal architecture .

The highest gateway in Asia (about 15 floors high) stands majestically under the clear sky and welcomes you in. The domes , winding corridors , and intricate carvings put you in a time tunnel. The diverse styles of buildings tell you of the love of Akbar the Great, the third Mughal emperor, for his three wives of different religions (Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity).

Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned 14 years after being built due to a shortage of water . Then it was a ghost city for hundreds of years. It witnessed the Mughal Empire's rise and fall.

Explore Fatehpur Sikri during your 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour: Explore the Land of King s>>>

6. Akbar's Tomb: The Resting Place of the Greatest Mughal Emperor

Akbar (r. 1556–1605) was one of the most famous Mughal emperors and innovative builders . Designed by himself, his tomb presents his ideas of cultural fusion. You can find Arabic, Persian, and Hindu features in his tomb.

Different from other monuments built in red sandstone only, he used a deep red sandstone mixed with marble . Unlike other Mughal tombs, Akbar's Tomb faces towards the east instead of west, towards Mecca .

You're suggested to enter from the south gate , the largest one. Walk through the garden, meet the lovely monkeys, peacocks, and deer, and then enter the tomb. Despite the passing of the centuries, the impressive geometrical patterns and floral designs are still shining on walls inside.

7. Wildlife SOS: Close Contact with Sanctuary Animals

If you are an animal lover, don't miss Wildlife SOS. It houses two wildlife projects : the Agra Bear Rescue Facility and the Elephant Conservation and Care Center. The elephant sanctuary is just 15 minutes' drive from t he bear sanctuary .

You'll get to know the stories behind every rescue, and see how staff take care of the animals. Visiting the sanctuary is a way to support the work and can be life-transforming. The volunteer project was suspended due to COVID-19. Check its availability with us if you'd like to experience it.

To protect the animals from being disturbed, every visit has to be assessed and approved beforehand .

What to Visit with 1 Day in Agra

A full day in Agra is enough to explore the main city highlights, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Most travelers arrive in the early afternoon from Delhi or Jaipur. So, they will go to Mehtab Bagh and admire the mesmerizing sunset view of the Taj Mahal on the arrival day .

Next day, you are recommended to visit the Taj Mahal early in the morning (at around 5 a.m.) to avoid crowds and heat. Then, return to your hotel for breakfast. Then, continue by exploring Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb.

• In the evening, you might like to enjoy the night show Mohabbat the Taj at the Kalakriti Culture and Convention Center.
• A guided tour (usually US$ 100 - 200 per person per day) is recommended for a deep insight into the monuments and worry-free ticketing and navigation. Your guide will not only share history and stories, but also help to enrich your contact with local culture.

What to Visit in Agra with 2 Days

Based on our experiences, Agra is most popular as a stop between Delhi and Jaipur . To make use of another day in Agra, you could go on the following popular itinerary for 2 full days in Agra.

Day 1: Departing from Delhi by road, you could stop at Akbar's Tomb or Wildlife SOS on the way to Agra, then take in the sunset views from Mehtab Bagh on arrival.

Day 2: Do the classic day tour of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb.

Day 3: Have a half-day visit of Fatehpur Sikri , then head to Jaipur.

Find out the transport guide about Delhi to Agra . For more planning guides of India tours, you can see How to Plan a Trip to India >>>

Visit India with Asia Highlights

Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to India. Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today!

Recommended Private India Tours:

• 15-Day India and Sri Lanka Tour
• 12-Day India and Bhutan Tour
• 11-Day India and Nepal Tour
• 14-Day India, Nepal, and Bhutan Tour

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!

• 7-Day India Golden Triangle Tour
• 8-Day Diwali Festival in India Golden Triangle Tour 2024
• 9-Day India Tiger Safari and Golden Triangle Tour
• 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Varanasi
• 11-Day India Holi Festival Tour 2024
• 14-Day Rajasthan Tour Package for Westerners
• 14-Day Romantic Honeymoon Trip in India
• 2-Week Luxury India Tour
• 21-Day India, Nepal and Bhutan Tour
• India Itineraries 2024: from 5 Days to 1 Month
• 2 Weeks in India 2024/2025: Top 4 Itineraries
• How to Plan a Trip to India 2024/2025 for First Timers
• How to Plan an Awesome Family Trip to India in 2024
• Plan an Awesome Trip to India, Bhutan and Nepal (6 Tips)
• How to Plan an India and Nepal Trip 2024/2025
• How to Plan a Trip to India for Holi 2024
• A Complete Guide to Experiencing Diwali
• How Much Does a Trip to India Cost?
• Is India Safe to Travel? Women & Kids (Tips for 2024/2025)
• Best (and Worst) Times to Visit India 2024, Rainy Season?
• Best Times to Visit the Taj Mahal？Expert Tips in 2024
• Weather and Where to Go in India in Janurary 2024/2025
• Weather and Places to Go in India in February 2024/2025
• Weather and Places to Go in India in March 2024/2025
• India Weather & Best Places to Visit in April 2024/2025
• Weather in India in May 2024 & Travel Tips for First-Timers
• India in June: Weather & Best Places to Visit 2024/2025
• India Weather & Best Places to Visit in July 2024/2025
• India in August: Weather & Best Places to Visit 2024/2025
• September Weather in India & Tips (Places+Crowds) 2024
• October Weather in India & Tips (Places+Crowds) 2024
• Weather and Where to Go in India in November 2024
• Weather in India in December 2024 & Tips for First Visits

Jessie was amazing ! Everything from her level of English to her understanding of what we valued .

We had a good time exploring the city with Selinda!

Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!

Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.

She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,

Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.

More reviews

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari

• Travel Agents
• Our Differences
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

American and the Brit - Travel Couple

3 Day Guide To Agra

3 day guide to Agra – For the most part, tourists flock to Agra for one reason and one reason only and that is to visit the infamous Taj Mahal. Like everyone else, we decided to spend two nights and three days in Agra. Giving us the chance to visit the Taj Mahal in person. From what we read and heard online, visiting the Taj Mahal for sunrise is simply magical. Not only do you get to avoid the heavy crowds, but you also have the chance to explore the grounds at an extremely peaceful time. Watching the sunrise over the top of the Taj Mahal was a memory the both of us will never forget. If you are planning on making the visit yourself, we couldn’t recommend a sunrise mission more!

So if you’re like us, chances are you will spend more than just one day in Agra. For that reason we have written up a short, yet informative guide for you to help plan your few days here. 

Candidly, Agra is a city that you can pretty much see in just one, or two days. Thus, if you follow our guide below, you will be sure to hit all the key destinations 

How To Get There

Our journey to Agra was nothing short of an adventure. We were not quite ready to give the train a shot, so we opted to take an Uber. Fortunately this ended up being only a bit more expensive than the train anyway. Looking back on it now, we slightly regret not giving the train a go at that point. This is because our Uber driver got lost along the way! Luckily we booked an Uber premium, which gives you the fixed price prior to departure. Our biggest pro tip when using Uber in India is to book a premium car.

Generally it’s a bit more expensive than a regular car, but it is definitely worth it in the end. With all the traffic, closed roads, and detours, your fee is likely to rise once on the road. For the peace of mind spending a bit more up front is definitely worth it. Our 2 hour drive to Agra became a 6 hour journey and we were so glad the price was fixed. Anyways…I digress. You can get to Agra from New Delhi via Uber, or train. Pick your poison. 

Additionally, if you are not on a budget you can hire a private car. There are many private car services that drive to and from Agra daily. This is great for those looking to just visit the Taj Mahal for a day trip. So if you are not keen on staying a night in Agra, this is probably your best bet. Prices are around $30-$50 per way.

Things To Do

Visiting the Taj Mahal is likely the soul purpose of your trip to Agra. If you are interested in reading our entire guide, with tips and tricks about our visit to the Taj Mahal click here . As you can imagine the photos of this place just don’t even do it justice. Once inside you will be blown away by its beauty. It was the highlight of our entire time in India and we felt so lucky to have had the chance to visit it on such a beautiful morning. 

Bear in mind that tickets to the Taj Mahal are only valid for 3 hours, so pick your time wisely! This is something that is really not advertised at all. It only is written in small print on your ticket. If you overstay your three hours, you will be required to pay the entry fee again. Entry is 1,100 rupees per person.

Built in 1573 with the help of over 4,000 workers, Agra Fort was the main residence for the Mughals under the reign of Akbar- a great Mughal Emperor. It took nearly 8 years to complete and its expansive grounds are a sight to behold. We visited the Agra Fort early one morning and found that it was a great place to spend our afternoon. There are dozens of hidden walkways and tunnels you can explore. The fort also has a really great view of the Taj Mahal from the distance. 

Tomb of Akbar the Great

If you have extra time in Agra, take a quick trip to the suburbs to explore the tomb of Akbar the Great. The tomb itself is very intricate. You can admire the red sandstone and marble geometric patterns of the structure, whilst walking around the surrounding garden. 

Mehtab Bagh

If you are looking for one of the most famous places to photograph the Taj Mahal from a different perspective, be sure to check out Mehtab Bagh. Located opposite of the Taj Mahal, along the Yamuna River, this massive garden complex is a great place to visit for sunset, or early in the morning. If you go, you will be treated to some unique vantage points of the Taj. 

Taj Mahal Secret Sunset Spot

This is another great spot to visit to get an epic view of the Taj Mahal. We have written an entire blog post on how to find this place, which you can read here . The best time of the day to go is in the late afternoon, or sunset hour. After taking pictures, it also makes for a great place to watch the world go by around you. We highly suggest you try to find this incredible spot!

Places To Stay

Atulyaa taj hotel.

We stayed at the Atulyaa Taj hotel. Whilst it’s nothing too spectacular, it did have its major advantages. We loved the fact that it was just 600 meters away from the East gate entrance to the Taj Mahal. This made it very easy for us to access early in the morning for the sunrise. We also really loved the restaurant attached to the hotel. Agra had limited places to eat near the hotel, so we were happy with the food options provided. Also, if you are staying a few days, the hotel also has a rooftop pool which is an added bonus. Check out availability and prices here.

Where To Eat

As we mentioned before we really did not get out to eat much in Agra. This partly had to do with the fact that we were only there for 2 nights, but also because we enjoyed the restaurant inside our hotel. Breakfast was included in the stay and they made a great butter chicken dish we ate every night! 

Overall, Agra is definitely a city you pass through on your time in India. That being said, we still recommend you spend at least 2 nights there so that you can get the full experience. We hope our guide provides you with some alternative activities and sights to see apart from the Taj Mahal during your visit to Agra. 

You’ll Also Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please enter an answer in digits: 5 × four =

How to Find the Perfect View Point – The Taj Mahal

Follow @ americanandthebrit

Copyright © 2024 American and the Brit - Travel Couple · Theme by 17th Avenue

Kingdom of Travelers

2 Days in Agra: The Perfect Agra Itinerary

Are you planning to spend 2-days in Agra, India? This 2-day Agra itinerary will help you plan your trip to visit all the most famous places with ease and joy.

Agra is an ancient city and one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its rich culture and vibrant history. Plus, The city is the home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Taj Mahal attracts people from all around the world who want to see it with their own eyes. Tourists visit Agra to see the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort, Mehtab Garden, Akbar Tomb, and many other famous tourist attractions.

However, I have put together a 2-days in Agra itinerary to help you in planning your perfect 2-day tour of the city, so you have enough time to explore all the monuments, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants, and indulge in some shopping on your way back home.

You’ll also get detailed information about each monument or location, so you’ll be ready for the next step.

Let’s Start.

Table of Contents

How Many Days For Agra?

If you want to visit all famous destinations with ease then 2 days are sufficient. However, if you only want to see the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, you can do so in a single day.

I strongly advise you to spend at least two days in Agra to learn about the city’s culture and history, as well as to spend a bit more time inside the Taj Mahal.

Note:- I’m assuming you reach Agra in the afternoon.

Things to do in Agra

Agra itinerary day 1.

The Red Fort, located 2 kilometres from the Taj Mahal, was constructed between 1565 and 1573. This magnificent structure is made of red sandstone and is a Unesco World Heritage site.

This grand structure is a symbol of the Mughal reign in India and remains one of their most important monuments to this day. The Fort contains magnificent palaces made of white marble and red sandstone, and also offers a stunning view of the Taj Mahal.

Inside the red fort, you’ll find Jahangir Mahal, Macchi Bhawan, Diwan-I-Am, Kas Mahal, and Diwan-I-Khas. For me, Jahangir Mahal is the most beautiful two-story building in the fort, because of its excellent carving and architecture.

Timing : 6 AM to 6 PM.

Duration of Visit : 1:30 Hours

Next Destination : 4 kilometres, Walking takes 50 minutes and taking a taxi or auto rickshaw (tuk tuk) takes 10 minutes.

Baby Taj /Itimad-ud-Daulah

Itimad-ud-Daulah is Mirza Ghiyas Beg’s tomb, also known as the Baby Taj due to its small size and white marble construction. Furthermore, this is the first Mughal monument constructed of white marble rather than red sandstone.

The Baby Taj’s walls is made of white marble with semi-precious stone decoration. As a result, the monument is also known as a box of jewels. The carving and painting on the wall were the most appealing aspects of the mausoleum to me.

This magnificent structure was built before the Taj Mahal between 1622 and 1628, and it is believed that the Taj Mahal was influenced by Baby Taj. So don’t forget to include this unique structure in your two-day Agra itinerary. 

Timing :- 6 AM to 6 PM.

Duration of Visit: 30 Minutes

Next Destination :- 2.5 kilometres, Walking takes 30 minutes and taking a taxi or Auto Rickshaw (tuk tuk) takes 8 minutes.

Mehtab Bagh 

Mahtab Bagh is a garden complex located on the other side of the river from the Taj Mahal. In the evening, The Garden is an excellent place to enjoy the Taj Mahal’s breathtaking view in the evening..

The incredible view of the Taj Mahal from garden astounded me, and seeing the Taj domes change colour as the sun set was mesmerising. If you are a photographer or enjoy taking stunning photographs, you will adore this location.

Mahtab Bagh also includes fountains, pools, sandstone domes, and a large pond. This is the best place to spend some time observing the Taj Mahal.

Timing : 6 AM to 6 PM

Duration of Visit: 1 Hour

Agra Itinerary Day 2

The Taj Mahal is not only an architectural wonder but also an enduring symbol of eternal love. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This stunning monument took 21 years to complete, with the help of over 20,000 workers. 

The structure is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, made from marble and red sandstone with inlay work in semi-precious stones. Not only that, but the monument is one of the world’s wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also, this is the most beautiful masterpiece built by the Mughals.

Most first-time visitors to India include this incredibly beautiful masterpiece on their itinerary. The Taj Mahal attracts more than two million visitors each year through its doors.

Inside the Taj Mahal, you will see a completely beautiful carving and colourful flowers made of semi-precious stone.

I’ve visited the monument several times and never get tired of it; every time I saw Taj for the first time was a wow moment. I recommend going early in the morning because it looks stunning.

Note :- You are not allowed to carry: smoking items, tobacco products, liquor, eatables (Toffees), headphones, knives, wire, mobile charger, extra battery, electric goods (except camera), Arms, ammunition, fire, and tripods are also prohibited.

Inside the Taj Mahal, eating and smoking are strictly prohibited, and large bags and books may cause the security check to take longer. So keep with you only your mobile, camera, and passport, along with money and water. 

Timing :- 6 AM to 6 PM. Friday close .

Duration of Visit: 2 Hours.

Next Destination : 15 kilometres, 40 minutes by taxi.

Akbar Tomb ( Sikandra)

Akbar’s tomb, also known as Sikandra, is a beautiful Mughal Emperor Akbar’s tomb located approximately 13 kilometres from Agra. And constructed between 1605 and 1613. Akbar built this tomb by himself but died before it was completed. The mausoleum was completed by his son Jahangir.

This is one of Agra’s most popular tourist attractions, with over 4 million visitors each year.

The entrance gate to the tomb is brilliantly decorated with white marble and red sandstone, and ceiling is beautifully designed with floral and geometric patterns in white and coloured marble.

The monument was built entirely of sandstone and marble. In addition, surrounded by a lovely garden. Akbar’s tomb is one of the best things to include in your 2 days Agra Itinerary.

Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM. Friday Close

Duration of Visit : 45 Minutes

Next Destination : 46 kilometres, 1 hour by taxi.

Fatehpur Sikri 

Fatehpur Sikri, situated 40 km from Agra, is the largest palace complex in India and was constructed in 1571 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great. They call it “the city of victory”. 

The town used to be the capital of the Mughal Empire, but it was abandoned after only a decade. Because of a lack of water and being forgotten for hundreds of years. 

This city is now one of the most magnificent ghost cities in the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site. 

Fatehpur Sikri complex includes Jodha Bai Palace, Panch Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Aam, the Archeological Museum, and many other structures. it’s filled with architectural beauty and stunning carvings.

For me, the most interesting aspect of this monument was that Akbar built three separate places for his favourite wives: one Hindu, one Muslim, and one Christian.

Fatehpur Sikri also has one of the largest mosques in India, and the Buland Darwaza (entrance door of the mosque) is the most impressive part of the mosque. 

Note: Please keep in mind that you must remove your shoes before entering the masjid.

You can either keep your shoes in your bag or there are people who will look after your shoes for a fee.

Prepare yourself both outside the Fatehpuri complex and inside the Jama Masjid. Many people or children will approach you and ask for money.

Timing : 6AM  to 6 PM.

How to Reach Fatehpur Sikri 

If you only have two days in Agra, taking a taxi to Fatehpur Sikri is the best option. I would recommend that you hire a taxi for the entire second day and begin with the Taj, then Akbar’s tomb, then Fatehpur Sikri, once you arrive at the Fatehpur Sikri Parking.

To get to the Masjid and the complex area, you’ll need to take a minibus. The bus ride to the attraction will take about 10 minutes. The bus service is free, but you can give the conductor some money if you want.

Map of Agra Attractions

To make your travel planning easier, this map includes all of the tourist attractions mentioned in this two-day Agra itinerary. The blue pointer represents Day One, and the green pointer represents Day Two.

What If You Have Only One Day in Agra

If you only have one day in Agra or arrive by morning train from Delhi, then you can visit these places.

Baby Taj /Itimad-ud-Daulah.

When Is The Best Time to Visit Agra

The weather in Agra is extremely unstable, with cold winters and hot summers. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.

However, if you want to visit Taj without crowds and save money, you can do so during the summer months of April to June, when temperatures range from 40°C to 48°C, and in the rainy season from July to August, when temperatures can range from 30°C to 35°C.

How To Reach Agra from Delhi

Agra is easily accessible by bus, train, or taxi. The train is, in my opinion, the best way to get to Agra. There are several trains that run from Delhi to Agra. The quickest one takes about 90 minutes to get there. The following are the best trains to take to get to Agra.

Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 8:10 ( Duration 1h 45m)

New Delhi Habibganj Shatabdi Express from New Delhi railway station at 6:00 AM (Duration 1h 55m)

Taj Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 7:06 AM. (Duration 2h 30m)

I recommend that you book your train ticket in advance. Two to three months in advance is the ideal time frame. Reservations for international travellers can be made through 12Go Asia . This is an easy and risk-free website for booking your train ticket.

The bus is the cheapest way to get to Agra, but it takes the longest, around 4 to 5 hours. Fares for buses and trains differ slightly. So I recommend taking the train, but if you have to take the bus because the train is full, you can book tickets on the RedBus website.

Book only Deluxe or Super Deluxe buses because regular buses take longer to arrive and stop more frequently.

Agra by taxi is the most convenient and hassle-free way to get to Agra. If you prefer the simplest mode of transportation, this is the best option for you. Your hotel can arrange a taxi for you and provide you with all the travel information.

Where to Stay

Hotel Amer on Fatehabad Road, where I quite often stayed with my Polish group.  I had a great time at this hotel because the rooms were clean and comfortable, and the food was delicious. The hotel has a pool, but I never use it.

More Budget Accommodation in Agra

The Coral Court Homestay

Taj Castle A Boutique Homestay

Hotel The Taj Vilas

How to Get Around in Agra 

Taxis and auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) are the best ways to get around in Agra. You can easily book an Auto Rickshaw or a taxi using the Uber or Ola App, or you can check the price on the app first to get an idea of how much you should pay to book an auto rickshaw without using an app.

I would recommend booking a taxi for the entire second day because Fatehpur Sikri is 40 kilometres away, and taking a taxi to all of the spots will be the most convenient option.

What to Eat in Agra

Petha, a sweet dish made from sugar syrup, pumpkin, and some spices with flavours, is the most popular food in Agra. In Agra, you can easily find incredibly delicious North Indian and Mughlai cuisine.

Below are the best foods to try while visiting Agra.

Petha :- Best Petha in Agra is from the Panchi Petha store. 

Mughlai food :- kakori kebab (minced lamb meat with spices), Gulnaar kebabs ( Chicken Kebab dish), Tandoori chicken are some best Mughlai foods to try in Agra. Pinch of Spice and Jahanpanah are the best restaurants to eat this delicious food.

Bedai :- Fried puffed bread served with spicy potato curry. Deviram Sweets & Restaurant is making the best Bedai in Agra.

Paratha :- A paratha is a flaky flatbread cooked with a sprinkle of oil and with different stuffing, such as potato, cauliflower, cheese, etc. Rambabu Paratha is the best place to eat Paratha in Agra.

Some more best restaurants.

Peshawri :- Most luxury restaurants in Agra

Dasaprakash Restaurant :- South India Restaurant.

The Salt Cafe: – Greece style cafe serves delicious food and drinks in a nice atmosphere.

Mama Chicken & Franky House :- Delicious chicken dishes. But no place to sit. 

What to Shop

Agra is home to some of the most famous markets in India, where you can find a wide variety of handicrafts, leather goods, and marble crafts.

The markets in Agra are best known for their leather goods. As the city has a long history of producing high-quality leather goods. You can find many shops that specialize in selling leather products like shoes, jackets, bags, and more at affordable prices.

The Sadar Bazaar is one of Agra’s most popular markets for leather goods shopping.

The other popular items that you can buy at these markets are marble crafts and handicrafts. Kinari Bazar is the right place to buy handicrafts, marble crafts and leather goods. It is common to see marble statues, carvings, and furniture being sold at these markets.

More India Travel Itineraries.

• Delhi Itinerary: 3 Days in Delhi: The Perfect Delhi Itinerary
• Jaipur Itinerary: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaipur in 2 Days.
• Pushkar Itinerary: 8 Best Things to Do in Pushkar in 2 Days.

Downloadable Image of Day by Day Delhi Itinerary.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section and I will do my best to answer them.

Sharing is Caring

Guide to Navratri

Delhi's Republic Day Parade

Ramadan in Delhi

Dilli Haat Market

Street Food in Delhi

Must-Try Food

Top Restaurants

Best Bars & Clubs

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Indira Gandhi International Airport Guide

Public Transit

Neighborhoods to Explore

Top Things to Do

Most Iconic Attractions

Things to Do With Kids

Top Markets

Best Museums

Amazing Temples

Best Shopping

48-Hour Itinerary

One Week in Delhi

Best Tours to Take

Day Trips From Delhi

Visit the Taj Mahal From Delhi

How to Travel from Delhi to Agra by Train, Bus, and Car

On the banks of the Yamuna River and 130 miles south of New Delhi sits Agra , a city known for its architectural marvels and Mughal history. It's one of the stops on India's tourist circuit known as the "Golden Triangle"—along with the neighboring cities Delhi and Jaipur—and while it has a number of incredible sites worth visiting, most tourists are here for one reason: the Taj Mahal . This celebrated mausoleum is recognized around the globe and has been deemed one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and called "the jewel of Muslim art in India" by UNESCO.

Transportation around India may seem daunting, but an excellent rail service with a reserved ticketing system makes it easy. The train is fast enough that if you plan out your roundtrip ticket, you could visit Agra for a day and be back in New Delhi by the evening. Buses are the cheapest option, but the trip takes significantly longer and the price difference is minimal. Travelers looking for the most hassle-free option can hire a private car or taxi, which can take anywhere from three to five hours depending on traffic.

How to Get from Delhi to Agra

• Train: 2 hours, from $5
• Bus: 4 hours, from $5
• Car: 3 hours, 132 miles (213 kilometers)

The most popular way of getting from Delhi to Agra is by train. It's possible to visit the Taj Mahal in a day from Delhi if you catch the right trains, the fastest of which get you from city to city in two hours. The main railway station in Delhi is New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), near Paharganj , although some trains to Agra also depart Delhi from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM), which is about 20 minutes south of NDLS. The main railway station in Agra is Agra Cantonment (AGC), which is about a 20-minute drive from the Taj Mahal. Upon exiting the train station, use one of the prepaid taxi or rickshaw booths to pay a set price for the trip.

While the train ride itself is comfortable and quick, the process of buying your train tickets isn't always so easy. You can buy tickets on the official website for  Indian Railways , but it requires signing up for an account and paying a small registration fee. Other travel websites are more user-friendly— such as Cleartrip.com , Makemytrip.com , and  Yatra.com —but don't always show all available trains and they charge a commission fee.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at the International Tourist Bureau at the New Delhi Railway Station. It's located upstairs in the main building (Paharganj side) and is open 24 hours. Don't believe anyone who tells you that it has moved or is closed because they are trying to scam you . If you are already in Delhi and need tickets, visiting the International Tourist Bureau may be the simplest method for making your train reservation. However, Indian Railways carries millions of passengers every day and trains often book up, so get your tickets in advance if possible.

There are several trains throughout the day from Delhi to Agra, but some of the most popular ones for Taj Mahal visitors are:

• The fastest morning train from Delhi to Agra is the non-stop 12050 Gatimaan Express . It travels at a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour, and takes approximately 100 minutes to reach Agra. The train departs Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 8:10 a.m. and arrives in Agra at 9:50 a.m. The fare in 1AC executive class (first class, seated, air-conditioned) is 1,495 rupees, or about $20, while CC (chair car, seated, air-conditioned) costs 750–1,000 rupees, or $10–$14, with the fare based on dynamic pricing according to demand. The train runs daily except Friday (when the Taj Mahal is closed). There is on-board catering, with both Indian and Continental cuisine served. Its cleanliness, food, and ticket availability are all excellent. Plus, it's a punctual train with minimal delays.
• If you want to get an early start, the best option is the 12002 New Delhi Habibganj Shatabdi Express . This train has one stop. It departs New Delhi Railway Station at 6 a.m. and arrives at Agra at 7:57 a.m. The train runs every day. Its ticket availability and punctuality are excellent, and cleanliness is good.
• The 12280 Taj Express Superfast from New Delhi Railway Station to Agra is also popular (and it stops at Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, too) but the trip takes nearly three hours. It departs at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Agra at 9:32 a.m. The train has four stops and runs every day. It has excellent ticket availability. Punctuality and cleanliness are good, but there's no pantry or onboard restaurant.
• Alternatively, try the 22416 Andhra Pradesh AC Super Fast Express if you'd prefer sleeper accommodations. This train departs from New Delhi Railway Station at 6:25 a.m. and arrives at Agra at 9:10 a.m. It's fully air-conditioned, runs daily, and doesn't have any stops. However, delays are sometimes an issue.

If you're looking for the cheapest way to get from Delhi to Agra, the bus is your best option. The company RedBus shows you itineraries for all of the different bus companies and lets you purchase tickets directly from their website. Standard buses can be overcrowded, overheated, and stop at multiple cities along the route, so look for buses that say "Deluxe" or explicitly list air-conditioning as an included amenity.

Even though the bus is the most affordable option, the price difference between the bus and train is minimal, and the speed and comfort of the train are worth paying a few dollars more. However, if you need last-minute tickets and the trains are fully reserved, then the bus is a reliable backup option.

Driving your own vehicle from Delhi to Agra is only for those with ample experience driving in India. If you aren't familiar with India's driving laws—or drivers' tendencies to disregard those laws—then driving your own vehicle is the most stressful and unsafe option for travel. However, if the train or bus is too much of a hassle, hiring a private car or taxi is the easiest option for getting to the Taj Mahal. Prices start at about $40 for a one-way trip in a sedan and get more expensive for larger vehicles. The drive normally takes about three hours, but traffic around Delhi is notoriously hectic and the actual trip may be much longer. The best method for finding a car is to ask at your hotel or accommodations. Not only will the driver pick you up directly from the hotel, but they can also arrange all of the travel details so you don't have to worry.

What to See in Agra

The main attraction in Agra is, without a doubt, the Taj Mahal . Many tourists go from the train station to the Taj Mahal and then directly back to the train, without seeing any of the other historical sites that Agra has to offer. If you have the time, don't miss out on the other UNESCO World Heritage sites also located nearby. The Agra Fort is a walled city that was home to the Mughal emperors of the 17th century, when Agra was still the capital of their vast empire. The town of Fatehpur Sikr i is just outside of Agra and offers the same majesty as the Taj Mahal but with a fraction of the tourists. Read on to find out more about the top places to visit in and around Agra .

When to Visit

Like many parts of Northern India, the best time of year to visit Agra is between October and February, avoiding the scorching heat of summer and the monsoon rains. Regardless of the time of year, make sure your trip to Agra doesn't fall on a Friday when the Taj Mahal is closed for religious reasons.

A Word of Warning: Dangers and Annoyances

When arriving at Agra station, be prepared to be accosted by beggars and touts. Touts operate in sophisticated gangs that have counterparts in other cities who identify potential targets at railway stations. At Agra, the touts commonly claim to be guides or taxi drivers and use ploys such as free taxi rides or the promise of heavy discounts. There are 24-hour official prepaid auto- rickshaw and taxi booths just outside the Agra railway station; always use these to avoid any potential problems with a would-be scammer.

You can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Agra, which takes about two hours. The quickest option is the non-stop 12050 Gatimaan Express, which travels at 99 miles per hour.

The bus is the cheapest option to travel between Delhi and Agra, but not the fastest. You can see itineraries and buy tickets from RedBus .

Delhi is located 140 miles (225 kilometers) northwest of Agra.

The Ultimate Guide to the Taj Mahal in India

One Week in Delhi: The Perfect Itinerary

6 Best Trains from Mumbai to Delhi

How to Travel From New Delhi to Kolkata by Train, Car, and Plane

7 Cool Neighborhoods to Explore in Delhi

How to Travel From Delhi to Jaipur by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

How to Travel From Mumbai to Goa by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

How to Travel From Delhi to Mumbai by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Travel from Amsterdam Airport to City Center by Train, Taxi, Bus, and Shuttle

How to Travel From Delhi to Haridwar by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Best Get from Mumbai to Shirdi

Guide to India's Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Circuit Train

How to Travel From Delhi to Kathmandu by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Amritsar and the Golden Temple: The Complete Guide

How to Travel From Indira Gandhi Airport to Delhi by Train, Bus, and Car

The Best Day Trips to Take From Delhi

A Perfect 2 Day Itinerary For Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour

(This article has affiliate links to products which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you.)

In India, visiting Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan are on every traveler’s list. Agra is known for the Taj Mahal which is one of the seven wonders of the world . Mathura and Vrindavan are very important religious places dedicated to Lord Krishna. These sites allow you to witness both the heritage and cultural aspects in India.

This Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan itinerary would be a great idea for weekend travelers or the ones who want to explore these places on a 2 day schedule. So, let’s get started.

Getting From Delhi To Agra

Day 1 : taj mahal, agra fort and fatehpur sikri, day 2 : mathura and vrindavan.

If you are coming to India from overseas, it is most probable that you will be landing at the Delhi Airport. If this is not the case you may still consider the train as the fastest mode of transportation from your city to Agra . Below are the different ways of traveling from Delhi to Agra, you can follow any of these as per your convenience :

By Train : You can reach the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) using the rapid metro service from Delhi Airport . The easiest way to book a train from Delhi To Agra is through Clear Trip website . Just fill in the easy form including the city you are coming from, the destination, day you would be traveling, preferred seat and the number of passengers. It would then show you all the available train routes, timings and their respective fares. You may book the train journey that suits you the best.

By Bus : You can book a bus trip from Delhi to Agra using the Make My Trip website. It also includes an easy search form that would show you details on all the available bus routes. Look out for the Volvo buses as they are the most comfortable ones.

By Car : You can hire a car here or ask the hotel management you are staying at to arrange a car for you. This is an expensive mode of transportation, but it’s the most convenient one.

2 Day Itinerary For Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour

The taj mahal.

Start your day by visiting the Taj Mahal. Its beauty is beyond words. Visiting this beautiful mausoleum is a once in a lifetime experience so make sure to take your time, click pictures and enjoy the charm of this wonder.

There are many photographers available there too who can help you to capture those picture perfect moments.

Tour Duration : 2 Hours

Ticket Prices :

• For foreign nationals the ticket is priced at 1100 rupees (15 USD) which includes a bottle of water, shoe covers & a tourist map of Agra.
• For Indian nationals the ticket is priced at 50 rupees. You will need to purchase shoe covers separately.

Note :  During your visit you will be allowed to carry your camera & mobile phone with you. Edibles, torch & sharp objects are not allowed inside.

Opening Hours : Taj Mahal opens 6 days a week except on Fridays. The opening hours are as below;

• Day Time : 6 AM to 6 :30 PM
• Night Time : 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM

The Agra Fort is another must visit attraction in Agra. It’s an incredible example of Mughal architecture when the forts were built of red sandstone and marble. This fort was built in the year 1573. Its huge complex consist of many palaces, gardens, lawns, courtyards, corridors, mosques, audience halls and chambers. Take a guided walking tour of this monument to know more about its fascinating history and architecture.

Tour Duration : 2 hours

Ticket Prices : For foreign nationals the ticket for Agra Fort is priced at 550 rupees (8 USD) while for Indian nationals the ticket is priced at 40 rupees.

Opening Hours : Agra fort remains open 6 AM to 6 PM everyday.

Note : The next stop would be Fatehpur Sikri which is located at a distance of 40 kms from Agra. Make sure you take a halt at any nearby restaurant in Agra for lunch before heading to Fatehpur Sikri. There are very limited food options in Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri

Post lunch, visit the Fatehpur Sikri which is a palace city and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Built of red sandstone this palace city comprises of many popular structures such as the tomb of sufi saint Salim Chishti, Jama Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of public audience), Birbal’s home, Hiran Minar (Elephant tower) and Paanch Mahal(five-storied pyramidal palace).

The most noteworthy thing about Fatehpur Sikri is its distinctive layout and the majestic entrance gate known as the Bulandh Darwaza .

Tour Duration : 2 Hours (Including the 45 minutes journey from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri)

Ticket Prices : For foreign nationals the ticket for Fatehpur Sikri is priced at 260 rupees (4 USD) while for Indian nationals the ticket is priced at 20 rupees.

Opening Hours : Fatehpur Sikri remains open from 6 AM to 6:30 PM everyday except on Fridays.

By the end of this tour, head back to Agra and have a good dinner at your hotel or at any of these top recommended restaurants .

If you are coming from Delhi, click here to book a 2 day tour to cover all the monuments in Agra (including sunset and sunrise views of Taj Mahal) inclusive of hotel accommodation, entrance fees to the monuments, tour guide and air conditioned car transport.

Mathura is located at a distance of about 60 kms from Agra. It would take 1 hour 30 mins to maximum 2 hours to reach Mathura from Agra depending upon traffic.

Have a good breakfast at your hotel and leave by 9 AM to make the most out of your trip to Mathura and Vrindavan. You will have to rent a car for this trip that might cost you up to maximum Rs. 3000 (USD 35). You can find a rental car for Mathura & Vrindavan here .

Shri Krishna Janambhoomi

Shri Krishna Janambhoom i is a magnificent and most significant holy place to visit in Mathura. This is the place where Lord Krishna was born. This place comprises caves depicting the stories of Lord Krishna, devotional areas and temples having beautiful idols of Lord Krishna and Radha.

You would not be allowed to take cameras, bags or cellphones inside the complex. Make sure you keep them in the safe lockers outside the temple’s complex.

Tour Duration :  1 hour

Opening Hours : The temple remains open from 5 AM to 12 Noon and 4 PM to 8 PM everyday.

Take a halt for lunch at Brijwasi restaurant which is located outside this temple’s complex.

Bankey Bihari Ji Temple

Bankey Bihari Ji Temple is the most renowned and holiest temple in Vrindavan . This temple is visited by millions of devotees every year with the hopes of wish fulfillment and to get a glimpse of the mesmerizing idol of Lord Krishna.

You will have to go through narrow lanes to reach this temple. Beware of notorious monkeys too! They are known for snatching stuff from people, especially spectacles/sunglasses.

Tour Duration : 45 minutes

Timings : The temple remains open from 9 AM to 8:30 PM everyday.

Iskcon Temple

Get mesmerized by the tunes of Hare Rama Hare Krishna at the Iskcon Temple. This is the most well maintained temple in Vrindavan. Once inside the temple you will see devotees soulfully dancing and chanting Hare Rama Hare Krishna . There are many facilities within the temple premises for the visitors. You can buy a religious book, gifts, souvenirs, have food or visit the holy museum located upstairs in the temple.

Tour Duration : 1 hour

Timings : The temple remains open from 5 AM to 8:30 PM everyday.

Prem Mandir

The Prem Mandir is a must visit temple in Vrindavan . This architectural wonder is built of white Italian marble. The various sculptures, decorations and intricate carvings showcase the tales of Lord Krishna. It is highly recommended to visit the Prem Mandir during the evening to witness its impressive visual light effects. It can easily be termed as one of the most beautiful temples of Modern India.

Timings : The temple remains open from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM everyday.

After indulging in such positive and spiritual vibes, it’s time to get back to your hotel, have dinner and take some good sleep.

Make your plans according to this Agra Mathura Vrindavan itinerary and make the most out of your visit. Happy Travels!

Don’t Miss Out Reading : An Itinerary For Visiting Gokul, Mathura And Vrindavan.

To save this post on Pinterest for later, click on the below image;

If you haven’t already,  like Cheerful Trails on Facebook  for more travel diaries and photos!

Share this:

• 10 Romantic Things To Do In Helen GA For Couples
• 15 Wonderful Places To Visit In Canada In Winter 2024

cheerfultrails

Anjali Wadhwa (cheerfultrails) is a travel consultant and enthusiast who has traveled to 15+ countries. She shares about her explorations through her writings. You will find detailed itineraries, best travel tips and well experienced recommendations for food, transportation and hotels on her blog.

16 thoughts on “ A Perfect 2 Day Itinerary For Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour ”

I was way young when I did the exactly tour with my parents, of course my parents too me to these places. And the itinerary looked pretty same. You just refreshed my memories. Somehow I do not have pictures to look at. Could relate to the pictures you posted here.

Thanks for sharing a detailed guide on Agra-Mathura-Vrindavan tour as many of tourists visit these places in North India. As these places are very popular but it is very difficult to plan what to see first and how to go from one city to another. But thankfully you have covered all these useful tips in your blog. I have been to Mathura and Vrindavan but not Agra and very soon planning for it.

I have been to Taj Mahal once and we were unlucky because the entire morning Taj Mahal was closed for some reason so all the visitor had to wait to the afternoon and it was crowded!

I wish we would have visit Mathura and Vrindavan as it looks as these places as a lot to offer! Thank you for a detailed guide of these places, very helpful!

I did this tour last year and had an amazing time. I was still very happy to read this article as it brought back a lot of amazing memories. Your pictures look amazing too! Thank you for sharing this lovely article.

I did not realise that Mathura and Vrindavan are so close to Agra, only 60 kms ahead! I visited those cities when I was a little child and don’t remember much from my trip except that my grandparents took me to several temples while we were there! Agra, however, was a more recent trip for me so I have to agree with Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri being the top 3 places to visit there.

I’ve always wanted to visit Agra because of the Taj Mahal! You’ve also given me enough inspiration to make it a worthwhile trek out of New Delhi to see. I think the fort would be a great historical aspect to understand Agra and the surrounding region and I love the temples that you included!

You will not believe how helpful this post is to us. I have a few friends coming in from US and wanted to cover Taj Mahal and a few places nearby and had asked me to draw up a plan for them. Now I can just ask them to see this post! Thanks for this 🙂

That’s awesome! I am sure they are going to have a great time 🙂

Its been a bit over a decade since I went on this trip. It was a super memorable one coz we took a day and half train from Chennai to Delhi! It was indeed super fun. Yeah, I did one of those coach tours from Delhi to Agra, Mathura & Vrindavan. We went to Fatehpur Sikri by ourselves later. Nostalgic…..

I have visit Mathura and Vrindavan these are amazing holy places in India. Agra is very nice too because of famous Taj Mahal and fatehpur sikri.

To be honest, never thought that the Agra area is that large. It needs two days, that is good to know.

Agra and Brindavan are my favortie places. I love the serenity and the beautiful buildings around this place. I think I’ll explore these places one more time.

Nice coverage of the place, Very informative blog and suggestion for travelers. I really like to this blog its very interesting and informative. Thanks for your amazing travel guide and your photos are mind-blowing.

Pingback: Visiting Taj Mahal : A Perfect Guide For Taj Mahal Tour In India - Cheerful Trails

I have been to Agra thrice and explored all the major places and sites of the city. I am yet to visit Mathura and Vrindavan.

this is indian festival pictures. thank you for wonderful post, this is very nice article

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from Cheerful Trails

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Best Time To Visit Agra

Top hotel collections.

Near Taj Mahal

Best Hotels

3 Star Hotels

What is the best time to visit Agra?

The best time to visit Agra is in the winter season between November to March when the weather is perfect for sightseeing. Another good time to visit Agra is between August and October to witness the Taj Mahal at its best. April-June is the summer season in Agra which is scorching hot and not a good time to visit. July-September is the monsoon season in Agra when the weather can get humid at times.

Weather in Agra

Upcoming Agra Weather

Monthly weather in agra, agra travel packages.

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour Package 4 Days

2 Nights 3 Days Jaipur Agra Tour Package from Delhi

Delhi, agra, jaipur tour package: golden triangle tour, super saver delhi agra jaipur varanasi tour package.

Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour Package 5 Days with Mathura

5 Night 6 Days Golden Triangle Tour Package

More about best time to travel to agra, agra in winter (oct - mar), agra in monsoon (jul - sep), agra in summer (apr - jul), events in agra.

Taj Mahotsav

18th - 27th February 2019

17th September - 19th September 2019

Related Posts

Best Time to Visit Uttar Pradesh

Best Time to Visit India

Places To Visit In Agra

Fatehpur Sikri

Itimad-ud-daulah's Tomb

Mehtab Bagh

Nearby Places

Agra Photos

+ 48 photos

Browse Package Collections

Agra package collections.

Taj Mahal Tour Packages

Nearby Destinations for Packages

Top listed packages.

Delhi Sightseeing Tour Package: Agra & Ranthambhore National Park

Delhi Agra Shimla Manali Tour Package: Offbeat Tour by Car

Delhi Agra 2 Days Tour Package - Taj Mahal

Delhi Agra Rajasthan Tour Package with Boat Ride on Lake Pichola

Rajasthan 10 Days Itinerary

Delhi Agra Tour Package 3 Days - Excursion to Rishikesh & Haridwar

Delhi Agra Mathura Tour Package: India Golden Triangle Tour

Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package - 3 Nights 4 Days

Browse Hotel Collections

By hotel type.

Best Hotels in Agra for a Comfortable Stay with a View of Taj

Best Resorts In Agra for a heritage vacation

Best Places To Stay In Agra

By Budget Category

Cheap Hotels In Agra

Luxury Hotels In Agra

Lodges In Agra

Cheap Hotels In Agra Near Railway Station

By Star Category

3 Star Hotels In Agra

4-star hotels in Agra

With Specific Facilities

Hotels Near Taj Mahal

Hostels In Agra

OYO Hotels In Agra

Hotels Near Agra Fort

Homestays In Agra

Villas In Agra

Hotels In Agra With Swimming Pool

Hotels In M.G. Road Agra

Resorts In Agra With Swimming Pool

Hotels Near Jama Masjid

Near Landmarks

Hotels Near Sanjay Place

For Special Purposes

Amazing Pet Friendly Hotels In Agra for You and Your Pooch

Similar Places

Sightseeing

Taj Mahal or Tejo Mahalaya? - The Controversy Around India's Most Famous Monument

17 Interesting Facts About Taj Mahal: The Epitome of Eternal Love

Best Water Parks in Agra for a Funtastic Day-out

Historical & Heritage

Things to Do in Agra

Food & Drink

9 Malls in Agra For Shopping, Food, Entertainment and More!

Places to visit near Agra

View All posts about Agra

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

Find cheap flights to Agra

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to agra.

Save 22% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

When to book flights to Agra

Faqs - booking agra flights, how far is agra from central agra.

There are 4 miles between Agra city center and Agra.

What is the name of Agra’s airport?

Agra is served by Agra, also commonly referred to as Agra or Kheria. The airport code is AGR.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Agra?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Agra.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Agra?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Agra is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Agra?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Agra with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Agra?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Agra up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Agra

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Agra flight deals.

Prefer to fly non-stop to Agra Kheria?

Find which airlines fly direct to Kheria, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to Agra Kheria

Nonstop returns

Agra Kheria to United States

Book cheap agra plane tickets, round-trip flight deals, search by stops, one-way flight deals, flights to agra, destination:.

Agra (AGR) India

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United States

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 

Travel Off Path

These Are The Top 5 Best Cultural Destinations For 2024 According To Tripadvisor

Posted: March 23, 2024 | Last updated: March 23, 2024

Athens, Greece

Fes, Morocco

Agra, India

Cusco, Peru

More for You

Illinois Democrat: Speaker Johnson ‘should not be punished for doing the right thing’ on Ukraine

10 Best Times Star Wars Appeared In Other Movies

Women Are Working Longer Hours From Home Than Men

21st-century TV shows canceled too soon

4 Ways Buying an Annual Amusement Park Pass Actually Saves Me Money

CEO created a side hustle in his college house—now it brings in $200 million a year: His No. 1 piece of advice

Top lawyer falls from cabin balcony into sea on luxury cruise

Kristen Wiig Kills It In ‘SNL’ Sketch That Turns Popular Workout Into A Horror Movie

What Were Those Bright Red Dots Seen During the Eclipse?

Tax Day 2024 Freebies and Deals

10 Big Stars You Forgot Appeared In The World Of Doctor Who

Giants TE Darren Waller gives rough timeline to decide on retirement

The little-known disaster paralysing both the US and Royal Navies

9 Insider Secrets You Should Know From a Goodwill Employee

Company that made millions of defective sleep apnea machines ordered to overhaul manufacturing

Pizza chain closes California locations before minimum wage law took effect

25 Incredible 1980s Films You Forgot

The Common Household Ingredient That Can Unclog Slow-Draining Sinks And Tubs

Parents who raise successful, resilient kids never do these 5 things, experts say

US Marine Corps Begins 'Comprehensive' Revamp of Retired Fighter Jets

Mystical India

Mystical and spiritual, chaotic and confounding, India overflows with riches.  Staying at excellent hotels, your small group, limited to 24 travelers, travels the classic Golden Triangle: bustling Delhi; Agra, home of the sublime Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, great city of the Rajput. Begin the 17-day exploration with a three-night stay in the Indian capital, touring the important sights of both Old and New Delhi and enjoying a rickshaw ride through colorful Chandni Chowk market.  Get acquainted next with the “pink city” of Jaipur, where highlights of a three-night visit include the stunning Hawa Mahal palace, Amber Fort, and a home-hosted dinner with a Rajasthan family.  A singular experience follows with the opportunity to search for the elusive Bengal tiger on game drives during a two-night stay near Ranthambore National Park, once a royal hunting ground, with its picturesque ruins.  Departing for Gadoli, embark on a village walk to meet Meena tribespeople.  En route to the ancient Mughal stronghold of Agra, visit the impressive 3,500-step Chand Baori step well.  Marvel at the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, and take an Indian cuisine cooking lesson. The journey ends with three nights in Hinduism’s holiest city, Varanasi.  Cruising on the Ganges, experience life along the sacred river and witness a traditional aarti ceremony.  Visit nearby Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites; and Sarnath Museum, housing a superb collection of Buddhist artifacts.  Absorb the beauty of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal on an optional 6-day/4-night post-tour extension that includes extensive sightseeing.

Faculty Host

Trip itinerary.

Day 1.  Depart U.S. for Delhi, India Day 2. Arrive Delhi Day 3.  Delhi Day 4. Delhi Day 5.  Delhi/Jaipur Day 6.  Jaipur Day 7.  Jaipur/Sanganer Day 8.  Jaipur/Ranthambore Day 9.  Ranthambore Day 10. Ranthambore/Gadoli Day 11.  Gadoli/Agra Day 12.  Agra Day 13.  Agra/Delhi/Varanasi Day 14.  Varanasi/Sarnath Day 15.  Varanasi Day 16.  Varanasi/Delhi Day 17.  Return to U.S.

Trip Highlights

• Enjoy tours of Old and New Delhi
• Home-hosted dinner with Jaipur family
• Visit the Magnificent Taj Mahal
• Two-night stay at Ranthambore Tiger Preserve, including game drives
• Meena tribal home visit and enjoy a traditional folk dance 
• Travel to the “Pink City” of Jaipur with historic forts, palaces, and gardens
• Visit Varanasi, Hinduisim's holiest city
• Travel to the Pilgrimage site of the Sarnath temple, where the Buddha first taught after achieving enlightenment
• [email protected]
• 617-627-0633 617-627-5323