Explore Agra

🕌 Agra Travel Guide

Known for: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mughal architecture, marble inlay work, and delicious street food
Location: Uttar Pradesh, India — on the banks of the Yamuna River
Distance from Delhi: ~230 km (approx. 3–4 hours by road or train)

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• October to March (Winter):
  ✅ Best weather — cool, dry, and ideal for sightseeing
  ✅ Peak tourist season

• April to June (Summer):
  🔥 Very hot (up to 45°C); early mornings best for visits

• July to September (Monsoon):
  🌧️ Lush and green, but humid with occasional rain

🛣️ How to Get There:

• 🚆 By Train:

  • Gatimaan Express and Shatabdi Express from Delhi (~2 hrs)

  • Trains also connect from Jaipur, Varanasi, and Mumbai

• 🚗 By Road:

  • ~3.5–4 hrs via Yamuna Expressway from Delhi

  • Connected by road to Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, and Mathura

• 🛫 By Air:

  • Nearest major airport: Delhi (DEL)

  • Agra Airport (AGR) has limited domestic flights

🌟 Top Attractions:

🕌 Taj Mahal:

• World-famous white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal

• Open: Sunrise to Sunset (closed on Fridays)

• Best visited at sunrise for fewer crowds and golden light

🏯 Agra Fort:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site

• 16th-century Mughal fort with palaces, halls, and mosques

• Home of emperors like Akbar and Shah Jahan

🌇 Mehtab Bagh:

• Moonlight Garden across the Yamuna River

• Best spot for sunset views of the Taj Mahal

🕌 Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj):

• Delicate white marble tomb and inspiration for the Taj

• Often quieter, with intricate inlay work

🕌 Fatehpur Sikri (Optional Day Trip):

• ~40 km from Agra

• A red sandstone ghost city built by Emperor Akbar

• Famous for Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and Sufi shrine

🎨 Activities to Do:

• Take a sunrise Taj Mahal tour

• Shop for marble handicrafts and zardozi embroidery

• Enjoy a heritage walk through old Agra streets

• Watch the Mohabbat-e-Taj musical show in the evening

• Taste local street food and sweets in Sadar Bazaar

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury:

• The Oberoi Amarvilas – 5-star with views of the Taj

• ITC Mughal – Lavish with Mughal-inspired décor

• Jaypee Palace Hotel – Spacious, family-friendly

Mid-range:

• Trident Agra

• Hotel Taj Resorts

• Crystal Sarovar Premiere

Budget:

• Zostel Agra – Great for backpackers

• Joey’s Hostel – Rooftop Taj views

• Hotel Saniya Palace – Budget with restaurant terrace

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Foods:

• Petha (candied ash gourd) – Agra’s signature sweet

• Bedai & Jalebi – Spicy lentil-filled puri with sweet jalebi

• Mughlai dishes – Butter chicken, kebabs, biryani

• Chaat – Especially from Sadar Bazaar

Recommended Restaurants:

• Pinch of Spice – Great Indian cuisine

• Esphahan (Oberoi Amarvilas) – Upscale fine dining

• Shankara Vegis – Budget rooftop restaurant

• Mama Chicken – Popular for late-night kebabs

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

• Deeply tied to Mughal history and architecture

• Rich in arts, crafts, and inlay marble work

• Taj Mahotsav (held in February) showcases local culture, music, and crafts

• Fusion of Islamic, Persian, and Indian cultural influences

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• 🎟️ Buy Taj Mahal tickets online in advance to skip queues

• 📸 No tripods or large bags allowed inside the Taj

• 🧴 Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated — especially in summer

• 💵 Carry cash for small shops and street vendors

• 🚕 Use prepaid taxis or apps like Ola/Uber for safety

Booking information