Agra, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Best known as the home of the Taj Mahal, Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and is dotted with magnificent forts, tombs, and gardens. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, the city boasts a rich architectural and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers alike.
📍 Location & How to Reach
📌 State: Uttar Pradesh
📌 Coordinates: 27.17°N, 78.02°E
📌 Best Time to Visit: October – March (Pleasant winter weather, ideal for sightseeing)
🚗 How to Get to Agra?
✈️ By Air:
- Kheria Airport (AGR) – Agra’s small airport, mainly for military use with limited commercial flights.
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi (~4-hour drive). Most travelers fly into Delhi and take a car or train to Agra.
🚆 By Train:
Agra is well-connected via the Indian Railways network with multiple daily trains.
- Gatimaan Express (Fastest train from Delhi, ~100 minutes).
- Shatabdi Express (Luxury and fast service from Delhi, ~2 hours).
- Taj Express (Budget-friendly option, ~2.5 hours).
- Other long-distance trains connect Agra to major cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, and Kolkata.
🚌 By Road:
- From Delhi: Yamuna Expressway (233 km, ~3.5-4 hours) – A smooth and fast route.
- From Jaipur: Via NH21 (~4.5 hours) – Part of the Golden Triangle route.
🚗 By Private Taxi/Car:
- Many tourists prefer hiring a private taxi from Delhi for convenience.
🏛️ Top Attractions & Places to Visit
1️⃣ Taj Mahal – The Symbol of Love
📍 Location: Eastern Bank of Yamuna River
🕰️ Timings: Sunrise to Sunset (Closed on Fridays)
💰 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹1100 (Foreigners), Extra ₹200 to enter the main mausoleum
✨ Why Visit?
✔️ Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
✔️ One of the Seven Wonders of the World, known for its white marble architecture and intricate inlay work.
✔️ The changing colors of the Taj at sunrise, sunset, and full moon nights are breathtaking.
💡 Best Viewpoints:
📸 Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) – Perfect for a sunset view across the Yamuna.
📸 Taj Mahal from Agra Fort – A historical perspective of the monument.
2️⃣ Agra Fort – A Majestic Mughal Fortress
📍 Location: Near the Taj Mahal (~2.5 km away)
🕰️ Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM (Open daily)
💰 Entry Fee: ₹35 (Indians), ₹550 (Foreigners)
🏰 Why Visit?
✔️ A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this red sandstone fortress was once the main residence of the Mughal emperors.
✔️ Houses Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Jahangir’s Palace, and Musamman Burj (where Shah Jahan was imprisoned).
✔️ Offers a stunning distant view of the Taj Mahal from its balconies.
3️⃣ Fatehpur Sikri – The Abandoned Mughal Capital
📍 Location: 40 km from Agra (~1-hour drive)
🕰️ Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
💰 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹610 (Foreigners)
🏛️ Why Visit?
✔️ Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, this city was abandoned due to water scarcity.
✔️ Houses Buland Darwaza (the largest gateway in the world), Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, and Panch Mahal.
✔️ A blend of Persian, Hindu, and Mughal architectural styles.
4️⃣ Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj)
📍 Location: Near the Yamuna River
🕰️ Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
💰 Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indians), ₹310 (Foreigners)
🌟 Why Visit?
✔️ First Mughal structure entirely made of white marble, built by Nur Jahan for her father.
✔️ Often called “Baby Taj”, as it inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.
✔️ Features intricate Pietra Dura (stone inlay) work and peaceful gardens.
5️⃣ Mehtab Bagh – The Best Sunset Viewpoint
📍 Location: Opposite the Taj Mahal, across the Yamuna River
🕰️ Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
💰 Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
🌅 Why Visit?
✔️ Provides a stunning and uncrowded view of the Taj Mahal.
✔️ Originally built as a moonlit garden by Emperor Babur.
✔️ Ideal for photography and peaceful evening strolls.
🍽️ Food & Cuisine – What to Eat in Agra?
Agra’s culinary scene is influenced by Mughlai, North Indian, and street food specialties.
🍛 Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Petha – A famous sweet made from ash gourd, available in multiple flavors.
✔️ Bedai & Jalebi – A popular breakfast combo of spicy lentil-stuffed puris with sweet jalebis.
✔️ Mughlai Kebabs & Biryani – Rich and flavorful, influenced by the Mughals.
✔️ Dalmoth – A crunchy, spicy snack.
🍽️ Top Restaurants & Eateries:
1️⃣ Pinch of Spice – Best for Mughlai dishes.
2️⃣ Esphahan (Oberoi Amarvilas) – Luxury dining with a view of the Taj.
3️⃣ Mama Chicken – Famous for delicious kebabs.
4️⃣ Chimman Lal Puri Wale – Perfect for authentic Agra-style bedai & puri.