Nestled along the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra stands as a testament to the grandeur of India’s rich history. Most famous for the iconic Taj Mahal, this city has more to offer than just the world-famous mausoleum. Agra, with its historical sites, vibrant markets, and delectable cuisine, is a treasure if you are seeking an immersive experience into India’s cultural tapestry. The city has witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties, each leaving a unique mark on its cultural landscape.
The Mughal era stands as a defining chapter in Agra’s history, with emperors like Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb shaping the city’s architecture and culture. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and FatehpurSikri are enduring symbols of the Mughal grandeur.
The Best Time ToVisit Agra
The best time to visit Agra is during the Winter season. The season starts from October and goes on till March. Ideal months are November to Feb when weather is pleasant all through the day and evenings are cold. October and March can be bit on hotter side. During October and March month, temperature can go as high as 36 degrees. However, you are good as long as you have a good sunscreen and a hat.
July to September is not ideal but one can still consider Agra as a budget destination and get good deals on flight and hotels.
How To Reach Agra
Though Agra has an airport, it is an air force base and hence has very few direct flights from major cities. The best way to get to Agra is take a flight from your city to Delhi. And then reach Agra by road or train.
We had initially planned to take train from Delhi to Agra. Since our flight was delayed, we missed our train and instead booked an outstation Uber. The journey via Yamuna expressway took about 4 hours.
Our Three DaysAgra Itinerary
Agra, with its rich history, architecture, and culture, offers an unforgettable journey through time. From the iconic Taj Mahal to FatehpurSikri and Akbar’s Tomb, the city’s landmarks provide a glimpse into India’s glorious past. So, depending upon your vacation days, you can plan your trip to explore every ounce of the city. We decided to make the most of one of the long weekends and did a threedays trip.
Here’s everything that we did in Agra.
Day 1
While we were itching to see the Taj as soon as we reached the Taj Mahal, it was already late afternoon by the time we reached, checked into our homestay and had a late lunch. So, we decided to take our first dayeasy.
We had heard a lot aboutthe Mohabbat the Taj show. It is a cultural show based on the chronicles that depict the legacy behind the Taj Mahal. This show happens every day at 06:30pm. The show is one of the most beautiful attempts to recreate the glory of Mughal architecture at its peak. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and couldn’t wait to go see Taj the next day. They even have an option where you can dress in Mughal splendour, although we opted for a regular ticket.
Day 2
Visit to Agra is incomplete without witnessing the eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal. We had read enough and more blogs to know that the best time to visit Taj Mahal is early in the morning. So we woke up early and before the sun rises, we were in the queue at the entrance gate. After a strict security check, we were allowed in.
As the sun rises, the Taj Mahal unveils its enchanting beauty, bathed in the warm, golden glow of dawn. It was a breath taking sight to watch. We spent hours admiring the beauty of the Taj Mahal. We must have taken a thousand pictures yet we could not capture the beauty of this timeless symbol of love.
After spending a good few hours at the Taj, we returned to the hotel for breakfast. Our day 2 was in Agra was action packed. Around 10:00am, we left for FatehpurSikri.
FatehpurSikri is about 40kms from Agra. We took Uber outstation costing us around 1500/- for a day trip to FatehpurSikri and return. Upon reaching FatehpurSikri, we had to take the ticket and then the state tourism bus takes you to the actual site.
It is a 16th century city, founded by Mughal emperor Jalal-ud-din Mohammad Akbar in honour of the great Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. The city is built in red sandstone and inspired by both Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.
We thoroughly explored the FatehpurSikri fortress. We visited Panch Mahal, a five story palatial structure, Mariam-uz-Zamani’s palace, Anuptalao that gave us a peek into Akbar’s open views on religion, literature, arts, and architecture.
After visiting the fortress, we moved towards the spiritual places such as the Jama Masjid, Buland Gate and the tomb of Salim Chisti. Each of these monuments incorporate a blend of Persian and Indian styles.
We were lucky to also be able to witness a qawwali performance at the tomb of Salim Chisti. As the sun started to set on the Bulanddarwaza, we returned to Agra.
Day 3
Day 3 being the last day in Agra, we decided to explore the city thoroughly. We started early and went to the famous Agra Fort first.
Agra Fort is another architectural marvel that offers a glimpse into India’s imperial history. Built by Emperor Akbar, this UNESCO-listed fort encompasses an impressive blend of Islamic, Persian, and Hindu design elements.
We visited the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the stunning Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace).
The fort also provides panoramic views of the Taj Mahal, making it an ideal spot for photography.
After Agra Fort, we went to visit Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, also known as Baby Taj. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is a hidden gem that predates the Taj Mahal. It is commissioned by Empress Nur Jahan in memory of her father, the tomb showcases exquisite marble inlay work and delicate lattice screens. This mausoleum is a testament to the finesse of Mughal architecture and craftsmanship.
We decided to take a lunch break before we move on to our next excursion. We had heard a lot about Sadar bazar. So we decided to visit Sadar Bazar and explore the local cuisine. The iconic Petha and Mughalai cuisine was a total treat. After satisfying our taste buds, we went to Kinari bazar for some shopping. It is perfect for picking up marble handicrafts and leather goods.
As it was our last day in Agra, we wanted Taj Mahal to be the last thing we see. We went to MehtabBagh, a great escape from the crowd. We sat here peacefully as the sun set on Taj Mahal.
We bid farewell to this enchanting city the next day and started our journey back home.
