Agra, India
Agra, India
The Taj Mahal is the undoubtedly Agra’s main draw card with almost eight million visitors descending on the city each year.
In my opinion, Agra isn’t the glamorous well-kept city it ought to be, the onslaught of visitors the Taj Mahal also attracts pickpockets and con artists.
It didn’t feel like the safest city in India but a quick visit to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset and a stop at the beautiful Agra Fort is worth putting at the top of your Indian bucket list.

TIME FRAME?

I found two days was the ideal amount of time in Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset on the first day and sunrise on the second day, the lighting is different at both end of the day and a photographers dream!

To drive from Delhi it will take around three hours, and from Jaipur around four hours. Trains, buses, and planes bring tourists to this magical city as well.

WHERE TO STAY?

The area called Tajganj is where most tourists stay and I would suggest staying on the south side of the river as the north seems more local.

Agra boasts of many five star and modern hotels, at a pretty price, but there are endless options to support the influx of tourist. Be sure to book in advance or you could end up a very decrepit hotel.

ESSENTIAL SIGHTSEEING?

 No doubt this is the reason you have travelled to Agra in the first place!
Though this building looks like a palace, it is a mausoleum built between 1631 and 1648 in memory of the Mughal Emperor’s favourite wife.

It is closed on Fridays!!! Do not get caught out!!!

For detailed information on visiting the Taj Mahal, click here.

 Agra was called Akbarabād when it was the capital of the Mughal Empire and today the town has many historic Mughal buildings, the most beautiful is Agra Fort built as the Mughal Emperors residency.

Like the Taj Mahal, this fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompassed by a 2.5km red sandstone wall.

It is a beautiful place to wander, there are endless arched walk ways and ramparts, a 16th century natural ‘disco’ room with glass tiles and views down the river to the Taj Mahal.

I loved visiting this fort more than the Red Fort of Delhi, it seemed more preserved and well kept.

Click here to visit the official website of Agra Fort.

 Another example of a beautiful Mughal architecture, this building is 40km (24 miles) out of Agra and was built to honour the prophecy of an heir to the Mughal throne that came true.
I visited this monument at sunset and the red glow from the sun through the smoggy air was beautiful.

 This Mosque was built in 1648 by a Mughal Emperor and today sits opposite the Agra railway station.
This building is made of red sandstone and white and pink marble which creates the illusion of the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort combined into one building.

This is a very sacred Muslim mosque and you must be fully covered to enter. Avoid Fridays as a tourist as this is the main prayer day for the religious attendees.

I didn’t get a chance to visit this tomb as it is 8km from the city centre but it is meant to be a beautifully designed five story building intricately decorated with etched flowers and scripture.

MY BEST ADVICE…

WHEN SHOULD I VISIT AGRA?

The best time of the year to visit Agra is said to be from October – March, being the cooler winter months. Year-round Agra is nice, but India is a hot place, especially from April to June.

The only months I would avoid would be the monsoon season from July – September. I have visited in March and October, both were perfect!

The best time of day to visit is at sunrise AND sunset when the light is soft on the white marble facade and less crowded.
This means lining up while it’s still dark and to get at the front of the line when the doors open for sunrise but it was worth it.
I have been four times, twice at sunrise and twice at sunset.

 To enter inside the grounds of the Taj Mahal complex you will need to pay, however you can see it from across the river from restored Mughal-era gardens for free.
If you are visiting Agra Fort you are also able to catch glimpses of the Taj Mahal from the East side of the 70 foot protective wall.

 Agra is known for its marble and leather products, like all of India, some stores sell authentic handcrafted masterpieces and some are fakes or overpriced knock-offs.
It can be hard to navigate your way through these convoluted exchanges, I certainly got ripped off several times but I believe if you love the item you purchased then you come out on top.

In Agra, Kinari Bazaar is the best jewellery place in the city and Sadar Bazaar is a massive mecca with everything you could thing of to buy.

WHERE ELSE SHOULD I EXPLORE IN INDIA?

WHERE ELSE SHOULD I EXPLORE IN INDIA?

NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…

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So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.

I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents. 

After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers.  Keep reading…

I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!

Always say yes to adventure!
x India