The city of Agra in India is famous among both domestic and international tourists for housing the world famous monument, the Taj Mahal. Each year, 7 to 8 million visitors travel to Agra to see this iconic monument of love. With this one-day guided Agra tour, you can experience this beautiful city, which is a perfect blend of history, architecture and grand gestures of love that have together woven the magic of Agra.
Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra is also home to other UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. While if you have two extra days to spend and are eager to learn more about the diversity and cultural heritages of India then you should plan a trip to Golden Triangle of India that will cover the capital city Delhi, Pink City Jaipur and the Agra.
Apart from its monuments, the city is also a great destination for foodies who have a knack for chaats, different flavours of lassi and the famous pethas that are made locally.
Early Morning – Taj Mahal (6 AM to 8:30 AM )
Agra is synonymous with the Taj Mahal. Being one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a perfect showpiece of Mughal architecture, it had been built under the instructions of Shah Jahan in commemoration of his love for his beloved spouse, Arjumand Bano Begum.
Both the interiors and the external edifice of the Taj Mahal are exquisitely designed in white marble. Shaped like an octagon the interior chamber is inlaid with precious gems.
Arrive early to avoid the crowd and enjoy the beautiful view of sunrise over the Taj Mahal. There are 3 gates to enter the area, and most taxis will drop you at the Purani Mandi entrance gate. You can take a battery-operated autorickshaw, a horse-drawn carriage or a simple walk from the main gate to the entrance of Taj Mahal’s garden (which is about 1 km). The ticket counter will not be at the main gate but at the Taj Mahal garden entrance.
• Time:- 6 am to 7 pm
• Closed on Friday
• Fee:- 250 Rs for Indian & 1300 Rs for foreigners (Per person)
• Tip:- To avoid the queues purchase the ticket online through the official Taj Mahal website.
Visit Agra Fort (8:30 AM to 10:30 AM)
The Agra tour is not complete without visiting this magnificent fort. Hardly a 10-minute drive from the Taj Mahal, this is another historical gem worth exploring if you’re in Agra. Although Delhi was the capital during most of the Mughal Rule, there was a short period in between when it was shifted to Agra and the ruling emperors during that period resided in this fort. This Fort is built of red sandstone, started by Emperor Akbar but continued by his grandson Shah Jahan in marble. The fort is home to enthralling stories of the families of Akbar and his successors.
• Time:- 8 am to 6 pm
• Fee:- 50 Rs for Indians & 650 Rs for foreigners (per person)
• Tip:- Hire a tour guide to enhance your experience, Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Savour the Local Flavours (10:30 AM to 11:30 AM)
Explore the nearby eateries and restaurants. Consider trying local delicacies like Petha, Bedai and Jalebi. For continental and other Indian options, go to restaurants like The Obroi Amarvillas and Pinch of Spice is the best.
Head to Fatehpur Sikri (11:30 AM to 4 PM)
Even though this place is 40km away from Agra (1 hour drive) but tourists generally opt for Fatehpur Sikri in Agra tour. This is a historical town that had been the erstwhile capital city of many Mughal Emperors including Akbar.
The fort-city is divided into two parts – Fatehpur, which has the mosque and the Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate), the highest gateway in the world. The entry to this area is free. The other area, which contains the palaces, is chargeable and has some amazing buildings to see which include – Jodha Bai’s Palace, Diwan-e-aam and Diwan-e-khaas, Birbal Bhawan and Panch Mahal. All these buildings are specimens of grand Mughal and Persian architecture, made of sandstone and marble.
• Time:- 6 am to 6 pm
• Fee:- 40 Rs for Indians and 610 Rs for foreigners (per person)
• Tip:- You have to walk a lot so wear comfortable shoes and hire a tour guide who can share interesting stories, as there isn’t much information available otherwise.
Lunch and Shopping (4 PM to 5 PM)
Enjoy a delicious Mughlai lunch at a local restaurant. Shopping is also the key thing to do on an Agra tour. So, explore the local markets of Agra, such as Sadar Bazaar and Kinari Bazar for shopping souvenirs like marble inlay work, leather goods, and textiles.
Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah (5 PM to 6 PM)
The Baby Taj, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is a beautiful marble monument in Agra. Built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir in the memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg also known as Itimad-ud-Daulah who was a Persian noble in the Mughal court. Built between 1622-1628 it marks a transition from the red sandstone monuments of earlier Mughal architecture to the later marble monuments like the Taj Mahal. The tomb is famous for its pietra dura inlay work, lattice screens and beautiful garden surroundings.
• Time:- 6 am to 6 pm
• Fee:- Rs 30 for Indians & Rs 310 for Foreigners.
Sunset at Mehtab Bagh (6 PM to 7 PM)
Basically Mehtab Bagh is a garden and if you want to experience the full blossom of flowers then winter months from October to March is the best time to visit. This place is across the Yamuna River from Taj Mahal and offers stunning views of the sun going down.
Alternatively, if you like to go a little offbeat, some of the best shots of Taj Mahal are captured from a boat ride on the Yamuna River. Head to the ‘Dussehra Ghat’ ( 5-minute walk from the West Gate entrance of Taj Mahal), where you will find private boat owners on the riverside, ready to take you for a trip across the river. Which is totally worth it, considering the views are absolutely breathtaking and certain to leave you astonished.
• Time:- 6 am to 9 pm
• Fee:- 15 Rs for Indians & 200 Rs for foreigners (per person)
Tips for Same Day Agra Tour
1) If you are planning an Agra tour and travelling from Delhi with a group of more than 8 people, then it is best to hire a Delhi to Agra Tempo Traveller which will take care of the comfort of your whole group within budget.
2) Visit the ancient Mankameshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva for a spiritual glimpse into Agra’s life.
3) Shop for spices, jewellery, and textiles in Kinari Bazaar for an authentic local experience.
Conclusion
A one day Agra tour is a kaleidoscope of experiences, history, architecture and culture. From sunrise at the Taj Mahal to the stories of Agra Fort and the serenity of Fatehpur Sikri, this tour has it all. Taste local flavors, explore markets, discover hidden gems like Itimad-ud-Daulah and Mehtab Bagh. Every moment in Agra whether eating pethas or taking in the views, is a journey through time and tradition. This will ensure you make the most of your day and take back memories and a new found love for Agra.
