Things to do in Agra India in One Day

Last Updated on October 7, 2024 by Roslin Dwivedi

Overnight my husband decided to take me to Agra to show me the symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, as we were chit-chatting about the world’s wonders. To show how much he loves me, he drove 10 hours from Bhopal to Agra the next day, to see the Taj Mahal first thing in the morning.

Before this spontaneous Agra trip happened, I remember I used to say I worked in Delhi but never made a trip to Agra and I missed a chance to see one of the wonders of the world. But not anymore. 

For some of you wondering where is Agra? Agra is a city situated in the Indian state, Uttar Pradesh and over a hundred miles away from the capital of India Delhi. If that’s you that means you will drive for 3 hours from Delhi to Agra or if you are flying it’s just 1 hour flight from Delhi. 

The Taj Mahal is on most Indians and non-Indian’s bucket lists. Most tourists fly or drive from Delhi to Agra.

The city is settled on both sides of the bank of the Yamuna River, which can be seen streaming behind the Taj Mahal.

Agra is mainly famous for the Taj Mahal. But also famous for many other Mughal architectures dotted around Agra.

Other than unique Mughal architecture and history, what makes Agra special is its culture. If you are in Agra, you are here for some of the best Varieties of Petha, famous Bedai, Bhalla, and Mughlai foods, and Dal moth, one of the famous snacks, we bought on our way out of Agra.

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Ultimate Kashmir (India) Travel Guide

How to Reach Agra

Firstly, let’s talk about how to reach Agra from any part of India. 

Agra is well-connected through multiple modes of transportation. 

By Air

From Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport, approximately 220 km from Agra. Delhi is the closest major international airport to Agra. From Delhi, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to Agra.

From Agra’s Kheria Airport, there are limited Domestic Flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to your hotel or Airbnb in Agra.

By Train

Agra is well-connected by rail and several railway stations in the city with Agra Cantonment (AGC) being the main one.

Major Train Routes:

• From Delhi: Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi Express, and Taj Express are some fast trains.
• From Mumbai: Several long-distance trains like the Punjab Mail and the August Kranti Rajdhani Express.
• From Kolkata: The Sealdah Rajdhani Express and Chambal Express.
• From Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Express and Grand Trunk Express.

Online Booking: Tickets can be booked through the Indian Railways website (IRCTC) or other travel portals.

By Road

From Delhi, Yamuna Expressway connects Delhi to Agra, making the journey approximately 3-4 hours. 

NH2: Another route, but the Yamuna Expressway is preferred for its speed and comfort.

From Jaipur, NH21 is a nice well-maintained highway that takes a 4-5 hour drive to Agra.

From Lucknow, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway takes approximately 3-4 hours to reach Agra.

By Car

Self-Drive or Taxi: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is a convenient option. When we went to Agra, we drove for 10 hours from Bhopal to Agra and made a few small breaks for breakfast and lunch. We reached it by the time it was dinner time. But from nearby cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow, it won’t take this long. 

By Bus

From Delhi, you can find Volvo and AC Buses available from ISBT (Interstate Bus Terminals) and private operators. It takes 4-5 hours.

From Jaipur and Other Nearby Cities, State and Private Buses: Regular services are available.

Tips for Traveling to Agra

• Plan Ahead: Book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Local Transport: Once in Agra, use local transport options like auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and taxis to get around the city.
• Comfort: Carry essentials like water, snacks, and travel pillows for long journeys.
• These are the sites where you can gather more information about transportation to reach Agra:

1. Indian Railways (IRCTC): For train schedules and bookings.
2. Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi): For flight information and connections to Agra.
3. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC): For bus schedules and bookings.
4. Yamuna Expressway Authority: For details on the expressway connecting Delhi to Agra.
5. Travel Websites and Portals (e.g., MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, RedBus): For booking buses, trains, and flights, as well as car rentals.

Where to stay in Agra< Accommodations near the Taj Mahal 

Once you reach Agra, it’s better to get a hotel or a hostel for you, get settled and start your Agra exploration the next day. 

In our case, we stayed in Courtyard by Marriottes, for 2 nights and paid 4000 per night, because it was close to the Taj Mahal. And we wanted to go to the Taj Mahal in the morning.

There are many Luxury hotels and Airbnb’s close to the Taj Mahal. 

Luxury Hotels like 

1. The Oberoi Amarvilas, which has stunning views of the Taj Mahal, has luxurious rooms and lovely service.
2. ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Hotel, set in 35 acres of lush gardens, offers splendid rooms, a spa, and multiple dining options.
3. Taj Hotel & Convention Centre with modern amenities, a rooftop pool with views of the Taj Mahal, and several dining options.

Mid-range hotels like: 

1. Hotel Clarks Shiraz is located near the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and has comfortable rooms, good dining options and a swimming pool.
2. Courtyard by Marriott Agra located near the Taj Mahal, has modern rooms, excellent service and amenities including a pool and fitness center.
3. Radisson Hotel Agra is close to the Taj Mahal and offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and dining options with views of the Taj Mahal.

Budget Hotels

1. Hotel Sidhartha is Budget-friendly, with clean rooms and a short walk to the Taj Mahal. Its location is the Taj Ganj area.
2. Hotel Kamal is a nice Basic amenities hotel with a rooftop restaurant with views of the Taj Mahal. 
3. Joey’s Hostel is a Budget accommodation with dormitory and private rooms, a social atmosphere, and free breakfast. 

Guesthouses and Homestays

1. The Coral Tree Homestay offers Cozy rooms, home-cooked meals, and a warm, welcoming environment.
2. Sai Homestay Bed & Breakfast has Comfortable rooms, personalized service, and an authentic local experience.

Tips for Choosing Accommodation

• Location: Staying close to the Taj Mahal (Taj Ganj area) is convenient for early morning or evening visits.
• Amenities: Consider what amenities are important to you (e.g., pool, Wi-Fi, breakfast).
• Reviews: Check recent reviews on travel websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Airbnb for up-to-date information on service and cleanliness.
• By selecting accommodation based on your budget and preferences, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Agra.

To find and book accommodations in Agra, find detailed information, reviews, and booking options for hotels and other types of accommodations:

General Travel Booking Sites

1. Booking.com has a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget hostels, with reviews and ratings from guests.
2. Hostelworld 
3. Expedia is a comprehensive travel booking site offering hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages.
4. Hotellook — a service that helps you find and compare prices on hotels around the world, provided by a leading reservation system.
5. Agoda Specializes in Asian destinations, offering competitive prices and various accommodation types.
6. TripAdvisor User reviews, ratings, and booking options for hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
7. Get Your Guide 

Specialized Booking Sites

1. Airbnb Offers unique accommodations like homestays, apartments, and vacation rentals.
2. MakeMyTrip is Popular in India for booking hotels, flights, and holiday packages with deals and discounts.
3. Cleartrip Easy booking for hotels, flights, trains, and activities in India.
4. Goibibo Offers competitive pricing on hotels, flights, and bus bookings, with user reviews.

Luxury and Boutique Hotel Sites

1. Luxury Link Curated selection of luxury hotels and resorts with exclusive deals.
2. Mr & Mrs Smith Handpicked boutique and luxury hotels focusing on unique experiences.

Hotel Chain Websites

1.  Marriott Direct booking for Marriott hotels, including Courtyard by Marriott in Agra.
2.  Taj Hotels Direct booking for Taj properties, including Taj Hotel & Convention Centre in Agra.
3. Oberoi Hotels Direct booking for The Oberoi Amarvilas and other Oberoi properties.

How to Get Around Agra

Getting around Agra can be a pleasant experience if you plan well. Agra is a city rich in historical monuments, primarily known for the Taj Mahal. Here are some tips for getting around Agra:

Auto Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws

• Auto Rickshaws: These are a common mode of transport in Agra. They are relatively cheap and can be found easily. Negotiate the fare beforehand or ask the driver to use the meter.
• Cycle Rickshaws: Ideal for short distances and a leisurely way to explore the city. They are eco-friendly and provide a unique local experience.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

• Local Taxis: Available for hire at taxi stands, hotels, and popular tourist spots. It’s advisable to agree on a fare before starting the journey.
• Ride-Hailing Services: Apps like Uber and Ola operate in Agra and can be a convenient and reliable option. They offer both car and auto-rickshaw services.

Buses

• City Buses: Operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). They connect major points in the city and are an economical option.
• Tourist Buses: Many private operators offer hop-on-hop-off bus services that cover major tourist attractions.

Bicycles and Motorbikes

• Bicycle Rentals: A great way to explore the city at your own pace. Several rental services provide bicycles on an hourly or daily basis.
• Motorbike Rentals: For those comfortable riding a motorbike, rentals are available and can be a fun way to get around.
• Book bikes at DiscoverCars

Walking

• Walking: Many of Agra’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the Taj Ganj area near the Taj Mahal. Walking tours can be a great way to see the city up close.

Private Cars

• Car Rentals: Available with or without a driver. This option provides flexibility and comfort, especially if travelling with family or in a group. Check and book  a car from DiscoverCars
• Hotel Cars: Many hotels offer car services which can be convenient though slightly more expensive.

E-Rickshaws

• E-Rickshaws: These electric rickshaws are eco-friendly and suitable for short distances within the city. They are available around popular tourist spots.

Tourist Guides

• Guided Tours: Hiring a licensed tourist guide can be very beneficial. They provide insights into the history and significance of the sites and can help navigate the city efficiently.

Tips for Getting Around:

• Plan Ahead: Decide on your mode of transport based on your itinerary and comfort.
• Safety: Always use registered and licensed services. Keep your belongings secure.
• Negotiation: Be prepared to negotiate fares with auto and cycle rickshaw drivers.
• Local Maps: Carry a map or use a GPS-enabled device to help navigate the city.

Things to do in Agra India in One Day

If you have just one day in Agra, you’ll want to make the most of your time to see the key attractions. 

Visit Taj Mahal 

So the first thing you can do in Agra is to visit the Taj Mahal. 

You better go early in the morning like before 8 or 9 o’clock. This way you can avoid the crowd and have the Taj Mahal to click pictures and make videos with. Later in the day, the Taj Mahal becomes very crowded and in most pictures, you will have others walking around. 

It will take around 2-3 hours to explore the Taj Mahal and don’t forget to sit around for a bit and enjoy the surroundings. The main mausoleum, the gardens, and the reflecting pool are some of the great highlights of the Taj Mahal. 

Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. He chose Agra to build the Taj Mahal because, during the 18th century, Agra was the main capital for the Mughals. 

You are not allowed to take selfie sticks or tripods or anything inside the premises. Cameras and phones are allowed. No snacks but water is okay. 

I advise you to buy disposable shoe covers from the shops outside the Taj Mahal. 

We also bought some Taj Mahal magnets from those shops for 50 and 100 rs something. 

From Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Private Sunrise Tour: It’s one of the most popular tours from Delhi. 

Visit Agra Fort

After the Taj Mahal, head to Agra Fort, which opens at 7:00 AM. Agra Fort Is a crescent-shaped, also called Agra’s Red Fort. It is spread across a 2.5 km long enclosure and was started by Emperor Akbar but finished by Shah Jahan, his grandson. Later in life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurungzeb in this fort.

Shah Jahan spent his last few years imprisoned at Agra Fort but he was kept in a place from where he had a direct view of the Taj Mahal. You can still see it if you visit the fort. 

It will take around 1.5-2 hours for you to cover the area. The Highlights of the fort are The Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Jahangir’s Palace, and the Musamman Burj (where Shah Jahan was imprisoned).

Check out this tour, it may help you get to the attractions smoothly : Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Private Tour

Visit other monuments 

If you want to cover more historical places in Agra then go for Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), which opens around 10:00 AM. It will take around 1 hour to visit the whole place. Itimad-Ud-Daulah is known as the “Baby Taj,” this tomb is considered a draft of the Taj Mahal and offers intricate marble work.

Or if you want to go far then drive to Akbar’s Tomb, in Sikandra, located about 10 km from the city centre. It should take you approximately 1 hour to cover the area and it’s a magnificent tomb of Akbar the Great set in a large garden.

Visit Sadar Bazar 

If I were you I would head to Sadar Bazar to experience the reality of Agra. You will meet the local shopkeepers selling local souvenirs, Indian clothes and other shoe pieces made of marble and wood. You can buy some leather bags also from here. 

I would prefer to visit Sadar Bazar in the afternoon to enjoy the local cuisine at any local restaurants and explore this area before I finish for the afternoon. 

Or else if you want to enjoy some high-end Lunch with Local Cuisine then include Pinch of Spice, Peshawri, and Esphahan (in The Oberoi Amarvilas). 

Finish your day by visiting Mehtab Bagh

You can enjoy the sunset here and stay here for a while enjoying the nature around. 

Visiting Mehtab Bagh in the later afternoon will have less crowds and you can view the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River.

Enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant. Recommendations include Daawat-e-Nawab at the Radisson Hotel or Shankara Vegis Restaurant for a vegetarian option.

Additional Tips

• Tickets and Guides: Buy tickets online in advance to save time. Consider hiring a licensed guide for detailed insights.
• Transport: Hire a private car with a driver for the day for convenience and to save time.
• Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, especially during the hotter months.

What to buy from Agra

Petha

Dal moth

Replica of Taj Mahal

Ornament boxes

Fridge Magnet 

The Taj Mahal is made of Chocolate. 

This itinerary ensures you cover the major highlights of Agra while also experiencing its rich culture and local flavours in just one day.

Let me know how it goes for you in the comments. 

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