Agra

Overview

Agra has three big Mughal sites close together: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and, a short drive out, the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Most visitors need 2 days. That gives you a Taj sunrise, an unhurried fort visit, a sunset view from across the river, and time for petha and chaat. Winter (Oct–Mar) is the comfortable season. Summers are very hot, so keep midday for a hotel AC or a museum. The Taj is shut to regular visitors every Friday, so check your dates first.

Best time to visit

1. ●Jan
2. ●Feb
3. ●Mar
4. ◐Apr
5. ✕May
6. ✕Jun
7. ◐Jul
8. ◐Aug
9. ◐Sep
10. ●Oct
11. ●Nov
12. ●Dec

● best time · ◐ okay · ✕ best avoided (May, Jun)

How to reach

• Train from Delhi

  Seat fares vary by train and class, roughly ₹500–2,500

  The fastest trains to Agra Cantt take about 1 hr 40 min to 2 hrs. Options include the Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin, the Shatabdi from New Delhi, and a Vande Bharat service, which one source lists. Gatimaan reportedly doesn't run on Fridays. Taj Express takes around 3 hrs. Check current timetables and seat availability on IRCTC before you book. Winter fog can delay trains.

• Road via Yamuna Expressway

  Cab one-way about ₹3,000–5,000; bus about ₹400–900

  Delhi to Agra is roughly 230–245 km on the six-lane, tolled Yamuna Expressway. Plan on about 3.5–4 hrs by car. Cabs and self-drive are popular for a one-day Taj trip. Cheaper buses leave from Delhi's ISBT Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar.

• Getting around Agra

  Local rides about ₹50–400

  Auto-rickshaws, app cabs and e-rickshaws cover the city. Motor vehicles are restricted close to the Taj, so you usually walk or take an e-rickshaw for the last stretch from the parking area. Agree on a fare before you get in an auto, or use an app cab.

Where to stay

• Taj Ganj guesthouses and hostels

  ₹600–2,500 / night

  The lanes around the Taj's east and south gates have the cheapest beds. Many have rooftops with a Taj view. Quality varies a lot, so read recent reviews and check noise levels and AC working before paying. You can walk to the Taj at sunrise from here.

• Mid-range hotels near Fatehabad Road and the Mall Road area

  ₹2,500–6,000 / night

  These areas have business-style hotels with breakfast, parking and easier cab access. Fatehabad Road is a short ride from the Taj, and Mall Road is closer to the Cantt station. Good for families who want lifts and reliable AC.

• Heritage and luxury hotels

  ₹9,000–30,000+ / night

  Agra has several large luxury properties with gardens, pools and spas. Some Taj-view rooms cost much more than standard ones, so confirm the view before you pay. They suit short stays for honeymooners or those who want comfort after a long day outdoors.

Things to do

• Taj Mahal at sunrise

  ₹50 + optional ₹200 (Indian citizens)

  Aim to be at the gate when it opens, about 30 minutes before sunrise, to get cooler weather and softer light. Entry is ₹50 for Indian citizens, plus ₹200 if you want to enter the main mausoleum. Carry only a small bag, because security is strict.

• Agra Fort walk

  About ₹40–60 entry; audio guide extra

  Give the red sandstone fort 2–3 hours. Look out for the marble palaces and the Musamman Burj, where the Taj appears in the distance. Wear shoes with grip, because the stone is uneven. An audio guide is a cheaper alternative to a human guide.

• Sunset from Mehtab Bagh

  Low entry fee; check locally

  This garden across the Yamuna gives a rear view of the Taj. It stays open on Fridays when the Taj is shut, per one source. Check timings and tickets locally.

• Day trip to Fatehpur Sikri

  About ₹35–50 entry; cab ₹1,500–3,000 round trip

  Akbar's red sandstone capital is about 40 km from Agra, and its buildings include the Buland Darwaza. Plan at least a half-day. Go early, carry water, and expect a short shuttle from the parking area.

Food

• Petha

  ₹150–400 / kg

  Agra's famous translucent sweet comes plain, in flavours like kesar and paan, and as dry or wet variants. Buy from established shops and check dates on packaged boxes. Plain petha is easy to carry home from a short trip.

• Chaat, bedai and jalebi breakfast

  ₹40–150 per person

  Local breakfast stalls serve bedai with spicy aloo sabzi, kachori and hot jalebi. Go early, as the best stalls run out by mid-morning. The bazaars near the fort and Sadar are good places to look.

• Mughlai and tandoori meals

  ₹250–800 per person

  Non-vegetarian Mughlai food is popular in Agra, but vegetarians have plenty of choices at thalis and pure-veg restaurants. Check hygiene and pricing before ordering, particularly near the Taj Ganj tourist strip, where rooftop menus can be inflated.

Safety & permits

Permits & entry

• Taj Mahal ticket and Friday closure

  ₹50 + ₹200 optional

  The Taj Mahal is closed to regular visitors every Friday. Indian citizens pay ₹50 per person for general entry and an extra ₹200 for the main mausoleum, and children under 15 enter free, according to the official ticketing page. Buy e-tickets from the links on tajmahal.gov.in to avoid fakes. Rules and prices change, so confirm on the official site before you go.

• Night viewing

  About ₹510

  Night viewing is offered on five nights around each full moon, but not on Fridays, and not during Ramadan or Eid, per some sources. Indian tickets are around ₹510. Slots are in small batches, and sources differ on the exact timing (about 8:00–12:30). Tickets usually must be bought a day ahead through ASI. Confirm dates and booking on the official site.

• Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri

  Both are ASI monuments open daily from sunrise to sunset, according to the sources. Fees for Indian citizens are listed differently across websites: roughly ₹40–60 for Agra Fort and ₹35–50 for Fatehpur Sikri. Fridays are sometimes cheaper at Agra Fort. Check the ASI site or counter for the current rate. Children under 15 are free.

• Free entry days and ID

  The ASI sometimes announces free-entry days or special weeks, so look for notices closer to your dates. Carry a valid photo ID for ticket checks. Large bags, food, tripods and similar items may be restricted at the Taj, so check the current list on the official site.

Places in Agra

Tips & questions

Quick tips, questions and photos from people who've been — or are going.

Reviews & tips