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The Taj Mahal in Agra

City of the Taj · Rajasthan city guide

Agra, city of the Taj

Home to the Taj Mahal and two more UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra was the great Mughal capital on the banks of the Yamuna.

Ideal stay1 night
Best timeOctober – March
Nearest major airportDelhi, about 230 km
From JaipurAbout 240 km

About Agra

Why visit.

Agra was a capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, under emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. They left behind some of the finest Islamic architecture in the world, crowned by the Taj Mahal.

Most visitors stay one night, to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise when it is quietest and most beautiful, and Agra sits neatly between Delhi and Jaipur on the Golden Triangle.

01 / Things to do

Top things to do in Agra.

  • Taj MahalThe white marble mausoleum Shah Jahan built for Mumtaz Mahal, completed in 1653. UNESCO-listed.
  • Agra FortThe red sandstone Mughal citadel on the Yamuna, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Itmad-ud-DaulahA delicate marble tomb often called the Baby Taj.
  • Mehtab BaghGardens across the river with a beautiful sunset view of the Taj.
  • Fatehpur SikriAkbar's abandoned red sandstone capital, 40 km away and UNESCO-listed.
  • SikandraThe tomb of Emperor Akbar, on the edge of the city.

Our tip: Arrive at the Taj Mahal gates before sunrise and carry as little as possible: large bags, food and many other items are not allowed inside.

02 / Food & shopping

Eat, browse and take home.

  • PethaAgra's famous translucent sweet, made from ash gourd.
  • Mughlai cuisineRich curries, biryanis and kebabs in the Mughal tradition.
  • Marble inlayWatch artisans work in the pietra dura technique used on the Taj itself.
  • Rugs & leatherAgra has long traditions of carpet weaving and leatherwork.

03 / Getting there

How to reach Agra.

  • By airAgra airport has limited flights. Delhi's international airport is about 230 km away.
  • By railFast trains such as the Gatimaan Express link Delhi and Agra Cantt in under 2 hours.
  • By roadAbout 3.5–4 hours from Delhi on the Yamuna Expressway, and 4–5 hours from Jaipur.

04 / Good to know

A few friendly tips.

Is the Taj Mahal open every day?

No. It is closed on Fridays for prayers. We plan your Agra days around this.

Sunrise or sunset at the Taj?

Sunrise is quieter and the light is softer. For sunset, watch from Mehtab Bagh across the river.

Can I see the Taj Mahal at night?

Night viewing is offered on the full moon and two nights either side, except on Fridays and during Ramadan. Tickets are limited.

How long do I need in Agra?

One night is usually enough to see the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah. Add a few hours for Fatehpur Sikri.

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