Photo: Jovyn Chamb / UnsplashAgra
Uttar Pradesh, India
Home of the Taj Mahal, plus two more World Heritage Sites: Agra Fort and the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,500–2,500
- Mid-range / day
- ₹4,500–9,000
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal length
- 1–2 days
- Gateway
- Agra Cantt station (under 2 hours from Delhi by fast train)
The Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, is as extraordinary in person as in photographs, especially at sunrise when the marble turns pink and gold. But Agra has more: the red sandstone Agra Fort, the delicate 'Baby Taj', and Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's short-lived capital nearby.
It's easy to reach from Delhi by fast train, and most people come for a day. Staying overnight lets you see the Taj at sunrise and sunset without the crowds of a day trip.
Day by day
2-day itinerary
₹3,000–5,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: The Taj and the fort
The Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort in the late morning, the 'Baby Taj' (Itimad-ud-Daulah) in the afternoon, and sunset over the Taj from Mehtab Bagh across the river.
- 2
Day 2: Fatehpur Sikri
A half-day trip to Fatehpur Sikri, about 40 km away, then an evening train back to Delhi or onward.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr—
- May—
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
- Oct–Mar: BestPleasant days. December and January mornings are often foggy, which can hide the Taj at sunrise and delay trains.
- Apr–Jun: AvoidVery hot, often above 40°C; visit only at sunrise.
- Jul–Sep: MixedMonsoon humidity and some rain, with fewer visitors.
Getting there
- By train
- Fast trains from Delhi reach Agra Cantt in under 2 hours; there are direct trains from most major cities.
- By road
- The Yamuna Expressway from Delhi takes about 3–4 hours by car or bus.
- By air
- Agra's airport has only a few flights; most visitors fly into Delhi.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (guesthouse or hostel) | ₹600–1,200 | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Food | ₹400–700 | ₹800–1,400 |
| Local transport (auto, app cab) | ₹300–600 | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Monument tickets | ₹200–600 | ₹200–600 |
| Typical day | ₹1,500–2,500 | ₹4,500–9,000 |
Ticket prices for Indian citizens are low; foreign nationals pay much more, and the Taj's main mausoleum has an extra fee. Check current ASI prices and book online to skip queues.
Highlights
Taj Mahal
The white marble mausoleum, best at sunrise before the crowds.
Agra Fort
A red sandstone fort-palace where Shah Jahan spent his last years looking out at the Taj.
Fatehpur Sikri
Akbar's abandoned capital of palaces and a grand mosque.
Mehtab Bagh
A garden across the Yamuna with a quiet sunset view of the Taj.
Practical tips
- Taj Mahal rules
- The Taj is closed on Fridays. Food, tripods, and large bags aren't allowed; carry only essentials and ID.
- Touts
- Ignore unofficial guides and 'shortcuts' at the gates; buy tickets online or at the official counters.
- Winter fog
- Fog can hide the Taj on December and January mornings; keep a second morning free if the view matters to you.
Agra FAQs
What day is the Taj Mahal closed?
Fridays, when it's open only for prayers at the mosque.
Can I visit Agra as a day trip from Delhi?
Yes, by early fast train, but staying overnight lets you see the Taj at sunrise with far fewer people.
What's the best time of day to see the Taj Mahal?
Sunrise, for soft light and smaller crowds. Sunset from Mehtab Bagh across the river is a good second view.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.