The Amazing Taj Mahal and Agra Travel Guide (includes map)

Last Updated: September 5, 2024

From Delhi, we traveled to the ancient capital of India, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is best known for a certain World Wonder – the Taj Mahal. As the most popular place to visit in India, it draws quite a crowd. We also wanted to see what else the city has to offer. So, we dug deeper and for the next 3 days of our Golden Triangle adventure. India delighted us with all the treasures of Agra.

If you are wondering how many days is appropriate to spend in Agra, we recommend staying for 2 to 3 days. It’s the perfect amount not to feel rushed and account for possible weather changes and landmark operation times. The less you give yourself, the more we suggest checking opening schedules and booking your tickets in advance. Whatever length you go with just please give Agra more time than a mere day trip from Delhi. We ended up with so many things to do in Agra that one day is surely not enough. To help you plan your stay, here are our top places to see in Agra beyond the Taj Mahal and things to do.

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Top Places to See in Agra, India 

Taj Mahal

Let’s start with the obvious. No guide to Agra is complete without a mention of the Taj Mahal. Just like one’s furniture should be pointed at a TV in Joey Tribiani’s world, so do all of Agra’s buildings seem to face the Taj Mahal. It is the centerpiece of the city and India’s most remarkable attraction. It is also the most visited, welcoming from 7 to 8 million visitors every year. All flocking to see the architectural masterpiece and mausoleum erected by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Taj Mahal Construction

Built in the 17th century, it took 22 years and 20,000 workers to construct the monument that shines like an enormous pearl to this day. Considered the world’s best example of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal is incredibly complex and made up of materials brought from different parts of the world, brought to Agra by a thousand elephants. The marble came from Rajasthan, jade was brought from China, turquoise from Tibet, and sapphire from Sri Lanka. Every detail of the Taj Mahal is perfectly symmetrical except for one thing – Shah Jahan’s tomb which was placed next to his wife’s after he passed away.

Seeing this white marble behemoth glow at sunrise is the ultimate India bucket list experience. There are a few places to enjoy this priceless view. At the complex itself, though you have to get there well before the opening time (6AM) and secure the first spot in line. This way you can enjoy having fewer people in your photos and soak in the spectacular view in the tranquility of dawn. The next spot is on the Yamuna River. You can rent a wobbly boat to take you on a short ride to capture the Taj, which, if the river is calm, will reflect against Yamuna’s surface and double the wow effect. 

Moonlight Garden

But for arguably the best views of the Taj, you must head to the Moonlight Garden, also known as Mehtab Bagh. It’s located across the river from the Taj and offers truly stunning angles. There you can also see the spot where Emperor Shah Jahan allegedly wanted to build a black marble mausoleum for himself, facing the white Taj.

Despite the millions of pairs of feet that polish the Taj’s marble annually, this UNESCO World Heritage Site takes strict preservation measures. There are several things you are not allowed to take inside. These include large bags, food, lighters or matches, and tripods, and the security check is thorough. Anything you are prohibited from taking inside will have to be kept in a locker. This will delay your entry and adds waiting time. 

We recommend preparing ahead and booking your tickets in advance, especially if you plan on going at sunrise. Do take note that the complex is closed on Fridays due to Friday prayers. To help make your visit to the Taj Mahal even more memorable, book yourself a tour guide and learn fun facts and legends during your visit, like if Shah Jahan really chopped off the hands of the workers who built the Taj Mahal. 

Agra Fort

This impressive complex was the former residence of the Mughal emperors in Agra before the capital was moved to Delhi. We loved our visit to Agra Fort, coming from Delhi where we visited the Red Fort and could draw comparisons. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another architectural masterpiece from the Mughal Empire period, Agra Fort is breathtaking. One of the fort’s attractions is Shah Jahan’s Palace which faces the Taj Mahal. Out of its windows, you can clearly spot the giant marble pearl on the horizon and admire it out the window, just like the emperor did – looking out at the resting place of his late wife until he joined her.

Baby Taj

Photography aficionados can’t skip this off the beaten path Agra attraction. The official name of this tomb is so challenging to pronounce that it is most commonly known as “Bachcha Taj” or “Baby Taj”. Perfectly symmetrical, it was the first tomb to be built out of white marble instead of red sandstone. It served as one of the inspirations for the Taj Mahal. Apart from marveling at the breathtaking architecture and soaking in the serenity, this is the perfect place to indulge in photography minus the crowds. While the Taj gets all of the attention, Baby Taj is reserved for those in the know.

Things to Do in Agra

Have a Meal at Sheroes Hangout Cafe

Our 3 day Agra itinerary included having a meal at Sheroes Hangout Café. It turned out to be one of the most impactful experiences of our entire trip. This cafe and information center is a space run by and dedicated to women who were victims of heinous acid attacks. Despite painful and traumatic events in their lives, these women welcome visitors with open arms. They serve delicious meals, and spread awareness by sharing their stories. You can watch a special documentary, read the stories, and have conversations with these She-heroes taking charge of their lives. It’s called a hangout cafe for good reason, you can easily lose track of time hanging out in such inspiring company.

Take a Walk around Agra

If you have enough time to spare, go for a stroll around Agra, India. You can soak in the pace of life on the ancient capital’s streets. It was not as crowded as we expected. Although it was still hectic by our standards, it felt calmer coming from Delhi. It seemed more rural, with many domestic animals freely roaming around. We saw pigs, roosters, cows, and dogs can all be located in one pit amidst residential areas. Thanks to the long history of marble carving in Agra, you will spot many workshops. Pop in, and observe the craftsmen hard at work. Perhaps, grab yourself a handmade souvenir!

Then stroll through the Kinari Bazaar, Agra’s wholesale market offering everything you could think of. Walk to Yamuna River and stand on the bridge to watch public laundry services in full swing. We saw laundry men boiling the clothes, whipping them in the river, and then spreading them to dry on the banks.

Dining with a View

Everything in Agra revolves around the Taj. So it’s not surprising that the main dining attraction in Agra is its rooftop restaurants offering a view of the Taj Mahal. If the building has a rooftop, you can count on it having a restaurant or a bar. These venues offer all types of cuisines at various budgets. The quality of food sometimes lacking for the advantageous view, so pay close attention to reviews. 

Given it’s such a magical destination, we decided to finish our three days in Agra, India with a bang by having dinner in the most exclusive restaurant in town. Making a reservation ahead of time is essential, of course. Oberoi’s Esphahan offers guests the opportunity to taste recipes passed down from the Mughal Emperor’s kitchens in a truly luxurious space with live traditional music, lavish décor, and complimentary views of the Taj Mahal. The ultimate bucket list experience for your stay in India!

Agra Attractions Map