Agra city is home to one of the most famous landmarks in the world – the Taj Mahal. Further, the city has two more UNESCO sites namely Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
The trio of these Mughal-era monuments carries a significant weight in India’s history, heritage and architectural endeavours. Visit Agra and experience the ethereal beauty of this city with us.
Agra city is approx. 250 kms from India’s capital city New Delhi. It is easily reachable by both road and train.
During the Mughal Dynasty, Agra was the capital of the empire for more than 100 years (From 1526 – 1658). During these years, the city witnessed massive construction of colonies, monuments, tombs, gardens and even royal residences for the family of Emperors. Later, Delhi was made the capital city in 1638.
These monuments are now part of India’s heritage and centre of attraction. Age-old spice markets, time-tested forts and opulent Charbagh-styled gardens are some of the most alluring sights to visit and experience.
Tourist attractions and must visit places in Agra Tour Package
The Taj Mahal: The symphony of love
The Taj Mahal needs no introduction! It is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. It’s crowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO Heritage Site.
The world admires this magnificent architectural marvel for its pristine ivory-white marbles, symmetrical design and its authentic Mughal Architecture. Its vast complex and lush-green gardens are alluring to the eyes and give a sense of tranquillity.
An experience to remember: the Taj Mahal at sunrise
The Taj Mahal looks the best at all times! However, the sight is spectacular during the sunrise when the first of sun rays falls on the white marble and reflects gold and yellow hues. Sunrise Taj Mahal sightseeing is a spectacular sight and is usually less crowded.
NOTE: Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.
Agra Fort: Mughal residence & UNESCO World Heritage Site
Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the residence of the Mughal Emperors. After the Taj Mahal, it is the most visited monument in Agra. The massive fort complex is red in colour and showcases its grandeur from its verdant gardens, audience halls, grand entryways and other complexes inside its vicinity.
Agra Fort is a vast complex and will consume considerable time to stroll across all the areas of it. Hence, it is recommended to plan your tour accordingly.
Fatehpur Sikri: A saint’s blessing, a city of victory
Fatehpur Sikri is a walled town near Agra City. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must visit place for people who admire architecture, history and ancient heritage.
The entire complex of Fatehpur Sikri houses numerous buildings, avenues, public buildings, mosques and gardens inside it. The town of Fatehpur Sikri was also once the capital of the Mughals.
Discover Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, known as the Mini Taj or the Baby Taj
Itimad-Ud-Daulah is a beautiful tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg. He was Iranian and was one of the top officials in the Mughal Kingdom. This tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah was a transition in Mughal Architecture from Red Sandstone to White Marble.
The monument is a masterpiece of architecture and flaunts the intricacy of Mughal Architecture. Itimad-Ud-Daulah is also referred to as ‘Baby Taj’ because of its resemblance to that of Taj Mahal. It is built on the same lines of architecture as the Taj Mahal. It is usually less crowded than the Taj Mahal and is a must-visit if you are in the city.
A magical view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden Agra)
The Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden Agra) is one of the few places in the city from where you get jaw-dropping views of the Taj Mahal! It is a Mughal-built garden in the authentic Charbagh style on the opposite side of the Taj Mahal. This place is a photographer’s paradise and offers majestic river-side views of the Taj Mahal.
Planning your Agra Tour
Our travel advisor Shantam Kalra mentions that planning an Agra Tour should not be cumbersome. All you have to take note of is that you choose the right travel agency that has good and professional tour guides, neat and clean vehicles and excellent customer support.
A two day tour to the city is sufficient for an elaborative experience of this ancient city. However, if you are short on time, a Same Day Agra Tour will work satisfactorily.
Here is an elaborative guide on how you can plan it –
Agra Tour Package Itinerary
For utmost convenience and quality travel experiences, it’s ideal to book an Agra tour package from Delhi that suits your needs and timings. Here is an standard Agra tour itinerary –
Tour starts in New Delhi
Your Agra tour will commence from Delhi with a warm welcome by our driver. He will pick you up from the Delhi Airport. After a short tour briefing, we’ll move towards Agra via Yamuna Expressway.
It usually takes 3-4 hours to reach Agra. Our team will provide you with a historian Government-certified tour guide who will accompany you throughout all the destinations of the tour.
Taj Mahal Sightseeing
If you are opting for the Same Day Agra Tour, the first monument we will visit will be the Taj Mahal. It will take around 2.5 hours to completely explore the beautiful white monument.
If you are opting for 2 days tour to Agra, the Taj Mahal sightseeing will be done on the next day morning (Sunrise Taj Mahal Sightseeing)
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is in close proximity to the Taj Mahal and is the next destination on this tour. Stroll across this beautiful Mughal-era Fort and walk down the memory lane of India’s history.
Capture moments and listen to stories of India’s history from our historian tour guide. Approximate time required in exploring Agra Fort is 3 hours.
Itimad-Ud-Daulah
The next destination will be Itimad-Ud-Daulah. It is also in close proximity to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Immerse yourself in the beautiful display of craftsmanship and marble-inlay work of Itimad-Ud-Daulah.
Spend quality time of an hour or two in the tranquil surroundings of this beautiful tomb.
Fatehpur Sikri (In case of 2 days tour)
Fatehpur Sikri sightseeing can be done conveniently if you opt for Overnight Agra Tour (1Night/2Days). It is far from the city and will be cumbersome to cover in the same day tour.
Souvenirs & handicrafts to take
Souvenirs are memories captured in a thing. It reminds of the quality time spent at a place. In Agra, a Taj Mahal miniature made of marble is one of the top choices for the visitors to the city.
However, the city offers much more than that. As a fact, the descendants of the artisans who made the Taj Mahal still live in the city. They continue their legacy to build marble handicrafts inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones.
You can shop for intricate marble–inlay handicrafts. Similarly, there are Mughal Carpets which were introduced by Mughal Emperor Akbar. You can explore these options for souvenir purchases as well.
Summary
Agra is a beautiful city full of architectural heritage and history. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of them being a Wonder of the World.
Each one of these monuments is a testament to the mighty rulings of the Mughal Empire. Discover the city’s monuments and dig into Agra’s history with Treasure Trip India.
