Begin your journey early in the morning from Delhi by car or train (the Gatimaan Express is a great option, departing around 8:00 AM and reaching Agra in under 2 hours). If you’re already staying in Agra, you’re in a great position to get started even earlier to beat the crowds.
Visit the Taj Mahal
Your day begins at the mythical Taj Mahal, New Seven Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this white marble tomb in honor of his much-loved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is an icon of enduring love.
Duration: 2 hours
Tips: Get there early to avoid crowds and scorching sun. Hire a guide with a license to give background history. Photography allowed (except within mausoleum). Comfortable walking shoes, as a lot of walking is going to be involved.
Breakfast at Local Café
After a peaceful morning at the Taj Mahal, break for breakfast at an Indian restaurant like Esphahan at The Oberoi Amarvilas or Joney's Place for a local and cost-effective meal. Have parathas, poha, or masala chai.
Agra Fort
Visit Agra Fort, the UNESCO World Heritage Monument and picturesque landmark of Mughal architecture. It was the Emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan's refuge, and palaces, halls of public audience, and lovely courtyards are concealed within.
Highlights: Diwan-i-Am (Public Audience Hall), Diwan-i-Khas (Private Audience Hall), Palace of Jahangir, and view of Taj Mahal through way of Musamman Burj.
Afternoon – Lunch Break
Lunch at one of the nearby restaurants like Pinch of Spice, Peshawri, or The Salt Café. Agra is famous for Mughlai cuisine, and thus do not forget to relish a butter chicken, biryani, kebab, and paneer lababdar dish.
Mehtab Bagh (Optional Stop)
To see the Taj Mahal from a different angle, head to Mehtab Bagh, a beautiful garden across the Yamuna River. It's postcard perfect, less crowded view of the monument and also a great place for taking a photo shoot.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Note: This is optional based on your interest and pace.
Visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Baby Taj)
Then head to Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, the "Baby Taj" that it's also known by. This stunning marble mausoleum is older than the Taj Mahal and was constructed by Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, as a memorial to her father. With its stunning inlay work and Persian garden, it's Agra's best secret.
Duration: 45 minutes
Local Market Walk and Souvenir Shopping
End your evening with a walk along Sadar Bazaar or Kinari Bazaar, busy shopping streets famous for marble crafts, leather products, jewelry, carpets, and Agra's specialty sweet dish- petha. Street food stalls will also be present serving tongue-licking snacks in the shape of chaat, samosas, and jalebis.
Tip: Bargaining must be done in local bazaars.
Evening: Departure / Return Journey
If you are traveling by train, go to Agra Cantt Station to come back to Delhi. Gatimaan Express train departs around 5:50 PM. Or, via road, around 3–4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.