Agra Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about visiting Agra -- attractions, food, shopping, best time to visit, and local secrets. Written by people who call Agra home.
Table of Contents
Your chapter-by-chapter guide to Agra
Welcome to Agra
Agra is more than just the Taj Mahal. Once the capital of the mighty Mughal Empire, this city on the banks of the Yamuna River is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant food culture, centuries-old craftsmanship, and the warmth of Braj culture. As an Agra-based cab company, we have put together this guide from our local knowledge to help you make the most of your visit.
Best Time to Visit Agra
Visual month-by-month guide -- taller bars mean better visiting conditions
Top Attractions in Agra
Taj Mahal
UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the Seven Wonders. Built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal. White marble masterpiece.
Agra Fort
Massive red sandstone fort, another UNESCO site. Home to Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, and Musamman Burj.
Fatehpur Sikri
Abandoned Mughal capital, 37 km from Agra. Built by Akbar. Buland Darwaza (world's highest gateway), Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid.
Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
Exquisite marble tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal. Famous for intricate pietra dura (marble inlay) work.
Mehtab Bagh
Moonlight Garden across the Yamuna from Taj Mahal. Best sunset views of the Taj. Perfect for photography.
Sikandra (Akbar's Tomb)
Tomb of Emperor Akbar. Unique blend of Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Jain architecture. Peaceful deer park.
Agra Food Guide
A city with Mughal culinary heritage and unique local specialties
Petha
Agra's signature sweet made from ash gourd. Varieties: Angoori (small, juicy), Paan, Kesar, Chocolate. Best brand: Panchhi Petha (Noori Gate).
Dalmoth
Crunchy spicy lentil-nut mix. Buy from Bhagat Halwai or Panchi Petha stores. Perfect snack to take home.
Bedai & Jalebi
Traditional Agra breakfast. Deep-fried bread served with aloo sabzi and crispy jalebis. Try at Deviram near Jama Masjid.
Mughlai Cuisine
Rich biryanis, creamy kormas, seekh kebabs, and butter chicken. Agra has authentic Mughal recipes passed down for generations.
Paratha & Lassi
Stuffed parathas (aloo, gobhi, paneer) with thick lassi. Available everywhere from street stalls to restaurants.
Chaat
Agra chaat is slightly different from Delhi -- sweeter and tangier. Try golgappe, dahi bhalle, and aloo tikki at Sadar Bazaar.
Shopping in Agra
Marble Inlay (Pietra Dura)
₹200 - ₹50,000+Agra is the world capital of marble inlay work. Artisans near the Taj Mahal create boxes, tabletops, and decorative items. Visit government emporiums for genuine pieces.
Leather Goods
₹200 - ₹15,000Agra is one of India's largest leather producers. Shoes, bags, belts, and jackets at Hari Parbat and Sadar Bazaar. Much cheaper than Delhi/Mumbai.
Handicrafts & Brassware
₹200 - ₹5,000Brass lamps, decorative items, and Agra-style jewelry available at Kinari Bazaar and Subhash Bazaar.
Textiles & Zardozi
₹500 - ₹20,000Agra Zardozi (gold embroidery) on sarees, kurtas, and dupattas. Find at Kinari Bazaar and Subhash Emporium.
Getting Around Agra
Triveni Cabs (Private Taxi)
RECOMMENDED₹1,500-2,500/day
AC car with driver. Most comfortable and flexible. Cover all sights without hassle. Call 7668570551.
Auto-rickshaw
₹30-100/trip
Negotiate fare before riding. Good for short distances. Can be hot in summer.
E-rickshaw
₹10-30/trip
Electric rickshaws for short distances. Cheap and eco-friendly. Available near Taj and market areas.
Battery Bus (Taj Route)
₹10/trip
Eco-friendly buses from parking to Taj gates. Mandatory as private vehicles cannot go near the Taj.
Where to Stay in Agra
Tajganj
₹500-2,000/nightBudget area closest to Taj Mahal. Walking distance to South and East gates. Many budget hotels, backpacker hostels, and rooftop cafes.
Fatehabad Road
₹2,000-5,000/nightMid-range hotel belt. 5-10 minute drive to Taj Mahal. Good restaurants, clean hotels, convenient for sightseeing.
Taj East Gate Road
₹5,000-25,000/nightPremium area with luxury hotels (Oberoi, Trident). Closest to Taj East Gate. Quiet, upscale neighborhood.
Sadar Bazaar
₹800-3,000/nightCentral market area. Budget to mid-range stays. Close to Agra Cantt station. Good for shopping and food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How many days do I need in Agra?
1 day covers the main sights (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Baby Taj). 2 days allow you to add Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh sunset, moonlight Taj viewing, and Agra street food exploration. 3 days let you day-trip to Mathura-Vrindavan or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Q2Is Agra safe for tourists?
Yes, Agra is generally safe. Tourist areas (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, hotels) are well-policed. Standard precautions: avoid unlicensed guides at monument gates, negotiate auto fares before riding, and be wary of 'marble shop' scams near Taj. Our drivers ensure you visit only genuine shops.
Q3What is the best time to visit Agra?
October to March is the best time. November-February can be foggy in the mornings but pleasant otherwise. April-June is very hot (40-45C). July-September is monsoon season -- fewer crowds but humid. Each season has its charm.
Q4How do I get around Agra?
Our taxi service is the most convenient: AC sedan from ₹1,500/day for local sightseeing. Auto-rickshaws cost ₹30-100 per trip. Battery-powered buses run near the Taj (₹10). E-rickshaws are cheap for short distances (₹10-20). Walking works near Taj/Fort area.
Q5What food is Agra famous for?
Agra is famous for Petha (sweet made from ash gourd -- Panchhi brand is the best), Dalmoth (spicy lentil mix), Bedai-Jalebi (breakfast dish), Mughlai cuisine (biryani, kebabs, korma), and Paratha. The city has a rich culinary heritage from the Mughal era.
Q6What should I buy in Agra?
Marble inlay work (Pietra Dura) -- Agra is the world capital of this art. Leather goods (shoes, bags), Petha sweets, Agra Zardozi embroidery, and brass/copper handicrafts. Shop at government emporiums for genuine goods, or Sadar Bazaar for variety.
Q7Is there a train from Delhi to Agra?
Yes! Gatimaan Express (fastest, 1.5 hrs, ₹755), Shatabdi Express (2 hrs, ₹555), and many others. But for day trips, a car (₹4,500 round trip) is more flexible and cost-effective for 2+ people. We also offer station pickup/drop.
Q8Which language is spoken in Agra?
Hindi is the primary language. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Our drivers speak basic English and can translate at local shops and eateries if needed.
Explore More About Agra
Related guides and tour pages from our collection
Need Help Planning Your Agra Trip?
We are Agra locals. Call us for personalized advice on itinerary, timing, and transport.