This Ultimate 24hr Taj Mahal ( Agra ) Travel Guide includes everything you need to know.
Agra, a city in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India, is renowned for being the home of the Taj Mahal and it’s been named one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and called “the jewel of Muslim art in India” by UNESCO.
The Taj Mahal is a stunning example of Mughal architecture and was constructed by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in tribute to his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in the 17th century. Ultimate 24hrs Taj Mahal will help you plan the perfect trip,
Some Facts
Visa: Yes All foreign nationals entering India require a visa
The population of Agra: 1.6 million
Official Language: Hindi but English, Urdu and Punjabi are also spoken
Currency: Rupee (INR)
Religion: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
Give the Tap water a miss, ok to brush your teeth I use this
Safety: Agra is safe, take the usual precautions
About
In addition to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra is also known for housing the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortification was constructed by Akbar in 1565 and was subsequently enlarged by his grandson, Shah Jahan. Built from red sandstone, the Agra Fort contains numerous structures such as mosques and palaces within it. It’s part of India’s popular Golden Triangle .
Getting There From New Delhi
Many tourists visit Agra solely to marvel at the magnificent Taj Mahal, with some tours extending up to 3 nights. However, 24 hours should suffice to explore the attractions.
Agra is situated approximately 140 miles southeast of Delhi and can be reached by car within three hours and by train in around 2 hours. The fastest morning train from Delhi to Agra is the non-stop 12050 Gatimaan Express which leaves at 0815 and arrives in Agra at 0950. A First Class ticket will set you back £16.
While the train is cheaper, it can be very crowded. If you do decide to go by train be prepared for the scammers at Agra Cantt station. For a safer option, Uber is recommended, or consider hiring a driver from your hotel for about £50 each way.
This allows for flexibility to stop for food and drinks at your convenience, with your driver knowledgeable about the best rest stops to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Exploring
Tuk Tuk also known as Auto Rickshaw are all over India. Just call one down as you would any taxi to take you around. You can also call these via the Uber app. Make sure to agree on a price beforehand.
Agra Fort
When you’re in Agra, the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly a must-see attraction, but don’t overlook the Red Fort. Made of red sandstone and built in 1573 during the reign of Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal Emperors, the fort was completed after eight years of hard work by over 4000 workers.
It opens just before sunrise and closes at sunset, providing a stunning view of the Taj Mahal from a distance. For the best photo opportunities and to avoid local hustlers and touts, it’s advisable to visit early or late.
The Agra Fort is approximately a 30-minute walk from the Taj Mahal.
To get the full experience, it’s recommended to explore the Agra Fort before seeing the Taj Mahal, as it sets the scene for the monument. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth. Nevertheless, many tourists understandably choose to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and then head to the Agra Fort.
Your entry ticket last for up to 3 hours.
The Main Event
It’s difficult to put into words the emotions that arise when entering the archway and catching a glimpse of the Taj Mahal for the very first time. It’s a moment of pure magic!
The Taj Mahal is CLOSED on Fridays for prayer. Make sure you stand in the right ticket line. For foreigners, the ticket price is 1,100 rupees, Indians 50 rupees. You can buy tickets here.
The best time to visit Agra is between October and February, avoiding the scorching heat of summer and the monsoon rains.
In my personal experience, I strongly suggest visiting the Taj Mahal during sunrise or sunset for a truly stunning view. This will not only give you the chance to capture amazing golden hour photos, but also avoid the large crowds.
You can get a great view of the Taj from across the Yamuna River bank. Mehtab Bagh—a 25-acre Mughal garden complex directly opposite the monument has great views. The entry cost is 250 rupees for foreigners, and it’s open until sunset.
Where To Stay
ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra. About a four minute drive to the Taj Mahal.
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