If you have 23 hours to spend in Agra, you can explore a wide variety of amazing attractions and activities throughout the day. You can start your day early at 5 am with a breathtaking sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. From there, you can continue your adventure until 11 pm, making the most of your time in the city.

In this guide, we’ve put together the perfect one-day tour from Delhi to Agra,highlighting the best places to visit and things to do. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or local culture, this itinerary will help you experience the very best of Agra in a single day. 

1.Have Breakfast

If you're in Agra and planning to visit the Taj Mahal, we recommend starting your day by enjoying some of the delicious local food. A great way to begin is by trying Bedmi Puri and Kachori, which are popular breakfast items in Agra. While many people think Agra is famous for its Mughal cuisine, that’s actually not true. Agra is more like the Chandni Chowk of India, with its own unique street food culture.

For a taste of traditional Agra, you can try Aloo Puri at Chimmanlal Puri Wale, a shop that has been serving food for 182 years. Other great spots include Deviram Sweets and Sattolala Kachori Wale, both known for their tasty snacks.

If Aloo Puri isn’t your favorite, you might want to try a parantha at the well-known "Ram Babu Paratha Bhandar." However, I would still recommend trying the Aloo Puri if you can. For those who are in the mood for Southern Indian dishes, you can visit.Dasaprakash Restaurant, which offers a variety of South Indian meals.

2.Visit the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is the most famous place in Agra and one of the most well-known buildings in the world. It is a symbol of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

There’s a story that Shah Jahan was so devoted to building the Taj Mahal that he was ready to spend all the money in his empire. He also had plans to build another Taj Mahal made of black stone, right across from the first one.

After breakfast, you can visit the Taj Mahal. You can spend 2-3 hours here, looking at the beautiful building, walking through the gardens, and enjoying the view of the Yamuna River.

Ticket Price: Rs 245
Opening Hours: 5 am to 6 pm

3.Visit Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is a garden located directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. It is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal and was designed by Shah Jahan as a place to view the Taj Mahal under the moonlight. There is a rumor that Shah Jahan planned to build a second, black Taj Mahal here.

We recommend visiting Mehtab Bagh for 20-30 minutes to get the best photos of the Taj Mahal.

Ticket Price: Rs 20
Opening Hours: 5 am to 6 pm

4. Visit Agra Fort

Agra Fort is another historical site worth visiting. It’s about 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal. The fort has a long history, with rulers like Ibrahim Lodi, the Mughals, Jat Kings, Marathas, and the British. The fort covers a large area of 94 acres.

One of the most interesting parts of the fort is the Shah-Burj, where Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for eight years. From here, you can get a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal.

Ticket Price: Rs 35
Opening Hours: 5 am to 6 pm

5. Visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula (Baby Taj)

The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, often called the Baby Taj, is another must-see in Agra. It was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, who was also the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal.

This tomb is often seen as a smaller version of the Taj Mahal. It has four pillars, a square garden, and beautiful architecture. It’s a peaceful place to visit and takes about 15 minutes to explore.

Ticket Price: Rs 20
Opening Hours: 5 am to 6 pm

6. Plan Your Lunch in Agra

After visiting these sites, you might be hungry and tired. Here are some restaurants and cafes in Agra where you can enjoy a good lunch:

• Sheroes Hangout Café: A café run by acid attack survivors.

• Mughchi Restaurant: A mix of Mughlai and Chinese food.

• The Salt Café: Enjoy live music.

• Pind Balluchi: Located near Sikandra Tomb.

• Pinch Of Spice: Located at Hotel ITC Mughal.

• Aahar Restaurant: Known for local food.

7. Visit Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra Tomb)

If you’re near Pind Balluchi, consider visiting Akbar’s Tomb, the resting place of Emperor Akbar. It’s the second most important monument in Agra after the Taj Mahal. Akbar’s Tomb was built before the Taj Mahal, and it’s a beautiful site with large gardens and deer wandering around. The tomb also has an echo feature that’s quite amazing.

Ticket Price: Rs 20
Opening Hours: 6 am to 6 pm

8. Visit Guru Ka Tal Gurudwara

Guru Ka Tal Gurudwara is a historical Sikh temple dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. It is believed that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji allowed himself to be arrested here to protest against Emperor Aurangzeb’s policies of forced religious conversions. Every year, a big festival is held here, and thousands of people come to seek blessings.

The entry to the Gurudwara is free, and you can visit anytime between 5 am and 9 pm.

Ticket Price: Free
Opening Hours: 5 am to 9 pm

9. Visit Mariam’s Tomb

Mariam’s Tomb is the third important mausoleum in Agra. It is the resting place of Mariam-uz-Zamani, also known as Jodha Bai, who was the wife of Emperor Akbar. She was a Rajput princess and the mother of Emperor Jahangir.

This tomb is located a bit far from the Taj Mahal, making it a peaceful and less crowded place to visit. It’s a significant part of Mughal history and a quiet place to reflect.

Ticket Price: Rs 20
Opening Hours: 5 am to 6 pm

10. Visit Fatehpur Sikri

After lunch, another great place to visit near Agra is Fatehpur Sikri. We suggest leaving Agra by 3 pm so you can reach Fatehpur Sikri by 4 pm. Once you get there, you can buy your tickets and enter this historic site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the capital of the Mughal Empire.

At Fatehpur Sikri, you will find many palaces, meeting halls, and other important buildings, such as:

• Buland Darwaza: A large victory gate

• Jama Masjid: A grand mosque

• Tomb of Salim Chishti: A famous tomb

• Diwan-i-Aam: The king’s public meeting hall

• Diwan-i-Khas: The king’s private meeting hall

• Jodha Bai Mahal: The palace of Queen Jodha Bai

• Panch Mahal: A court for the ladies

• Birbal’s House: The house of a king’s advisor

Ticket Price: Rs 35
Visiting Hours: 5 am to 6 pm

11. Shopping in Agra

Agra is not just known for the Taj Mahal; it's also famous for its handicrafts and leather goods, like shoes. If you want to buy some souvenirs or gifts, here are a few markets to visit:

• Hing Ki Mandi: Originally a market for imported asafoetida (hing), now it’s the best place to buy shoes in Agra.

• Sadar Bazaar: Near Jama Masjid, this market is popular with tourists and offers souvenirs, leather bags, belts, and street food.

• Subhash Bazaar: Famous for silk fabrics.

• Kinari Bazaar: Another tourist market.

• TDI Mall: A quieter shopping experience for travelers.

Shopping Hours: 10 am to 9 pm

12. Best Place to Have Dinner in Agra

If you want to have a special dinner, consider dining at The Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel in Agra. It’s the top hotel in the city, and you can enjoy your meal at their poolside restaurant with a stunning view of the Taj Mahal.

Check out their restaurants, "The Lounge" and "The Bar," which both offer beautiful views of the Taj Mahal. Dinner for two here will cost around Rs 4000-5000 per thali.

Dinner Time: 7 pm to 11 pm

13.Try Agra Petha

One of the most famous foods in Agra is "Petha," a sweet treat made from pumpkin. If you're in Agra, you must try Petha from "Panchi Petha," which is known for its original and authentic taste. They offer around 20 different varieties, like Plain Petha, Kesar (saffron) Petha, and Pan Petha.

You can find their shop at this address:
855A, Fatehpur Sikri Rd, Naulakha, Sadar Bazar, Agra Cantt, Idgah Colony, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001.

Shop Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM

Best Time to Visit Agra

Agra is a great place to visit all year round. However, the best times are from August to April. During Diwali week, New Year, and Christmas, the city gets very busy with tourists.

Best Agra Tour Itinerary

If you want to see all the main attractions in Agra in one day, you can visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Baby Taj, and Mehtab Bagh in 6-7 hours. But for a better experience, a 2-day itinerary is recommended:

Day 1:

• Arrive in Agra by morning (from Delhi or directly).

• Visit the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh, and Agra Fort before lunch.

• After lunch, choose one of these options:

  • Option 1: Visit Fatehpur Sikri. Get there by 4 pm, explore until 6 pm, then return to Agra to shop and relax.

  • Option 2: Visit Mathura and Vrindavan temples. Arrive in Mathura by 4 pm, visit the main temples, and explore Vrindavan until 9-10 pm. Stay overnight in Agra or Mathura.

Day 2:

• Complete any sites you missed on Day 1. Visit Akbar's Tomb and Baby Taj.

• If you didn’t visit Fatehpur Sikri on Day 1, explore it today.

• Spend the afternoon at Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, which is about a 4-hour tour.

Packages for Agra from Delhi

• Same Day Agra Tour: Leave Delhi at 7 am, reach Agra by 10 am, visit Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh, Agra Fort, and either Mathura Vrindavan or Fatehpur Sikri. Return to Delhi by 11 pm. 

• Delhi Agra Tour Packages: These include 2-day trips to Agra and nearby sites or 5-6 day trips including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar, Manali, etc. 

• Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour: Explore Agra’s top sites until 4 pm, then visit Mathura and Vrindavan until night. Return to Agra.

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Guide Problems in Agra

Agra is a popular tourist city, and sometimes guides may try to pressure visitors. To find a good guide:

• Get a guide from a reputable travel agency.

• A guide should not pressure you to buy anything or eat at specific places.

• Choose a guide with a government license. Fake guides are now restricted at major sites like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

What is the Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour?

You can buy a special entry ticket to enter the Taj Mahal before sunrise. This allows you to see the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, which many travelers say is a breathtaking view.Know more it about at our page Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi.

Conclusion

Agra is a city full of amazing sights like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Baby Taj. You can see a lot in just one or two days. You can also visit nearby places like Fatehpur Sikri or the temples in Mathura and Vrindavan for even more adventure.

At SRM Holidays, we make sure your trip to Agra is special. We offer great tour packages that fit all kinds of plans, whether you want a quick visit or a longer adventure. For a smooth and fun trip, contact SRM Holidays. We’re here to help you explore Agra’s best spots!

FAQs

1.What is the best time to visit Agra? 

The best time to visit Agra is from August to April, as the weather is pleasant. However, Agra is a year-round destination, so you can visit anytime. The Diwali, Christmas, and New Year periods are peak seasons.

2.How many days are needed to explore Agra? 

You can explore the main attractions of Agra in one day, but a two-day trip is ideal. This allows you to visit places like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Baby Taj, Mehtab Bagh, and even nearby sites like Fatehpur Sikri and Mathura.

3.What are the must-visit places in Agra? 

The must-visit places in Agra include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, and Baby Taj. You can also visit Fatehpur Sikri and the temples in Mathura and Vrindavan if you have more time.

4.Is a guide necessary for visiting Agra? 

While a guide is not necessary, having one can enhance your experience by providing detailed information about the historical sites. Always choose a guide with a government license to ensure authenticity.

5.Can I visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise? 

Yes, you can visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Special tickets are available at the main ticket counter, allowing you to enter the Taj Mahal before sunrise, offering a beautiful view as the sun rises over the monument.

6.Where can I shop in Agra? 

Agra is known for its handicrafts and leather goods. Popular markets include Sadar Bazaar, Hing Ki Mandi, and Kinari Bazaar. These markets offer a variety of souvenirs, shoes, silk fabrics, and more.