Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, is a must-do on every traveller’s list. Every couple wants to click that one stunning pic with the Taj Mahal in the background. Agra is a must visit for foreigners as part of the Golden Triangle with Delhi and Jaipur. So do read ahead to know the must-do things in Agra for every traveller.
1. Dive into Heritage at Agra
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. These landmark sites will leave you spellbound with their fine craftsmanship, architecture and heritage. No trip to Agra can be complete if you haven’t visited these.
2. Eat at a Rooftop Restaurant with a View of the Taj
Imagine sitting with your loved one on a restaurant terrace with a view of the Taj and relishing a meal. Evening times are best reserved for this. The gentle breeze, cosy ambience and breathtaking view- what more can one want. Hichkee, Taj Terrace, Saniya Palace Restaurant, Tea’se Me are some options. Taj Ganj area has some budget friendly restaurants too.
3. Watch Artisans Demonstrate Their Craft Skills in Agra
The century-old techniques used to make the Taj Mahal are still practised today by the successive generation. There are workshops close to the Taj Mahal and elsewhere where the craftsman will demonstrate them to you. They will show you the raw materials, tools and process of making marble collectables.
4. Shop for Souvenirs and Taj Miniatures
After you have watched the demonstration of the craft, make sure to pick some souvenirs and the Taj miniature. They make for great gifting options and memorabilia.
5. Feast on Local Delicacies in Agra
Agra has them all, whether it is the street foods or restaurants or packaged sweets and snacks. The Chaat Gully at Sadar Bazar is a great place to savour chaats, kulfis, tikkas. The Panchi pethas and dal moth are other must-eats, followed by the parathas and Mughal cuisine.
6. Shop at the Vibrant Markets in Agra
Agra is known for its buzzing markets. You will find leather shoes and boots, assorted jewellery, handicrafts and lots of knick-knacks. Test your bargaining skills well here. Kinari Bazaar is a perfect place if you love shopping.
7. Apply Mehendi
You don’t need an occasion to adorn your hands with Mehendi or Henna. Peacocks, elephants, floral motifs all can be intricately applied on your palms. You will find Mehendi artists at Sadar Bazar with their makeshift stools who will gladly apply Mehendi for a few hundred rupees depending on the pattern and style.
8. Gaze at the Taj and Watch the Sunset from Mehtab Baug
The viewpoint near Mehtab Baug gives you an unobstructed view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna river. Evenings are the best time to park yourself on a bench here and watch the Taj Mahal with the setting sun.
9. Listen to Folklore and Tales in Agra
Befriend a local or a guide, and they will have endless stories about the Taj Mahal, its making and so on. How much of it are facts, and how much a myth is anybody’s guess. Secret underground passages connect to Lahore, unfulfilled love stories ending in suicide from Taj or the Mughals chopping off the hands of the craftsmen so that they would never be able to erect another monument better than the Taj Mahal.
10. Admire the Artefacts at the Taj Museum
Located on the westside of the Taj Mahal Gardens is the Taj Museum. If you want to travel back in time and get a glimpse of a bygone era than do admire the objects of historical, cultural and artistic importance.
We hope you found this Agra Travel guide with a list of things to do in Agra useful. Tell us what you will do when in Agra.
Getting There:
Nearest Airport to Agra:
Agra Airport also known as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport is the nearest airport. But many tourists also fly into Delhi and then drive down to Agra. Distances: Delhi-Agra: 245 km (4 ½ hours by road via Taj/Yamuna Expressway)
Where to Stay in Agra:
We stayed at the ITC Mughal. You can do a net search for various options depending on budget and comfort.
Agra Travel Tips:
The Eastern Gate is the best entry and exit to and from the Taj Mahal. There are two types of entry tickets available. A regular one if you want to enter the complex, but you won’t get to see the mausoleum. For visiting the main mausoleum, you need to pay extra. Due to the pandemic, online tickets are only available. Mornings are the best time to visit the Taj Mahal complex and evenings for the Viewpoint near Mehtab Baug. Located 35 km from Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is worth visiting.