A Day in Agra

A Day in Agra

Delhi – Agra – Delhi 1 Day

This itinerary is for a day trip to Agra from Delhi to see the beautiful Taj Mahal. You can do this trip by train or car. By car, the drive is just over three hours each way, depending on the location of your hotel in Delhi. The train is two hours each way.

Agra is one of the most popular destinations in India because it is the site of the magnificent Taj Mahal. Agra has played a significant role in shaping India’s History. The legacy of the Mughal Empire can be seen in remaining forts, fascinating tombs, and bustling markets.

Day 1 Delhi to Agra

After an morning pickup from the airport or your Delhi hotel, it is a three-hour drive to Agra where you will see the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival you will be introduced to your guide who will escort you to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, and Itimad–ud-Daulah.

Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, whose tomb is under the central dome. It took almost 22 years and 20,000 workers to construct the monument with its delicate inlay work detailing verses of the Holy Quran and colored gemstone inlays depicting floral and geometric patterns. You’ll marvel at the Taj Mahal’s symmetry. Viewed from any of its four sides, the configuration is the same. The Taj Mahal is open for visitors from 6 am to 6 pm, but it is closed on Fridays.  The entry fee for the Taj Mahal is 250 INR per person for Indian citizens and for foreign nationals the fee is 1300 INR per person

Agra Fort. The Agra Fort is another magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built of red sandstone by the Mughal Emperor. More than 4000 workers labored to construct the fort between 1565 and 1573. Later Shah Jahan expanded the fort, so half of this monument is constructed of white marble. This is the place where Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangzeb, imprisoned his father until his death. Part of the fort is currently used by the Indian Military and is closed to visitors. The remainder of the fort is open and should not be missed.  The fort is open every day from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm. The entry fee is 50 INR for Indian citizens; 650 INR for foreign nationals.

Mehtab Bagh. This park is the perfect place to see the beauty of the Taj Mahal. The park was built in 1652 along the banks of the Yamuna River. From the park you can look across the river as the sun sets and reflects is tangerine light onto the domes and spires of the serene Taj Mahal. Mehtab Bagh is open for visitors from 6 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is 30 INR for Indian citizens; 300 INR for foreign nationals.

Itimad–ud-Daulah. – This fascinating example of Mughal architecture is known as the Baby Taj. It was built by Nur Jahan, the mother of Shah Jahan who built Taj Mahal. The building looks like a jewel box in the middle of a lush garden. Itimad–ud-Daulah is open for visitors from 6 am until 6 pm. The entry fee is 30 INR for Indian citizens; 300 INR for foreign nationals.

Before returning to Delhi, you might enjoy a meal or visit a workshop to see how traditional inlay work is done.

Train Suggestions and schedules:

Delhi to Agra – Bhopal Shtbdi – Dep. 06:00   Arr. 07:47

Gatimaan Exp – Dep: 08:10   Arr: 09:50

Agra to Delhi – Gatimaan Exp – Dep: 17:50   Arr: 19:30

NDLS Shatabdi – Dep: 21:16 Arr: 23:30