Agra is the easiest big trip in North India. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri sit within an hour of each other, and the Gatimaan Express gets you here from Delhi in under two hours.
This guide covers what to see in two days, where to stay at three budget levels, what to eat and who the trip suits.
Agra, two-day plan
Uttar Pradesh, India
Day 1: Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort before lunch, Mehtab Bagh for the sunset view across the river. Day 2: Fatehpur Sikri in the morning, then Itmad-ud-Daulah (the Baby Taj) and Kinari Bazaar.
Best timeOctober to March
Est. costRs 2,500 to 25,000 per person per day
Ideal forCouples, families, first-time visitors
StayTaj Ganj, Fatehabad Road
Budget options
Normal
Rs 2,500/day
- Guesthouse in Taj Ganj with a rooftop view
- Street food and shared autos
Premium
Rs 7,000/day
- 4-star hotel on Fatehabad Road
- Private car with driver for both days
Luxury
Rs 25,000+/day
- Taj-view room at a palace hotel
- Private guide and fine dining
Food and local dishes
- Bedai and jalebi: the classic Agra breakfast near Kinari Bazaar
- Petha: the sweet Agra is famous for, sold all over Sadar Bazaar
- Mughlai biryani and kebabs: try them on Fatehabad Road
Things to do
- Watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays)
- Walk the ramparts of Agra Fort
- See the Taj from Mehtab Bagh at sunset
- Day trip to Fatehpur Sikri, 40 km away
Who it suits
- KidsShort walks and big open lawns, though summer heat is tough
- AdultsHistory, photography and food in a compact city
- SeniorsBattery buses run to the Taj gates; the fort has some steps
Travel tips
- Buy Taj tickets online to skip the queue
- Only small bags are allowed inside the Taj; keep food and tripods at the hotel
- Hire guides from the official counter only
Before you go
Book the Taj Mahal sunrise slot first, then build the rest of the trip around it. Winter mornings can be foggy, so keep a second morning free if you can.
