If you are planning your first visit in India, this Agra itinerary is for you. With just one or two days in Agra you have enough time to visit the highlights of the city and of course the Taj Mahal. Visit the Agra Fort, experience sunrise at the Taj Mahal and see the ‘Baby Taj’ and Emperor Akbar’s Mausoleum.
Here are all the details to plan a perfect two day visit to Agra including the sights to see, how to get around Agra, where to stay and how to plan your time.
- About Agra
- What Is It Like Visiting?
- How Long Do You Need?
- Best Time To Visit?
- Do You Recommend a Guide?
- Summary: 2-Day Agra Itinerary
- Details: 2-Day Agra Itinerary
– Day 1
– Day 2 - Best Way To Get to Agra?
- Getting Around in Agra
- Where To Stay in Agra
About Agra
Agra is the one place that every traveller inevitably makes it to at some stage during their journey in the subcontinent.
Obviously for most, it is the iconic wonder of the Taj Mahal that is the main draw. However, as fabulous as it is in person there is more to this city of the Taj than just the hype of the one site…
What Is It Like Visiting Agra? Is It Over-Touristy?
It is a fabulously historic part of India with an iconic Wonder of the World, a magnificent fort and other legacies of the Mughal empire. It’s assumed (fairly) that it is a busy city in India to visit. But if you have time to take a rickshaw and dodge the enthusiastic touts beelining any tourist in sight outside the Taj Mahal, there are some unique and lesser-visited other things to do in Agra.
The Baby Taj is one of our favourite spots and every time it’s a surprisingly quiet place in Agra to wander and wonder and just take it all in.
It is extremely busy at the Taj Mahal and even when you try to beat the crowds and visit at sunrise. But still, the wonder is undeniable and the crowds genuinely don’t dampen any of that awe!
How Long Do You Need? Is a 1-2 Day Agra Itinerary Enough?
I would say yes. Absolutely. With one day in Agra and one night you can arrive, see the Agra Fort and wake up to sunrise at the Taj Mahal before checking out and heading onwards.
However, we recommend the best Agra itinerary is for two days and two nights which means no time is wasted and you can truly see everything this city has to offer.
With a two-day Agra itinerary, you can see the Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Taj Mahal and viewpoint, Baby Taj, Akbar’s Tomb – and the bustling bazaars too. 🙂
Best Time of Year to Plan Your Agra Itinerary?
Timing Your Agra Trip: When to Visit the Taj Mahal
Choosing the right time for your Agra itinerary is a balancing act between comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and managing the inevitable crowds. Depending on what you prioritise—perfect weather or the perfect photo—the “best” time can vary significantly.
Peak Season: November to February
This is the most popular window for travellers due to the cooler, more manageable temperatures, which typically range from 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F).
However, there are a few major caveats:
- The Smog Factor: November and December coincide with the crop-burning season in Uttar Pradesh. Combined with urban pollution, the air quality can be quite poor.
- Morning Fog: Heavy winter fog often masks the Taj Mahal at sunrise. While this can look incredibly atmospheric and ethereal, it can also completely obscure the monument from view until mid-morning.
- The Crowds: As the “ideal” weather window, expect maximum tourist numbers and longer security lines.
Summer: May and June
Summer in North India is intense, with temperatures often becoming unbearably hot during the day.
If you can brave the heat, this is arguably the best time for photography. You’ll enjoy crisp, clear blue skies and significantly thinner crowds, allowing for that solitary shot of the Taj Mahal.
Monsoon: July and August
Travelling during the monsoon means navigating high humidity and frequent afternoon downpours. While the rain brings a refreshing change to the dusty landscape, it can make outdoor sightseeing a bit soggy and unpredictable.
The ‘Sweet Spot’: Spring and Autumn
If planning your Agra itinerary allows for flexibility, we recommend planning your visit during the shoulder seasons: September to October or March to April.
- Why it works: You’ll generally experience a great middle ground—reasonable temperatures that aren’t yet scorching, better air quality than the deep winter, and more manageable crowd sizes than the peak holiday months.
Do You Recommend a Guide or Tour for this Agra Itinerary?
No. For this Agra itinerary it is based on getting around by taxi and driver or auto rickshaw (we use rickshaws to get around) independently.
At the Taj Mahal there are registered official guides by the entrance with a set government fee for their services to guide you around the site.
The fees are fixed, and this is definitely the cheapest option for a guided tour if you are not already traveling India on a tour.
SUMMARY: 2- Day Agra Itinerary
First up here is a summary of what to see with 1 – 2 days in Agra.
DAY 1 – Agra
- Arrival
- Agra Fort
- Jama Masjid
- Kinari Bazaar
DAY 2 – Agra
- Taj Mahal (sunrise)
- Breakfast
- Baby Taj
- Akbar’s Tomb
- Taj Yamuna Viewpoint
This is a busy 2-Day Agra Itinerary, but you can easily slow it down by stretching it to two full days and staying an extra night if you have the time.
In that way, the day of your arrival to Agra would actually not be counted and you could start exploring on the next complete day.
DETAILED: 2-Day Agra Itinerary
Here is the complete Agra itinerary with details for each day, sites and stops to see.
This itinerary is based on the ‘Golden Triangle’ and starts from your arrival to Agra from either Delhi or Jaipur.
DAY 1: 2-Day Agra Itinerary
Day 1 of this Agra itinerary starts some time from midday or in the early afternoon with arrival to Agra.
If you are traveling by car and driver from Delhi to Agra or getting the train from Jaipur to Agra, the chances are you will arrive at this time of day. Which ultimately means you have really have 1.5 days for your Agra itinerary.
Stop 1 – Arrival to Agra
On arrival to Agra head straight to your accommodation and check in, get settled and refreshed for an afternoon out.
Stop 2 – Agra Fort
Get an auto rickshaw from your accommodation and head out to see the famous Agra Fort.
This is a deliberate first stop on your Agra itinerary as from the fort you will not only get an introduction to the Mughal history but also a first glimpse of the Taj Mahal.
The fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Today the fort is a well preserved and restored masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the fort it is only 2.5 km to the Taj Mahal. The emperor, Shah Jahan, who commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, was later imprisoned in the Fort by his son Aurangzeb.
Stop 3 – Agra Shahi Jama Masjid
Head next to the historic Agra Jama Masjid just near the fort.
It is a 17th-century congregational mosque in the old city and is one of the largest mosques in India.
- Entry Fee: Free. But camera and phone photography is chargeable at 30 INR.
- Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM and 1.30 PM – 6.30 PM
- Distance: Close to city centre – 1.5km (5 minutes)
- Read How To Visit Jama Masjid In New Delhi and things to know about Visiting a Mosque In India.
Stop 4 – Kinari Bazar
Depending on how long you spend at the Fort this afternoon you can opt to head next to the bustling Kinari Bazar for a wander (even a short stroll is plenty to take in the atmosphere) or take a rickshaw back to your accommodation.
Kinari Bazar is one of the oldest and most visited markets in Agra and is a truly local style of Indian market.
Stop 5 – Dinner
Head back to your guesthouse for a homecooked meal to end a busy first afternoon on your Agra itinerary.
- Tip: We always stay at Aman Homestay in Agra every time we visit (we stay here with our Group Trips too) and host Mum, Ranjana makes a delicious local dinner!
DAY 2: 2-Day Agra Itinerary
Stop 1 – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
This is hands down the best time of day to visit the Taj Mahal. In real life it truly is breathtaking.
Book an auto rickshaw through your accommodation in Agra and check the time for sunrise the day before. Have your rickshaw pick you up and take you to the Taj and wait while you visit. It generally takes around 2 – 3 hours to visit in the morning.
- Entry Fee: 1300 INR for foreigners. Entry for children below 15 years is FREE.
- Timings: Sunrise – sunset
- Distance: Close to city centre and easy by rickshaw or in walking distance from some hotels.
Stop 2 – Breakfast
The timing after sunrise at the Taj Mahal is perfect for a homecooked breakfast back at your guesthouse.
Stop 3 – I’timad-ud-Daulah: The Baby Taj
Once you have enjoyed a relaxing breakfast back at your accommodation take some time to relax before heading out by auto rickshaw again for the afternoon.
This time take the rickshaw to see the famous Baby Taj, I’timad-ud-Daulah.
The exquisite tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg is nicknamed the Baby Taj. Like the Taj Mahal, it is also a mausoleum.
The Baby Taj was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of emperor Shah Jahangir, for her father, Mizra Ghiyas Beg (later known as I’timad-ud-Daulah) in 1622.
It was built around 10 years prior to the Taj Mahal. Gavin rates this as his favourite site in Agra – aside from the Taj Mahal – because it is so peaceful; and it’s stunning!
The connection between the Baby Taj and the Taj Mahal is well displayed in a small museum just by the entrance.
- Entry Fee: 300 INR per person; children under 15 FREE
- Timings: Sunrise – sunset
- Distance: Close to city centre – 5km (15 minutes by auto rickshaw)
Stop 4 – Akbar’s Tomb
Continue by auto rickshaw further out from the city to see the historic Tomb of Emperor Akbar. This is another of the sites that further pieces together the puzzle and love story of the Taj Mahal.
Emperor Akbar reigned from 1556 to 1605 and extended Mughal power over most of the Indian subcontinent. Akbar was the grandfather of Shah Jahan, the emperor who built the Taj Mahal.
Akbar’s Mausoleum is at Sikandra, about 10km northwest of the city.
- Entry Fee: 250 INR per person; children under 15 FREE.
- Timings: Sunrise – Sunset
- Distance: 10 km from city centre
Stop 4 – Taj Yamuna ADA View Point
From Akbar’s tomb head back towards the city for the next stop and to admire the Taj Mahal from a different perspective.
The ADA Taj Yamuna View Point is on the opposite bank of the Yamuna and offers good sunset views of Taj Mahal with a few bench seats above the river.
There is also a garden near the river though the viewpoint offers better views of the Taj for a much cheaper entrance price.
- Entry Fee: 50 INR
- Timings: Sunrise – Sunset
- Distance: Close to city centre – 5.5km (10 – 15 minutes by auto rickshaw)
Stop 5 – Indian Cooking Class
If you have time (and energy) left at the end of this busy Agra itinerary, this is a good opportunity to join in an Indian cooking class and make dinner back at your homestay.
Otherwise relax on the rooftop with views to the Taj before enjoying a homecooked (by someone else!) meal to finish.
Have Longer Than 1 – 2 Days for your Agra Itinerary?
There are a few more sites to see if you have longer on your Agra itinerary.
- Metab Bagh Garden
- Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani
- Chini Ka Rauza – Tomb of Persian Scholar
- Sadar Bazar
If you are travelling India with a car and driver on the Golden Triangle it is also well worth a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a small historic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Akbar.
How To Get To Agra From Delhi
Agra is a cornerstone of India’s famous Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra). So, because it is one of the most visited destinations in the world, the infrastructure connecting it to New Delhi is excellent, offering fast and efficient options for every type of traveller.
There are several options for your Agra itinerary.
By Rail: Delhi to Agra
The train is arguably the most convenient way to reach Agra. While standard local trains take between 3 to 4 hours, there is a specialised high-speed option for tourists and business travellers.
This is the train we regularly take from Delhi to Agra:
- The Gatimaan Express (#12050): This is the fastest daily train on the route, whisking you from the capital to the Taj in just 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- Departure: 8:10 AM from Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), New Delhi.
- Arrival: 9:50 AM at Agra Cantt (AGC).
This is an awesome option for a short 1-2 Day Agra Itinerary as you arrive in the late morning and have the first afternoon free to explore. Then wake up and visit the Taj Mahal the next morning for sunrise. Perfect! 🙂
- Note: The Gatimaan Express does not run on Fridays, as the Taj Mahal is closed to the general public on that day.
By Road: Delhi to Agra
Driving to Agra has become significantly faster in recent years thanks to the Yamuna Expressway.
- Travel Time: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
- Private Drivers: Many travelers choose to hire a private car and driver for a multi-day “Golden Triangle” tour (Delhi → Agra → Jaipur).
- Day Trips: If you are short on time, it is very easy to book a return day trip from Delhi that includes a daytime visit to the Taj Mahal.
Distance Overview
| Route | Distance | Est. Drive Time |
| Delhi to Agra | 243 km | ~3h 40m |
| Jaipur to Agra | 238 km | ~4h 15m |
Tips for the Journey
- Station Codes: When booking your train, remember that the Gatimaan Express leaves from Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), not the main New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS).
- Friday Closure: Always remember that the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday for prayers. Avoid planning your Agra arrival for a Friday unless you only intend to see the fort or view the Taj from across the river.
- Read Taking The Train Delhi To Agra or return by Train From Agra To Delhi.
- Book the train from Delhi to Agra online with 12GoAsia.
How to Get to Agra From Jaipur
There are also daily trains departing regularly from Jaipur to Agra.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
Jaipur to Agra
#22987 AII AGRA FORT SF EXPRESS
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Departs 8:10am from Jaipur (JP)
Arrives 12:45pm to Agra Fort (AF)
It is easy to arrange a pick-up from the train station on arrival and transfer to your accommodation.
- Read Trains In India, Choosing a Train and Class of Travel and How to Book and Travel by Train From Jaipur to Agra.
- Book the train from Jaipur to Agra online with 12GoAsia.com.
Transport In and Getting Around Within Agra
The easiest way to get to around for your Agra itinerary and to visit the Taj Mahal and other things to do in Agra once you are already here is by auto rickshaw or taxi.
We always stay at Aman Homestay which is just a short ride to the Taj Mahal by rickshaw.
Agra Fort and the Baby Taj are easily doable by rickshaw too. And even Akbar’s Tomb is fine by rickshaw, though more expensive to get to as it is further out of town.
But overall, booking an auto rickshaw and driver for 1 or 2 days for your Agra itinerary is a friendly and convenient way to get around and can easily be booked through your accommodation host.
- Tip: We organised a rickshaw through our accommodation to take us to all the stops on our Agra itinerary and wait for us at each stop. It is a great choice!
Where To Stay in Agra Near the Taj Mahal
These are the hotels in Agra near the Taj Mahal that we use and can recommend for your Agra itinerary.
- Agra – Budget-Mid: Aman Homestay
Very friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals. We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
- Agra – Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj
Located only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel and comfortable common areas. A great dinner and breakfast option. We enjoyed staying here.
- Agra – Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool.
Read More About Travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary.
- Tips On Travelling To India For The First Time.
- 18 Unique Things To Do In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- What To See Inside Jaisalmer Fort.
- 24 Quintessential Souvenirs From India.
- Survive Your First Time In Delhi.
- Famous Indian Street Food To Try In India.
- 12 Things To Do In Mumbai, India.
- 10 Things To Do In Kolkata.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on your Agra itinerary!