About Agra
Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna river in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a part of Western Uttar Pradesh, about 230 kilometres (140 mi) south-east of the national capital Delhi and 330 km west of the state capital Lucknow. It is also part of the Braj region. With a population of roughly 1.6 million, Agra is the fourth-most populous city in Uttar Pradesh and twenty-third most populous city in India.
Places to visit in Agra
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Taj Mahal
Landmark · 1 mi from centreThe white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Arrive at sunrise for softer light and fewer crowds, and note that it is closed on Fridays.
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Agra Fort
HistoricA massive red sandstone fortress that served as a main residence of the Mughal emperors. Look for the views of the Taj Mahal from the palace terraces, and hire a licensed guide for context.
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Fatehpur Sikri
Historic · 23 mi from centreA short-lived Mughal capital built by Akbar, with remarkably preserved palaces and a grand mosque. It is about 40 km from Agra, so plan a half-day trip and go early to avoid the heat.
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Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah
HistoricAn elegant marble tomb nicknamed the Baby Taj, known for its delicate inlay work. It is far quieter than the Taj Mahal, making it a good stop for a calm afternoon visit.
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Mehtab Bagh
Park · 1 mi from centreA Mughal garden across the Yamuna River directly facing the Taj Mahal. Come at sunset for a peaceful view of the monument without the crowds inside the main complex.
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Akbar's Tomb
Historic · 5 mi from centreThe tomb of the emperor Akbar in Sikandra, set in large gardens where deer and monkeys roam. Visit on the way to or from Fatehpur Sikri, as it lies on the northern edge of Agra.
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Jama Masjid, Agra
ReligiousA large 17th-century mosque near Agra Fort built by Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara Begum. Dress modestly, remove your shoes at the entrance, and explore the busy bazaars around it afterward.
Top experiences in Agra
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 14 available.
Excursion to Bharatpur (54 Kms) - Private Tour
From $93 per adult
Agra City Tour with Taj Mahal, Itmad-ud-daulah and Agra Fort - Private Tour
From $102 per adult
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri - Full-Day Private Tour
From $125 per adult
Excursion to Mathura and Vrindavan (75 Kms) - Private Tour
From $80 per adult
Tomb of Akbar at Sikandra and Dayal Bagh - Half-Day Private Tour
From $68 per adult
Akbar's Church, Roman Catholic Cemetery, Mariam's Tomb and Sikandra - Private Tour
From $75 per adult
Dinner with an Indian Family
From $48 per adult
Taj Mahal and Agra Fort - Half-Day Tour
From $85 per adult
The Journey to Colonial Agra
From $79 per adult
Mohabbat the Taj Show
From $52 per adult
Utsav Rishton Ka Dance Show
From $52 per adult
Emperor's Tombs: Itmad-ud-daulah, Chini Ka Rauza and Ram Bagh Garden - Private Tour
From $74 per adult
Where to stay in Agra
Popular hotels in Agra, out of 147 properties you can book.
Jaypee Palace
From $205 per night
Taj Resorts
From $58 per night
Holiday Inn Agra MG Road
From $99 per night
ITC Mughal
From $339 per night
Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra
From $217 per night
Clarks Shiraz
From $107 per night
The Oberoi Amarvilas
From $701 per night
Tajview IHCL SeleQtions
From $382 per night
Courtyard Agra
From $171 per night
Radisson Hotel Agra
From $173 per night
The Retreat
From $46 per night
Hotel Taj Inn
From $31 per night
Best time to visit Agra
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Agra is February and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 71–81°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Agra weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 84° 63° 0%
- Thu 12 Nov 85° 64° 0%
- Fri 13 Nov 87° 65° 0%
- Sat 14 Nov 87° 65° 0%
- Sun 15 Nov 86° 66° 0%
- Mon 16 Nov 83° 59° 0%
- Tue 17 Nov 81° 57° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Indian rupee (INR)1 US dollar ≈ ₹94.0
- Languages
- Hindi, English
- Calling code
- +91
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/KolkataUTC+5:30
- Capital
- New Delhi
Getting to Agra
These are the airports closest to central Agra. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- AGR Agra Civil Enclave3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Agra
Metro, electric buses, tongas (horse-drawn carriages) and e-rickshaws are readily available and the best way to get to the Taj Mahal. Camels are also available.
By metro
The Agra Metro ( Yellow ) runs between the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Tickets are ₹30 and trains run from 6AM to 10PM.
By rickshaw
Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available everywhere. Remember to agree on fares clearly in advance. Foreigners should bargain everywhere and bargain hard. Generally, things are available at 40% of the initially quoted fares. Normally, charges for e-rickshaws are ₹150-200 per e-rickshaw, which can accommodate up to 4 people. As a guide, an auto rickshaw from Agra Cantonment station to the Taj is about ₹200 (at least in off-season), and a cycle rickshaw from the Taj to Agra Fort is ₹40.
By bus
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates some non-air-conditioned and air-conditioned buses.
Agra travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Agra?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Agra is February and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 71–81°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Agra?
May is usually the warmest month in Agra, with average highs of 105°F (41°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 46°F (8°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 255 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Agra?
Agra Civil Enclave (AGR) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Agra.
What currency is used in Agra?
Agra uses the Indian rupee (INR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₹94.0.
What time zone is Agra in?
Agra uses the Asia/Kolkata time zone (currently UTC+5:30). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Agra?
Metro, electric buses, tongas (horse-drawn carriages) and e-rickshaws are readily available and the best way to get to the Taj Mahal. Camels are also available.
What are the best places to visit in Agra?
Top sights in Agra include Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah. The white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Arrive at sunrise for softer light and fewer crowds, and note that it is closed on Fridays.
What are the top things to do in Agra?
Popular experiences you can book in Agra include Excursion to Bharatpur (54 Kms) - Private Tour, Agra City Tour with Taj Mahal, Itmad-ud-daulah and Agra Fort - Private Tour and Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri - Full-Day Private Tour. Destina Holidays offers 14 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Agra?
Popular areas for hotels in Agra include Agra. Well-reviewed options include Jaypee Palace and Taj Resorts.
How many hotels can I book in Agra?
Destina Holidays currently lists 147 properties in and around Agra, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
