Agra: City Tour with Taj Mahal, Mausoleum, & Agra Fort Visit

Are you planning a trip to Agra and looking for the best way to experience the city’s history, culture, and cuisine all in one day? Look no further than the Agra City Tour with Taj Mahal, Mausoleum, & Agra Fort Visit. This extensive tour includes skip-the-line access to all monuments, a traditional Indian lunch, and the option to explore the vibrant local bazaars. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect tour in Agra.

Highlights

• Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Explore the Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fortress and palace complex that was once the seat of the Mughal Empire.
• Experience Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted city that was once the capital of the Mughal Empire for a short time before it was abandoned.
• Relax in the Mehtab Bagh Garden while enjoying views of the Taj Mahal.
• Savor lunch in a recommended restaurant and pay as you eat.
• Explore the local bazaar to feel the buzz of local life (optional).

Experience

This full-day tour begins with your driver and guide picking you up from your requested location in Agra in a private vehicle. Your experienced guide will provide you with an overview of the day’s itinerary and what to expect during your visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Mehtab Bagh Garden.

Taj Mahal

First up, you will visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum that was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Your guide will accompany you as you explore the stunning architecture and learn about the history and love story behind the world-famous monument.

Agra Fort

Next, you will head over to the Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fort that was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Your guide will share the history of the fort and guide you through the many buildings and mosques inside, giving you a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Mughal emperors who once called the fort home.

Fatehpur Sikri

After lunch, the tour will head to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period of time before it was abandoned due to a lack of water. Explore the sprawling city with your guide and learn about its fascinating history.

Mehtab Bagh Garden

Finally, you will end the day with a visit to the Mehtab Bagh Garden, located on the banks of the Yamuna River across from the Taj Mahal. This peaceful retreat offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Eating in Agra

During your tour, you will stop for a delicious traditional Indian lunch at a recommended restaurant. You can pay for your meal as you eat, giving you the flexibility to choose what you want and how much you want to spend. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, let your guide know in advance so they can suggest appropriate options.

Local Bazaar

If you have some extra time, you can opt to explore the local bazaar and experience the vibrancy and energy of local life in Agra. Shop for souvenirs, try some local street food, or just soak up the atmosphere.

Booking Your Tour

Ready to experience the best of Agra in one day? Book the Agra City Tour with Taj Mahal, Mausoleum, & Agra Fort Visit on GetYourGuide. This tour includes skip-the-line access to all monuments, an experienced guide, transportation in a private vehicle, and a traditional Indian lunch. Don’t forget your camera and comfortable walking shoes for a memorable day exploring the wonders of Agra.

FAQ about Agra

1. What is Agra?

Agra is a city located in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is famous for being the home to one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic buildings, the Taj Mahal.

2. How do I get to Agra?

Agra is well connected to other parts of the country through both roadways and railways. You can take a train or bus from Delhi, Jaipur or other major cities in the vicinity. Agra also has its own airport, the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport.

3. When is the best time to visit Agra?

The best time to visit Agra is during the winter months, from October to March, as the weather is pleasant and mild. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius.

4. What are some of the must-visit tourist spots in Agra?

Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra has many other tourist attractions that are worth visiting. These include the Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, Itimad-ud-Daula’s Tomb, Jama Masjid and Fatehpur Sikri.

5. How much time does it take to explore the Taj Mahal?

It usually takes around 2-3 hours to explore the Taj Mahal, depending on the crowd. However, on special occasions like full moon nights, the monument remains open for an extended period of time.

6. Is there any dress code to enter the Taj Mahal?

There is no dress code as such to enter the Taj Mahal, but it is recommended to dress conservatively and cover your head. Short skirts or dresses, sleeveless tops or low cut outfits are not allowed inside the premises.

7. Can I take pictures inside the Taj Mahal?

Yes, you can take pictures inside the Taj Mahal. However, the use of tripods, flashes and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the monument.

8. What is the best way to explore the city of Agra?

The best way to explore the city of Agra is by hiring a local guide or taking a sightseeing tour with a reputed travel agency. This will ensure that you cover all the major attractions, get the local perspective, and learn about the history and culture of the city.

9. What are some popular local dishes in Agra?

Agra is famous for its Mughlai cuisine, which is a blend of Indian, Persian and Central Asian cuisines. Some of the popular dishes include petha (a sweet made from ash gourd), tandoori chicken, kebabs, biryani, and dal moth.

10. Are there any shopping areas in Agra?

Yes, Agra has many shopping areas where you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, leather goods, and other local items. Some popular shopping destinations include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, Shahganj Bazaar and Taj Mahal Complex.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Agra

Agra is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, owing to its rich history, beautiful architecture, and world-famous monument, the Taj Mahal. However, there is more to Agra than just the Taj Mahal. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Agra.

1. Visit the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the most famous monument in Agra, if not in India. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Visiting the Taj Mahal should be on top of your to-do list when you’re in Agra. It is open from sunrise to sunset, every day except Fridays. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Remember to dress modestly, as it’s a mausoleum and a place of worship.

2. Explore Agra Fort

Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge, or Qila-i-Akbari. It was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and was later renovated by Emperor Shah Jahan, who added marble palaces to the fort. The fort is open from sunrise till sunset, and it’s advisable to hire a guide to get a better understanding of the fort’s history and significance.

3. Stroll Through Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is a beautiful garden complex that lies opposite the Taj Mahal. It’s an excellent spot to view the Taj Mahal from a distance and take some great pictures. Mehtab Bagh opens from sunrise till sunset, and it’s best to visit during the golden hour, which is the period shortly before sunset.

4. Visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is also called the ‘Baby Taj’ and is the first tomb in India that was built entirely out of marble. It was constructed by Empress Noor Jahan in memory of her father. The tomb is open from sunrise till sunset, and it’s a less crowded alternative to the Taj Mahal. It’s a great place to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.

5. Go on a ‘Food Walk’

Agra is known for its delicious street food, and going on a ‘food walk’ is a must-do activity when you’re in Agra. There are plenty of street vendors in Agra that sell everything from chaat, kebabs, samosas, jalebis, and the famous Petha (sweet made of pumpkin). It’s best to hire a guide who can take you to the best street food spots in Agra and help you sample the various delicacies that the city has to offer.

6. Shop for Souvenirs at Sadar Bazaar

Sadar Bazaar is Agra’s main marketplace, and it’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. You can find everything from leather goods, handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles here. It’s best to visit early in the morning when the market is relatively empty and to bargain hard to get the best deals.

Final Thoughts

Agra is a city with a rich history and culture, and there is a lot to see and do here. From visiting the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort to exploring the city’s culinary delights and shopping for souvenirs, there is something for everyone in Agra. Remember, all tourist attractions in Agra require an entry fee, so it’s best to plan your itinerary and budget accordingly. With this comprehensive guide, you’re all set to explore the wonders of Agra!