Agra Itinerary for 2 Days: Sightseeing, Fun, and Food
Agra – a small town in Uttar Pradesh of India is cast in world map not for its industries or education centers or any other material interest, but for its grand living art - The Taj. It is because of the Taj Mahal that Agra attracts historians, art lovers, photographers, filmmakers, architects, and everyone else from all over the world. Agra has a lot more than just the Taj Mahal. There is lip-smacking food to taste, majestic monuments and energetic festivals to fill your eyes and cameras with.A Agra itinerary for 2 days is packed with a lot of historical places to witness around the city.
Nearest Railway Station: Agra Fort Railway Station
Mode of Transport: Car/Auto ricksaw
Best Season: October to March / August to October
Day 1:
Taj Mahal and Jal Mahal
Situated at 6 km from Agra Cantonment Railway Station is the famous, and UNESCO declared World Heritage Site – Taj Mahal, the must-see of a 2 days itinerary in Agra. Located on the banks of river Yamuna, the monument is the tomb of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan and his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. A mix of Indian, Islamic, and Persian styles of architecture, the Taj is a sight to behold with its intricately carved marbles, the onion-shaped dome, and the sparkly Yamuna River all in one frame. Jal Mahal is a museum and gallery situated in the same campus and hosts royal artifacts and articles from that era.
The Taj area is under strict protection and tourists are allowed to reach the gates only in cycle rickshaws, electric buses and Tongas to reach there.
Viewing time: Opens 30 minutes before sunrise – Closes 30 minutes before sunset. Friday closed.
Fee: Rs. 50 – Indians; Rs. 1100 - Foreigners. Rs.200 extra to include a visit to the main mausoleum.
Agra Fort
Located 2.5 kms away from the Taj Mahal on the banks of river Yamuna is another World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO – Agra’s Lal Quila or Red Fort. Opposite to the Agra Fort stands the famous Jama Masjid. Akbar’s tomb – Sikandra, Jodha Bai’s tomb – Mariam-uz- Zamani, and Mehtab Bagh are few more mausoleums and gardens along Mathura road that can be covered on the same day.
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Day 2:
Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah / Baby Taj / Jewel Box
This is the first Indian monument built completely with marble. Located on the western banks of the Yamuna River, it is considered the inspiration behind Taj Mahal.
Viewing time: 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM.
Fee: Rs. 30 – Indians; Rs. 310 – Foreigners.
Fatehpur Sikri Complex
The complex hosts Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, Jodha Bai Palace, Panch Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Dewan-e-aam, and an Archeological Museum all of which are of historical importance and architectural marvel.
Viewing time: 7.00 AM – 6.00 PM. Friday closed.
Fee: Rs. 50 – Indians; Rs. 610 – Foreigners.
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The Taj Mahotsav is one festival not to be missed. It starts on 18th Feb and goes on till 27th Feb at Shilpagram near the Taj Mahal. There are processions, local artisans selling their art, song and dance performances, elephant and camel rides, good food and much more to have fun with.
There is no best thing than to visit Agra and romance the rain-drenched blushed Taj on the banks of the twinkling river Yamuna and fall in love with it all over again.