Day 1:

Mode of Transport: Hire a vehicle for whole trip. It makes travelling around the city hassle-free. Agra receives huge influx of tourists across the globe, transportation can create some problems if not arranged beforehand. Arranging a taxi or auto can be done from any hotel or at railway stations.

Tour Guides: If you want to be accompanied by a tour guide ensure that they have licenses approved by Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

Eastern Bank Sightseeing

10:00 AM – 01:00 PM

Agra has developed predominantly on the western bank of Yamuna River, however there are a couple of spots on the eastern bank which shall not be missed and makes an ideal place to begin your excursion.

Located at a distance of 6 km from Taj Ganj, Itmad-Ud-Daula Tomb is the mausoleum of Mirza Ghiyaz-ud-Din, father of Nur Jahan and father-in-law of Emperor Jahangir.

The structure made of white marble bear resemblance to the Taj Mahal, built much earlier though. Localities know it as Bachha Taj. The premise is quiet and peaceful and has fewer visitors than other attractions in the city, making it an off-beat place!

Time duration: 30 – 45 mins

Next stop is 3 km from Itmad-Ud-Daula Tomb and perfect site for photographers, Mehtab Bagh.

Mehtab Bagh offers astonishing views of Taj Mahal. The majestic grandeur of the Taj can be felt here. The garden has an intriguing history. This is garden was built by the first Mughal Emperor Babur. Historians and archaeologists have developed a theory that a Black Taj Mahal was being planned at this very garden by Shah Jahan which failed to take-off.

Time duration: 30 – 45 mins

Next, cross over to the western bank of the river Yamuna and head towards the 17^th century mosque, Jama Masjid.

Jama Masjid offers a splendid display of Mughal architecture. Ethnic wears are necessary to pay a visit.

The area is also a favourite place for shoppers. Kinari Bazaar is wholesale market offering wide ranges of products from clothes, leathers, marbles, spices and many more.

Time duration: 45 – 60 mins

Luncheon, Fort Tour and Taj Sunset View

02:00 PM – 08:00 PM

For lunch, we recommend Mama Chicken Mama Franky House at Sadar Bazar, Agra Cantt, and 3 km from Jama Masjid.

They are popular for serving exquisite non-veg dishes at a reasonable price.

Price range: Rs. 600 – 800 for two.

Post lunch, a 5-minute drive will take you to Agra Fort, the administrative centre and residence of Mughal emperors.

An UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort is also known as Red Fort of Agra. It takes you back in time where you get the feel of Mughal era. The fort is a major attraction in Agra and manages to draw crowds in large numbers.

Time duration: 2 – 3 hours

Next you head towards to the one of the seven wonders, Taj Mahal.

The reason for visiting the Taj at close of day is to get breath-taking views of the Taj at sunset. The edifice reflects the dusky colour of the sky making it a treat for the eyes. This is also an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Entrance from the Eastern Gate is recommended.

More information can be found at https://www.tajmahal.gov.in/

If time permits then there is point at the backside of Taj Mahal where you can enjoy boat rides on the Yamuna and get mesmerizing views of the Taj.

Shops for souvenirs and Taj Mahal miniatures are present in large numbers. These shops has showpieces of multiple designs and beautiful artwork on display.

Time duration: 1 – 2 hours

After a long day, to spend some chilled out time in the evening, we highly recommend to visit Sheroes Hangout.

A beautifully decorated café with a vision to celebrate life in true sense. The café is run by real life heroes who have won their battles against acid attack. The place has gained popularity lately.

Price range: Rs. 200 – 400 for two.

Also read: Best area to book your hotel in Agra

Day 2:

Tomb of Akbar Visit

09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Today’s itinerary includes far-off places which are on the outskirts and beyond.

First site is a rather offbeat attraction at Sikandra, Tomb of Akbar the Great. It takes 30 minutes to drive down here from Taj Ganj.

Emperor Jalal-ud-Din, also known as Akbar, is considered the greatest of Mughal rulers. Mughal era flourished and expanded under his rule. The magnificence of the tomb is a sheer representation of the emperor’s greatness. Large portion of the 120-acre land is covered with greenery and the red sandstone structure sits at the centre of the boundless area.

Time duration: 1 – 2 hours

Next, you can choose to travel to any one of the following places both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites and at almost an equal distance from Tomb of Akbar.

1. Fatehpur Sikhri (40 km)

2. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (50 km)

Option 1: Fatehpur Sikhri

12:00 PM – 04:00 PM

The fort town Fatehpur Sikri is40 km west of Agra, built by Akbar and an UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey takes around 45 minutes.

The city has a history that can be traced back to more than 1000 years but is known for majestic splendour of Mughal architectures. The city boasts to have the world’s tallest gateway Bulland Darwaza. There are multiple places inside the palace to visit and admire the architecture.

Time duration: 2 – 3 hours.

Fatehpur Sikri offers limited option for dining in being a quaint town.  You will find a few dhabas here to quench your hunger or else you can wait till you get back to Agra.

Option 2: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

12:00 PM – 05:00 PM

The bird sanctuary, now known as Keoladeo National Park, is one of the prominent national parks in India. It takes almost an hour to reach from Agra.

The park has a diverse habitat in form of wetland, swamp and grassland. It is home to close to 400 species of flora and fauna which includes migratory birds. It is a paradise for bird-watchers and nature-lovers. It remains open till 05:00 PM.

Time duration: 3 – 4 hours.

For lunch, dhabas and restaurants are available in good numbers in the vicinity.

If planning to relish some authentic Mughlai cuisines in Agra later in the day, try Pinch of Spice in Taj Ganj. It gets really crowded during peak hours so make sure to reserve your seats. The buffet here offers wide variety of Mughlai and North Indian dishes.

Price range: Rs. 1600 – 1800 for two.

Trivia: It is important that you get adequate rest in the night and prepare for next day’s Taj Mahal visit at sunrise!

Also read: Agra Taj Ganj Itinerary

Day 3:

Sunrise at Taj and Nature Walk

06:00 AM – 12:00 PM

People from all over the world come to Agra to get a glimpse of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

The ticket counters open between 06:00 AM to 06:30 AM and queue at the counters is a normal thing here.

It becomes hard to describe the mesmerizing view early morning view of the Taj. To many the sight itself gives a surreal experience. Photographers find it difficult to get the right frame because every frame looks to be perfect!

Time duration: 2 – 3 hours.

Next spot is 500 meters from the Eastern Gate and is protected forest area, Taj Nature Walk.

The park is the place where you can spend some quiet time after getting through the rush at Taj Mahal. The aim of the park to protect the local flora and fauna species. Along the trail, you come across various species for flowers and birds. Parrots and peacocks are often seen here. There are viewpoints to sight the Taj Mahal.

Time duration: 1 – 2 hours.

For lunch, Pind Balluchi is another popular restaurant in Taj Ganj and also a famous brand in North India.

Price range: Rs. 1200 – 1300 for two.

That will be it. Say adios to your Agra trip with plenty of memories!

Additional Information: Folks interested in theatres and cultural shows can satisfy their souls at Kalakriti Culture and Convention Centre at Taj Ganj on the Eastern Gate Road. The show timings are 06:30 PM – 08:00 PM and 08:00 PM – 09:30 PM.