Overview
Highlights:-
- Feel the Love of Taj Mahal by touching its white marble.
- Enjoy Rikshaw ride in Agra.
- Visit Agra Fort.
- Visit Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
- Explore Agra’s Local Markets.
Detailed Itinerary:-
Day 1: Exploring the Majestic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
6:00 AM – Sunrise Visit to the Taj Mahal
Start your tour early in the morning with a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Arriving at dawn allows you to enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the monument, when the soft morning light bathes the white marble in a golden glow. The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and is widely regarded as the ultimate symbol of love.
Spend about 2 hours exploring the monument, taking in its intricate marble inlay work (pietra dura) and symmetrical design. Walk through the well-manicured Mughal gardens (Charbagh), and admire the stunning reflection of the Taj Mahal in the large central pool. Make sure to visit the main mausoleum, where the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal rest.
9:00 AM – Breakfast Break
After the Taj Mahal, take a break for breakfast at one of Agra’s local restaurants or cafes. Options include traditional Indian meals like parathas, or you could opt for a continental breakfast at a place like Esphahan in the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel or Joney’s Place for something more casual.
10:00 AM – Visit the Agra Fort
Next, head to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 2.5 kilometers from the Taj Mahal. This massive red sandstone fort, built by Emperor Akbar, served as the residence of Mughal emperors and also had important military functions.
Spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the various sections of the fort, including:
- Jahangir Mahal: A large palace built for Akbar’s son, Jahangir, blending both Hindu and Central Asian architectural elements.
- Diwan-i-Am: The Hall of Public Audience, where the emperor would address the public.
- Diwan-i-Khas: The Hall of Private Audience, where Akbar held private meetings with dignitaries and foreign visitors.
- Khas Mahal and Anguri Bagh: The royal palaces and gardens that provide a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the Mughal rulers.
You can also view the Musamman Burj, a marble tower where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb and where he spent his final years gazing at the Taj Mahal.
12:30 PM – Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Agra is famous for its Mughlai cuisine, so you may want to try dishes like biryani, kebabs, or mutton korma at popular spots such as Pinch of Spice or Peshawri at ITC Mughal.
2:00 PM – Visit Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj)
After lunch, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often referred to as the “Baby Taj” because it was the first Mughal structure built entirely in white marble and served as an inspiration for the design of the Taj Mahal. Built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the tomb is known for its intricate inlay work, lattice screens, and Persian-inspired gardens.
Spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour exploring the mausoleum and its surrounding gardens, appreciating the intricate marble craftsmanship.
3:30 PM – Visit Mehtab Bagh
End your afternoon at Mehtab Bagh, a Mughal garden located on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River. This garden offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal from across the river, particularly at sunset when the Taj takes on a warm glow. Spend about 1 hour here, strolling through the gardens and capturing the perfect photos of the Taj Mahal from this peaceful vantage point.
5:00 PM – Explore Sadar Bazaar (Optional)
If you’re interested in shopping, visit Sadar Bazaar, one of Agra’s most popular markets, known for its handicrafts, leather goods, and traditional Agra sweets like petha. Spend about 1 hour browsing the shops, where you can find marble inlay work, textiles, and souvenirs.
7:00 PM – Return to Hotel/End of Day 1
Day 2: Discovering Agra’s Hidden Gems and Akbar’s Legacy
8:00 AM – Visit Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra
Start Day 2 with a visit to Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra, about 10 kilometers from Agra. This grand tomb, set amidst lush gardens, is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal rulers. The tomb’s design reflects Akbar’s secular outlook, blending elements from both Hindu and Islamic architecture.
Spend about 1 hour exploring the tomb and its surroundings, which include intricately carved red sandstone structures, marble inlays, and beautiful Mughal-style gardens filled with deer and peacocks.
9:30 AM – Visit Mariam’s Tomb
Located near Akbar’s Tomb, Mariam’s Tomb is the mausoleum of Akbar’s wife, Mariam-uz-Zamani. This relatively lesser-known monument is made of red sandstone and features simple yet elegant architectural designs. Spend about 30 minutes here.
10:30 AM – Breakfast and Visit Fatehpur Sikri
After a light breakfast or snack, drive to Fatehpur Sikri, about 40 kilometers (1-hour drive) from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the abandoned capital city built by Emperor Akbar. Known for its impressive blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, this city was abandoned due to water scarcity but remains one of India’s most significant historical sites.
Spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring key monuments such as:
- Buland Darwaza: The massive gateway built by Akbar to commemorate his victory in Gujarat.
- Jama Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India, showcasing impressive Mughal architecture.
- Tomb of Salim Chishti: A beautiful marble structure where people come to seek blessings for children.
- Diwan-i-Khas: The Hall of Private Audience, known for its unique central pillar and impressive design.
- Panch Mahal: A five-story palace with an open design to allow breezes to flow through.
2:00 PM – Lunch Break
After exploring Fatehpur Sikri, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. You can try some local specialties like dal bati churma or traditional North Indian thalis.
3:00 PM – Return to Agra
Drive back to Agra after lunch, where you can relax or continue exploring depending on your interests.
4:30 PM – Visit the Taj Museum (Optional)
If time permits, visit the Taj Museum, located within the Taj Mahal complex. The museum houses artifacts related to the construction of the Taj Mahal, including original plans, drawings, and a collection of Mughal miniature paintings. This visit offers a deeper insight into the architectural history of the Taj Mahal and the Mughal era.
5:30 PM – Evening Leisure or Shopping
Wrap up your day with some leisure time or explore more of Agra’s shopping districts like Kinari Bazaar or Shahganj Bazaar, where you can find traditional jewelry, handicrafts, and textiles.
7:00 PM – End of Tour
Return to your hotel in Agra or proceed to the Agra Railway Station or Bus Stand for onward travel, concluding your two-day tour.
Includes/Excludes:-
Private air-conditioned vehicle.
Multi-lingual tour guide service.
Monument entrance tickets.
Complimentary water bottles & umbrellas.
Sumptuous breakfast at 5* restaurant.
All Taxes.
Any Personal expenses
Tips / Gratuities
