Agra: It’s all about the Taj

Tourists come to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

However, the Agra Fort is also stunning, especially if you didn’t get a chance to go to the Red Fort in Delhi. 

Even though Agra is located on the Golden Triangle tourist route (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), there’s less to do here than in many other Indian cities because of course the focus is on the architecture and history of the Taj Mahal.

Things to Do

Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a 16th-century Mughal monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. There’s truly no sight more iconic and spectacular in India. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve seen it before, the Taj never fails to amaze. It’s also the perfect spot for some stunning and memorable photos.

For many travellers, this is the main reason for visiting India—and it’s well worth the trip. If you’ve waited years to see it, you won’t be disappointed! I recommend reading up in advance to make the most of your visit, as the time there will go by in a flash. I’ve included some tips to help plan your visit here.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Taj Mahal three times, and it took my breath away each time. The light and atmosphere always seem to change, and every visit feels a bit different—but always awe-inspiring.

Agra Fort: While in Agra, don’t miss the Agra Fort. It’s a large red sandstone complex on the banks of the Yamuna River and another UNESCO site. The fort was once the main residence of the Mughal emperors. You can explore the beautiful courtyards, palace rooms, and royal chambers—it’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in history and architecture.

I’timād-ud-Daulah’s Tomb: Another lovely spot is I’timād-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often called the Baby Taj. This smaller mausoleum is considered a draft or inspiration for the Taj Mahal itself. It’s quieter, less crowded, and just as beautiful in its own way, with intricate marble inlay work and a peaceful setting.

Mohabbat-e-Taj Show: We also enjoyed a cultural evening at the Mohabbat-e-Taj Show, which tells the romantic story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal through music and dance. The show is held at the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre and is a nice way to relax after a day of sightseeing. You can check it out here.

Sheroes Hangout Café; And for something truly special, pop into Sheroes Hangout Café. It’s a small café run by courageous and inspiring women—acid attack survivors who’ve created a welcoming and empowering space. The café serves good food, offers a library, and even has handmade crafts for sale. Your support helps these women rebuild their lives. Read more here.

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Where to Stay

There are lots of hotels in Agra for every budget. Some of my picks and where we stayed are listed in this post:
👉 Where to Stay in India – My Best Hotels for a Comfortable Stay

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That’s today’s chapter from Incredible India – stay tuned for the next stop! ♡ Janet