Agra, India-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jai Gurudev, a popular spot for North Indian cuisine.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds and heat.
    • Ticket Price: ₹1,100 (approximately $15 USD)
    • Audio Guide available in multiple languages
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Sarvana Bhawan, known for its delicious South Indian dishes.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial city of the Mughal Empire.
    • Ticket Price: ₹50 (approximately $0.75 USD)
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset view of the Taj Mahal from the Taj Nature Walk path, a peaceful and scenic spot to relax.

Day 2: City Tour

  • 8:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at Brijwasi, a cozy café serving Continental cuisine.
  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, a beautiful white marble mausoleum and precursor to the Taj Mahal.
    • Ticket Price: ₹10 (approximately $0.15 USD)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Sikandra Market, a bustling marketplace selling everything from souvenirs to local handicrafts.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Moti Mahal, famous for its delicious Mughlai cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Kalakriti Museum of Art & Craft, showcasing traditional Indian art and crafts.
    • Ticket Price: ₹50 (approximately $0.75 USD)

Day 3: Fatehpur Sikri

  • 8:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at Ganga Heritage, serving authentic North Indian cuisine.
  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and abandoned city built by Akbar in the 16th century.
    • Ticket Price: ₹55 (approximately $0.80 USD)
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Kwality Restaurant, serving local cuisine with a twist of modernity.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Taj Ganj Market, a vibrant marketplace selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and street food.

Accommodation

There are many options to choose from in Agra, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some popular choices include:

  • Hotel Mughal Sheraton: 5-star hotel with luxurious rooms and excellent service.
    • Price: ₹8,000 - ₹12,000 (approximately $115-$170 USD) per night
  • Hotel Clark Shiraz: 4-star hotel with comfortable rooms and a cozy atmosphere.
    • Price: ₹3,500 - ₹6,000 (approximately $50-$85 USD) per night
  • Hotel Grand Imperial: 3-star hotel with clean and spacious rooms.
    • Price: ₹1,800 - ₹3,500 (approximately $25-$50 USD) per night

Getting Around

Agra is a relatively small city, making it easy to get around on foot or by using public transportation. Some popular options include:

  • Rickshaw: A cheap and convenient way to get around the city.
    • Price: ₹10 - ₹20 (approximately $0.15-$0.30 USD) per ride
  • Auto Rickshaw: Similar to a rickshaw, but with more space for luggage.
    • Price: ₹50 - ₹100 (approximately $0.75-$1.50 USD) per ride
  • Taxi: A more expensive option, but convenient for longer trips or groups.
    • Price: ₹500 - ₹1,000 (approximately $7-$15 USD) per hour

Tips and Essentials

  • Dress modestly: Respect local customs by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting temples or mosques.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration in the hot Indian sun.
  • Bargain politely: When shopping at markets, haggle over prices with a smile and a respectful tone.
  • Be prepared for crowds: Popular tourist spots can get very crowded, so be patient and plan accordingly.

Other Interesting Things

  • Take a sunrise or sunset tour of the Taj Mahal: Experience the beauty of the monument at its most serene.
  • Try local street food: Agra is famous for its delicious chaat (street snacks), try some at the local markets or street stalls.
  • Visit the nearby Dholpur Lake: A peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature, just a short drive from Agra.

Remember to stay safe, respect local customs, and have fun exploring this beautiful city!