The city of Agra: the ancient capital of the Mughal Empire

The city of Agra, in India, is known worldwide for being home to one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. Many travel to the city of Agra with the sole purpose of visiting the Taj Mahal but once there I recommend you to discover the vestiges of the Mughal Empire. A city with a glorious past that is well worth discovering.

If you are preparing your trip and want to know everything about the city, keep reading this article and make the most of this Agra City Guide to enjoy your stay to the fullest.

What to see in Agra: places of interest

I will be honest, the city of Agra is not one of the most beautiful cities in India and it has a lot of pollution and a horrible fog in the mornings. However it has several architectural treasures (apart from the Taj Mahal) that you should not miss.

Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire until it was established in Shahjahanabad in 1639, so discovering its streets and corners you can immerse yourself in the golden age of the Mughals and the emperor who built the white marble poetry that has enamored thousands of visitors, the Taj Mahal. Here is a list of the essential places to see in Agra and some activities outside the tourist routes that you will surely like.

Shall we start the adventure?

The must-see places to visit in Agra

1. The Taj Mahal

India's most recognized monument and that thousands of travelers dream of visiting at least once in their lifetime. This majestic white marble funerary construction will leave you speechless with its beauty and its love story. Discover its history and everything you need to know to organize your visit in this mega guide on the Taj Mahal.

2. Agra Fort

The Fort of Agra or Lal Qila is the most important fortification of the Mughal Empire in India. Also in this Fort the emperor Shah Jahan spent his last days of life after being imprisoned by his own son. In this article about the Agra Fort you will find all the details about this fortress and tips for your visit.

3. Mausoleum of Itimad-Ud-Daulah

This mausoleum is also known as "the Little Taj". due to its architectural similarity. A monument of great beauty that does not enjoy the importance it should because it is always in the background if you have visited the Taj Mahal. However if you are in Agra I recommend you not to miss it.

3. Excursion to Fatehpur Sikri

Due to its proximity to Agra (35km distance) it is inevitable not to dedicate a morning to discover the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar and inhabited for only 16 years due to water shortages. It is currently in perfect condition and entering its portico transports you to another era, a journey into the past. Find out all the secrets in my detailed article about Fatehpur Sikri

What to do in Agra

Here are some ideas of other activities of interest in Agra that you will surely love. In addition, two of them are social activities so your visit will leave a positive seed in the country by collaborating with development projects.

1. Enjoy a masala chai at Sheroes Hangout

The Sheroes Hangout is a cafeteria run by acid attack survivors but above all it is a space with a lot of soul in which you breathe positive energy from the moment you walk through the door. A space with the objective of offering development and social reinsertion. to women who have suffered the heartbreaking reality of acid attacks and help them show themselves to the world and share their story to help others. On the menu you have coffee, chai and several options of sandwiches and other snacks. They also have a mini bookstore and a store where you can buy T-shirts to spread the word about their work and even pictures painted by the team's artists.

2. Enjoy the Mohabbat The Taj show

If you have time in the afternoon, you can enjoy the theater play "Mohabbat The Taj". This show is based on the story of the Taj Mahal and the inordinate love between the emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. A musical play with 80 artists and dancers that will take you back to the time of the Mughal Empire.

3. Visit the M. Teresa of Calcuta Orphanage in Agra

This visit is not usual in the tourist routes but it offers you the opportunity to get to know one of the harshest realities of India and leave your contribution while you are enriched by the experience. Mother Teresa's orphanage in Agra is also known as "Sisters of Charity" and is the center where the Missionaries of Charity offer assistance to orphaned children or children from difficult families. They also have a section for socially excluded adults such as the elderly, disowned women and the sick. The visit can be hard emotionally but spending time with the children of the orphanage and seeing their smiles is very worthwhile and something that will stay with you forever.

4. Wander in the markets of Agra

Agra is popular for its bustling and colorful bazaars. Whether you are a shopaholic or not, the adventure of wandering the alleys of Agra's bazaars will not leave you indifferent. The most popular markets are the Sadar Bazar near the Agra Fort and the Kinari Bazaar near the Jama Masjid mosque. During your visit you will find all kinds of products, but don't forget to bargain! Here is a link to a tour of the Agra bazaars.

5. Enjoy the Taj Mahotsav Festival

If you visit agra in February, you can't miss it! This festival takes place in Agra every year and lasts for 10 days. It gathers more than 400 artisans from all over the country to show their handicrafts and there is no lack of music, gastronomy and typical dances. A sensory experience that commemorates the life of the Mughal Empire and its traditions. You can find more information at official website of the festival.

Where to stay in Agra

The city of Agra has hotels for all types of travelers and for all budgets, but for many visitors it is difficult to choose a hotel according to their needs and taking into account the distances to places of interest, access to public transportation and the safety of the area.

The areas I like the most are Fatehabad Street and Taj East Gate road. The Coral Court Homestay is a very well priced and charming accommodation. If you want to stay on a budget and just a few meters from the Taj Mahal, the Sahibs Royal Ville is a good option.

And if you want to treat yourself to a luxury hotel, I recommend the Oberoi Amarvillas. Of course, there is no lack of options, in this article by the best luxury hotels in Agra you can find more options.

To make your task easier if you want to study the zones well, I have written an article-guide to help you to choose accomodation or where to stay in Agra where I give you a summary of the most popular neighborhoods to sleep in Agra and also my recommendations for hotels in each neighborhood of the city.

Weather in Agra

The weather in Agra will depend on the time of the year, so choose well the date of your trip. In India there are 4 defined seasons and these are very different depending on the location. Read on to learn more about the weather in Agra:

• Winter in Agra: The rainy season is from December to March. The maximum temperature is between 22-33º and the minimum between 9-18º. During the winter the days are sunny but not too hot. It is the best time to visit Agra comfortably without excessive heat and regular rains.
• Summer (pre-monsoon) in Agra: runs from April to June. The maximum temperature is between 39-43º and the minimum between 26-33º. In summer the intensity of the heat can be overwhelming to visit the city. There are also occasional rain showers.
• Monsoon or rainy season in the city of Agra: the period with more intense rains is in July, August and September. The average temperature is 36º and a high level of humidity. This is the most risky time to travel as it can rain every day although you can also be lucky and not be so.
• Autumn (post-monsoon) in Agra: takes place during the months of October and November. The average maximum temperature ranges between 29-34º and the minimum between 18-23º. Humidity remains high although the probability of rain is lower.

The weather in the city of Agra by months

Here are some graphs about the weather by months in Agra from the web Weather Atlas.

Temperature in Agra

The hottest month of the year is June with an average maximum temperature of 43.3°C and the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 9.4°C.

Humidity in Agra

August is the month with the highest average humidity with 66% and on the contrary, May is the month with the lowest average with 17%.

Rains in the city of Agra

The month with the most rainfall is July and the month with the lowest rainfall is December.

You can read more about the climate in India in this article.

Shopping in the city of Agra

As in any Indian city, the bazaars are the nerve center and social highlight. I recommend you to visit the Sadar Bazar and the Kinari market. And as I always remind you, don't forget to bargain but don't overdo it either, negotiate a fair price!

The favorite malls are Ashoks Cosmos Mall and Saket Mall, the latter has a good range of entertainment as well as shopping.

How to get to the city of Agra

1. By plane

Agra Airport is located 10km from the city center. Once there, the most comfortable option is to take a cab with the Ola Cabs App or Uber (you will need internet connection) to your hotel or final destination. If you decide to take a cab not affiliated to these Apps, make sure they are official and have a taximeter.

If you are traveling from New Delhi to Agra, it will be much easier to reach Agra by train or car as it is not very far away (about 4 hours, although it will always depend on traffic).

Don't miss my article with tips to find flight at the best price.

2. By Train

The train network in India is very extensive and has very good service. Agra can be reached from anywhere in the country. Normally the station of arrival in Agra is usually Cantt Railway Station (the main station) and from there there are available cabs and tuk tuks to move to your destination. The most comfortable option is to take a cab with the Ola Cabs App or Uber (do not forget that you will need internet connection to book, here I leave you my link to 5% discount for eSIM Holafly).

If you are traveling by train, I recommend you to read my Guide "Trains in India"with many tips to make your adventure a success.

3. By private car with or without driver

One (rare) option is to rent a car without a driver, but if you have never driven in India...don't even contemplate this option, it's crazy and quite risky!

If you still decide to drive yourself, I will give you some directions:

• Delhi and Agra are connected by NH2 and the Yamuna Expressway. The trip can take 4-5 hours.
• Jaipur and Agra are connected by NH11 and are about 4 hours away.
• Lucknow and Agra are connected by the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and the NH2. It is usually a 4-hour trip.

You can also rent a car with driver, it is not very expensive and you will surely enjoy the trip much more.

4. By bus

India has a very extensive bus network and is the cheapest transportation in India, although it is not known to be the most comfortable.

Most buses to Agra arrive at Idgah or Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) stations.

Transportation in Agra: how to get around the city

1. Bus

Agra does not have a good public transportation network connecting the corners of the city.

3. Auto Rickshaw or Tuk Tuk

It is a good option for short trips in the city and to experience the place in a more authentic way. It is a very cheap transport but you must be careful because rickshaw drivers do not usually use the meter, so to avoid arguments, you must agree on the price before getting on.

For me, the best option is to book rickshaw rides on the spot with the OlaCabs App to make sure you don't get overcharged and save yourself headaches.

I recommend that you read the article on the most popular scams in India and be aware of the scams around.

4. Cab in the city of Agra

You can use the OlaCabs and Uber Apps. Both cab companies offer very good prices and you avoid haggling and arguments with the drivers. They are also safer and you can see in real time your route on the map.

Agra Guide Map

Tours in Agra

Interesting Apps for your trip to the city of Agra

OlaCabs:The perfect App to make your cab and rickshaw reservations quickly and conveniently.

MyCityWay: this digital guide provides information on events, places of interest, opening hours of museums and attractions, where to eat and other details of Agra.

Websites of interest

Agra Tourism official website

I hope that this Agra guide will help you organize your trip to the capital of India and enjoy every corner of the city!