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"Step out into the sun and explore Taj Mahal (UNESCO). February is an ideal time to visit Agra. Come hungry—the local cuisine is unforgettable."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Agra?
Agra (pop. ~1.6 million) sits on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, and owes its global fame to a single building: the Taj Mahal. Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and completed around 1653, the Taj is widely regarded as the most beautiful building ever created — a symmetrical masterpiece of white Makrana marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, drawing nearly 7 million visitors each year.
But Agra is far more than a one-monument city. The massive Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as the seat of Mughal power for generations. Its red sandstone walls enclose palaces, audience halls, and the poignant Musamman Burj — the marble tower where Shah Jahan spent his final years imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb, gazing across the river at the tomb he built for his wife.
Itimad-ud-Daulah, often called the 'Baby Taj,' predates the Taj Mahal by two decades and features some of the earliest pietra dura (marble inlay) work in India — many scholars consider it the Taj's direct architectural inspiration. Across the Yamuna, Mehtab Bagh offers the most iconic sunset view of the Taj Mahal, framed by the Mughal-era gardens Shah Jahan originally designed as a moonlight viewing point. Agra forms one corner of India's Golden Triangle tourist circuit (Delhi → Agra → Jaipur), making it one of the most-visited cities in South Asia.
A day trip to Fatehpur Sikri (40km west), the abandoned Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar in the 1570s, reveals an astonishingly well-preserved ghost city of red sandstone courtyards, mosques, and the towering Buland Darwaza — India's tallest gateway at 54 meters. Agra's culinary identity is distinctly Mughlai: rich kebabs (seekh, galouti, shami), fragrant biryanis, buttery parathas, and the city's signature sweet petha — a translucent candy made from ash gourd that has been produced here for centuries. Kinari Bazaar, the chaotic market spilling through narrow lanes near Agra Fort, sells marble inlay handicrafts, leather goods, and embroidered textiles at prices that reward patient haggling.
The city is remarkably affordable by global standards — comfortable travel is possible on $35–$59 / ₹3,215–₹5,359 per day. However, visitors should be prepared for aggressive touts, unofficial guides, and overcharging rickshaw drivers, particularly around the Taj Mahal gates; a firm 'no thank you' and pre-agreed prices are essential skills. The best time to visit is October–March when temperatures hover around 20–25°C (68–77°F) under clear skies.
April–June brings extreme heat exceeding 45°C (113°F), while July–September's monsoon rains make sightseeing challenging but dramatic. Most international visitors fly into Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) and reach Agra via the Gatimaan Express (India's fastest train, ~1 hour 40 minutes) or by road (3–4 hours via the Yamuna Expressway). Two to three days is the ideal stay: enough to explore the Taj at sunrise, wander the Fort, visit Fatehpur Sikri, and sample the street food — before continuing onward to Jaipur to complete the Golden Triangle.
What to Do
Mughal Masterpieces
Taj Mahal (UNESCO)
The ivory-white marble mausoleum built 1632–1653 by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal is the world's most celebrated monument. Arrive at sunrise (gates open 06:00) when the marble glows pink-gold and crowds are smallest. Entry ~$14 / ₹1,286 for international visitors (plus ~$2.35 / ₹214 mausoleum add-on); includes shoe covers and water. Closed Fridays. Allow 2–3 hours. The symmetrical reflecting pool, intricate pietra dura inlay, and the main dome (35 meters high) are breathtaking at any hour.
Agra Fort (UNESCO)
This massive red sandstone fortress (2.5km perimeter) served as the Mughal seat of power from 1558. Highlights include the Diwan-i-Am (public audience hall), the ornate Diwan-i-Khas (private audience hall), and the Musamman Burj — the marble octagonal tower where imprisoned Shah Jahan spent his final years gazing at the Taj Mahal across the river. Entry ~$7.06–$8.24 / ₹643–₹750. Open sunrise–sunset. Allow 2 hours.
Itimad-ud-Daulah ('Baby Taj')
Built 1622–1628 as a tomb for Mirza Ghiyas Beg, this exquisite marble monument pioneered the pietra dura inlay technique later perfected at the Taj Mahal. Smaller and far less crowded than the Taj, it sits in serene riverside gardens on the Yamuna's east bank. Entry ~$3.53 / ₹322. The delicate lattice screens (jali work) and floral inlay patterns reward close inspection. Best visited mid-morning.
Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO)
Emperor Akbar's abandoned capital (1571–1585), 40km west of Agra, is one of the best-preserved Mughal ghost cities in the world. The Buland Darwaza (54 meters, India's tallest gateway), Panch Mahal five-story palace, and Jama Masjid mosque are architectural highlights. Entry ~$7.06 / ₹643. Hire an official guide at the gate (~$5.89–$9.42 / ₹536–₹857). Half-day trip; combine with the drive back for a stop at Mughal-era caravanserais.
Food & Markets
Mughlai Cuisine Trail
Agra's culinary heritage descends directly from the Mughal royal kitchens. Must-try dishes include galouti kebab (melt-in-mouth spiced mince), seekh kebab, chicken biryani, and bedai (fried bread with spicy potato curry) for breakfast. Head to the lanes around Sadar Bazaar and Jama Masjid for the most authentic stalls. Most meals cost $1.18–$4.71 / ₹107–₹429. The legendary Pinch of Spice restaurant offers refined Mughlai dining at ~$9.42–$14 / ₹857–₹1,286 per person.
Petha — Agra's Signature Sweet
This translucent candy made from ash gourd (white pumpkin) has been Agra's trademark for centuries. Panchhi Petha near Sadar Bazaar is the most famous producer — try varieties from plain to kesar (saffron), paan, and chocolate-dipped. A box of mixed petha costs ~$2.35–$4.71 / ₹214–₹429 and makes an ideal souvenir. Freshly made petha is softer and more fragrant than packaged versions.
Kinari Bazaar
The chaotic lanes near Agra Fort's Delhi Gate burst with marble inlay handicrafts (miniature Taj replicas, tabletops, coasters), leather goods, embroidered textiles, and spices. Bargaining is essential — start at 40–50% of the quoted price. Visit in the morning to avoid peak heat and crowds. The narrow streets are also a photographer's paradise of colour and chaos.
Views & Experiences
Mehtab Bagh Sunset
These Mughal-era gardens across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal provide the most iconic sunset view of the monument. Originally built by Shah Jahan as a moonlight viewing garden, the perfectly aligned perspective is unforgettable. Entry ~$3.53 / ₹322. Arrive 1 hour before sunset to secure a good spot. Tripods allowed. The Taj reflects golden-pink as the sun drops — the single best photo opportunity in Agra.
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal at dawn is a transformative experience. The marble shifts from pale blue to pink to white as the sun rises. Enter via the East Gate for the shortest queues (gates open at sunrise, typically 06:00–06:30). Pre-buy tickets online at the ASI website to skip the ticket queue. The reflecting pool is stillest in the early morning, creating the perfect mirror image.
Golden Triangle Circuit
Agra is one corner of India's iconic Golden Triangle (Delhi → Agra → Jaipur). Many travelers extend their stay by continuing to Jaipur (4 hours by road) for Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and Rajasthani cuisine. The full circuit can be done in 5–7 days, with Agra as the centrepiece. Book a private car or join a guided tour for the most seamless experience — prices start around $177–$235 / ₹16,076–₹21,434 for the full 3-city circuit by road.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: AGR, DEL
- From :
Best Time to Visit
October, November, December, January, February, March
Climate: Warm
Entry Requirements
Entry rules vary by passport
Check requirements| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 9°C | 5 | Good ((best)) |
| February | 25°C | 12°C | 1 | Excellent ((best)) |
| March | 31°C | 18°C | 4 | Excellent ((best)) |
| April | 37°C | 23°C | 2 | Good |
| May | 39°C | 26°C | 5 | Good |
| June | 38°C | 29°C | 8 | Good |
| July | 34°C | 28°C | 23 | Wet |
| August | 33°C | 27°C | 19 | Wet |
| September | 34°C | 27°C | 14 | Wet |
| October | 33°C | 22°C | 3 | Excellent ((best)) |
| November | 28°C | 15°C | 1 | Excellent ((best)) |
| December | 22°C | 10°C | 2 | Good ((best)) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (February 2026): February 2026 is perfect for visiting Agra!
Practical Information
Getting There
Most international visitors fly to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), then travel 200km to Agra. The Gatimaan Express train from Delhi Nizamuddin station reaches Agra Cantt in ~1 hour 40 minutes (~$5.89–$12 / ₹536–₹1,072). The Yamuna Expressway makes the drive 3–4 hours by private car (~$47–$65 / ₹4,287–₹5,894) or bus (~$5.89–$9.42 / ₹536–₹857). Agra's Kheria Airport (AGR) has limited domestic flights from Delhi, Varanasi, and Jaipur but most travelers prefer the Delhi route. From Jaipur (Golden Triangle), Agra is ~4 hours by road (230km).
Getting Around
Within Agra, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are the primary transport. Pre-paid auto-rickshaw booths at Agra Cantt station offer fixed rates (~$2.35–$4.71 / ₹214–₹429 to major sites). Uber and Ola ride-hailing apps work in Agra but availability can be inconsistent. For full-day sightseeing, hiring a private car with driver costs ~$18–$29 / ₹1,608–₹2,679/day — the most comfortable option given the heat and distances. Between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort (2.5km), a cycle-rickshaw costs ~$1.18 / ₹107. Agra is not walkable as a whole — distances between sites, heat, and traffic make transport essential.
Money & Payments
Indian Rupee (INR, ₹). Exchange rate: $1 ≈ ₹91. Credit cards accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants but cash is essential for rickshaws, street food, markets, smaller shops, and entrance fees. ATMs (SBI, HDFC, ICICI) are widely available — use those inside bank branches. International cards occasionally fail at standalone ATMs. Carry small denominations (~$0.12 / ₹11/$0.24 / ₹21/$0.59 / ₹54) as drivers and vendors rarely have change. Tipping: ~$0.59–$1.18 / ₹54–₹107 for guides, ~$0.24–$0.59 / ₹21–₹54 for drivers, 10% at restaurants.
Language
Hindi is the primary language. English is spoken at hotels, tourist restaurants, and by official guides, but not widely among rickshaw drivers, street vendors, or in markets. Learning basic Hindi phrases (namaste, dhanyavaad/thank you, kitna/how much) helps enormously. Google Translate works well for menus. Official ASI-certified guides at monuments speak English and are worth hiring (~$5.89–$9.42 / ₹536–₹857 per site).
Cultural Tips
Remove shoes before entering mosques and many monument interiors (shoe covers are provided at the Taj Mahal). Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites. Use your right hand for greetings and eating. Don't point your feet at people or sacred objects. Photography is generally allowed at monuments but drones are banned at all ASI sites. Avoid touching or leaning on marble surfaces at the Taj. Eating beef is culturally sensitive in Hindu-majority India. Bargaining is expected in bazaars but never in fixed-price shops or restaurants. Be prepared for the persistent attention of touts — a calm, firm refusal works better than engaging in conversation.
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Perfect 3-Day Agra Itinerary
The Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
Baby Taj, Markets & Mughlai Food
Fatehpur Sikri Day Trip
Where to Stay
Taj Ganj
Best for: Backpackers, Taj Mahal proximity, rooftop views, budget accommodation
Sadar Bazaar / Civil Lines
Best for: Mid-range hotels, restaurants, shopping, city center convenience
Fatehabad Road
Best for: Luxury hotels, Taj Mahal views, resort-style stays, honeymoons
Agra Fort Area / Kinari Bazaar
Best for: Markets, street food, Mughal history, authentic local atmosphere
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Agra
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Agra, India?
What is the best time to visit Agra?
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How many days do you need in Agra?
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Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
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