If you’re travelling to India, visiting the Taj Mahal is high on your bucket list and for good reason. It’s one of the most iconic and breathtaking landmarks in the world. However, Agra is more than just the Taj Mahal. With Mughal-era forts, hidden garden views, and incredible North Indian cuisine, this city offers a full cultural experience in just 24 hours.
Here’s exactly what I saw, ate, and loved—plus India travel tips for making the most of your time in Agra.
🕌 First Impressions: Agra Beyond the Taj
After a scenic drive from Delhi (made surprisingly relaxing thanks to head massages on the coach!), we arrived in Agra, home to some of the finest architectural marvels of the Mughal Empire. While the city itself is dusty and chaotic in parts (our bus even had a run-in with a motorbike!), its monuments are jaw-droppingly beautiful and deeply historic.
Agra is best approached with a flexible mindset and a good camera in hand, because the views are something else.
🌅 The Taj Mahal: Yes, It’s Worth the Hype
Visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise was a surreal moment. The way the early light hits the white marble, changing it from soft pink to glowing gold, is something I’ll never forget. The symmetry, the craftsmanship, the story, it’s overwhelming in the best way.
But let’s be real: it’s incredibly busy, even at dawn. We had pre-bought tickets, which I recommend, as it can be extremely hectic with huge, long lines. We were there so early in the morning, yet there were thousands of people, so I can’t imagine that there is a quiet part of the day to visit this incredible site.
📸 Tips for Getting Great Photos at the Taj Mahal:
- Arrive by 5:45 a.m. – The gates open around 6 a.m., and the earlier you’re in line, the better.
- Enter via the East Gate – It’s generally less crowded than the West Gate.
- Head straight to the main platform – Don’t stop at the reflecting pool first; you’ll have a brief window of calm at the mausoleum. There is a platform about midway and there are photographs there getting the money shot for visitors. They also let you take your own photos. You have to line up to get the photo, but it is 100% worth it.
- Use angles – Instead of front-on photos, try framing with an archway or taking photos from the side gardens.
- Bring a wide-angle lens or use portrait mode – It helps isolate your subject from the crowd.
- There are no photos allowed inside the Taj Mahal, so just soak in the experience.
India Travel Tip: Don’t bring a tripod unless you have special permission; it’s not allowed for general visitors.
🏰 Agra Fort: A Palace of Power
The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that deserves your attention. It is a stunning Fort to visit, rich in history and well worth it. This massive red sandstone fortress was the primary residence of the Mughal emperors before the city of Delhi was established. I knew nothing about this fort before visiting Agra, and I was blown away by its architecture and beauty.
The courtyards, marble pavilions, and royal halls inside are beautifully preserved, and you get a unique angle of the Taj Mahal in the distance from certain balconies.
What I loved:
- The storytelling from our guide—learning about Shah Jahan’s imprisonment and his final view of the Taj.
- The blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles showcases the cultural richness of the Mughal era.
- The monkeys greeting visitors at the entry were fun to see.
- There are tons of Instagrammable opportunities!
- Plenty of space to explore without crowds pressing in.
🌸 Mehtab Bagh: The Secret Garden Across the River
After exploring the Taj, we visited Mehtab Bagh, a lesser-known garden located directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Agra. The crowds vanish, and you’re rewarded with perfect, peaceful views of the Taj Mahal, ideal for reflection, photography, or simply soaking in the moment.
Emperor Babur originally built the garden and is the last of a series of 11 parks along the river. Today, it’s a quiet spot for both locals and in-the-know travellers.
Why it’s worth visiting:
- It aligns perfectly with the Taj for symmetrical, full-view shots.
- You can capture sunset photos with warm backlighting.
- It’s the best way to see the monument without people around.
India Travel Tip: Visit late in the afternoon for the golden hour light and fewer tourists.
🛏️ Where We Stayed: ITC Mughal Agra
We spent one night at the ITC Mughal it is a nice enough hotel, but the rooms are run down and the breakfast is not great. However, the options in Agra are limited, and this is a good mid-range option. The highlight? The onsite restaurant, Peshawri, was absolutely phenomena,l and it is worth staying there, just for this!
🥘 About the Restaurant:
- You can watch chefs prepare gigantic naan breads and tandoori delights. Then you get to enjoy the giant naan, which was incredible.
- The North-West Frontier cuisine is rich, spicy, and indulgent—some of the best food I had in India.
- Pro tip: Wear the bib they give you. The food is messy in the best way.
🛌 About the Rooms:
- Clean and comfortable, but quite basic by Western standards of luxury.
- Think: budget-friendly accommodation paired with 5-star food.
- It’s ideal for a one-night stay focused on sightseeing.
India Travel Tip: You won’t be spending much time in your room. Prioritise location and food over frills in Agra.
✨ Final Thoughts: Agra in a Day
Agra is more than a box to tick on your India itinerary. If you let it, it will surprise you. The Taj Mahal is more beautiful than the photos. The gardens across the river give you space to breathe. And the fort tells stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
Whether you’re on a whirlwind Golden Triangle tour or spending a weekend in North India, make time to slow down here, even just a little.
🧳 Planning Your Agra Visit?
If you’re visiting India for the first time and want a mix of sightseeing, culture, and a little comfort, Agra is the place to pause and reflect. Just pack your camera, your patience, and your appetite.
