BY ASHAR KHAN – MAY 7
A magnificent view of Taj Mahal. Image – Instagram.
48 Hours in Agra- Agra is a must visit during your trip to North India. It’s actually a part of a golden triangle. To most people, a visit to Agra involves the magnificent Taj Mahal. They visit the city and see the Taj Mahal and thats it. Of course no travel bucket list is complete without visiting this monument of love but the city is much more than just the Taj. It’s also an abode to some of the marvellous Mughal architectural wonders, magnificent gardens and vibrant street life full of antiquity. Even though the Taj Mahal is one of the greatest wonders, the significance of these places is still immense and they can be explored during your visit to the city. If you’re planning a trip to the city, then here’s how you can best explore Agra in 48 hours.
A complete 48 hours in Agra itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Visit Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is synonymous to perhaps the most famous ballads of travel in the world. Evidently, the magnificent white edifice has drawn millions to its doorways inspired even by photographs. Indeed, this Mausoleum tops every list of Agra’s must see places, or should I say tops the list of attractions in North India.
First, You should start your trip early in the morning around 7 am and head straight towards this World Wonder. Out of the 2 sunrises in Agra, we suggest you spend one witnessing the unique charm of Taj Mahal. Early morning hours are cool and less crowded. So, It’s the best time to behold the surroundings and capture the perfect money shot. You should purchase your tickets online in advance from the official website of UP Tourism in order to avoid long queues at the ticket counter. A Government approved Guided tour of the Taj Mahal will be the best idea to explore the meusoleum. Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so plan your trip accordingly.
Afternoon
Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah
For lunch, you may head to Joney’s Place, a cozy little cafe located by the south entrance gate of the Taj Mahal. A perfect spot for having snacks or lunch after the frenzied roaming in the vicinity. Whether you are fond of western food or crave forChinese snacks, the place has it all in its menu and that too with pretty good taste. For instance, their tea is just awesome. If you are around Taj Mahal, then it’s a must visit place.
Now, after having fulfilling lunch, head towards another white marble attraction of the tomb of Eitmaduddaula, the exquisite meusoleum of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a Persian nobleman, was Mumtaz Mahal’s grandfather and Emperor Jehangir’s wazir (chief minister).
Although, It looks like Taj in its looks and architecture, but it’s arguably more delicate in appearance thanks to its particularly finely carved marble jalis. In fact, its popularly called Baby Taj. Well, this was the first Mughal structure built completely from marble, and the first tomb to be built on the banks of the Yamuna, which until then had been a sequence of beautiful pleasure gardens.
Visit tomb of Akbar the great
After the visit to Aitmaddudaula, Head towards Sikandraho, the tomb of one of the greatest kings of all time, Akbar the great. The outstanding sandstone and marble tomb commemorates the greatest of the Mughal emperors. It has a stunning gateway decorated with three-storey minarets at each corner built of red sandstones. You will be amazed by the magnanimity of main courtyard of the meusoleum. The interior hallway of the tomb is stunningly decorated with painted alabaster, creating a contrast to the plain inner tomb. The unusual upper pavilions are closed. The mausoleum is at Sikandra, 10km northwest of Agra Fort.
Evening
Experience the cultural and Conventional art of Agra
Furthermore, as the evening approaches, head to the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center. Nevertheless, you will get to see some grand cultural performances about the Taj Mahal, in Bollywood style light and sound show. For those who wish to know the intriguing history of the Taj Mahal, watching these theater performances here can be an interesting experience. In fact, Art exhibitions are also held here, so you can witness some local art forms too.
Furthermore, you must go to the Pinch of Spice in Tajganj for dinner. Evidently, It is one of the best restaurants in the city to enjoy Mughal delicacies which also offers Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisine as well.
The restaurant is set in an attractive courtyard with a very impressive aura. Along with some gorgeously presented dishes, you will also enjoy the warmhearted hospitality. Nevertheless, You will be instantly in love with finely curated instrumental music played there. Indeed, Pinch of Spice is one of those one-restaurant-serves-all fine dining establishments that evoke nostalgia and hunger in equal parts.
Day 2
Morning
Have a mouth-watering breakfast
Firstly, As you freshen up in the morning, leave your hotel towards one of the best spots for breakfast at Deviram sweets & restaurant. Nevertheless, one of the oldest and famous sweet shops in Agra particularly famous for it’s tasty delicious Bedai kachori. Besides, there is so much crowd at the place in the morning that people actuallly wait for their breakfast eagerly. I must say every person likes this place for it’s hygienic, tasty, yummy Indian dish bedai-puri aloo, Jalebis and Kullad tea. Indeed, The one who comes to city must eat this place for amazing breakfast.
Take heritage walk at Agra Fort
Further, head towards Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts in India. A big red-sandstone fort situated on the bank of the River Yamuna, was constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1565. The areas in the fort are highly ceilinged all around. Whether it’s Diwan-e-Khas(Hall of Private Audiences), Diwan-e-Aam, Moti Mosque or Takht-i-Jehangir, a huge slab of black rock with an inscription around the edge etc. The view of Taj Mahal from the fort is just amazing.
Indeed, the fort is very enormous in size. In fact, it was built primarily as a military structure, but Shah Jahan transformed it into a palace, and later it became his prison. Although most of the fort is still used for the Indian Army, whatever part is open for tourists is well worth the visit.
Afternoon
Have a Mughlai Lunch
Furthermore, head for lunch to the Aleem restaurant an another great place with some robust flavors of Mughlai food. Their Korma, Jahangiri Chicken or famous Briyani etc must be ordered here without even thinking twice! You will definitely come back to this place for its delicious flavors and spicy curries! Although, the locality is somewhat distant from Tajganj, but their taste is just amazing and far better than several fine dining options in the city.
Visit Mehtab Bagh
Furthermore, head towards Mehtab Bagh. A beautiful park located at the other side of Yamuna river with the Taj Mahal on the opposite. Evidently, the gardens in the Taj are perfectly aligned with the ones here, and the view of the Taj from the fountain directly in front of the entrance gate is a classic. The sunsets here are just amazing. Truely, It is one the best places from which to view the great mausoleum.
Evening
Go on a ‘Petha’ trail
Indeed, It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Petha (bite-sized pieces of sweetened ash gourd) is one of the most famous sweets of Agra. Apparently, one of the most popular shops in the city for Pethas is the Panchhi Petha, which has many outlets in the city. Since, you can try their different varieties of Petha, their plain dry petha, Angoori Petha, Kesari dry Petha or Chocolate Petha are some of our personal favorites.
Thereafter, making a visit to Kinari bazaar will be something of an experience. It has a great history as one of Agra’s biggest wholesale markets. This famous bazaar contains many wholesalers and retailers. Only curious about what to buy from here in Agra. Marble, glassware, handicrafts, textiles, leather, and rugs should be stored.
This famous bazaar contains many wholesalers and retailers. Only the curious know about what to buy from here in Agra. Marble, glassware, handicrafts, textiles, leather, and rugs should be stored. It is located near Jama Maszid and stays open until 9.
Finish the day with delicious dinner
Indeed, the Salt Cafe in Agra is an establishment that offers a diverse cuisine type, ranging from Chinese to continental fare. The ambiance is lovely and perfect for families, with friendly and courteous staff. The interior design is Instagram-worthy, with a beautiful rooftop patio and great music to set the mood. Prices are a bit high, but the portion size justifies the cost. The eatery is located in a prime area and has special features such as outdoor seating and a bar. Overall, The Salt Cafe is definitely worth a visit for a sumptuous dinner with family and friends.
That’s your 48 hours in Agra itinerary
To sum up, it is the sure-fire way of getting almost everything you need out of this classic city in the shortest amount of time. Further, I think you would be able to explore most things in just 48 hours in Agra or if anything on here didn’t take your fancy, there are also several places which can also be explored within this short span.
You can visit Jama Maszid, Chini ka Rauza or Jahangir Mahal to name a few. Fatehpur Sikri is another great place to visit if you have more time in your hand. It is 40 kms away from Agra. A fortified city about 40 kms from Agra was built by the Akbar and had been the capital of his Empire for fifteen years. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, is a home to Jodha Bai’s Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and Tomb of Salim Chisti among many other famous monuments.
Read my recent post on 24 Hours in Delhi Itinerary
Note: Keep in mind that just because this itinerary is for 48 hours in Agra doesn’t mean you should only spend 48 hours in Agra. In fact, if you find this post useful, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.
TRAVEL DIFFERENTLY!
Address list:
Day One:
Click here for a detailed map of the itinerary:
Taj Mahal, Agra
Joneys Place, Tajganj
Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Agra
Tomb of Akbar the great, Agra
Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center, Agra
Day Two:
Click here for a detailed map of the itinerary:
Deviram sweets & restaurant, Agra
Agra Fort, Agra
Aleem Restaurant, Agra
Mehtab Bagh, Agra
Panchhi Petha, Tajganj
Kinari Bazaar, Agra
The Salt Cafe in Agra
The best places to stay in Agra
In fact, here are some hotels for every budget, click on the links to check for available dates and rates;
