Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna river in Uttar Pradesh, was a principal Mughal capital and is home to the Taj Mahal — one of the world's most recognisable monuments. With two further UNESCO sites, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, close by, it forms the third point of India's classic Golden Triangle tourist circuit alongside Delhi and Jaipur.
The Story of Agra
Agra rose to prominence as a Mughal capital under Emperor Akbar, who moved his court here in 1558 and built the massive red-sandstone Agra Fort as his seat of power. Under Akbar and his successors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Agra flourished as one of the wealthiest and most architecturally ambitious cities in the world, briefly rivalled only by the short-lived capital Fatehpur Sikri, built and then abandoned by Akbar just 37 km away.
The city's defining monument, the Taj Mahal, was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 following the death of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, during childbirth. Built over roughly two decades by an estimated 20,000 artisans using white Makrana marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, it stands as one of the world's most celebrated expressions of grief and love, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Agra's Mughal-era prominence faded after the capital shifted to Delhi under Shah Jahan's later reign, and the city passed through Maratha and then British colonial control before independence. Today Agra holds three UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a compact area — the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri — making it one of India's most visited heritage destinations and a cornerstone of the classic "Golden Triangle" tourist circuit with Delhi and Jaipur.
Top Places to Visit in Agra
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri — here's what most visitors build their itinerary around.
Best Time to Visit Agra
How to Reach Agra
* Indicative one-way sedan fares — the exact fare (including driver allowance, taxes and estimated tolls) is always shown before you confirm your booking. Ertiga, Innova Crysta and Tempo Traveller options are available at checkout.
Good to Know Before You Go
Agra Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Agra is about 233 km from Delhi, roughly 3–4 hours by cab via the Yamuna Expressway.
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it in 1631 as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth; it took roughly two decades and an estimated 20,000 artisans to complete.
Yes — many travellers do Agra as a long day trip by cab from Delhi, though staying one night lets you also see Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri without rushing.
No — it's closed to visitors on Fridays, so it's worth planning around this if you have a fixed schedule.
Yes — One-Way Bhaarat runs flat-fare one-way cabs from Delhi to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway, with the full fare shown upfront before you book.