Most people take the train from Delhi to Agra. The fastest express trains usually takes around 2 hours. Other trains will take around 3 hours. You could also opt for a bus or car. A bus journey will take around 2 hours as well.

A lot of people choose to do Agra over one night stay or even just do it in one day. Some people arrive before dusk the previous day. Stay overnight at the Sheela Hotel (or many other hotels) which is literally 800m away from the Taj Mahal. This allows them to wake up early feeling refreshed, and they can see the Taj Mahal at sunrise which is beautiful. Although beware that sunrise could be crowded as everyone else is thinking the same thing.

However to do Agra in such a short space of time means you will miss out on some of the other great delights this city has to offer:  

Agra Fort which is often overshadowed by the Taj Mahal, is considered one of the finest Mughal forts in India. This palatial red-sandstone and marble fort features many different to courtyards to walk through and marvel at this incredible building. Built primarily as a military structure, it was then turned into a palace. There is much history to be learned about this building.

Itimad-ud-Daulah which is nicknamed the Baby Taj is definitely worth a visit. Whilst not as incredible in beauty as the Taj Mahal it has been designed in a more intricate way, particularly its marble jalis (lattice screens).

Mehtab Bagh is a park that was originally built by Emperor Babur as a series of gardens on the Yamuna’s east bank. It fell into disrepair but has now been restored to its former glory. It is one of the best places from which to view the Taj Mahal. A lovely place to have a stroll around.

As well as the places I have mentioned in this article, you could also visit the the Esphahan restaurant (one of the finest in agra), Mama Chicken (a casual eatery), Subhash Emporium (pick up some incredible marble pieces) as well as many others. There are lots of things to do in Agra and is well worth at least a couple nights stay.

Read on for part 3 where we will conclude our Golden Triangle trip in Jaipur, known as the Pink City due to the dominant colour scheme of its buildings…