How to Spend 24 hours in Agra
Agra is an amazing city with many sightseeing spots and the most famous is undoubtedly the marble monument Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of famous River Yamuna. Agra city is one of the heritage cities in India. There are several historical structures with architectural brilliance to see in Agra. Agra is one of the top tourist destinations in India and there are also many things to do in Agra in 24 hours. The below details are very interesting as there is everything to know where and how to spend your valuable 24 hours in Agra.
1. Taj Mahal
The entry to the Taj Mahal is sometimes a lengthly line and you have to wait a longer time to enter. So, it is best to visit the marble monument earliest in the morning at 6.30 am. Some of the best views of the Taj Mahal is to watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. You can also go for a heritage walk and have breakfast in the hotels around Taj Mahal in Agra. If you are traveling in summer season the floors of the palace get hot and you have to remove the footwear. If you go there early in the morning then you can walk on the colder floors. Now, they provide net bags to cover the footwear before entering.
Visit Duration – 2 – 3 hours
2. Lal Quila - Red Fort Agra
The Agra Fort would be the next destination to make the most out of your 24 hour trip to Agra. There is so much to inspire you in the Rajput cum Mughal style of Architecture of Lal Qila. The fort walls goes for 2.5. kilometers long and this defense fort is massive. It is recommended to take a guided tour to Agra Fort. Like the Taj Mahal this is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Agra. It was made of red sandstone and later with marble additions to the fort. The Red Fort Of Agra is situated close by to Taj on the banks of the River Yamuna.
Things to see in Agra Fort
1. Diwan-i-Aam: An audience hall for the general public to address issues.
2. Jehangiri Mahal: The residence of emperor Jehangir during his times
3. Shah Jehan Mahal: The official residence of the Shah Jehan
There are many other things to see in Agra like pavilions, prison of Shah Jehan from where he saw the Taj Mahal, the biggest mosque and lush gardens. So take time to check out the Lal Qila or Red Fort.
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm
Visit Duration – 3 – 4 hours
3. Lunch at Roshanara
This quaint indoor dining space is another perfect restaurant open all day for guests. The fashionable dinner room or dining place is perfectly re-designed to suit the guests dining requirements. The all day restaurant servers a buffet breakfast, sumptuous lunch and a lavish dinner.
Timings – 6.30 am & 10.45 pm
Location – The Oberoi Amarvillas, Taj East Gate Road, Agra, India - 282001
4. Fatehpur Sikri
This is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. The city is a defense city that is inside a fort. There are many palaces, gardens, mosque, and so many interesting things to see and do in Fatehpuri Sikri. This was the capital city and office of the Mughal dynasty rulers for 14 – 15 years. This fort city built in red sandstone is situated 35 – 40 kilometers from Agra. There are many attractions in Victory Fort. This fort was constructed to honor the saying of a Sufi Saint Salim Chisti.
Things to see in Fatehpuri Sikri
1. Jodha Bai Palace: The palace residence for the queen of Akbar, Jodha Bai.
2. Diwan-i-Khaas: A huge hall for other meetings like the royals and private.
3. Jama Masjid: A large mosque emperor Akbar built on telling of Sufi Saint
4. Panch Mahal: It is a five story structure used for entertainment performances with a famous pool facing the palace called Anoop Talaav
5. Buland Darwaza: The main entrance of this fort is built in red sandstone and is one of the most famous attractions in India. This is also known as the largest palace entrance in the world.
6. Tomb of Salim Chisti: This was built for the main Sufi saint who said about the Fatehpuri Sikri.
5. Sunset View of Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal shows different colors as the day changes light. The Sunset View of Taj Mahal is an iconic view of the Taj Mahal at sunset from a boat ride on the River Yamuna. It lasts for roughly 30 minutes. You can also click pictures along with the others on the boat ride. You can also first start the 24 hour Agra trip to Fatehpuri Sikri, then Agra Fort and make it to the Sunset View of Taj Mahal. This is one of the best things to do at Agra in 24 hours.
If you can make more time within the schedule you can also visit other famous tourist attractions in Agra. This includes the Mehtab Bagh Gardens and also the ‘Baby Taj’ which is is situated close by. The best view of Taj Mahal is from and the a Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb is miniature replica of the Taj Mahal and the firsts marble monument.
6. Dinner at Esphahan
The authentic Mughali dining space serves tandoor, soft flat breads from India and traditional recipes that come straight from the Mughal Emperor’s chefs. Only kids over eight years of age are allowed inside this restaurant. Enjoy live traditional music over a candlelit dinner table for a great time together.
Timings – 6.30 pm & 9.00 pm
Location – The Oberoi Amarvillas, Taj East Gate Road, Agra, India – 282001
