Mansingh Palace, Agra

The best time to visit Agra is from November through March, when days are mild and rain is scarce. February and March are particularly pleasant, with warm afternoons and low humidity. Skip the hottest stretch from April to June, and the monsoon months from July to September, which bring heavy rain. October offers comfortable weather after the rains ease. If you want a famous festival, Holi in March is widely celebrated.

For first-time visitors, Tajganj near the Taj Mahal is ideal, with many hotels and easy access to the monument. The area around Fatehabad Road also offers a range of hotels and is well-connected. For a quieter stay, consider the Cantonment area, which is more spread out. Choose Tajganj or Fatehabad Road for convenience, and Cantonment if you prefer less traffic.

The Taj Mahal is the marble mausoleum that defines Agra and is best seen at sunrise or sunset. Agra Fort offers massive red sandstone ramparts and palaces of the Mughal emperors. Itmad-ud-Daula, known as the Baby Taj, is a delicate riverside tomb with intricate inlay work. Mehtab Bagh is a garden across the river with classic views of the Taj. Akbar's tomb at Sikandra is the grand red and white sandstone resting place of the emperor himself.

You can take a full-day trip to Jaipur, with stops at Fatehpur Sikri and a step well along the way, or visit Mathura and Vrindavan, known for their temples and Krishna heritage. These are the main day trips offered from Agra.

Plan 2 days in Agra. Day one: Taj Mahal at sunrise, then Agra Fort. Afternoon for Itmad-ud-Daula and Mehtab Bagh across the river. Day two: Akbar's tomb and Sikandra Fort, plus any sights you missed. If you want a side trip to Fatehpur Sikri, the old Mughal capital, add a third day.