A road trip from Delhi to Agra is a famous journey in India, really perfect for all history-lovers or people who would like to see beauty in the Taj Mahal. If you want some kind of break from that crazy city, which is Delhi, you should go this way too. This trip can offer you adventure and old buildings with pretty views. You can enjoy this journey by visiting exciting places and getting information about the Indian past. You will drive through small towns and see how people live outside of big cities. The road also passes over farmlands and perhaps you may even catch a glimpse of some roaming there. It is an opportunity to savor different things and see friendly faces on the road. Fun and exciting as it would both for tourists and locals.
Distance Between Delhi to Agra
The distance between Delhi to Agra is approximately 230 km. It takes around 3 to 4 hours, according to which direction you'll take going there. The shortest delhi to agra distance by car you can take is the Yamuna Expressway. This is a smooth road and really easy to drive on. Alternatively, you could take NH19, which was once NH2. It is a slower road, but you pass through more towns and cities on the way.
Delhi to Agra Route
For the road trip, you can choose from either of the two main highways as follows:
Yamuna Expressway: 230 km is one of the most frequented highways simply because of proper connectivity and modern construction. It has good conditions, having smooth tarmac with not too many interruptions; this is ideal for those who seek to journey fast and hassle-free.
NH 19 via Mathura (230 km): In case you have time to spare and want to indulge in the townships and cities between Delhi and Agra. This route takes you through places like Faridabad and Mathura the birthplace of Lord Krishna. This option offers more roadside stopovers for sightseeing.
Best Time to visit Agra
The best time to visit Agra is when it's cooler, from October to March. Agra gets very hot in summer, sometimes up to 45°C, which makes it hard to enjoy outdoor activities. Winter is much nicer, so it is great for visiting famous places. If you are looking for a delhi agra tour package, then this package can help your trip better.
Essential Stops on the Way
While Agra and its historical monuments are attractions enough, the long drive can be made even more fulfilling with a number of places to stop in along the way.
1. Sikandra (Akbar's Tomb)
Akbar's Tomb is one of the beautiful buildings situated nearby to Agra and also popularly known as Sikandra Fort Agra. This big and grand tomb was erected in the memory of the great Mughal emperor Emperor Akbar who lies buried here. The tomb has pretty gardens built around it.
2. Mathura and Vrindavan
If you are on the NH19 road, you should definitely think of visiting Mathura and Vrindavan. There is a lot attached to these places as many Hindus believe Lord Krishna lived there. In Mathura, you can visit the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, a structure people believe Krishna was born in. In Vrindavan, you can observe many colorful temples. On your way, you could stop by Sikandra Fort in Agra. It's worth going to in case you are interested in Indian history and religion.
3. Fatehpur Sikri
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri is about 40 km from Agra. This ghost town was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and was briefly the capital of the Mughal Empire. The incredible wonders of architecture that this town houses include the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid and the Tomb of Salim Chishti. It can add an extra depth of history to your road trip and make it a more memorable one.
Things to Do in Agra
1. The Taj Mahal
No visit to Agra can be complete unless one visits the Taj Mahal-a wonder of the world. This marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, stands for infinite love. The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is early morning, late afternoon. That's when it is not crowded and just to have a view of this white marble monument with that play of sunbeam will be a treat. The Agra to Taj Mahal distance is not too long, so it's very accessible for visitors who are staying in the city.
2. Agra Fort
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Agra Fort, is an impressive red sandstone fortress built by Emperor Akbar. The fort served as the residence of Mughal emperors and has several palaces, courtyards and mosques within its complex. Do not miss the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Musamman Burj, where Shah Jahan was held captive by his son Aurangzeb.
3. Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
Known as the Baby Taj, Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb is a gorgeous marble structure built before the Taj Mahal. It is India's first tomb made solely of white marble and boasts superb inlay work that inspired the designers of the Taj Mahal.
4. Mehtab Bagh
This will give you a whole different view of the Taj Mahal because Mehtab Bagh is the garden complex situated on the opposite side of the Yamuna River. A serene and serenely peaceful garden that has none of the crowd, this is an ideal photographic spot during sunset.
5. Local Markets and Cuisine
Agra is not just historical monuments. It is also full of culture and market bustle. With options ranging from handicrafts to leather goods, one of the best places to shop in Agra is Sadar Bazaar. Amongst the must-try local delicacies are the famous Agra Petha-a sweet delicacy from ash gourd-and Bedai with Jalebi, a popular breakfast option.
Conclusion
The road trip from Delhi to Agra can be just a journey through time. It will reveal to you some of the most excellent works created by the time, as perfect as the Taj Mahal and you have got to come across all the hustle and bustle in the streets of Fatehpur Sikri to feel the Indian touch of history and culture. Whether you are a novice or someone who has traveled several destinations, the beauty about this trip is its simplicity, coupled with wonderful tales that one can find along the way. If you are planning to have this adventure, check an Agra tour package for maximum usage of your trip and unforgettable memories.
