Varanasi to Agra | Taj Mahal - 7 Wonders of the World | ₹8,000
Agra is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This white marble mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal (1631-1653), attracts millions of visitors annually. Located approximately 580-620 kilometers from Varanasi, this long-distance journey takes 8 to 9 hours, making it perfect for a 2-3 day cultural exploration with overnight stay.
Quick Facts: Varanasi to Agra
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Journey Distance | 580-620 km (depending on route) |
| Travel Time | 8-9 hours (long-distance highway) |
| Best Route | Via Lucknow or Prayagraj |
| Road Condition | Excellent - mainly NH highways |
| UNESCO Sites | Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri |
| Main Attraction | Taj Mahal (7 Wonders of the World) |
| Starting Fare | ₹8,000 for Swift Dzire (4-seater) |
Agra City of the Taj for Varanasi Travelers
Why the Varanasi to Agra Taxi Route is World-Famous
Top Attractions:
- Taj Mahal: 7 Wonders, built 1631-1653, white marble masterpiece
- Agra Fort: UNESCO site, red sandstone fort, Mughal capital
- Fatehpur Sikri: Abandoned Mughal city, architectural marvel
- Itmad-ud-Daulah: "Baby Taj", first marble tomb in India
- Mehtab Bagh: Sunset view of Taj Mahal from across Yamuna
- Local crafts: Marble inlay work, leather goods, carpets
Historical Significance:
- Mughal Empire capital (1556-1658)
- Shah Jahan, Akbar legacy
- Architectural golden period
- Symbol of eternal love (Taj Mahal)
Varanasi to Agra Route Overview & Best Time to Travel
Varanasi to Agra Route Options
Option 1: Via Lucknow (Recommended)
Varanasi → NH30 → Lucknow → Agra-Lucknow Expressway → Agra
Distance: 590 km | Time: 8-9 hours
Advantages: Faster expressway, better road, rest stops
Option 2: Via Prayagraj
Varanasi → NH19 → Prayagraj → Kanpur → Agra
Distance: 620 km | Time: 9-10 hours
Advantages: Scenic route through historic towns
Best Time to Travel:
- For Taj Mahal: October to March (15-30°C, pleasant)
- Best months: November to February (peak tourist season)
- Avoid: April to June (extremely hot, 35-48°C)
- Monsoon: July to September (humid, marble gets slippery)
Important: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Varanasi to Agra Taxi Vehicle Options & Pricing
Varanasi to Agra Cabs - Vehicle Types & Fare Breakdown
| Vehicle Type | Seating | Pricing | Best For | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire | 4 passengers | ₹8,000-9,000 | Couples, budget travelers | Good highway comfort |
| Ertiga | 6 passengers | ₹10,500-12,000 | Families | Extra luggage space |
| Innova Crysta | 6-8 passengers | ₹13,000-15,000 | Large families, luxury | Premium long-distance |
| Tempo Traveller | 12-13 passengers | ₹20,000-23,000 | Group tours | Photography groups |
What's Included in Varanasi to Agra Taxi Fare
✓ Professional driver (long-distance experienced)
✓ Fuel for entire journey (both ways for packages)
✓ Toll charges (₹600-800 on expressway)
✓ Driver overnight allowance
✓ Free pickup from anywhere in Varanasi
✓ Drop at Agra hotel/monuments
✓ GPS tracking and comprehensive insurance
✓ Multiple rest stops
Varanasi to Agra Taxi Exclusions
✗ Monument entry fees (Taj Mahal ₹1,100 for Indians, ₹50 for locals)
✗ Driver accommodation (₹800-1,200 in Agra)
✗ Food and beverages
✗ Guide charges (₹500-1,000 per monument)
✗ Additional sightseeing beyond Agra
Monuments to Visit on Varanasi to Agra Taxi Tour
1. Taj Mahal (UNESCO) on Varanasi to Agra Tour
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM (closed Fridays)
Entry Fee:
- Indians: ₹1,100 (includes shoe covers, water bottle)
- SAARC/BIMSTEC: ₹740
- Foreigners: ₹1,300
- Children under 15: Free
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise (6:30-7:30 AM) - golden light, fewer crowds
Important Facts:
- Built: 1631-1653 (22 years)
- Material: White Makrana marble
- Inlay work: 28 types of precious stones
- Workers: 20,000+ artisans
- Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahori
- Height: 73 meters (main dome)
- Symmetry: Perfect bilateral symmetry
Duration: 2-3 hours minimum
2. Agra Fort (UNESCO) for Varanasi to Agra Travelers
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (daily)
Entry Fee: ₹650 (Indians), ₹850 (foreigners)
Highlights:
- Red sandstone fort (1565-1573)
- Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal
- Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace)
- Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas
- View of Taj Mahal from fort
- Shah Jahan imprisoned here (last years)
Duration: 2 hours
3. Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO) on Agra Taxi Circuit
Location: 40 km from Agra (1-hour drive)
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fee: ₹610 (Indians), ₹760 (foreigners)
Highlights:
- Abandoned Mughal capital (built 1571)
- Buland Darwaza (largest gateway in world)
- Jama Masjid, Salim Chishti's tomb
- Panch Mahal (5-story palace)
- Perfect Mughal architecture
Duration: 2-3 hours
4. Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) Stop
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹310 (Indians), ₹510 (foreigners)
Highlights:
- First marble tomb in India
- Intricate marble inlay work
- Prototype for Taj Mahal design
- Peaceful, fewer crowds
Duration: 1 hour
5. Mehtab Bagh (Taj Sunset Point)
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹300 (Indians)
Highlights:
- Best sunset view of Taj Mahal
- Across Yamuna River
- Perfect for photography
- Peaceful garden
Duration: 1 hour
