Delhi to Agra Road Trip? These Spots Cannot Be Missed
Taking a Delhi to Agra road trip not only offers a glimpse of urban and rural cultures of North India but also allows you to visit some of the best places on the way. Of course, road trips have a unique set of sightseeing opportunities. And since travelers love checking lists of places they can visit, we've prepared this guide for those planning or at least thinking about a road trip from Delhi to Agra.First things – how to reach Agra from Delhi by road? The distance between Delhi and Agra by road is 230 kilometers. There are two routes: one is the newly built Taj Expressway/Yamuna Expressway and the second is the old Delhi-Agra Highway (NH2) also known as Mathura Road.
Cab and private bus operators prefer the Yamuna Express as it is less crowded than the old Mathura Road. However, if you want to cover nearby places, there are connecting roads to each route.
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1. Hazrat Nizam-ud-din Dargah
Hazrat Nizam-ud-din dargah is a mausoleum of Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya, a Sufi saint who believed in the idea of love being the best means of God-realization. His marble shrine is visited by hundreds of tourists every day. Despite being surrounded by busy streets and shops selling perfumes, flowers, and incense sticks, the shrine never fails to amaze visitors with its astounding architecture and Sufi music sessions.How to reach: Situated in Nizamuddin West, Delhi, the Hazrat Nizam-ud-din Dargah is well connected to Delhi Metro and local buses. Jangpura is the nearest metro station and road connectivity is also good. One thing that you must keep in mind is that if you’re going by car, you will have to navigate through crowded streets.
2. A 10th Century Reservoir - Surajkund, Faridabad
Surajkund is an artificial, amphitheater shaped reservoir which was built in the 10th Century. As well as being known as the ‘Lake of the Sun’, thanks to its picturesque location, its beautiful gardens attract thousands of tourists every month. If you will have a Delhi to Agra road trip in February, you should not miss the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, an art and craft fair that runs from February 1 to February 17.How to reach: After leaving Delhi, head toward Faridabad. Once you reach Tughlakabad, take the exit toward Mehrauli - Badarpur Road and from there you can easily reach Surajkund.
3. Barsana
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Holi Festivals in Barsana Temple
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North India has always had a unique cultural mix. On one side of the Yamuna River is the Taj Mahal built by the Mughals, on the other are temples where millions of people arrive to celebrate Hindu festivals like Holi. Barsana is one such place which is also famous as the birthplace of Radha, the consort of Krishna. There’s a pond called Radha Krishna Sarovar in Barsana which is said to be the place where the couple used to play water sports during their childhood. Shree Radha Rani Temple, Shriji Temple, Mor Kutir, Maan Mandir, and Rangeeli Mahal Fort are some of the best places to see in Barsana.
How to reach: Barsana is easy to reach as the town is well connected by the Mathura Road. It is 105 kilometers from Agra.
4. Vrindavan
Delhi is the best starting point for a road trip to Agra, and if you’re coming via Palwal, Vrindavan should be your next stop as it’s just 40 kilometers from Barsana. While traveling from Delhi to Agra by road, you can see clear differences between cultures and lifestyle. In Vrindavan, you can visit places like ISKCON, Prem Mandir (Love Temple), Banke Bihari Temple, and Shri Radha Vallabh Ji Temple.How to reach: Agra is just 70 kilometers from Vrindavan. While traveling from Delhi by road, you can visit Vrindavan easily no matter which route you take - Mathura Road or Yamuna Expressway.
5. Mathura
The world-famous city which is also said to be the birthplace of Krishna has so much to offer. Hindus of all sects come here as the temples of Mathura are among of the most sacred places in the world. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple (Krishna’s birthplace), Dwarkadheesh Temple, Vishram Ghat, Birla Temple, Bagulamukhi Temple, and Government Museum are some of the best places to visit in Mathura.How to reach: Mathura is connected to the Yamuna Expressway, however, it is easier to reach Mathura from the old Delhi-Agra road as the latter doesn’t require you to cross the entire city for sightseeing. The good thing is, Mathura is situated at a point from where you can pick any of the routes mentioned above to reach Agra.
6. Sikandra
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Mughal Emperor Akbar Tomb
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How to reach: Sikandra is just 10 kilometers from the Agra city center and only 15 kilometers from the Taj Mahal. During your road trip to Delhi, you can visit Sikandra while returning. It should be noted that the entry to most places is only allowed from sunrise to sunset.