Agra vs Jaipur: which city in India stands out?

Choosing a destination in India can be quite challenging.

As you consider where to travel in India, you may be comparing Agra, the home of the iconic Taj Mahal, with Jaipur, the majestic Pink City of Rajasthan.

We invited two writers to advocate for each of these Indian cities.

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal. What else could you possibly need?

Bradley Mayhew is a guidebook author for Dinogo Planet, focusing on Central Asia and particularly enamored with Agra, India.

Don't fret, this won't take long—just two words: Taj Mahal. That's it. Mic drop. Thanks for stopping by.

It should truly be a crime to visit India without witnessing the Taj Mahal. It's arguably the most stunning structure in the world; a love letter carved from white marble, a magnificent tribute to love and loss, or, as Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore described it, a 'teardrop on the cheek of eternity.' Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1641 as the eternal resting place for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

One glimpse of this nearly flawless structure won't be enough; you'll want to see it again from the banks of the Yamuna River, framed by the symmetry of a Mughal garden, or through an ornate marble screen in Agra Fort. In some spots, it towers over the modern city, while in others, it slowly emerges from the morning haze. Its grandeur is epic, yet every intricate detail is as delicate as lace.

Anyone traveling with their romantic partner simply must include the Taj Mahal on their itinerary. And no self-respecting Instagram enthusiast can resist sharing a selfie with this quintessential symbol of India.

However, Agra has so much more to offer beyond the Taj. It is India’s great Mughal city, established by the Uzbek Emperor Babur in 1526 and later flourishing as the stop-and-go capital for Mughal emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jehan. For more than fifty years, it sparkled as the capital of the world’s wealthiest empire. Today, the city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the magnificent Agra Fort, adorned with pavilions, pools, scalloped arches, and formidable walls, which also served as a gilded prison for Shah Jehan after his son Aurangzeb usurped the throne and imprisoned him here for eight years.

Agra's array of magnificent monuments could fill several days of exploration: the grand Mausoleum of Emperor Akbar, the most illustrious of all Mughal emperors; the impressive Friday Mosque featuring three sandstone domes; and the exquisite white marble tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, affectionately known as the 'Baby Taj.' History enthusiasts can easily spend days uncovering traces of the imperial legacy here.

While it's true that Agra can get crowded with tourists and is known for its vendors (though nothing compared to the professionals you'll encounter in Rajasthan!), this also means there’s a wealth of experiences to enjoy, from exclusive moonlight strolls around the Taj (available five nights a month) to guided rickshaw tours of the historic town. The culinary scene is delightful as well, featuring the city’s rich Mughlai curries, rounded off with a bite of the local favorite sweet, peita, a delectable treat made of pumpkin, sugar, rosewater, and saffron.

If you need an extra incentive to visit Agra, consider the short day trip to the stunning Fatehpur Sikri, the grand salmon-pink sandstone capital of Emperor Akbar, featuring an impressive array of courtyards, Persian-style gateways, and a majestic Friday Mosque with a revered Sufi tomb—one of India’s most remarkable excursions.

And here's the cherry on top: Agra is only a two-hour train ride from Delhi on India’s fastest and most convenient rail service. You can even make a day trip to the Taj if you're pressed for time, though this incredible city truly deserves several days to explore.

Jaipur's vibrant streets are alive with energy.

Shalbha Sarda is a true Jaipur native who grew up in the city, traveled extensively, and ultimately returned to make it her permanent home. Now, she's dedicated to sharing all the secrets that make this Pink City so extraordinary.

There's no denying the unmatched beauty of the Taj Mahal! But once you've captured that perfect Instagram shot, you might find yourself struggling to uncover more activities in Agra. In contrast, Jaipur shines as a superior overall destination, with unique and delightful attractions scattered throughout the city like confetti.

The Mughals, who constructed the Taj Mahal, displayed their design, art, and architecture across various Indian cities, but the rulers of Jaipur had a different vision. They took the best elements of Mughal designs and seamlessly blended them with their own styles, resulting in architecture that's distinctly Jaipur. To witness this, visit Amber Fort, the original royal palace; Jaigarh, a defensive fortress with the largest cannon in the world; and Nahargarh, a retreat for kings and queens. The influences are also visible in Jaipur's palaces: explore City Palace, the current royal residence; the iconic pink Hawa Mahal, featuring nearly 1,000 small windows; and Jal Mahal, a palace surrounded by water.

Jaipur boasts an abundance of royal palaces, many of which have been transformed into luxurious hotels. Experience the royal grandeur at places like the Rambagh Palace, the Jaimahal Palace, and Samodh Palace.

With its stunning backdrop of deserts, mountains, and forts, alongside its historic monuments, Jaipur has inspired Bollywood filmmakers for decades. Explore the enchanting stepwell at Nahargarh Fort, featured in the 2006 film Rang De Basanti, or the floral garden at Maota Lake near Amber Fort, a location showcased in the 2015 film Bajirao Mastani.

The walled city of Jaipur, affectionately known as the Pink City, lives up to its name with many of its structures painted in shades of pink! As you browse for souvenirs, you'll be dazzled by vibrant pops of color, from the red and yellow bandhej turbans lining the parapets in Johri Bazaar to the flowing ombré tie-dye stoles at Bapu Bazaar. Don’t miss the rainbow assortment of resin bangles at Maniharon Ka Rasta, or the colorful beads in jewelry at Haldiyon ka Rasta—each street in Jaipur feels like a vivid technicolor dream.

Plan your visit to coincide with one of the city’s vibrant festivals that celebrate deities and the harvest—dates are determined by the Indian Hindu calendar and may vary. During the spring Ganguar festival (March/April) and the monsoon festival of Teej (July/August), expect lively processions featuring beautifully adorned camels, twirling Kalbelia folk dancers, and rhythmic performances by Manganiyar folk musicians. The Jaipur Literature Festival in January brings together Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and literary icons in one place.

Jaipur takes immense pride in its rich regional cuisine. Be sure to try the hearty platter meal known as dhal baati churma, which consists of lentil curry served with wheat balls and a mixture of coarsely ground wheat, jaggery or sugar, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top.

Unlike Agra, which has lost its royal charm, the Maharajas of Jaipur continue to call this vibrant city their home. After immersing yourself in its rich royal heritage through the numerous forts and palaces, find a spot by the street, enjoy a cup of chai, and let the myriad colors of Jaipur envelop you.