One of the most important tourist destinations in the country (and in the world), connectivity to Agra has been well developed and is continuously improving over time. Agra is a place of major historical importance and it is well connected to the other cities in India as well. For people coming f... Read More

One of the most important tourist destinations in the country (and in the world), connectivity to Agra has been well developed and is continuously improving over time. Agra is a place of major historical importance and it is well connected to the other cities in India as well. For people coming from long distances, taking a flight to Delhi and driving from there is recommended. 

1.       By Flight: The nearest airport is Kheria Airport but it has a direct flight only to Gwalior and Khajuraho. If you are coming by flight, the nearest airports are in Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow. 

2.       By Road: Agra is situated on the Golden Triangle of the Tourist Circuit. It is connected to Delhi. The Taj Expressway, one of the best roads in the country, connects Agra to Delhi via Greater Noida, and you can easily drive from Delhi to Agra in 3 hours. The Taj expressway is a great way to reach Agra if you are coming from Delhi. There are frequent buses from Delhi to Agra - most buses start from Anand Vihar terminus in Delhi. 

3.       By Rail: Agra railway station is very well connected to a lot of major cities, especially other tourist places nearby Agra for eg Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, etc. Taj express and Shatabdi are two of the fastest train on this route, establishing great connectivity with the national capital, and they have a good schedule for visiting Agra. 

Local Transport in Agra: Getting around the city can be done in tongas, electric buses, and tempo. There are also auto-rickshaws and state buses. Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort are quite close to each other, and if it's not too sunny you can just walk between the two. Otherwise, there are a lot of autos and battery-powered rickshaws.

Thing to do 

1.       Enjoy Taj Mahotsav: At the Taj Mahotsav, artisans from all over the country come together and display their works. This includes bamboo work from the North East, stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, wood carvings from Saharanpur, chikankari work from Lucknow and pottery from Khurja, among others. Apart from this, there are also folk and classical music and dance performances by talented artists. 

2.       Kalakriti Culture Center: The Kalakriti Cultural and Conventional Centre is an art, culture and convention center in Agra. The aim of the center is to celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of Indian culture and heritage. The center offers visitors a chance to view intricate inlay work on marble. Apart from that, the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre has a handicraft showroom where one can purchase items made of marble, metal, wood, and thread. 

3.       Visit Jahangir Mahal: One of the most exceptional buildings in the Agra Fort, Jahangir Mahal was essentially a zenana used by the Rajput wives of Akbar. The palace has a gateway that connects to an inner courtyard that sits amidst lavish halls that are decorated with engravings on stone, columns, and crosspieces. The courtyard halls are adorned in Gujarat-Malwa-Rajasthan architecture styles.

Place to visit 

1.       The Tajmahal: It is constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century. It is among the finest edifices of Mughal architecture. Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, this monument is also considered to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The Taj Mahal stands for the Crown of Palaces in the Persian language. It rises from the dust-beaten earth of Uttar Pradesh, but even the wildest imaginations leave visitors underprepared for this world wonder. 

2.       Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri was founded in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. In honor of the prophecy, Akbar built this city and Jama Masjid, a stunning mosque which is still in use today. He also undertook the construction of three palaces for each of his favorite wives, one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian. An Indo-Islamic Masterpiece, Fatehpur Sikri is enclosed by an 11 km long fortification wall that has various gateways. 

3.       Agra Fort: The fort was once the erstwhile residence of the Mughals until the year 1638. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and lies at a distance of 2.5 kilometers from another wonder of the modern world - The Famous Taj Mahal. You can also get a splendid view of the Taj Mahal from the Agra Fort. 

4.       Mehtab Bagh: Mughal gardens and one of the most scenic spots in Agra. The splendid Mehtab Bagh has four sandstone towers, one each at the corner with a huge octagonal tank right in the center. It is believed that Shah Jahan especially got the bagh designed for his personal interests so he could come up here and admire the infinite beauty of his favorite piece of art. Mehtabh Bagh is now a horticulture delight with scores of vibrantly blooming floral plants and medicinal herbs, besides the umpteen fruit trees, which add to the beauty of the park.

Trip tips 

1.       In the Taj Mahal, you cannot bring snacks.

2.       Get entry tickets early to save your time.

3.       Choose your gate wisely to enter the Taj Mahal.

4.       Be flexible while visiting with kids.

Accommodation 

1.       Shanti Lodge: Shanti Lodge is a small guest house, just a few minutes’ walk from the Taj Mahal. Small, clean rooms with old furniture. 

2.       Hotel Shyam Palace: The hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk away from the western gate of the Taj Mahal. The hotel provides the best quality of service and a pleasant stay. 

3.       Lucky Restaurant & Guest House: It is in the middle of Tajganj. In addition to nice rooms, the hotel boasts good restaurants and a great rooftop view. 

4.       Wyndham Grand Hotel: The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, wonderful landscaped gardens, and fountains. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, though the furniture in some rooms is not new. There is also a spa for guests.

 Food @ Place 

Whether you love the spicy chaats or you have a sweet tooth, Agra never ceases to fascinate. Petha, a soft candy made from ash gourd is almost synonymous with Agra's cuisine and is a specialty that you just cannot miss. There are various new flavors and innovative presentations of this ever-popular sweet dish from Agra. Panchi petha is the most popular shop in Agra, and there are so many of these that you won't even have to think about where to get it from. The cuisine of the town also offers countless North-Indian and Punjabi relishes with a distinct influence of Mughlai cuisine.