The Ultimate Glossary of Terms About Travel to Agra

 

To make the most of your time here, enjoy your stay, and find the finest of Agra beyond the Taj (and crowds!) check out my Agra travel guide. Most travelers to India don't need an introduction to Agra, but there is plenty to see beyond the Taj.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Agra

The Elegant Beauty of the Taj 

The star of the show in Agra is undeniable. Constructed by the esteemed Indian poet Tagore in the middle of the 17th century as a memorial to his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is known as a "teardrop on the cheek of time." With its magnificent dome, four delicate minarets, and exquisite marble tomb, it is regarded as one of the wonders of the world.

 An Enticing Collection of Mughal Tombs and Forts

The Mughals established Agra as their capital, and the city's historical attractions extend much beyond the Taj Mahal. The Mughals governed northern India until the British came in the late 18th century. Aside from the Taj Mahal, other notable sites include the Red Fort, which is also included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tomb of Akbar the Great, and the abandoned city at Fatehpur Sikri.

 Wildlife Attractions Within Easy Reach

There are lots of picturesque getaways outside of town to discover if you've had enough of old buildings. Situated a few kilometers southeast, the 1890s Chambal Safari Lodge has fantastic chances for observing animals. Westward lies the world-famous bird-watching destination, Keoladeo National Park.

 Search For Remembrance At Bustling Markets

When you return to Agra, shoppers will appreciate the range of vibrant markets in the city. At Kinari market, you may haggle for gold and silver jewelry, eat street food purchase handcrafted goods at Sadar bazaar, and score deals on footwear at Raja Ki Mandi.

 Fabulous Mughal-Influenced North Indian Cuisine

Mughal cuisine is one of India's most famous exports, and Agra is one of the best places to experience it in all its glory. Whether you need a filling biryani, a spicy lamb Rogan Josh, or a slow-cooked Nihari beef curry, Agra's street food vendors and fine restaurants will oblige.

What To Do In Agra

 Taj Mahal: A Monument Of Love

The Taj Mahal still houses the final examples of Mughal architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site receives between seven and eight million tourists annually. Her exteriors are so grand and imperious that nobody would ever assume, upon first glance, that the ivory-marble front is, in fact, a mausoleum. The magnificent tomb, constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and has a mosque and a guest house attached. Immaculate walkways and verdant gardens border the exteriors.

 Agra Fort: An Ancient Stronghold

Agra Fort, with its semicircular layout and 380,000 square feet, is a unique example of Indian architecture and history. It also has the characteristic red 'terra' appearance of a sandstone structure. Rumor has it that one of its towers—with a view of the Taj Mahal, naturally—is where the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan passed away. In addition to its expansive dimensions, the Agra Fort boasts amazing features like the Diwan-i-am, the towering Delhi Gate, and exquisite embellishments on its lofty columns that will enthrall you for the entire day.

 Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: The Baby Taj

An earlier version of Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb existed before the Taj Mahal. This well-known mausoleum, like its heir, is a sumptuous remnant of Mughal architecture, with a stately edifice at its center and well-kept gardens all around. It is frequently referred to as the "jewel box" despite its small size. Walk across to the gate for a private glimpse of the mausoleum, or ascend the stairs to the top of its domed minarets. This is not only a place to rest, as you will see from the intricate carvings and embellishments on the outside walls.

 An Emperor's Touch

Naturally, a tour of the Mughal era in India would not be complete without a stop at the tomb of the renowned emperor Akbar. Thanks to his son Jahangir, the famed emperor now lies in tranquility beneath a cenotaph; yet, the tomb and edifice are rich in legends of grandeur, strife, and religious symbols. Eventually, British Lord Curzon restored it. The exquisite exterior of the magnificent Circumferential Gallery, which guards Akbar's grave, the exquisitely detailed inlay panels on the southern gate, and the scripture written in calligraphic hand over the doorways all serve as reminders of a bygone but enduring era and style.

Where To Eat In Agra

You can sample authentic Mughal food in Agra. Mughal cuisine has been exported all over the world in the form of biryanis and rogan josh curries. See the excellent curry houses near the Taj Mahal, in the heart of the town, and Tajganj at Pinch of Spice and Pind Balluchi; Joney's Place. Make sure you schedule some time to try the street cuisine in the city. You can find sellers selling chaat (savory snacks) all across the city. From ₹50 for street food to ₹1,000 in fancy restaurants, meals are typically extremely reasonably priced.

When To Visit Agra

November through March are usually the ideal months to visit Agra because of the dry weather and generally comfortable temperatures throughout this time. After April, there is a noticeable increase in warmth and humidity, making the summer months somewhat uncomfortable for many visitors. But October is when things start to cool off, so if you want to escape the busiest month of the year it's a fantastic time to travel.

How To Get To Agra

Plane

Agra's main airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (DEL), where most tourists arrive by air. The train to Agra (2 hours 55 minutes, between ₹450 and ₹1,200) can be taken from there via metro to New Delhi Railway Station.

Train

Agra is easily accessible by train from practically all major cities in India because of the country's first-rate rail infrastructure. New Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai take about three hours, eight hours, and three hours, respectively, to reach. Agra's Cantt station is where most trains stop. Auto rickshaws cost ₹50, while taxis to hotels in the city center will cost approximately ₹150

Car

The airport in New Delhi has automobile rental agencies including Autoriders and Europcar in the vicinity. The best route from there is to head south on Highway 48, then at Panchgaon, turn left onto the Kundli Manesar Palwal Expressway. At Palwal, you'll change to Highway 19, which will take you directly to Agra.

Bus

The state of Rajasthan operates RSRTC buses to places inside the province, such as Jaipur. Additionally, daily buses connect Delhi with Agra (trip duration 4-5 hours, cost ₹300). The majority of buses stop at the Idgah Bus Stand in the southern part of the city; a cab ride to hotels in the city center would run you about ₹100.

Where To Stay In Agra

Dharampuri

Since the Taj Mahal is located in Dharmapuri, which is a few kilometers northeast of the center of contemporary Agra, most tourists start their journey there. The Taj is undoubtedly the main attraction, but don't miss seeing the acres and acres of breathtaking lakes, walkways, and gardens in Dharmapuri.

Popular Neighborhoods In Agra

Subhash Bazar

The remaining significant historical sites in Agra are often located in Subhash Bazar, which is a mile or two west of the Taj Mahal. The amazing Red Fort, the Delhi Gate, and the 17th-century Moti Masjid mosque are all Mughal masterpieces—and should not be missed.

Tajganj

Tajganj is located directly south of Dharmapuri. The majority of the city's upscale hotels are located in this affluent area, which also has a vast array of eateries featuring food with European and North Indian influences. It's the ideal starting point for seeing all of the historical attractions in the city.

Stay Safe While Travelling

• Never leave valuables or cash in your hotel room. Verify the accuracy of every bill from the restaurant, hotel, and lounge.

• Never give someone cash up front, not even cab drivers.

• Watch out for pickpockets.

• If you decide to purchase anything, beware that most items are cheap replicas of original items and not likely to last long. The toys are poorly put together so do not buy them!

• During the winter season, the weather in Agra is unpredictable and the temperature may go as low as freezing; be well prepared.

• Some unscrupulous dealers of carpets use the classic 'bait and switch'. If you buy something, insist on carrying it yourself else what arrives in the post might not be what you bargained for.