Agra is the city of Taj Mahal, in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, 200 kms away from Delhi. It was the capital city during the Mughal Empire and have witnessed the rise and fall of empire.
It is home to One of the seven wonders of the world, The Taj Mahal. Love, Art and architecture of this city mesmerizes every traveler who visit the city. The City is the highlight of all the India tours, particularly on the famous Golden Triangle tour linking Delhi, Agra, Jaipur.
HOW TO ARRIVE AGRA
BY ROAD: It is located southeast from Delhi, Yamuna express way connects the 200 km distance from Delhi to Agra.
From Jaipur it is 240 kms North west takes 5 hours to reach.
BY TRAIN: The main railway station is Agra fort.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AGRA
From September to March is the best time to visit Agra.
PLACES TO VISIT IN AGRA
TAJ MAHAL TRAVEL GUIDE
Taj Mahal is Located in the Taj ganj area of the city, standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna and in gorgeous Mughal garden. A UNESCO World heritage site and One of the seven wonders of the world, it is the star attraction of Agra. Constructed between 1631 and 1654, is the tomb of Mumtaj Mahal- the wife of 5th Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It is renowned as the eternal monument of Love and is high on the list of must see for most visitors to India.
Made out of marble and took 22 years by 20,000 workers to complete. Every year 8 million people visit this beautiful monument to appreciate the hard work and feel the love in their heart. Words, pictures and videos cannot do justice to this incredible monument, it has to be seen from own eyes.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TAJ MAHAL
It’s well worth the effort to get up early and spend the sunrise there. Monument can be visited any time of the year its beautiful all the time but September to march is the best.
TIMINGS
Everyday opens Sunrise 06. A.m. to Sunset 07 p.m. every day EXCEPT FRIDAY’S when it is closed for prayer.
It also opens during the full moon from 08.30 p.m. until 12.30 a.m. for night viewing experience.
TICKET PRICE
Foreigners Rs 1100 includes shoe covers, bottle of water, bus or golf cart service
TRAVEL TIPS
Be prepared surrounded by hundreds of people inside the Taj Mahal.
Be prepared to encounter beggars, hawkers and touts. No eye contact, just ignore them and keep walking.
No food allowed inside the Taj Mahal
Leave your valuables in the hotel
Only small bag is allowed containing essential items like Cell phone, camera and a bottle of water
You can’t bring Cigarate, tobacco, lighter, phone charger, headphones, ipad, torch, knive and camera tripod.
To get the best experience we recommend to book a guided tour with a reputed tour company
AGRA FORT TRAVEL GUIDE
Agra fort is located 2 kilometers from the west gate of Taj Mahal. It was the first monument in India to be declared UNESCO world heritage site in 1982 and one of the most visited places in Agra after Taj Mahal. Spread over an area of 94 acres, it was built by Akbar between 1565 to 1573 and was home to four generation of Mughal emperors. It showcases the strength, power, wealth and might of Mughal empire. The architecture is the fusion of Islamic and Hindu architecture.
TIMINGS
The fort is open daily from Sunrise to Sunset.
The entrance fees are Rs 50 for Indian nationals and Rs 650 for foreign nationals
PLACES TO VISIT IN AGRA FORT
Jahangir palace, Diwan-I-Khas (Hall of private audience). Khas mahal, Sheesh mahal (From Outside), Diwan-I – Aam hall of public audience, Mussaman Burj Octangonal tower
ITMAD ULLAH TRAVEL GUIDE
Often described as Jewel box or the baby taj is a Mughal mausoleum. This is the first tomb in India made entirely of marble and the beauty is a treat to the eyes. The tomb was built between 1622 and 1628 and it is the testimony of a transition between the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture which was mostly with Red Sand stone with marble decoration to White marble with pietra dura and precious- semi precious stones. The mausoleum was constructed by Nur Jahan for her Father Ghiyas Beg.
Tickets Rs 20 For Indians and Rs 250 for foreigners. Opens every day from 06.00 a.m to 05.30 p.m.
MEHTABH GARDEN TRAVEL GUIDE
Lies north of the Taj Mahal complex on the opposite side of the river Yamuna. This beautiful square shape garden perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal. It’s like a peaceful oasis the perfect escape from the busy streets of Agra.
Tickets Rs 15 For Indians and Rs 250 for foreigners. Opens every day from 06.00 a.m to 06.00 p.m.
AKBAR MAUSOLEUM TRAVEL GUIDE
Located in the suburbs of Agra is an important Mughal architecture masterpiece Akbar himself commenced the construction. This is outstanding sandstone and marble tomb.
Tickets Rs 20 For Indians and Rs 250 for foreigners. Opens every day from 06.00 a.m to 05.30 p.m.
BEAR RESCUE FACILITY
Bear rescue facility is Home to 200 sloth bears and the largest facility in the world. Established in 2002 by wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh forest department.
Please check their website for more information
ELEPHANT CONSERVATION AND CARE CENTER
India’s first and only Elephant conservation and care center. It’s home to over 30 rescued elephants and is a living, breathing conservation education platform to change public perception to support elephant conservation.
Please check their website for more information
WHERE TO STAY IN AGRA
Taj Ganj is the preferred area for backpackers. One can easily find good budget hotels, modern and upmarket accommodation along Fatehabad road. Good range of Luxury to the budget and 03 star, 04 star, 05 star hotels are available for your comfortable stay.
WHAT TO EAT
Agra is home of Mughlai cuisine renowned for its rich cream and curd based preparations accompanied by naan and tandoori bread made in earthen oven.
Don’t miss to taste Petha (Crystalized pumpkin) the local specialty of Agra