Agra: A Complete Travel Guide

About Agra

One of the most historically significant cities of India, Agra is synonymous with culture, heritage, and all things royal. The erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire, the city has now evolved into becoming a modern community of travel, art, and all things contemporary, and yet, its glorious past still reflects in its vibes. All you need is an eye for detail to explore all the tourist places in Agra and experience its legacy.

What is Agra famous for?

Agra history is dates backs to the 16 thcentury, when Sultan Sikandar Lodhi established the city. Later, after Babur won the Battle of Panipat in 1526, he took over the state and made this the administrative capital of the Mughal Empire. Over five generations of the Mughal rule, the city thrived and became richer and more luxurious, with every emperor adding their sense of aesthetics to the city’s canvas, turning it into a hub of grandeur.

During the Mughal Empire, emperor Shah Jahan made the Taj Mahal, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and made it the most visited historical city of the world. It is this glory of its art, architecture, tradition, and history that the city is famous for.

Hidden Facts about Agra

The Taj Mahal is albeit one of the most popular and iconic places in Agra that everyone heads to the city for. But there are more interesting things that make this city an important historical landmark.

• The city existed much before the Delhi Sultanate, Rajputs, and the Mughals. In the Mahabharata, the mention of the place Agraben actually refers to the same location of modern-day Agra.
• The Agra Fort was originally built with bricks, by the Rajput kings, much before the Mughals came to power. It was later that Akbar renovated it using red sandstones and finally Shah Jahan reshaped it.
• Believe it or not, the Yamuna River was once called the Blue River. It was so transparent that you could see the bed and the water would appear azure.
• It is one of the two cities in India to house not one but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other one being Delhi.

Best places to visit in Agra

The city’s illustrious background, almost all monuments in Agra are like living pieces of art and they are all a must-see.

Taj Mahal

Agra Fort or Red Fort Agra

Akbar’s Tomb

Sheesh Mahal

Places to visit near Agra

Agra attractions also go beyond the famous monuments and structures within the city. Include these interesting destinations in your Agra sightseeing.

Dayal Bagh Temple

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

• How to Reach — The avian reserve is located at 56KM from the city. You can book a cab for the day to travel and return.
• Timings — 8AM-5PM
• Entry Fee — INR 50, for the camera: INR 200
• Time Required — 3–4 Hours

Fatehpur Sikhri

Best time to visit Agra

Agra weather is defined as semi-arid, with occasional humidity. The summers are hot and dry with a normal rainy season. Winters are cold and chilly with pleasant weather. So, the best time to visit Agra is between October and December, when temperatures are conducive enough to explore the outdoors and travel around. You can also visit right after monsoon, between September and November, but always check the weather forecast to avoid heavy rains.

Things to do in Agra

There’s more to Agra tourism than palaces, forts, and historical sites. Apart from visiting the famous places in Agra, you can also engage in these exciting activities to see the city like a local.

• Join the Agra Cuisine Tour and experience Agra food. The culinary tour takes you through local markets and eateries, letting you sample signature dishes and Agra’s famous food. Petha is the most famous sweet of the town and the tour includes a trip to the Panchi Petha — a legendary confectioner. You can also visit a local home and enjoy a cooking session and learn about traditional recipes.
• Visit the local tribal village of Korai, right outside the city. Home to the Kalandhar tribe, the ethnic community evolved as bear tamers and now interact and engage with the outside world. You can do a day trip around the village, learn about the people, their culture, and their occupations.
• Shop till you drop at the famous markets. Kinari Bazaar, Daresi Bazaar, and Sadar Bazaar are the best places to shop for selling ethnic fabrics, leather goods, jewellery, souvenirs, décor items, spices and condiments, and more.

How to reach Agra

By Train

There are four major railway junctions in Agra, two being at Agra Fort, and Agra Cantonment. There are frequent express trains from all major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Allahabad etc.

By Road

The city is well connected to Delhi and NCR by NH2 and Taj Expressway, among other major cities and towns in North India. There are regular state-run and private buses to from New Delhi, Mathura, Aligarh, Gwalior, and Jaipur to Agra among others. The best way to travel is to book a cab from Delhi or any nearby city/town and do a road trip through the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh.

By Flight

The nearest airport is Agra Airport, in Kheria, about 12.5KM from the city center. But there is no direct flight from all cities in India, except Gwalior and Khajuraho. For other flights, you can fly to Delhi, Jaipur, or Lucknow. From the respective airports, you can book an airport taxi to reach Agra.

Places to stay in Agra

Agra hotels and resorts are some of the bests in the country. You can visit any online travel portal for the best deals on your Agra hotel booking. Here are some of the best hotels in Agra to stay and enjoy your vacation.

• The Oberoi Amarvilas
• Hotel Clarks Shiraz
• Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Center
• ITC Mughal
• Mansingh Palace
• The Coral Court Homestay
• Crystal Sarovar Premiere
• Aaram Baagh

Best restaurants in Agra

The city is known for its rich food heritage. Most Agra restaurants serve traditional recipes, from Mughlai to pure Rajputana style vegetarian. But you will also find some of the best contemporary cafes in Agra to suit your palate.

Here are some of the most famous restaurants in Agra -

• Chat House
• Pinch of Spice
• Taj Terrace
• Deviram Sweets & Restaurant
• Good Vibes Café
• Jahanpanah
• Daawat-e-Nawab

Originally published at https://blog.savaari.com on September 2, 2021.