Explore the Majestic Heritage of the City of Love
Like every other city in India, Agra too boasts a rich cultural heritage of India. It’s not just the home of the Taj Mahal, a symbol of immortal love, but other monuments of architectural brilliance such as Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort. The modern Agra was founded by one of the rulers of the Lodi dynasty Sikandar Lodi in the 16th century.
Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra is only 230 km far from Delhi—the capital of India. The tranquil scene of the Yamuna River adds a unique charm to the city as it offers picturesque views of the city to tourists. Every year, millions of people throng here to catch a glimpse of the historical marvels of the city.
However, without an Agra travel guide, it is impossible to get the most out of Agra. Travelers who visit Agra from other countries have a single goal—to catch a glimpse of one of the Seven Wonders of the World—the Taj Mahal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly an architectural masterpiece that is the epitome of love. However, you can also visit other monuments when you are in Agra.
Agra is constantly evolving into a commercial and industrial center that offers travelers a unique experience of the city. Whether you have a deep interest in knowing about Indian culture or a regular tourist, Agra has much more to offer to you.
Top Attractions in Agra
A few worth-seeing attractions in Agra are as follows: -
Taj Mahal
For some, the Taj Mahal is among the 7 wonders of the world, a beauty to behold, and an epitome of the immortal love of Shahjahan towards his wife Mumtaz Mahal. But, the Taj Mahal is much more than this. This monument surprises every globetrotter with its different shades—pinkish in the morning, milky white when the sun sets, and golden-hued in the night. It is a spectacular monument beyond comparison which will remain in your memory forever. The visitors who see the Taj are short of words and can’t express their excitement after seeing it. An Agra tour is incomplete if you don’t visit the Taj Mahal.
- When to Visit: - October to March are the best months to visit the Taj Mahal as there are lighter crowds and pleasant weather.
- What to Expect: - The world-famous ivory-white Taj Mahal for its spellbinding beauty.
- What to Avoid: - Eating and smoking inside Taj, using drones, taking photos, etc.
Agra Fort
Another architectural marvel of Agra is the Agra Fort which is approximately 2.5 kilometers away from the Taj Mahal. Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, Qila-i-Akbari, and Fort Rouge, this fort was built by the Mughal ruler Akbar in the year 1573. Made with red sandstone, this edifice is a symbol of resilience, strength, and power. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses other structures such as Diwan-i-Aam, Jahangiri Mahal, Moti Masjid, etc.
- When to visit: - October to March is the ideal time to visit Agra Fort as the weather is quite pleasant during this time.
- What to expect: - Unique mixture of different architectural styles, stunning palaces, beautifully carved arches and pillars.
- What to Avoid: - Eating or smoking, damaging the surfaces of the monument, disrespecting the historical significance of the monument.
Itmad-Ud-Daula
This is the first tomb in the country which is made up of white marble. It is a tribute to Itmad-Ud-Daula who was the father of Nur Jahan. Also known as ‘baby Taj’ due to its close resemblance to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort lies on the banks of the Yamuna River. It showcases the perfect amalgamation of Indo-Islamic architecture which features octagonal-shaped towers and arched entrances.
- When to Visit: - November to March is the best time to visit this tomb as the weather is pleasant and cool during these months.
- What to Expect: - Delicate carvings, scenic gardens, tranquil environment.
- What to Avoid: - Littering, touching intricate carvings, being overly loud.
Akbar Tomb
The tomb of Akbar is another place of historical importance in Agra. It is an architectural marvel that is located in Sikandra, approx. 13 kms away from the Agra Fort. The tomb is made of white marble and sandstone and was surrounded by a beautiful garden designed by the Mughal ruler Akbar himself. He also oversaw its construction work till his death.
- When to Visit: - The best time to visit this tomb is early morning and late afternoon.
- What to Expect: - Courtyard with gardens, walls adorned with floral patterns, geometric shapes, and calligraphic designs.
- What to Avoid: - Wearing inappropriate clothing, wearing shoes while entering the mausoleum.
Fatehpur Sikri
Built by Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was constructed in the 16th century. It is situated approx. 37 km away from Agra. The city remained the capital of the Mughal dynasty for 14 years. However, due to water scarcity and regional instability, the emperor shifted his capital to Agra again. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is among the most popular destinations in Agra.
- When to Visit: - The ideal time to visit Fatehpur Sikri is between November to March as the weather in Agra is pleasant during this time.
- What to Expect: - Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Buland Darwaza.
- What to Avoid: - Engaging with touts, street vendors, and fake guides.
Mehtab Bagh
Constructed by the Mughal Ruler Shahjahan in the 17th century, Mehtab Bagh is a beautiful garden situated on the bank of the Yamuna River. It offers a backdrop to capture beautiful photos when you are here. It is an ideal tourist spot for those who are fed up with the bustling life of the cities and looking for a serene environment to relax. The design of this garden is much akin to the Mughal Garden due to the existence of fountains, lush greenery, and rectangular pools.
- When to Visit: - October to March is the best time to visit it as the temperature is good during these months.
- What to Expect: - Lush greenery, beautiful walkways, variety of plant species.
- What to Avoid: - Midday visits, disrespectful behavior, large crowds.
Best Time to Visit Agra
There is no fixed time to visit Agra as you can visit it throughout the year. However, the best time to go for an Agra tour is between November to February. The weather is pleasant and cool during this time as the normal temperature is between 8°C to 22°C. Due to the good weather, the tourists can easily explore the city without any difficulty. Besides, the sky is clear during this time which provides you with a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal and other architectural marvels of the city.
If you are unable to plan your Agra tour in winter, you can consider visiting this city during the monsoon time i.e. July to September. With occasional rainfall, it is also a good time to visit Agra as the city is less crowded during this time.
The summer season is not the right time to visit Agra. It is very hot during this time as the temperature may rise to 45 degrees. This makes it impossible for anyone to explore the city. Monuments in Agra get too hot during the day in the summer season which makes it uncomfortable for you to visit them. Thus, you must plan your Agra tour only during the monsoon and winter season so that you can explore the city without any difficulty.
Where to Stay in Agra?
Agra offers the best accommodation facilities to the visitors. Most of the hotels are close to the Taj Mahal. This provides great convenience to the visitors as they can easily reach the Taj Mahal on their feet. Apart from innumerable luxury hotels, the city has a variety of budget hotels for tourists. Thus, the hotels in Agra suit the needs of every tourist. The rooms at the hotels have nice décor and all kinds of facilities that the tourists yearn for. Most hotels are located close to the business hub which makes it easy for the tourists to travel to the business centers without any difficulty.
How to Get Around Agra?
Here are some of the ways to reach Agra: -
Auto Rickshaw
The public transportation system in Agra is good. One of the popular transport modes in Agra is auto-rickshaws. These 3-wheeled vehicles are bright in color and are open from both sides. This transport medium is perfect if you want to go to the nearby places in the city. However, you must negotiate the fare before hiring an auto rickshaw. Also, don’t forget to carry small change to pay the fare.
Cycle Rickshaws
If you want to explore the crowded areas of Agra, the best would be to hire a cycle rickshaw for this purpose. You can easily find them in crowded markets and tourist attractions. Make sure to negotiate the fare before hiring these rickshaws. They offer you a slow-paced ride and take you to the narrow lanes of Agra without any trouble.
Taxis
If you want to get comfort while getting around Agra, you can opt for a taxi. They are easily available for you at the Agra Cantt railway station as well as the airport. You can also book app-based taxis such as Ola or Uber to travel within Agra.
Buses
Agra has a good local bus network that covers every single corner of the city. They are an affordable option to explore the city safely. You can catch a bus if you want to cover long distances within the city. The bus terminal is situated near Agra Fort. You can go to the ticket counters and inquire about the timings and the routes of the buses.
Rent a Car
Taking a private car for rent is another viable option during your Agra tour. Several rental agencies operating in Agra offer an extensive range of vehicles as per your requirements. You can hire a car and explore Agra at your own pace. This lets you have complete freedom and visit the worth-seeing attractions of the city easily such as Mehatab Bagh, and Fatehpur Sikri. However, make sure to possess a valid driving license before hiring a car.
What to Eat in Agra?
Agra is also popular for its food. The city offers the best food to the tourists. Many local cuisines originated in the Mughal era such as mutton seekh kabab, nihari, chicken shahi korma, Mughlai parantha, shahi tukda, etc. You can enjoy several street foods in Agra or dine at a luxury hotel as per your requirements.
Fairs and Festivals in Agra
You must also participate in the colorful fairs and festivals in Agra while you are here. They show the rich cultural heritage of the city. Whether you are an art lover or a history enthusiast, the fairs and festivals of Agra are for everyone. Some of them are as follows: -
Taj Mahotsav
One of the most popular festivals in Agra is Taj Mahotsav, which is celebrated in February. This is a 10-day festival that showcases a variety of dance forms, crafts, music, and art of the Agra region. This festival creates a vibrant atmosphere as the artists give captivating performances that keep the audience entertained. People from different ages participate in this festival. Kids can enjoy camel and elephant rides while the adults enjoy Mushairas—poetry recitations. Folk artists also participate in the Taj Mahotsav and perform Lavanai, Sapera, Nautanki, etc.
Kailash Fair
This festival is celebrated from August to September to remember Shiva. There is a legend attached to this festival. According to it, Shiva appeared here as a stone lingam. Since then, devotees from nearby places come here to celebrate this festival. People believe that the prayers of the devotees are granted during this time. The fair is held at Kailash Temple which is approx. 12 km away from Agra. Colorful lights and lamps adorn the street stalls that display many items such as jewelry, toys, clothes, etc.
Ram Barat
It is an immensely popular festival of Agra which celebrates the marriage of Ram with Sita. Every year, a new place is chosen as the palace of the bride i.e. Janakpuri. This place is decorated with ornaments and numerous flowers. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show and the local people are dressed up to play the character of Lord Rama as well as Laxman. This event is visited by a large number of people.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Another festival of Agra that lures tourists is the hot air balloon festival. The hot air balloon rides are for the ones who want to get a unique perspective of the city. In this festival, decorated hot air balloons from all over the world provide an unforgettable ride to the visitors. They will get to see other attractions of the city such as the river Yamuna, Agra fort, etc during the balloon ride. The sky looks extremely beautiful as different colored balloons fill the whole sky during this festival. The Balloon Festival is celebrated in November and lasts for only 5 days.
Bateshwar Fair
A large cattle fair is organized in Bateshwar where all types of animals such as elephants, horses, oxen, and goats are sold and purchased. Many tradesmen come here to sell rural items such as utensils, traditional clothes, colorful scarves, locally made furniture, cosmetics, handicrafts, etc. You can find a variety of food stalls here that offer mouthwatering delicacies. The fair starts a few days before Diwali and lasts up to 3 weeks. Different wooden and earthenware toys are also on sale at the fair. The wooden toys are available in the form of human figurines as well as animals.
Taj Literary Festival
This festival is an apt place to meet the prominent figures in literature as well as the new emerging writers. This is a great platform to showcase the talents of writers, editors, publishers, literary buffs, etc. It also offers tribute to the literary giants of the bygone era such as Soordas, Ghalib, Tansen, etc.
Tips for a Successful Agra Tour
Tourists visit Agra in large numbers to explore its places of historical importance. However, most people are unable to make the most out of their Agra tour. They are unable to manage their Agra trip due to which they are stressed. However, now you don’t need to be worried as you can do a lot to make this trip a successful affair. Here are a few important travel tips you must keep in mind before starting your Agra tour: -
Book Your Tickets Early
You must buy your tickets as soon as possible while visiting Agra. This will save much of your time and ensure a stress-free visit to Agra.
Dress Modestly
Make sure to dress appropriately while visiting the Taj Mahal and other monuments of Agra. This will show your respect for the culture of India.
Arrive Early
If you are visiting the Taj Mahal, you must reach here in the early morning. This will provide you with the best lighting conditions if you want to click the snaps of this monument.
Beware of Touts and Fake Guides
Some fake guides and touts are standing outside the Taj Mahal and other monuments. However, most of them are not registered and possess fake ID cards. Thus, it is advisable to hire a registered guide while visiting the Taj Mahal.
Stay Hydrated
If you are visiting Agra in the summer season, you must stay hydrated throughout your trip. You must always keep a water bottle with you during the entire trip.
Take Enough Time
Agra City has many monuments that are worth visiting. Thus, you must spare sufficient time so that you can visit each monument. This will help you know about the important information about a monument, such as its historical importance and other intricate details.
Take Extreme Care of Your Belongings
In the peak season, there is a huge rush of tourists in the city. Thus, you must take great care of your items while visiting the monuments of Agra. It is advisable to carry a backpack to save your items from being stolen.
Avoid Bringing Food and Inflammable Materials
Make sure not to bring food and inflammable items with you during your visit to Agra. These items are not allowed in the monument. Thus, it is best to contact your guide and know about the goods that are prohibited. If the security officials find these goods with you, they will confiscate them.
How to Reach Agra?
Reaching Agra from any city is easy as there are multiple ways to get there. Let us know about them one by one: -
By Road
Agra is well-connected to Delhi and Jaipur. If you are coming from Delhi, using the Taj Expressway is the best as it is one of the most advanced highways in the country and offers a smooth road journey to Agra. However, it is dangerous to use it in the winter season due to the dense fog on the road.
By Bus
There are two interstate bus terminals in Agra—ISBT and Idgah Bus Stand. These bus terminals are close to the Taj Mahal. Buses from each region of the country come here. So, whether you are coming from Lucknow, Delhi, Kanpur, Jaipur, or Gwalior, you can reach Agra easily by Bus.
By Train
Many trains run between Agra to other cities of the country such as Jhansi, Gwalior, Jaipur, Delhi, etc. Thus, you won’t have any difficulty whether you are coming to Agra from a small city or a big one.
By Air
Agra’s Kheria airport is a commercial airport as well as a military base. It does not connect to any place in the country. The closest airport near Agra is the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. This airport is linked with all the important Indian and foreign destinations. You can hire a taxi, cab or bus to reach here.
