Agra Tourism Guide
March 24, 2023
Agra is a historic city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its iconic symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The city of Agra was established in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who made it the capital of the Mughal Empire. It remained the capital until the 17th century when the capital was shifted to Delhi. During the Mughal period, Agra was known for its magnificent architecture and cultural vibrancy. It was also a center of art, music, and poetry.
Popular Tourist attractions in Agra:
1: Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
2: Agra Fort: Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort, was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning views of the Taj Mahal.
3: Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 40 km from Agra. It was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and is famous for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
4: Itmad-ud-Daula: Itmad-ud-Daula is a tomb located on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River. It is often referred to as the “Baby Taj” due to its similar design to the Taj Mahal.
5: Mehtab Bagh: Mehtab Bagh is a garden located across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. It offers a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal at sunset and is a popular spot for photographers.
6: Akbar’s Tomb: Akbar’s Tomb is located in Sikandra, about 10 km from Agra. It is the tomb of Emperor Akbar and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture.
7: Shopping: Agra is famous for its handicrafts, including marble work, leather goods, and textiles. The Sadar Bazaar and Kinari Bazaar are popular shopping destinations in Agra.
8: Food: Agra is known for its Mughlai cuisine, which includes dishes like biryani, kebabs, and curries. Some popular restaurants in Agra are Pinch of Spice, Dasaprakash, and Joney’s Place.
9: Festivals: Agra hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Taj Mahotsav, a 10-day cultural festival held in February, and the Ram Barat, a grand procession held during Dussehra.
Entrance fees for some of the popular tourist places in Agra:
1: Taj Mahal: Indian citizens: INR 50 Foreign nationals: INR 1300 Children (below 15 years): Free
2: Agra Fort: Indian citizens: INR 40 Foreign nationals: INR 600 Children (below 15 years): Free
3: Fatehpur Sikri: Indian citizens: INR 35 Foreign nationals: INR 550 Children (below 15 years): Free
4: Itmad-ud-Daula: Indian citizens: INR 20 Foreign nationals: INR 310 Children (below 15 years): Free
5: Mehtab Bagh: Indian citizens: INR 10 Foreign nationals: INR 300 Children (below 15 years): Free
Note: These fees are subject to change, and there may be additional fees for photography or videography.
How to reach Agra:
Agra is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
1: By air: The nearest airport is in Delhi, about 200 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Agra. Alternatively, Agra also has its own airport, the Kheria Airport, which is approximately 12 km from the city center. However, the number of flights to Kheria Airport is limited.
2: By train: Agra has four railway stations, with Agra Cantonment being the main station. Several express and superfast trains connect Agra to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
3: By road: Agra is well-connected to major cities in India via National Highways 19 and 44. Several state-run and private buses operate to and from Agra, connecting it to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow.
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