Agra Tourism - Travel to Agra
Agra is a small city in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India about 200km from Delhi. It has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world because of the magnificent complexes at the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Other than these two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Agra has very little to recommend it. Pollution is rampant (both industrial, in the form of smog, and human, in the form of raw sewage and trash). There is no doubt that tourism is the major industry of the city. Tourists have to live with the touts and hawkers who swarm like bees around them at every monument, mosque, temple or palace. That said, the sites are some of the wonders of the world and no trip to India is complete without sunrise and sunset at the Taj.
| Table of contents |
See Agra
Taj Mahal
The Taj is a mausoleum constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to hold the remains of wife Mumtaz Mahal. It was built over the period 1631 to 1653 and richly deserves its status as one of the wonders of the world. Despite being one of the most photographed edifices in the world and being instantly recognisable, its physical presence is awe-inspiring. The Taj is located pretty much in the middle of town. Expect a line to get into the grounds, which include several other beautiful buildings, the reflecting pools, ornamental gardens with flowering trees and bushes, and a small gift shop. Security is tight, so leave behind any pocketknives, as well as chewing gum, cigarette, or anything that could mark the building. Plan to visit the Taj at at least two different times during the day (dusk and dawn are best) in order to experience the full effect of changing sunlight on the amazing building.Note: Cell phones are not permitted inside the main enclosure area: you have to check them in first at a booth nearby. Do this before you get into the VERY long line to get in.
Agra Fort
The fort is similar in layout to the Red Fort in Delhi. It is also constructed mainly from red sandstone and was started by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 and added to by Emperor Shah Jahan who ended up a prisoner in the fort which has a beautiful view of his masterpiece, the Taj Mahal, on a clear day.
Fatehpur Sikri
A ghost city about 40km west of Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Akhbar between 1571 and 1575 as the capital city of the Empire but was abandoned. It is well worth the trip to see the restored city with its huge entrance gate,numerous palaces, mosque and mausoleum. There are "public" and "private" sections of the city. The Lonely Planet guide is unerringly accurate about some of the experiences here. An important thing to keep in mind is that numerous "guides" will accost you as you enter the complex, trying to convince you to make use of their services. As guides, they are mediocre, and at the end of the "tour" they will try to steer you to their "shop" to buy trinkets at inflated prices. Use them if you wish, but make sure you are ready for the hard sell at the end.Important Note: If you are a foreigner, there is a pass you can buy that gives you discounted entry to all three of the above. Annoyingly, they are not sold (or at least not well advertised) at all the sites. I went to Fatehpur Sikri first, and only when I got to the Taj did I discover this.
Sleep - Agra Tourism
Eat - Travel to Agra
- Zorba The Buddha Excellent veggie food in a small, very clean, restaurant. Fruit shakes, soups, Indian dishes, and desserts all prepared in a refreshingly healthy and light manner.
Drink
Alcohol is illegal in this part of India. That said, most hotel staff will be happy to find you a warm bottle of Indian beer for around 70-100 rs.There is virtually no nightlife in Agra outside of cultural shows at some of the larger hotels and restaurants.
