Welcome to Agra, a city steeped in history and resplendent with architectural wonders. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, India, Agra is renowned for its iconic masterpiece, the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. As you explore this captivating city, you can easily book a taxi in Agra to conveniently visit its architectural marvels, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the beautiful tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah.
Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Agra by visiting the Mughal Museum and embarking on a heritage walk in the old city. Indulge in the vibrant marketplaces, savor the delectable Mughlai cuisine, and witness mesmerizing dance and music performances. Agra promises an unforgettable experience, blending history, culture, and the timeless beauty of its architectural treasures. Book a taxi in Agra and immerse yourself in the wonders of this captivating city.
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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. Apart from visiting the famous places in Agra, you can also engage in exciting activities to see the city like a local with Savaari’s Agra car rental service.
- Join the Agra Cuisine Tour and experience the local 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.
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
- How to Reach – The distance from Cantt. To Taj Mahal is 9.5 km. You can take a local Tonga, auto, electric bus, state bus, or book a Agra cab to reach.
- Timings – 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
- Entry Fee – INR 50 (15+ years), INR200 for the mausoleum, children below 15 years: Free
- Time Required – 2-3 Hours
- You can plan to spend an entire day in & around the Taj Mahal. There are plenty of things and activities that you can do like watching the sunset, shopping, try our local cuisine.
Agra Fort or Red Fort Agra
- How to Reach – The Agra Fort to Taj Mahal distance is only 2.5KM. So, you can easily take one auto or cab and visit both in the same trip.
- Timings – Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fee – Agra Fort Ticket for adults: INR 40, children below 15 years: Free
- Time Required – 2-3 Hours
Mehtab Bagh
- How to Reach – The garden is located at 7-8KM from the Taj Mahal. You can take a local auto, tonga, or book a cab to reach.
- Timings – 6 AM-6 PM
- Entry Fee – INR 30
- Time Required – 1-2 Hours
Akbar’s Tomb
- How to Reach – It is an hour’s drive to the memorial from the Taj Mahal. You can easily take a local bus or auto or book a cab to travel.
- Timings – Sunrise to Sunset (Closed on Fridays)
- Entry Fee – INR 30, children below 15 years: Free
- Time Required – 1-2Hours
Sheesh Mahal
- How to Reach – The palace is located inside Agra Fort. So you can combine this with your trip to the Fort.
- Timings – 8 AM- 6 PM
- Entry Fee – Free, for light & sound show: INR 70(regular), INR 40 (students)
- Time Required – 1-2 Hours
Places to visit nearby
Attractions here also go beyond the famous monuments and structures within the city. Include these interesting destinations in your sightseeing list.
Dolphin Water Park
- How to Reach – The theme park is located at 15KM from the city center. You can book a cab or rent a local car for the day to travel and return.
- Timings – 11.30 AM – 6 PM
- Entry Fee – Adults (above 4 ft.) – INR 550, Kids (below 4 ft) – INR 400
- Time Required – 3-4 Hours
Dayal Bagh Temple
- How to Reach – The temple is located at 10KM from Cantt. You can book a cab to travel and return. Local buses are also available.
- Timings– 4 AM-7 PM
- Entry Fee – Free
- Time Required – 1-2 Hours
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
- How to Reach – The avian reserve is located at 56 km from the city. You can book a cab for the day to travel and return.
- Timings – 8 AM-5 PM
- Entry Fee – INR 50, for the camera: INR 200
- Time Required – 3-4 Hours
Fatehpur Sikri
- How to Reach – The historical site is located at 40KM from the city. You can book a cab or rent a car for the day to travel and return.
- Timings – Sunrise to Sunset, Museum: 9 AM-5 PM
- Entry Fee – INR 510
- Time Required – 1 Day
Dolphin Water Park
- How to Reach – The theme park is located at 15KM from city center. You can book a cab or rent a local car for the day to travel and return.
- Timings – 11:30 AM – 6 PM
- Entry Fee – Adults (above 4 ft.) – INR 550, Kids (below 4 ft) – INR 400
- Time Required – 3-4 Hours
Best restaurants in Agra
The city is known for its rich food heritage. Most restaurants here 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
How to Plan a Trip to Agra
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 Delhi to Agra Taxi 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 12.5 km 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.
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 the monsoon, between September and November, but always check the weather forecast to avoid heavy rains.
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’s history is dates backs to the 16th century 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 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 in the world. It is this glory of its art, architecture, tradition, and history that the city is famous for.
Hidden Facts
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 as 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.
[Also Read: A historical account of the city of Agra]
Places to stay in Agra
Hotels and resorts here are some of the best in the country. You can visit any online travel portal for the best deals on your 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
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Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by aditya
