Tourism in Agra: Things to do in Agra

Wish to realize a dream vacation? Welcome to the amazing tourism city of the TajMahal - Agra, India. The seat of the great Mughal rulers for ages Agra, India offers its treasure trove for all the tourists from India and abroad. Even though Agra, India is synonymous with the Taj, the city stands in testimony to the great amount of architectural activity of the Mughals. TajMahal is the epitome of love, poem in white marble, one of the Seven Wonders of the World besides being the pride of India. In fact all the monuments of Agra, India have contributed to Agra Tourism. Terrific Agra Packages from us will ensure you plan your Agra Travel soon. Delhi to Agra to Jaipur make the famous Golden Triangle tour of India.

History

History of Agra is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the history of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich history of Agra. Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort; Jahangir beautified it with palaces and gardens. Shahjahan marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj. The post-Mughal era's history of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city.

Best Time to Visit Agra

The timeless city of Mughal Splendor and one of the most important seats of empires and kingdoms, Agra has a plain, dusty geography combined with extreme weathers having sharp contrasts. The season-wise break up of Agra can be stated as follows

The Summer Season: The summer season in Agra stretches from April to July and is associated with searing heat, accompanied by hot, blowing winds. This is the least favorable time to visit Agra as the exhausting heat may take away all the pleasure of travel. However, due to thin crowd, the rates of the hotels as well as restaurants are at their lowest and there are good, bargain-able deals available at most of the places. If you must visit Agra during this time, wear light cotton clothes and don’t forget to wear sunglasses and sunscreen. Moreover, always carry a water bottle with you.

The Monsoon Season: August to October is the monsoon season in Agra. Although the rainy season brings with it a new freshness and the temperature lowers down significantly, clogged and slushy roads can dampen some spirit. But it is also one of the best times to see the magnificent Taj Mahal in all its washed glory. Enjoy the famous bazaar shopping, revel the amazing rickshaw ride and savor the sweet, hot chai from one of the many stalls. To best enjoy the monsoon season, always carry an umbrella or a raincoat and keep your spirits high.

The Winter Season: The Winter season in Agra begins in October and extends roughly till March. This is said to be the best time to visit this historical city. Pleasant weather and cool breezes make sightseeing a memorable experience. Explore the wonderful heritage and admire timeless monuments at your leisure. However, this is also the peak tourist season and the prices for hotels and restaurants skyrocket. The month of January witness Chilly weather and one must carry ample warm clothes to stay protected. Nevertheless, the charm of enjoying a hot cup of tea in some shack with the backdrop of exquisite history and heritage is amazing and without any parallel. Also know best time to Visit Taj Mahal .

How to Reach Agra

By Air

BY AIR -

Agra’s Kheria Airport is located at a distance of 12.5 kilometers from the city center. The airport is a seasonal commercial airport which serve only Air India flights from New Delhi. It normally takes an hour to reach Agra from New Delhi by air. Taxis are easily available and will take you to your hotel or any other tourist destination you want to reach.

By Train

BY RAIL -

The beautiful, historical city of Agra is easily accessible by road and has four main railway stations-the Agra Cantonment, Agra Fort, Idgah Agra junction and Raja ki Mandi. The stations are well connected to major cities and tourist locations in India. Moreover, some superfast trains are also available that connect Agra to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Taxis, cabs and rickshaws are easily available to carry travelers to their destinations.

By Road

BY ROAD -

Agra can be conveniently accessed by bus from all the major cities and locations of India like Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur and Gwalior etc. Agra city has two major bus terminals-The Idgah Bus Stand and the Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT). You can also opt for self-drive or rent a cab.

Tourist Attractions in Agra

Taj Mahal: Tourism Spot in Agra

The most famous of the monuments of Agra, India is the TajMahal. TajMahal is a symbol of the devotion and dedication of love. TajMahal of Agra is a monument built by emperor Shah Jahan In the memory of her wife Mumtaz Mahal. TajMahal expresses the magnificence of Mughal architecture. The Taj has done wonders to Agra Tourism. Taj is a must in each one of the Agra packages offered by us. Agra to Jaipur is an interesting package option.

Agra Fort: Tourism Spot in Agra

Besides the TajMahal amongst the other famous monuments of Agra, India is the Agra Fort. Agra fort was built by Emperor Akbar. He was undoubtedly the Greatest Mughal emperor of India. The construction of Agra fort commenced in the 1565 and completed in 1571. Built with red sandstone Agra Fort is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. Agra Tourism would be incomplete without this monument. Most of the Agra packages offered by us take you to the Agra Fort. Agra to Jaipur is the usual choice in pacakges.

Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: Tourism Spot in Agra

It is a tomb built with white marble in the typical Islamic style architecture. It was built by the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan in the memory of her father Itmad-ud-Daulah. It happens to be one of the must visit monuments of Agra. This monument of Agra is usually included in all the Agra packages. Travel from Agra to Jaipur is usually taken up by many tourists.

Akbar's Tomb: Tourism Spot in Agra

The tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar is worth visiting. Akbar's tomb is a mixture of many architectural styles and completely different from earlier Mughal Buildings. Visit to this monuments of Agra is esential to make your Agra tour complete. Visit to this monument is generally a part of the Agra packages

Fatehpur Sikri: Tourism Spot near Agra

Famously known as the city of Ghosts, it was built by the Great Mughal Emperor. Fatehpur Sikri is a place worth visiting to discover how once the city could have been which has now turned into ruins. many a Agra packages include a trip to Fatehpur Sikri also.

Shopping in Agra

The seat of the Mughal power in India, Agra has ethereal charms as a heritage city where history, traditions, colors and a unique energy can be experienced seeping out though its corners.

One of the most visited tourist destinations in India, Agra is also known for its flourishing bazars (markets) where the true cosmopolitan character of the city comes out in all its dimensions. With Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort already in the list of to do things in Agra, the charms of Agra bazar is something unique, which cannot be missed.

There are variety of options for which one can shop for in Agra. Besides the miniature Taj as souvenirs, which are the obvious favorites, tourists can purchase stone handicrafts, apparels, shoes, spices, marble work, snacks, ethnic clothes, leather products etc. Some of the best places for doing shopping in Agra are listed below:

Unique Arts and Crafts

This is a wholesale shop selling items such as different Taj Souvenirs, products with elaborate carvings, products with mosaic and mirror work etc. The shop has items with diverse price range and one can shop away articles from small curios to as large as garden furniture.

Subhash Emporium

An old and venerable shop, the Subhash Emporium is one of the best places in Agra to buy stone handicrafts and other carved products. The quality of the products and the workmanship speaks for itself and this also partially explains the high price of the items. But this is a great place to take away an endurable and beautiful stone product back home.

Kinari Bazaar

Located behind the Jama Masjid, the Kinari Bazar is a busy thoroughfare of lanes and streets, exuding a charm of bright colors and hustling sounds. Walking through the Kinari Bazar is a unique experience in itself. One can shop for a variety of products. From marble works to jewelry, spices, fabrics and clothing, there are tremendously diverse options. The market is crowded for most of the time, but nevertheless is a great place to be.

Sadar Bazaar

This is probably the best place to do shopping in Agra. Located close to both Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, the market is famous for leather products, petha (sweets), garments and handicrafts. Sadar Bazar is also close to the Agra Cantt. Railway Station and opens at 11 AM in the morning and closes at 11 PM.