Tour to Agra

Rs. 3500 / Person (Minimum 4 person)

Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna river in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, about 230 kilometres (140 mi) south-east of the national capital Delhi and 330 km west of the state capital Lucknow. With a population of roughly 1.6 million, Agra is the fourth-most populous city in Uttar Pradesh and in India.

Overview of Agra

Location: Agra is located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, approximately 210 km from Delhi and 120 km from Jaipur. It lies on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Significance: Agra is famous for its Mughal architecture and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. The city attracts millions of tourists each year due to its rich history and stunning monuments.

2. Key Attractions

Taj Mahal: The most famous landmark in Agra, the Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is renowned for its exquisite architecture and intricate inlay work. A visit at sunrise or sunset offers breathtaking views.
Agra Fort: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra Fort is a massive red sandstone fort built by Emperor Akbar. The fort is home to several impressive structures, including the Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal, and the Diwan-i-Khas. The views of the Taj Mahal from the fort are stunning.
Fatehpur Sikri: Located about 40 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a former Mughal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features impressive architecture, including the Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti.
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb: Also known as the “Baby Taj,” this exquisite tomb is the final resting place of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal. It is known for its intricate marble inlay work and beautiful gardens.
Mehtab Bagh: This garden complex located across the Yamuna River offers a stunning view of the Taj Mahal, particularly at sunset. It’s a great spot for photography and relaxation.

3. Activities

Sightseeing Tours: Explore the key attractions of Agra, with guided tours that provide insights into the history and architecture of the monuments.
Cultural Experiences: Attend traditional music and dance performances that often take place in Agra, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Shopping: Agra is famous for its handicrafts, including marble inlay work, leather goods, and traditional clothing. Explore local markets to shop for souvenirs.
Culinary Experiences: Sample local delicacies such as Agra Petha (a sweet made from ash gourd), Biryani, and Chaat at local eateries.

4. Cuisine

Local Delicacies: Agra offers a variety of culinary delights. Some must-try dishes include:
- Petha: A sweet made from ash gourd, often flavored with rose water or saffron.
- Agra Biryani: A flavorful rice dish prepared with marinated meat and aromatic spices.
- Tandoori Chicken: Marinated chicken cooked in a traditional clay oven, served with naan and chutney.

5. How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Agra Airport, which has limited domestic flights. The major airport is in Delhi, approximately 210 km away, which is well-connected to international destinations.
By Train: Agra is well-connected by rail, with regular trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Agra Cantt. is the main railway station.
By Road: Agra is easily accessible by road, with good connectivity from Delhi, Jaipur, and other nearby cities. Buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available for local transportation.

6. Accommodation

Options: Agra offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Many hotels offer views of the Taj Mahal and are located close to key attractions.

7. Best Time to Visit

Seasons: The best time to visit Agra is from October to March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. Avoid the summer months (April to June) due to the extreme heat, and monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rainfall.

Conclusion

An expedition to Agra offers a fascinating journey through history, culture, and architectural brilliance. Whether you’re marveling at the beauty of the Taj Mahal, exploring the grandeur of Agra Fort, or experiencing local traditions, Agra promises an unforgettable experience.

Overview

Day 01 :

Delhi to Agra and Sightseeing

Morning:
1. Drive from Delhi to Agra (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
  - Start early from Delhi to Agra (approximately 230 km, 3-4 hour drive via Yamuna Expressway).
  - Stop for breakfast at a restaurant along the way.

Check-in:
- Arrive in Agra around 10:00 AM and check into your hotel to freshen up.

Late Morning: 2. Visit the Taj Mahal (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
- Head to the Taj Mahal, the iconic white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- Spend time admiring the stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Lunch:
- Have lunch at a nearby restaurant. You can try Peshawari, Pinch of Spice, or other popular eateries.

Afternoon: 3. Agra Fort (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
- Visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its stunning red sandstone architecture. Walk through the fort’s palaces, mosques, and halls, and enjoy views of the Taj Mahal from the fort.
1. Mehtab Bagh (Sunset Point) (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
  - Cross the Yamuna River to Mehtab Bagh, the garden located on the opposite bank of the Taj Mahal. It’s an ideal spot for photography, especially during sunset with the Taj in the background.

Evening: 5. Explore Local Markets (6:30 PM - 7:30 PM)
- Stroll through Agra’s vibrant local markets, such as Sadar Bazaar or Kinari Bazaar, for shopping and souvenirs like marble inlay work, leather goods, and handicrafts.

Dinner:
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or your hotel. You can try Dasaprakash for South Indian food or Jhankar for Mughlai cuisine.

Overnight:
- Return to your hotel and rest for the night.

Day 02 :

Additional Sightseeing and Return to Delhi

Morning:

Fatehpur Sikri (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
- After breakfast, take a short 1-hour drive to Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Mughal Empire. Explore Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, and Tomb of Salim Chishti.
- The architecture of this city is a mix of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles.

Lunch:

Return to Agra for lunch. You can try Shankar Ji or The Salt Café for a relaxed meal.

Afternoon: 2. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj) (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)

Visit the Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often referred to as the “Baby Taj,” a beautiful marble mausoleum that predates the Taj Mahal and is considered its precursor.

Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
- Visit Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra, another fine example of Mughal architecture. The tomb is set amidst beautiful gardens and features a combination of red sandstone and marble.