Fondly known as the ‘City of the Taj’, Agra is a must- visit city on any tour of India. Located 220 km from Delhi, the city provides avid glimpses of Mughal architecture. Formerly the capital of the Mughal Empire, the culture and heritage still exists in the bylanes of the city alluring tourists from far ends of the globe. The view of the Taj gives more than plenty reasons to pay a visit to Agra.
An Agra tour feels like an experience of India's Mughal period. The seat of the Mughal Empire for over 300 years, the town by the River Yamuna is one of the most historical and culturally-enriched places to visit in India. Besides, the omnipresent Mughal architecture and not to forget the heavenly Taj Mahal, Agra has a name for its fascinating tales, marble-carvings, delightful food- espcailly the mouth-watering pethas (sweets), colourful festivals, and so much more.
No matter how many times you look at the Taj Mahal you will never feel less than awe for the marvel. Built as a tribute by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal is the testimony of eternal love. The view takes your breath away. In the early morning sunshine, the hours of the setting sun and under the full-moon light, the Taj looks a beauty beyond words. Furthermore, Agra's attractions include the Red Fort, built by Emperor Akbar on the banks of the River Yamuna. The red-sandstone fortress was the seat of governance of the Mughals. Listed among the UNESCO World heritage sites, the walled city in the fort has many interesting specimens of architecture. The Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as ‘Baby Taj’ is a mausoleum built for Empress Noor Jahan's father is one of the impressive places to visit in Agra.
Moving further from the city but easily accessible are- Sikandra, the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar, and the Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal City. The once glorious city of the Mughal Empire Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned for the scarcity of water. The ghost town has a very remarkable architecture and interesting stories. Starting from the world’s hugest gate, Buland Darwaza to the spectacular structures in the walled city, the UNESCO heritage site is one of the must-visit historical places to see in India and the most visited tourist city in North India. A point of the popular Golden Triangle circuit as well as one of the best short getaways from Delhi.
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Getting to Agra By Air
Agra is accessible by air owing to the domestic airport, 5 km from the city. Flights are available from Jaipur, Khajuraho and Varanasi.
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Getting to Agra By Rail
Agra is very well connected by rail from New Delhi. The Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi Express, Taj Express, and Inter-city Express trains from Delhi take between 2 and 3 hours to reach Agra. There are also overnight trains connecting Agra with Varanasi, Bandhavgarh and Kanha. Additionally, Agra has been the favourite stop of many of the luxury trains in India.
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Getting to Agra By Road
Agra is well connected to Delhi by Yamuna Expressway. The 220 km distance can easily be covered in 3-4 hours. The Mughal city also shares well-connected roads to Jaipur to complete the most-popular tourist circuit known as the Golden Triangle.
Best Places to Stay in Agra
Howard Plaza-The Fern
Located less than 2 km from the Taj Mahal, the Howard Plaza- The Fern is a modern hotel offering a wonderful place to stay in Agra. Set right in the heart of the tourist belt of Agra, here guests traveling for both business and leisure have a good time. Rooms have modern air-conditioned rooms with en suite facilities equipped with colour televisions and mini bars. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, restaurants, bar, spa, lounge and many more.
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Grand Imperial
The Grand Imperial is the only heritage hotel in Agra. Almost 100-year old, preserving the old-world colonial charm, the property has well-furnished lodging options. Located in the heart of the city of Agra, less than 5 km from the Taj Mahal. Rooms and Suites are furnished in old colonial style, and have old photographs and mementos from the yesteryears. Leisure facilities here include a small spa, and an outdoor swimming pool.
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Taj View
Part of the Taj Group of Hotels, the Taj View is a lavish hotel less than 2 km from the Taj Mahal. Blurring the lines between business and pleasure, this is an ideal option for guests to have a good stay in Agra. The 5-star hotel has more than 100 rooms, some of which have excellent views of the Taj Mahal. The hotel offers a swimming pool and a fitness center. In addition, the Taj Gateway, has two restaurants and bars as well as business facilities.
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Trident
The 5-star hotel Trident Agra is one of the best places to stay in Agra. Only a few minutes’ walk away from the famous Taj Mahal, the hotel is built of the red-stone reminiscent of the Mughal era. Designed around the landscaped central courtyard with swimming pools and fountains, all rooms are centrally air-conditioned and equipped with modern facilities. The hotel features an informal, poolside brasserie, bar, restaurant serving an extensive buffet, and a choice of Continental and Indian cuisine.
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ITC Mughal
Close to the ‘Wonder of the World’ Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal is one of the best hotels in Agra. The 5-star luxury hotel is spread over 35-acres of manicured gardens. All rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and facilities including a state-of-the-art gym, and India's largest Spa, as well as an outdoor pool etc. Additionally, the hotel has several restaurants and bars, including Peshawari, which is considered Agra's finest Indian restaurant.
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The Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra’s most exclusive and luxurious hotel, The Oberoi Amarvilas certainly ranks among the best places to stay in Agra. Only six hundred meters from the Taj Mahal, the 5-star hotel offers exceptional views of the Taj Mahal. Recreating Mughal architecture, Amar Vilas has spectacular domes, arches, reflection pools, terraced gardens, lakes and pavilions. All rooms and suites feature a separate walk-in closet with electronic safe, colour satellite TV, DVD/CD player, minibar and a facility to make tea and coffee, marble bathrooms feature both a bathtub and a separate shower cubicle with deluxe toiletries. Some rooms have private sit-out balconies, overlooking the Taj Mahal.
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