Agra: The Taj City
Agra is also called the city of Love because the structure symbolizes one of the greatest love stories of medieval India, Taj Mahal, stands tall here. Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is a famous tourist spot and is best known for Taj Mahal designated a UNSECO World Heritage site in 1983. It is a sneak peek into the architectural history and legacy of Mughal Empire.
Getting to and from Agra
Agra is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi and many other Indian cities.
Train: Agra is very easy to reach by train – but be aware that Agra has several train stations so do check which yours comes into and leaves from. Agra Cantt (Cantonment) is the largest with the majority of trains arriving into and out of. To or from Delhi, the best train to get is the 12050 / 12049 Gatimaan Express – currently one of India’s fastest trains – which runs between Hazrat Nizamuddin in South Delhi to Agra Cantonment.
Tourist places in and around Agra:
Taj Mahal
Facts of Taj Mahal:
- Taj Mahal is named after Shah Jahan’s Favourite wife- Mumtaz Mahal.
- Precious stones were imported from outside India.
- Taj Mahal appears in varying shapes throughout the day.
- There was almost the Black Mahal as well.
- Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- It has Islamic calligraphy inscriptions all over.
- The pillars were constructed to fall outwards in case of collapse to prevent them from falling on the tomb.
- Nearly 8 million visitors come every year.
Open: Every day except Friday.
Timings: Morning 6 am to 6:30 pm everyday
Night time views 8:30pm to 12:30 am ( 5 days a month, full moon night two days before full moon and two days after full moon).
Entry fee:
Indian Rs 50
Foreigners: Rs 1300
Best time to visit: Best time to visit Agra is from October to March when the weather is favorable.
Agra Fort: Red fort
Monuments within the Fort:
Jahangiri Mahal:
Khas Mahal:
Time: Open from sunrise to sunset.
Fatehpur Sikri:
Entry fee:
Indian Rs 50
Foreigners: Rs 550
Best time to visit October to March
Open: Every day from 6 am to 6 pm
Monuments within the Fatehpur Sikri:
Diwan-I Khas :
Diwan-I-Aam :
Palace of Jodha Bai
Buland Darwaza:
Jama Masjid ( Friday Mosque)
Tomb of Salim Chisti
Must Know Before You Visit Agra
- Stay longer than a day.
- Pre-book your Agra accommodation.
- Negotiate with rickshaw drivers.
- Check the weather and dress accordingly
- Ignore people who approach.
- Agra is not the best place for souvenir shopping
- Do enjoy the amazing local food.
- Factor in some down time.
- Buy your monument tickets in advance, online.