Agra Travel Information
Agra, located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a city steeped in history, culture, and architectural grandeur. Known primarily for the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra offers much more to explore for a first-time foreign tourist. Hereโs a comprehensive guide on what to see, where to stay, where to eat, and activities in Agra:
Taj Mahal:
The crown jewel of Agra and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is a must-visit. This stunning white marble mausoleum was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Best visited at sunrise or sunset for a magical view.
Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Fridays).
Special Note: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit. Night viewing is also available on full moon nights and two days before and after, from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM (tickets must be purchased in advance).
Agra Fort:
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Agra Fort is a massive red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. It offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal from its ramparts and has various palaces, halls, and mosques inside.
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Special Note: Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is ideal to avoid the heat and crowds.
Itimad-ud-Daulahโs Tomb (Baby Taj):
Often called the โBaby Taj,โ this beautiful tomb is considered a draft of the Taj Mahal. Itโs known for its intricate marble latticework and is a great example of Mughal architecture.
Timings: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Special Note: Less crowded than the Taj Mahal, making it a peaceful visit in the late morning or afternoon.
Mehtab Bagh:
A beautiful garden complex located opposite the Taj Mahal on the Yamuna Riverโs north bank, offering a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Special Note: Perfect for a sunset visit to see the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River
Akbarโs Tomb in Sikandra:
The final resting place of Emperor Akbar, this tomb is located in a large, serene garden and showcases a mix of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, and Jain designs.
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Special Note: A great place to visit after exploring Agra Fort, as itโs located a bit farther from the city center.
Fatehpur Sikri:
Located about 40 km from Agra, this historic city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. It is known for its well-preserved palaces, mosques, and courtyards, and the Buland Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Special Note: Plan a half-day trip from Agra, preferably in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
Entry Ticket Fees for Major Monuments -Agra Travel Information
Taj Mahal:
- Entry Fee:
- Foreign Tourists: โน1,300 (including โน200 for entry to the main mausoleum).
- SAARC/BIMSTEC Countries: โน740 (including โน200 for entry to the main mausoleum).
- Indian Citizens: โน250 (including โน200 for entry to the main mausoleum).
- Children below 15 years: Free (Indian and foreign tourists).
- Additional Information: Night viewing ticket (on full moon nights) costs โน750 for foreign tourists and โน510 for Indian citizens.
Agra Fort:
- Entry Fee:
- Foreign Tourists: โน650.
- SAARC/BIMSTEC Countries: โน90.
- Indian Citizens: โน50.
- Children below 15 years: Free (Indian and foreign tourists).
- Combined Ticket: A combined ticket for both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort is available, saving some money and time.
- Entry Fee:
Fatehpur Sikri:
- Entry Fee:
- Foreign Tourists: โน610.
- SAARC/BIMSTEC Countries: โน50.
- Indian Citizens: โน50.
- Children below 15 years: Free (Indian and foreign tourists).
- Additional Information: The fee includes entry to major attractions within the complex, such as Buland Darwaza, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, and Jama Masjid
Mehtab Bagh:
- Entry Fee:
- Foreign Tourists: โน300.
- SAARC/BIMSTEC Countries: โน70.
- Indian Citizens: โน25.
- Children below 15 years: Free (Indian and foreign tourists).
- Entry Fee:
Akbarโs Tomb in Sikandra:
- Entry Fee:
- Foreign Tourists: โน310.
- SAARC/BIMSTEC Countries: โน70.
- Indian Citizens: โน30.
- Children below 15 years: Free (Indian and foreign tourists).
- Entry Fee:
Itimad-ud-Daulahโs Tomb (Baby Taj):
- Entry Fee:
- Foreign Tourists: โน310.
- SAARC/BIMSTEC Countries: โน70.
- Indian Citizens: โน30.
- Children below 15 years: Free (Indian and foreign tourists).
- Entry Fee:
Additional Tips-Agra Travel Information
Audio Guides and Licensed Guides: Most monuments offer audio guides or have licensed guides available at an extra cost. They can provide rich historical insights and details.
Photography Fees: Generally, photography is allowed, but tripods are prohibited, especially inside the Taj Mahal. Video cameras may require an extra fee at some sites.
Ticketing: Most attractions have different ticket prices for Indian nationals and foreign tourists. It is often cheaper to purchase a combined ticket for major sites like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Where to Stay-Agra Travel Information
Luxury Hotels:
- The Oberoi Amarvilas: Offers unparalleled views of the Taj Mahal, exceptional service, and luxury amenities.
- ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Hotel: A five-star hotel inspired by Mughal architecture with beautiful gardens, luxury rooms, and great dining options.
- Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra: Another luxury option with modern amenities and proximity to the Taj Mahal.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Radisson Hotel Agra: A comfortable option with good amenities and easy access to major attractions.
- Courtyard by Marriott Agra: Offers quality accommodations, a swimming pool, and international dining options.
- Crystal Sarovar Premiere: A great mid-range option with views of the Taj Mahal and modern facilities.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Taj Resorts: Offers budget-friendly rooms close to the Taj Mahal.
- The Coral Court Homestay: A charming homestay with a cozy atmosphere and personalized service.
- Zostel Agra: A popular hostel option for backpackers with dorms and private rooms.
Where to Eat -Agra Travel Information
Fine Dining:
- Peshawri, ITC Mughal: Known for its North Indian cuisine, particularly the kebabs and tandoori dishes.
- Esphahan, The Oberoi Amarvilas: Offers a romantic dining experience with authentic Mughlai cuisine and live traditional music.
- Daawat-e-Nawab, Radisson Hotel: An excellent choice for those looking to enjoy royal Mughlai dishes in a luxury setting.
Casual Dining:
- Pinch of Spice: Offers a variety of Indian and continental dishes and is popular among tourists.
- Joneyโs Place: A small, family-run restaurant known for its budget-friendly prices and delicious Indian and continental food.
- Shankara Vegis: Offers a rooftop view of the Taj Mahal and serves tasty vegetarian dishes.
Cafรฉs and Quick Bites:
- Cafe Sheroes Hangout: A unique cafรฉ run by acid attack survivors, offering great food and a powerful story.
- The Teaโse Me Cafรฉ: Offers a variety of teas, snacks, and light meals with a rooftop view of the Taj Mahal.
- The Mocha Cafรฉ: A cozy cafรฉ with a nice ambiance, offering a mix of Indian and international dishes.
Chinese Food Places-Agra Travel Information
Golden Street Restaurant
- Location: Fatehabad Road, Near Hotel Radisson Blu, Agra
- Highlights: Known for its authentic Chinese dishes like Dim Sum, Hakka Noodles, and Sichuan-style preparations. The restaurant offers a cozy ambiance with a mix of Chinese and other Asian cuisines, making it a favorite among tourists.
- Must-Try Dishes: Spring Rolls, Kung Pao Chicken, Manchow Soup.
Pinch of Spice
- Location: Fatehabad Road, Agra
- Highlights: While this restaurant is well-known for its North Indian cuisine, it also offers a variety of Chinese dishes. Their chefs are skilled in creating authentic flavors and provide a fine dining experience.
- Must-Try Dishes: Hot and Sour Soup, Chicken in Black Bean Sauce, Schezwan Fried Rice
Teaโse Me Cafรฉ
- Location: Fatehabad Road, Near The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
- Highlights: A rooftop cafรฉ offering a mix of Chinese, Indian, and continental cuisines with a view of the Taj Mahal. The Chinese menu includes a good variety of dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients.
- Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Honey Chili Potato, Schezwan Noodles, Chicken Dim Sum
The Silk Route Restaurant
- Location: Hotel Royale Residency, Fatehabad Road, Agra
- Highlights: The restaurant specializes in Pan-Asian cuisine, including authentic Chinese dishes. With a serene ambiance and elegant decor, itโs a great spot for those looking to enjoy a quiet meal.
- Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Manchurian, Veg Hakka Noodles, Sweet Corn Soup
Taj Bano, ITC Mughal
- Location: ITC Mughal, Taj Ganj, Agra
- Highlights: A fine-dining restaurant located in the ITC Mughal, Taj Bano offers an extensive menu with Chinese delicacies. The ambiance is luxurious, and the service is exceptional, perfect for a special dining experience.
- Must-Try Dishes: Prawn Tempura, Hunan Chicken, Cantonese Noodles
The Mandarin, Hotel Clarks Shiraz
- Location: Taj Road, Agra
- Highlights: A specialty restaurant within Hotel Clarks Shiraz that focuses on Chinese and other Asian cuisines. The chefs are well-versed in creating traditional Chinese flavors. The restaurant has a cozy and elegant setting, ideal for families and couples.
- Must-Try Dishes: Peking Duck, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Schezwan Prawns
The Chefโs Club
- Location: Taj East Gate Road, Near Shilpgram Parking, Agra
- Highlights: A modern restaurant known for its wide variety of international dishes, including Chinese. Itโs popular among tourists looking for a mix of comfort and authenticity.
- Must-Try Dishes: Veg Spring Rolls, Kung Pao Vegetables, Chicken Fried Rice
Tips for Enjoying Chinese Food-Agra Travel Information
Ask for Recommendations: Some places may offer Indian-Chinese fusion dishes, so if youโre looking for more authentic flavors, ask the staff for recommendations.
Check Reviews: Look up recent reviews online to ensure the quality and authenticity of the food.
Peak Hours: Visit during lunch or dinner hours to enjoy freshly prepared dishes
Activities for First-Time Foreign Tourists
Taj Mahal Sunrise or Sunset Tour:
Experience the Taj Mahalโs beauty in the soft, glowing light of the sunrise or sunset. Guided tours can provide deep insights into its history and architecture.
Visit to Marble Inlay Workshops:
Witness the craftsmanship of local artisans who create marble inlay work similar to the Taj Mahal. You can also buy souvenirs.
Heritage Walk in Old Agra:
Explore the old lanes of Agra to see traditional houses, bustling markets, and local artisans. Visit Kinari Bazaar for shopping, and explore Jama Masjid and Mankameshwar Temple.
Food Tour of Agra:
Agra is famous for its Mughlai cuisine and street food. Try local delicacies like Petha (a sweet made from ash gourd), Mughlai dishes, and Bedai (fried bread with lentils and spices).
Yamuna River Boating:
Enjoy a boat ride on the Yamuna River for an alternative view of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Mohabbat the Taj Show:
A cultural show that depicts the love story behind the Taj Mahal. It combines dance, drama, and music, providing a unique experience of Mughal history
Tips for First-Time Foreign Tourists
Dress Modestly: India is a culturally conservative country. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Stay Hydrated: Agra can get very hot, especially in summer. Carry bottled water and stay hydrated.
Beware of Scams: Be cautious of touts offering unsolicited help or โtoo good to be trueโ deals.
Local Transport: Use official prepaid taxi services, ride-hailing apps (like Uber and Ola), or hire a reputable guide for tours.
Entry Tickets: Most attractions have separate pricing for foreigners. Consider buying a combined ticket for multiple sites.
Popular Souvenirs to Buy -Agra Travel Information
Agra is a fantastic place for shopping, especially for those interested in unique souvenirs that reflect the cityโs rich Mughal heritage and craftsmanship. Here are some popular souvenirs a foreign tourist can buy in Agra
Marble Inlay Work and Miniature Taj Mahal Replicas:
Agra is famous for its marble inlay work, a craft seen on the Taj Mahal. You can purchase decorative items like tabletops, coasters, vases, and miniature replicas of the Taj Mahal made of white marble with intricate inlay work. Shops like Subhash Emporium and UP Handicrafts Palace offer authentic pieces.
Petha:
Petha is a famous sweet made from ash gourd (white pumpkin) and flavored with rose water or saffron. It comes in various flavors like kesar (saffron), paan (betel leaf), and angoori (grape-like shapes). Shops like Panchi Petha and Gopal Das Petha are renowned for their quality and variety.
Leather Goods:
Agra is a hub for high-quality leather products such as bags, shoes, jackets, belts, and wallets. The city is known for its fine craftsmanship and durable leather goods. Sadar Bazaar and Shahganj Market are popular spots to buy leather items.
Rugs and Carpets:
Agra has a strong tradition of carpet weaving, which dates back to the Mughal era. You can find hand-knotted Persian-style carpets, dhurries, and rugs in various designs and sizes. Places like Shilpgram and Kashmiri Bazaar offer a variety of choices.
Handicrafts and Miniature Paintings:
Agra is known for its unique handicrafts, including brassware, stone carvings, and miniature paintings depicting Mughal art. These make for great home dรฉcor items or gifts. Kinari Bazaar is a good place to explore such crafts.
Jewelry and Semi-Precious Stones:
Agra is known for its traditional jewelry, especially pieces made with semi-precious stones, Meenakari (enamel work), and Kundan (a type of traditional Indian gemstone jewelry). Raja Ki Mandi and TDI Mall have shops offering a range of jewelry options.
Zardozi Embroidery Work:
Zardozi is a form of embroidery that uses gold and silver threads to create intricate patterns. Items like sarees, lehengas, scarves, and even handbags with Zardozi work make for elegant souvenirs. Look for them in Shahganj Market or Sadar Bazaar.
Brassware and Metal Crafts:
Agra is famous for its brass artifacts, including bowls, trays, hookahs, showpieces, and idols. These are often handcrafted and can add an exotic touch to home dรฉcor. Kinari Bazaar and Sadar Bazaar have several shops selling brass and metal crafts.
Mughal Miniature Paintings:
These exquisite paintings are known for their intricate detailing and are typically created on paper or cloth. They often depict scenes from Mughal history, court life, or mythological stories and make for unique art pieces to take back home.
Traditional Indian Clothing:
Agra, markets offer beautiful traditional Indian clothing such as sarees, salwar kameez, and Kurta pajamas, often adorned with regional embroidery like chikankari and zardozi. Check out Sadar Bazaar or Kinari Bazaar for these items.
Where to Shop-Agra Travel Information
Sadar Bazaar: One of the most popular markets in Agra, known for leather goods, handicrafts, garments, and sweets.
Kinari Bazaar: A bustling market near Jama Masjid, offering a variety of handicrafts, marble items, jewelry, and textiles.
TDI Mall: A modern shopping complex with various branded stores, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Shahganj Market: Known for leather goods, carpets, and local handicrafts.
Shilpgram: A government-run emporium that offers authentic handicrafts, textiles, and marble inlay work, often at fixed prices.
Shopping Tips for Foreign Tourists
Bargaining: Bargaining is common in most local markets. Donโt hesitate to negotiate the price.
Quality Check: Ensure the authenticity and quality of marble, leather, and jewelry before purchasing. Ask for certificates of authenticity for more expensive items like marble inlay or jewelry.
Fixed Price Shops: Government-run emporiums and some reputed shops offer fixed prices and genuine products, ideal for those not comfortable with bargaining.
Cash and Digital Payments: While most shops accept cash, larger stores and malls also accept digital payments and credit/debit cards.
These details should help you plan your visit better, budget for entry fees, and make the most of your time in Agra.
Agra offers a beautiful blend of history, culture, and cuisine, making it a memorable experience for any traveler.
Agra Tourist Information
- Agra Travel Information
- Agra Travel Information for Foreign Tourist
- Agra Travel Information with Package
- Agra Tour & Travel Information
