Its best to hire a guide while visiting the various monuments, but make sure they are certified guides by checking their photo ID card. Don't forget to negotiate the prices which are approximately Rs 500
The Taj Mahal is not open to visitors on Friday, as there are prayers held in the mosque inside.
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2nt Agra
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3nt Agra
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Articles
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by Madhav Srinivasan on Dec 07, 2011
The best time to travel to Agra is during the Taj festival or the Taj Mahotsav. The festival is celebrated over 10 days, and it portrays a festive introduction to the state of Uttar Pradesh and India, which is generally celebrated in the month of February
by Madhav Srinivasan on Nov 25, 2011
The old city of Fatehpur Sikri, just 25 miles from Agra, is a place that bears the marks of a short, but glorious period In Mughal History. This city houses many lovely monuments all built of red sandstone quarried in the nearby region.
by Afia Ahmad on Sep 02, 2011
Agra has always been a tourist stronghold, with local and international tourists streaming in to catch a glimpse of the famed monument – the Taj Mahal. The latest measures taken by the government might positively impact the scene further…
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Feb 16, 2012 04:40 PM
Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Agra at the Taj Mahal is a dream seen by many lovers across the world. Scores of tourists throng the city to spend the day at the eternal monument of love. Read on to know more...
Dec 21, 2011 01:14 PM
ASI has taken up the task of renovating and maintaining the city of Fatehpur Sikri. Many monuments are already being re-painted and cleaned. Find out more on the scenario in the city.
History
The most ancient reference of Agra can be seen in the great epic the Mahabharata and the modern period reference is by Ptolemy. The present Agra city was established by the King of the Lodhi Dynasty, Sikander Lodhi in 16th century.
Agra, with all present massive and imposing structural monuments, reached its pinnacle during the Mughal Rule from 1526 AD to 1658. As the capital of Mughal Kingdom, Agra thrived with many activities and was liberally bestowed with many modern facilities and Royal features.
During Mughal period, many extolling gardens, many architectural marvel palaces and artificial lakes were constructed. Agra fort, constructed by the Rajput rulers, were modernized and renovated by Mughal emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan. All the majestic monuments constructed during the Mughal period were specimens of perfect blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.
Itmad-ud-Daulah built in 1628 by empress Noor Jahan and the Taj Mahal, a crowning master piece of architecture built in 1648 by Shah Jahan are exquisite displays of seventeenth century architectural excellence.
The city reached greatest height during the period of Shah Jahan and later he himself was responsible for the decline of the Agra city. It was the decision of Shah Jahan to shift the capital of Mughal kingdom to Shahjahanabad in Delhi was the turning point at which the decline of Mughal Kingdom and Agra has started. Even after independence, Agra has continued in the second level of cities, even with the World Wonder Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Culture
Agra is an exquisite centre of culture and arts. The specimens of art and culture in the great Agra city are not only impressive but are also the mirrors of the cultural and artistic talents of the Indian populace during the grandeur past. This city houses many ancient temples, mosques, forts, several mausoleums, tombs and historical monuments. Agra Fort and Taj Mahal are the incomparable structures in the city.
Apart from the well accomplished grandeur monuments, Agra is renowned for many art performances. Breathtaking traditional paintings, folk dances, folk music, embroideries, unparallel cloth designing and stitching are the reminiscences of the past glory and some of the talents are still preserved in this historical town.
Sculptors, jewelers, musicians, painters, carpet makers, artisans, metal workers, weavers and embroiderers were frequent visitors to the Royal courts during the Mughal Period. There were many talented artists and artisans were there among the locals.
Balkeshwar Temple located on the banks of River Yamuna, Kailash Temple placed at Sikandra, Mankameshwar Temple at Rawatpara, Prithvinath Temple situated at Rajpur Chungi and Mahakali Temple located at Sikandra are some of the important temples in Agra. These temples are the hub of religious and cultural activities.
Travel within city
Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, and the reason for this is quite well known. Agra houses one of the Wonders of the World. The tourist influx in the town of Agra is always quite heavy due to this reason. Travelling around the town of Agra can be done through a multitude of ways, including electric buses, Tongas, tempos, cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws.
Cycle Rickshaw
Cycle rickshaws are available aplenty in the town of Agra. Traveling through a cycle rickshaw can be quite time consuming, although this is a very cheap mode of travel with charges hovering around Rs 5 to 10.
Tonga
You can also opt for Tongas in Agra. Tongas are horse drawn carriages that run throughout the town. Tonga charges are very low too, and you can opt for a Tonga ride as it is faster than a cycle rickshaw ride. Charges will range around Rs 5 to 15.
Bus
Electric buses in Agra cover all the major areas in the town, but these tend to be crowded normally, hence opting for buses is not a very good option. Charges are very low though, ranging from Rs 3 to 6.
Tempo
Tempos are also available, and these are shared vehicles which can be more comfortable than buses for slightly elevated rates. Tempo rates will vary from Rs 5 to 10. These are a safe mode of travel and can be taken up during night time.
The best way to get around the city is by hiring a taxi for the entire day and driving around the little narrow alleys rich in Mughal architecture.
Nightlife
Present Agra thriving with many facilities has much in store to offer great night life. The restrictions on the Indian culture on night life are visible in Agra significantly.
The Taj Mahal at night with all kinds of multi colored illuminations, the grandeur reflection of the majestic monument in the serene Yamuna water and the street vendors selling art crafts and fast food is really enjoyable. One can have the maximum enjoyment during the days with more moonlight. Taj Mahal brings in mind the grandeur castles in fairy tales. Five nights around the full moon day are great days for viewing the eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal.
The outskirts of Taj Mahal complex houses many movie theaters, pubs, cafeterias, Internet cafes and bar parlors. They are open mostly up to midnight 12’o clock. One can spend evenings in the Agra Fort by viewing the splendid light and sound show depicting the rich stories and glorious past of Agra.
Shopping
Agra is known for impressive monuments, but also is equally renowned for traditional arts, paintings and handicrafts. An enthusiast traveler can enjoy the shopping in Agra very much. One can get all kinds of metal wares and fine crafts from the street stalls to super malls in Agra.
The city is famous for much rare collection of handicraft items, valuable leather items like shoes, belts and bags, exquisite jewelries, foot wears and embroidery works. Agra brassware and carpets are renowned world over. Agra’s delicious taste is a favorite attraction for tourists and the sweet taste lies in the pedas, gajak and dalmoth. Agra is a favorite spot for Mughulai cuisines as well.
Munro Road, Kinari Bazar and Sadar Bazar are the main shopping areas in Agra. These main markets are located in and around the Taj Mahal.
One can shop for handicraft items and artifacts from Government owned Gangotri, the UP State Emporium located at the complex of Taj Mahal Complex. This emporium has marvelous collections of marbles, leather items, brassware items and textile items.
The Shilpagram crafts village is a praise worthy place to have wide range of shopping facilities for handicrafts and other artisan items. UPICA at Sanjay Place located on the busy MG Road and UP Handlooms are some other sources to shop for souvenirs and presentation items.
Do not buy souveniers from sidewalk vendors as they are most likely to be made of chalk instead of marble.
Hotels
You can find
126 hotels in Agra under following categories:
- Agra Budget Hotels (75):
Hotel Alpine,
The White Klove,
Hotel Sheela
- Agra Hostels (12):
Hotel Aditya Palace,
Ranjit Hotel,
Hotel Kamal
- Agra Medium Range Hotels (42):
Rahi Gulistan Tourist Complex Hotel,
Hotel Ganga Ratan,
Hotel Mandakini Villas
- Agra Homestays (4):
Taj Homestay,
Garden Villa Homestay,
Col Lamba Indian Homestay
- Agra Luxury Hotels (9):
Jaypee Palace Hotel,
Trident,
Hotel Clarks Shiraz
- Agra Resorts (2):
Joshi Resort,
Hotel Taj Resort
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