|
|
By Air: Agra is well connected by air and is part of the Tourist’s Golden Triangle of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Delhi. It is linked to Khajuraho, Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai.
By Rail: Agra Cantt is a central location, with connections to all of North or South India. Agra Fort is linked to destinations in the East-West direction. As many as 100 trains pass through Agra. Reservations are important on the Delhi-Agra-Delhi route as it is very crowded in tourist season, which extends from late September to March. The Luxury train – ‘Palace on Wheels’ stops at Agra on its eight day round trip.
By Road: Agra is 200 km southeast from Delhi, and is thronged by tourist buses, taxis and owner-driven car. The best option from Delhi is to hire a taxi which will give you the freedom to take in Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmud-ad-Daulah, Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri and Mathura city.
|
Where to Stay:
Agra has any number places to stay. The 5-star category include the ITC Mughal,
Oberoi Amarvilas, consistently rated among the top 10 hotels in the world and the Trident Hilton. Hotel Mandakini Villas, Laurie's Hotel and Hotel Raj fall in the mid-range category; Saniya Palace, Shanti lodge, Youth Hostel and Dayal Lodge are in the budget class. Most tourists leave by mid-evening.
What to See:
Apart from the Taj Mahal, visit Agra Fort, Itmud-ad-Daulah, Sikandra (a large garden 10 km north of Agra on the Agra-Delhi highway. Akbar rests in his mausoleum here) and Fatehpur Sikri; Mariam's Tomb, made by Akbar for his Christian wife; Jama Masjid, Chini Ka Roza and Gurudwara Guru ka Taal; Balkeshwar, Kailash, Mankameshwar, Prithvinath, Rajeshwar, Shyam Ji Maharaj, Mahakal &Mahakali and Rawli Maharaj Temples; Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary.
Taj Mahotsav, an eagerly awaited festival, is celebrated from 18 to 27 February every year at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of "Taj Mahal". This 10 days long carnival is actually a vibrant platform that brings together India's finest craft and culture at one single place. It is a festive introduction to India as a whole and Uttar Pradesh in particular, where the extensive range of art, craft, culture and cuisine are on display.
Note:
Read up the Rules and Regulations for entry into the Taj Mahal. There are many.
Where to Eat: There are several restaurants in the Taj Ganj area, catering for the many tourists staying around the Taj Mahal, apart from two hundred odd other eateries. Mughlai food is very tasty and very spicy. Beer goes well with Mughlai cuisine. Treat Restaurant is very popular.
Festivals:
Kailash Fair: Held at Kailash about 12 km from Agra in the month of August/ September. It is a major fair celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva; Sheetla Fair: It is held near
Delhi Gate in July/August every year.
Specialties:
Over 7,200 Small Scale Industrial Units are spread all over the district. Agra is famous for Leather Goods, Handicrafts, Zari Zardozi, Marble and Stone carving & Inlay work. Avoid the sweet Pethas, if you want some free advice.
|
