A Guide to Agra: The City of Taj Mahal
Befitting the status of being one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Taj Mahal is also among the most popular tourist destinations in India. The white marble mausoleum with its arched portals and onion-domed towers is an image synonymous with India. An amalgamation of Persian and Mughal architecture, which has been aptly termed as ‘the crowning glory’ of Mughal emperor Shahjahan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal – a beloved wife who died while giving birth to their 14th child. In order to make your trip to Agra more comfortable and memorable, we have put together some useful information that can help you plan your visit to this city. So read on for a detailed guide on everything you need to know about Agra:
When to visit Agra?
The best time to visit Agra is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and dry. The months preceding and following this period can be extremely hot and humid, making it difficult to explore the city. If you are a nature lover, then you can also visit Agra between February and June during the blooming season of the famous “Indian lotus” – the Great Indian rosy-perforate lotus (Ranunculus flower). The climate in Agra is hot in the months of May and June and is ideal for water sports and river rafting. If you are visiting during this time, then make sure you carry enough water and sun protection creams with you.
The best time to see Taj Mahal
Since the architectural beauty of Taj Mahal is best captured during the day, you should ideally visit the monument during the day. While the best time to view Taj Mahal is around 9:30 am to 11:30 am, the best time to visit is around 11 am to 1 pm. You can also visit the monument in the evening, but you will have to make do with the artificial lighting system installed inside the monument. If you are visiting in the winter season (November to February), you can also enjoy the beautiful light reflected off the monument during dusk.
What to expect in Agra?
Apart from visiting the monument that has come to represent India globally, you can also explore some of the important places in Agra. The Red Fort – One of the most famous and imposing edifices in India, the Red Fort is a 17th-century citadel that served as the palace of the Mughal emperors. It is also home to the famous “Tekhya” or the “Iron pillar”. Hazratganj – This is the main commercial area of the city and is also known as the “Booksellers’ Street”. The Agra Fort – Another famous landmark in Agra, the Agra Fort is a large 17th-century fortification that was once home to the Mughal emperors. The fort is now a heritage hotel and a museum that showcases the history of the Mughal dynasty. Sikandra – The mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Akbar is located about 12 km from Agra. The tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known as the “Grave of the Great”. Barsa – A village just 17 km from Agra, Barsa is home to a very famous temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Things To Do in Agra – The Taj Mahal is not the only attraction!
Apart from visiting the Taj Mahal, you can also explore some of the other famous landmarks in Agra. You can visit the Agra Fort, which is another popular tourist destination. If you are interested in history and architecture, you can visit the Agra Museum that has an extensive collection of sculptures and paintings from all over India. Another popular tourist destination near Agra is the Fatehpur Sikri. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is around 40 km from Agra. The popular attractions in this area include the Buland Darwaza and the Jama Masjid. Finally, if you are interested in exploring nature and wildlife, you can visit the Coronation Park and the Ram Bagh. The popular Ram Bagh is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the famous Man-Made Lake and the Chhas Bagh.
Food You Can Enjoy in Agra
The cuisine of Agra reflects the cultural fusion between Mughal and Awadhi cuisines, and offers some of the best Indian dishes you can find. Some of the popular dishes you can find in Agra include “Tandoori”, “Kabab”, “Biryani”, “Pulao”, “Rajma”, and “Rice”. You can also enjoy a variety of sweet dishes in Agra like “Gulab Jamun”, “Rasmalai”, “Masoor ki Dal”, “Khajoor ki Barfi”, “Rabdi”, “Milk Cake”, and “Shrikhand”.
Stay Options for Visiting Agra
If you are planning to visit Agra on a budget, you can check out the options in the old city area where you can explore the traditional and rustic charm of Agra. If you want to stay in a more modern setting, you can also stay in the New Agra area where you will find a lot of good luxury hotels. You can also explore the options near the Taj Mahal. If you are visiting with your family or friends, you can also look for group deals in the hotels near the Taj Mahal. You can find many good deals on various online travel websites.
Conclusion
If you are visiting India, then you cannot miss visiting the city of Agra, which is most popular for the majestic Taj Mahal. The city is also home to other important historical and cultural landmarks, which are equally worth a visit. To make your visit to Agra comfortable and memorable, you should ideally plan your trip between October and February when the weather is pleasant and dry. Additionally, you can enjoy some of the best Indian dishes in the city, which are a reflection of the cultural fusion between Mughal and Awadhi cuisines. You can explore some of the important places in Agra, apart from visiting the Taj Mahal, and can also explore other tourist attractions in the vicinity.