Travel India: 10 Travel tips for Agra, #5 is invaluable

Image courtesy: Dennis Jarvis. 

The seventh wonder of the world, the monument of love, the pride of India, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh is a representative of almost every Indian tourism page. However, there is more to see than just the Taj Mahal in Agra, the city that hosts it. Here are some tips for a safe and rewarding trip to Agra.

1. Bear With The Heat

Frequently visited by tourists, during the holiday season temperatures in Agra can touch 40 degrees. Even though the locals find it normal, tourists might find the weather uncomfortable for venturing about in the city. A heat wave is common during the summers and it gets humid.

Information

• May is the hottest month of the calendar year for Agra (and in most parts of India)
• Average temperatures during the summer is 41°C

2. When to Visit

The best time (season) to visit Agra is the Winter season. During the winters, extending from October to February, a cool breeze of fresh air accompanies your everyday adventures. The weather is pleasant, which makes sightseeing and monument scouring easier and adds to the city’s memorable experience.

INFORMATION

• The prices of rented rooms generally hits its peak during the Winter season
• Learn more about Indian winters here

3. How to Visit

As there is no direct flight to Agra, traveling from New Delhi via air is the fastest option. The Agra airport is a seasonal commercial airport that serves only select domestic  flights from New Delhi. You could also consider your trip to Agra through rail or road travel from major cities and tourist destinations in India.

INFORMATION

• Agra is soon to get its own international airport with the Taj International Airport project underway
• Currently, Agra Airport serves two domestic flights (Alliance Air and Air India)

4. Finding a Place to Stay

If you plan on staying for more than one day, booking a room in a hotel is recommended. You can find hotels in abundance in the city in all three price ranges. Don’t settle for accommodation, booking in advance at a mid-range or slightly expensive hotel will undoubtedly make your stay better.

INFORMATION

• Luxury option: The Oberoi Amarvilas
• Mid-range option: The Taj Vilas

5. Agra Darshan

Offered by the tourism department of the state government, Agra Darshan is a guided tour of everything in the city worth visiting. The tour is available in both half day and full day options and is designed to not drill a hole in your wallet

Information

• About Agra Darshan
• About UP Tourism

6. Photograph Yourself

Even though there will be photographers who would be eager to photograph you, consider carrying your own camera. The price quoted by the photographers there is on the higher, impractical side for some sub-standard photographs.

INFORMATION

• The average professional photographer at Taj would charge anywhere between 800-1000 INR for 6 photographs
• Tip: Over expose the exposure setting on your camera when trying to capture the Taj. This way you won’t get a darker image of the wonder.

7. Cab vs Auto

Finding cab services in India, especially Agra is not as inconvenient as it was before. With cab services like Ola expanding their market, cabs, while traveling in Agra offer best-in-class service for a slight increase in price.

INFORMATION

• Auto drivers are known to mislead and charge unfair prices from tourists
• You can download the Ola app on Google play and Apple app store

8. Bargain Till You Drop

The local market in Agra, the Sadar Bazaar is a place where you will find the best in leather and marble that Agra has to offer. Handicraft items including the famous Agra shoes are on offer. Bargaining will get you a reasonable offer for the beautiful items available in the market.

INFORMATION

• The market remains closed on Tuesdays
• The chaat in particular at the Bazaar is a thing to try.

9. Plan Your Trip Around The Festival

There are several festivals that happen in Agra that take place throughout the course of the calendar year. Festivals such as the Taj Mahotsav and Taj Literature Festival, add to the tourists attractions with events and festivities planned throughout the day.

INFORMATION

• Read more about Taj Literature Festival
• Read more about Taj Mahotsav

10. Don’t just visit the Taj

Agra isn’t just about the Taj. The city has so much more to offer! You can explore other places such as Jama masjid, Moti masjid, Akbar’s tomb, the river Yamuna, Agra fort and much more!

INFORMATION

• Agra might seem like a small city, but it has a lot of history and places of interest that have significance in every book of history
• Agra Tourism

Agra, as a mark in history, amazes me each time I go there. The city features on every Indian tour guide’s itinerary and is a favorite among the locals as well as the tourists.

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