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About Agra
Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and the world. It is the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - The Taj Mahal. People from all over the globe come to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, the symbol of eternal love. Agra was the former capital of Hindustan and was famed as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1658. Agra is one of the most populated cities in Uttar Pradesh. Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. No trip to India is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal.
Location
Agra is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located at around 330 km (205 mi) west of the state capital Lucknow and around 210 km (131 mi) south-east from Delhi.
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Climate
The climate of Agra experiences extreme temperatures in summers and winters with moderate temperatures in other seasons.
Winters from November to March are extremely cold with temperature as low as 2°C, accompanied by thick fogs disrupting travel due to poor visibility. However, winters are perfect for all tourist activities.
Summers from April to June are hot and dry with temperatures around 46°C. It is not the best time to visit, but if you do visit in this time keep sunglasses or a hat and water bottles handy.
Monsoons are expected from June to October with heavy rains in the month of July, Taj Mahal looks striking in rain drops.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| District | Agra |
| Coordinates | 27.18°N 78.02°E |
| Elevation | 171 meters (561 ft) |
| Area | 188.40 sq km |
| Population | 1,574,542 (Agra Municipal Corporation) |
| Languages Spoken | Hindi, Urdu, English |
| Time Zone | GMT/UTC + 05:30 Hour |
| Pin Code | 282xxx |
| STD Code | +(91) 562 |
Agra Tourism
Agra tourism is eminent for its glorious history and affluent cultural heritage. The historical sites and monuments in Agra reveal the greatness of the Mughal era. Agra has plenty to offer to tourists from all over the globe. The forts and palaces here portray an assortment of 16th and 17th century architecture.
The main highlight is without doubt The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a World Heritage Site. Other popular tourist attractions in Agra are Agra Fort, Sikandra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb and nearby Fatehpur Sikri.
Tourism in Agra brings a wide range of exquisite handicrafts, marble and soft stone inlay work, art and craft, zari embroidery work, leather products, carpets, flashy jewellery, brassware, etc.
History and Culture of Agra
Agra city was established in 16th century by Sikander Lodhi of the Lodhi Dynasty. It reached its pinnacle from 1526 to 1658 during the Mughal Rule as the capital of Mughal Kingdom. During the Mughal era many architectural marvels, gardens and artificial lakes were built.
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Agra is a beautiful centre of culture and arts. There are many specimens of art and culture which mirrors the cultural and artistic talents of the city. The city is renowned for numerous art performances, folk dances and music, breathtaking traditional paintings, embroideries, unparallel cloth designing and stitching, etc.
Sculptors, jewelers, painters, artisans, carpet makers, metal workers, weavers and embroiderers are found in the city selling there beautiful piece of works, these are quite popular among the tourists. Balkeshwar Temple, Kailash Temple, Mankameshwar Temple etc are some of the important temples in Agra and the hub of religious and cultural activities.
Popular Events and Festivals
Bateshwar Fair - Bateshwar, a spiritual and cultural centre situated around 70 km from Agra organizes a large fair in the months of October and November and devotees gather here in large numbers to worship Lord Shiva and take holy dips in Yamuna river. A livestock fair is also organized here.
Kailash Fair - Kailash is located around 12 km from Agra. During the months of August and September a major fair is organized and celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva who is alleged to have appeared here in the form of a stone lingam.
Ram Barat - It is a special marriage procession of Sri Ram which is held annually at Agra. It precedes Dussehra and is a part of Ramlila. Its specialty lies in the beautiful procession of the deities which starts from Lala Channomalji Ki Baradari and reaches the Janakpuri venue, where a major fair is organized. Thousands come here to attend the elaborate royal wedding of the divine deities.
How to Reach Agra
How to reach Agra by Air
The nearest airport to Agra is the Kheria Airport located around 5 km from the city center. Agra is connected to Delhi, Varanasi and Khajuraho by air. For other cities, tourists need to take a flight to Delhi and continue their journey by train or bus.
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How to reach Agra by Rail
There are four main railway stations in Agra; they are Agra Cantt, Raja-ki-Mandi, Agra Fort and Idgah Agra Junction. The city is well linked with train services to all major cities in India. There are many super fast express trains connecting Agra with Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.
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How to reach Agra by Road
Agra is well connected by road to major cities in India. The National Highway Number 2 links it with rest of India. Delhi and Lucknow are well connected with Agra. There are regular bus services from these two cities to reach Agra. Taxies are also to reach Agra from these cities. Main bus stations in Agra are at Idgah and Agra Fort.
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- From Mathura - 59 km
- From Delhi - 210 km
- From Kanpur - 278 km
- From Lucknow - 330 km
- From Jaipur - 238 km
- From Gwalior - 119 km
Travelling in Agra
One can use different modes of transport like taxi, tempo, auto and cycle rickshaw to travel within Agra. Prepaid transportation is also available for excursions in and around the city limits.
Bicycles can also be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city. No diesel or petrol vehicles are allowed to ply in the Taj Mahal area. Instead battery-operated buses, horse-driven Tongas (carts), rickshaws and other pollution-free vehicles are used in order to conserve the beauty of Taj Mahal.
Agra Travel Tips
- Always travel with your proper identification while traveling in a train or flight.
- When hiring a taxi from airports or railway stations get a prepaid taxi.
- In summers Agra is hot, plain cottons are the most practical and coolest.
- Always carry a hat or shades for protection from the harsh Sun.
- In monsoons, an umbrella comes in handy
- In winters, woolens or warm clothing is essential at nighttime.
- To enter a holy shrine, women should wear a long skirt, dress or trousers.
- Women travelers are expected to be modestly dressed
- Avoid tight fitting or revealing clothes especially when traveling alone
- Beware of touts and tricksters cheating tourists.
- Do not accept any type of food from strangers while traveling on trains and busses.
- Eating at roadside cafes can be risky because of unhygienic cooking environments.
- Drinking tap water can be a health hazard. It is best to carry mineral water bottles bought from a reliable store. In summer, extreme heat can cause heat strokes and dehydration, take enough fluids.
Tourist Helpline numbers
| Uttar Pradesh Government Tourism Office | 64, Taj Road, Agra Tel: +91-562-2226431 |
| Government of India Tourism Office | 191, The Mall, Agra Tel: +91-562-2226368 |
| Uttar Pradesh Government Tourist Reception Counter | Agra Cantt, Railway Station, Agra Tel: +91-562-2421204 |
| Cantonment Hospital | Agra Cantonment, Tel: +91-562-2363307 |
| Pareek Hospital and Research Centre
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4/10, Bagh Farzana, Civil Lines Tel:+(91)-(562) - 285 0405, 252 0071 |
| Abhay Fracture & Orthopedic Hospital
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Block-33, Sanjay Place, Tel:+(91)-(562) - 233 0600, 223 0410 |
| Shree Krishna Nursing & Maternity Home
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A-312, Trans Yamuna Colony, Rambagh, Tel:+(91)-(562) - 234 5227, 309 4887 |
| Agra Child Care & Research Centre
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6, Saket Colony, Shahganj, Tel:+(91)-(562) - 221 2699, 221 7070 |
| Mental Hospital | Billochpura, Tel:+(91)-(562) - 232 2649 |
| S.N Medical College & Hospital
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Hospital Road, Tel:+(91)-(562) - 226 0353, 236 1318 |
| Police | 100
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| Police Control Room-City | 0562- 2575715 |
| Ambulance | 102 |
| Fire Brigade | 101 |
| Weather | 0562- 2793239 |
| Tourist Information & Assistance | 1364 |
| Railway Enquiry or Agra Cantt. Enquiry | 131, 133, 134 & 0562 - 2421039 |
| Agra Airport | 0562-2400409, 2400131, 2400924 |
| Bus Stand Enquiry: | |
| Roadways Bus Stand, Agra Fort | 0562-2164557 |
| Roadways Bus Stand, Idgah | 0562- 2166588 |
| Roadways Bus Stand, Foundry Nagar | 0562- 2145094 |
Travel Agents in Agra
Panama Tours and Travels: G-16 Kripadham Complex, Hotel Tajview Xing, Agra, Uttar Pradesh- 140141, India
Chaudhary Tours & Travels: Shop No: 2 opposite Kailash Cinema, Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh- 282001, India
Itc Ltd- Mughal: Fathabad Road Tajgang, Agra, Uttar Pradesh- 282002, India
See all...
Hotels and Accommodation in Agra
Some of the Budget, Mid-Range and Top End Hotels in Agra are:
Budget hotels in Agra
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Hotel Sidhartha Western Gate, Taj Mahal, Agra - 282001 Tel: +91-562-3215067 Web:www.hotelsidhartha.com Tariff: INR 600 to 800 |
Hotel Taj Heritage 25-30 A, Near Saga Emporium Fatehabad Road, Agra Tel: +91-562-6450508 / 4008013 /14 Web: www.hoteltajheritageagra.com Tariff: INR 2200 to 4000. |
Hotel Anand Villa Fatehabad Road, Behind TDI Mall Agra - 282001 Tel: +91-94125-26324 Web: www.hotelanandvilla.com Tariff: INR 2500 to 3500 |
Mid-range hotels in Agra
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Hotel Taj Resorts Near Shilp Gram, Taj Mahal Eastern Gate Agra - 282001 Tel: +91-562-2230161 / 62 / 63 / 64 Web: www.hoteltajresorts.com Tariff: INR 3500 to 7000 |
The Retreat Taj Nagari Phase -1, Near Prateek Enclave, Shilpgram Road, Agra - 282001 Tel: +91-562-3022222 Web: www.theretreat.co.in Tariff: INR 5000 to 8500 |
Hotel Royale Residency Near TDI Mall Fatehabad Road Agra - 282001 Tel: +91-562-3243337 / 2231661 Web: www.hotelagraroyaleresidency.com Tariff: INR 2500 to 5000 |
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Howard Sarovar Portico Fatehabad Road Agra - 282001 Tel: +91-562-4048600 / 699 Web: www.sarovarhotels.com Tariff: INR 6000 to 9000 |
Rajmahal Hotel A/C-1/2, Taj Nagri Phase-II Fatehabad Road, Agra - 282001 Tel: +91-562-4023625 / 26 / 27 Web: www.rajmahalagra.com Tariff: INR 4000 to 6500. |
Top End hotels in Agra
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Oberoi Amarvilas Taj East Gate Road Agra - 282001 Tel: +91 562 2231515 Web: www.oberoihotels.com Tariff: INR 38,500 to 270,000 |
ITC Mughal Taj Ganj, Agra -282001 Tel: +91-562-4021700 Web: www.itchotels.in Tariff: INR 16,500 to INR 125,000 |
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| Jaypee Palace Hotel Fatehabad Road Agra - 282003 Tel: +91-562-2330820 Web: www.jaypeehotels.com Tariff: INR 9,500 to 30,000 |
Wyndham Grand Agra 7th Mile Stone Fatehabad Road, Agra - 282006 Tel: +91 562 223 7000 Web: www.wyndhamgrandagra.com Tariff: INR 14,000 to 35,000 |
Places to See in Agra
The heritage of the Mughal dynasty and their fascinating tombs, forts and mausoleums can be easily observed in and around the city of Agra. There are also other monuments and places that are famous for their beauty and significance in Agra.
Taj Mahal (must see)
The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India and across the world. It's one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Completed in 1953, The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, as a symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal is built on a red sandstone base, topped by a huge white marble terrace on which rests the dome flanked by four tapering minarets. The floors and walls have intriguing calligraphy and mosaic work adorned with precious stones.
Timings: Open all days (except Friday and public holidays) from sunrise to sunset. Open at Night from 8:30 pm to 12:30 am on a Full moon night, two days before and after. Entry Fee: (Day)
(Night)
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Agra Fort (must see)
Agra fort was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. During Shah Jahan's era, the red sandstone fort was reformed into a palace and extensively repaired with marble and pietra dura inlay. Distinguished buildings in the fort are the Pearl Mosque, Jahangir's Palace, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas (public and private audience halls), Shish Mahal, Musammam Burj and the Khas Mahal. The fort is semi-circular shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. Timings: Open all days from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm. Entry Fee: Rs.300 for foreign tourist and Rs.20 for Indian tourist. |
Fatehpur Sikri (must see)
The Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri which is located about 35 km from the city of Agra. Fatehpur Sikri is a majestic fort and is popular for the Buland Darwaza that the Mughal Emperor Akbar constructed here as a symbol of his victory over the state of Gujarat. Later Akbar abandoned the site due to shortage of water. The site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance and attracts tourists from all across the world. Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset. Entry Fee: Rs.260 for foreign tourist and Rs.20 for Indian tourist. |
Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb (must see)
This Mughal Mausoleum in the city of Agra was built at the command of Noor Jahan (wife of Jahangir) for her father Mirza Ghiyas Bagh, who was honored with the title of Itmad-ud-Daula (pillar of the state). This is where the mausoleum took its name from. The walls of the mausoleum are built in white marble and embedded with semi precious stones. The cenotaphs of both the father and mother of Noor Jahan lay side by side in the tomb. Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset. Entry Fee: Rs.110 for foreign tourist and Rs.10 for Indian tourist. |
Akbar's Tomb (must see)
Akbar's tomb in Sikandra, 13 km from the Agra Fort is the place where the mighty Mughal Emperor Akbar is buried. It is said that the emperor selected the place himself as was the tradition of that time and the tomb acquired its present form under Emperor Jahangir in 1613. The mausoleum reflects the completeness of Emperor Akbar's personality. It has 99 different names of Allah inscribed on it. One can spot many tourists at the place admiring the silent and lush surroundings. Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset. Entry Fee: Rs.110 for foreign tourist and Rs.10 for Indian tourist. Other Tourist Places in Agra Besides these places, if time remains there are several other places in the city worth a visit. These include:
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Places around Agra
Mathura - Situated at a distance of 58 km from Agra, Mathura is famous as the birthplace of Krishna. Now it is one of the major pilgrimage centers for the Hindus and has become a prominent spiritual tourist attraction in India. Shri Krishna Janam Bhumi, Vishram Ghat, Dwarkadheesh Temple, Gita Mandir are some of the places which find a connection to life of Krishna and are visited by their followers.
Delhi - The capital of India, Delhi is located at a distance of 216 km from Agra. If free, one can always pay a visit to one of the fastest growing cities of India. Delhi has a lot to offer to the tourists. The architectural wonders like Red Fort, India Gate and Qutb Minar, The places of religious significance like Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Sacred Heart Cathedral, plenty of malls for shopping purposes and lots more tourist attractions to explore.
Dehradun - Travel 393 Km from the city of Agra and you can spot the wonderful Dehradun valley. Famous for its lychees, the city is visited by a large number of tourists during summers as the weather of the place remains comparatively cooler. Magh Mela (in January) and Jhand Mela (in March) of the city attract numerous visitors across the country.
Haridwar and Rishikesh - The holy city Haridwar is situated at a distance of 397 km from Agra whereas picturesque Rishikesh is located at a distance of 385 km. There are numerous temples dedicated to different deities in the city of Haridwar. Each of these temples has a history. Rishikesh is a new favorite for camping and river rafting, several people head to the place to amuse themselves amidst the exotic surroundings of the place.
Shopping in Agra
Shopping in Agra can be an interesting and beautiful experience. The markets of Agra bear the remnants of the past glory when their ethnic arts and crafts were patronized and popularized by the Mughal emperors. Some of the items for which Agra is famous include handicrafts items like marble tabletops, soft stone lay work, semi precious stones, jewellery items and hand made leather items. The small replica of the Taj Mahal makes a popular souvenir, decorated with inlay work with semi-precious and precious stones imitating the style of the pietra dura work on the grand Taj. The 'Chikan embroidery' and thread and zari work on clothing illustrate the plush art traditions that have been carried down over the generations in the family of artisans.
Other popular items to shop for in Agra are Sandalwood items, durries, carpets and textiles. Food lovers can purchase Petha, Gazak or Dalmoth, as they are the speciality of the city. Some of the popular bazaars in Agra that you can visit on your shopping tour include the Kinari Bazaar, Pratap Pura, Sadar Bazaar, Munro Road, Taj Ganj and Gwalior Road. There are the modern shopping sites and complexes too especially the state emporiums like Kraft Palace, Handicraft Inn, Marble Emporium, etc where you can purchase antique souvenirs to luxury items.
Eating out and Restaurants in Agra
There are several restaurants in Agra which serve awesome Mughlai, Indian, Chinese and other cuisines. However, if you want try out the famous local flavors, don't forget to try out the Petha, a type of sweet candy and Dal Moth, a spicy lentil mix. These two things are the specialties of Agra. Panchhi's Petha is one of the most prominent names for Petha. The Angoori Petha sold here is worldwide famous and is exported as well. Agra is also a heaven for Chat lovers. One can find Chat stalls at every nook and corner in the city. After a delicious meal, don't forget to round off your meal with a Paan (betel leaf combined with areca nut or cured tobacco) which is another speciality of this beautiful city. Following are some the popular restaurants in Agra:
Multi-Cuisine
- Pinch of Spice - 23/453, Wazirpura Road
- Dasaprakash Restaurant - 9 Bansal Nagar, Fathehabad Road
- Only Restaurant - 45 the Mall S of Taj Ganj
Vegetarian
- Shankara Vegis Restaurant - Taj Ganj
- Joney's Place - Taj Ganj
- Zorba the Buddha - Gopi Chand Shivhare Road
Mughlai
- Park Dining Room - Taj Road
- Moti Mahal Delux Tandoori Trail - Gandhi Nagar N.H. 2
Continental
- Shah Continental - 14, Bansal Nagar
- Bharat Plaza Hotel - Sikandara, Bodla Road, Rajajpur
- Kwality Restaurant - Surya Nagar, Civil Lines
South Indian
- Aahar Fast Food & Restaurant - 26/118, Sanjay place
- Lakshmi Vilas South Indian Restaurant - 50A, Taj Rd, Taj Ganj, Sadar Bazar
Chinese
- Mughal Room - 54 Taj Road
- Park Dining Room - Taj Road, Sadar Bazaar Area
Non - Vegetarian
- Stuff Makers - Hotel Kamal
- Taj Cafe - Taj Ganj Street
- Bellevue - The Oberoi Amarvilas, Taj East Gate Road
Entertainment options in Agra
Agra is abundant in entertainment and recreation options. The city offers something for everyone. From bird watching, peaceful walks to shopping, movies or shaking a leg at the discotheque, Agra has it all. The city of Agra has numerous options to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Some of the popular entertainment spots in Agra are:
Cinema and Multiplexes in Agra
- Bhagwan Cinema - Bye Pass Road, Dayal Bagh
- Sanjay Cinema - Sanjay Place, Civil Court
- Jaswant Cinema - Hing Ki Mandi, Shoe Market
- Adlabs Films Ltd. - TDI Mall, 2nd Floor, Phase-I, Taj Nagri Scheme
- Fun Cinemas - Fatehabad Road
Nightclubs and Bars in Agra
- The Bar (The Oberoi Amarvilas) - Taj East Gate Road
- Madira Bar - Tourist Complex Area, Fatehabad Road
- Fuel Bar - V.I.P Road to Taj Mahal, Fatehabad Road
- On The Rocks - Fatehabad Road
- The Lounge - 6B, The Mall Road
- The Tequila - Mansingh palace, Agra Fatehabad road
Art galleries in Agra
- Amin art gallery - Fatehabad Road
- The Art Gallery - 16, Handicrafts Nagar, Fatehabad Road
- Priyanka Kitchen Gallery - E-5, Kamla Nagar
- U. P. Craft & Art Gallery - Opp Hotel Taj Khema, Eastern Gate Taj Mahal
- Marble Art Gallery - 28/30, Gokul Pura
- Mughal Art Palace - 15/43-B, Fatehabad Road, Taj ganj
Last Updated on: 01/17/2013
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