The beautiful city Agra, which is known for its rich history or rich cultural heritage, although this is one of the most well-known cities in India and everyone wants to visit there once in a life. The one main attraction of this city is Taj Mahal which attracts thousands of visitors per year to see and feel the historical moments which take place here. Moreover this place has iconic landmarks and vibrant culture which make you fall in love with and you will get the most memorable experience, one thing you need to keep in mind is that of your safety tips, local customs and many more thing that we will discuss further in this blog, So let’s dive into this and get to know all about Agra.
History Of The Taj Mahal
Basically Taj Mahal is crypt tomb, during in 1612 Jahan married a girl Mumtaaz, she is an indivisible until her death during her fourteenth child in 1631, her death made shah Jahan to construct a suitable and beautiful tomb called Taj Mahal for resting his beloved wife and the tomb he was creating for his wife called Luminous tomb in that time but now it is known as Taj Mahal where jahan is also buried there. If we talk about the construction site of this tomb which contains complex gardens, buildings along within a high red sandstone, although if you know that Taj Mahal is stand square marble which 312 feet and side is of 23 feet which 7 meters high, or the height of massive arch is 108 feet mean 33 meters. Moreover, the pillar which stands at each corner of the tomb is about 138 feet (42 meters). The whole Taj Mahal is made up of white marble called Makrana. The time is was taken to build this intricate tomb is about 22 years from 1632 to 1654, with more than 25,000 workers daily did work to complete this monument by itself and the workers are from India, Persia and of some other places but the whole credit goes to usually Ustad Ali who was either Turkish or Persian but of some inconvenience the famous architect was Isa Muhammad Effendi of his time.
How To Reach Agra From Delhi
Agra is basically just 200 km away from Delhi, you can opt several accommodation to reach there, some as shown below:
By Flights
The airport of Agra is 7km away from the city Agra, although Agra doesn’t have its own base airport it only has a military base air strap which only takes commercial vehicles during the main tourist season, Air India is the only flight which operates the travel between Delhi to Agra. The distance will be only half an hour to reach.
The flight ticket cost approx INR 2337 per head. But if you book your flight within 30 days the cost is about INR 3000 per head.
By Train
If you know that Agra is very well connected to Delhi for rail routes. You can also go for local trains as well as luxury trains which run between Agra and Delhi.
You can book 12050 Gatimaan Express, a semi bullet train which takes only one hour to reach and the price is approx INR 1495 per head.
By Bus
The fastest way to reach Agra from Delhi is by Bus and it will take only 2 hours to reach, you can take government and luxury private buses as well.
By road Agra is only 233.1 km away form Delhi, the only main bus stand in Agra is located in Idgah.
The price for a private bus is INR 300.
The price for an AC sleeper bus is INR 800.
The price for a non-AC government bus is INR 250.
The Volvo bus ticket is INR 2000.
The bus is run between 1pm to 12am, if you may know, everyday total 70 buses run from Delhi to Agra.
From Mumbai
By Flight
The best and fastest way to reach Agra from Mumbai is by flight, therefore only Indigo operates the flight between Mumbai to Agra.
The price of the ticket is INR 6,372 approx per adult.
By Train
There are so many train that run between Mumbai to Agra, one of them is-
Nzm Rajdhani express on Kalyan junction to Agra cant (AGC).
The distance will be 14 hours approx.
and the price of 3AC – INR 2885.
2AC – INR 3925.
1AC – INR 4895
By Bus
There is only one bus which is available by Hans travels pvt ltd. from Mumbai to Agra. NON AC Sleeper
The distance will take about 39 hours.
The price will be 2,100.
Best Time To Visit Taj Mahal
The best time to visit Taj Mahal is when there is sunrise and this will be the best time to visit there. During sunrise you will experience the blooming flowers and to avoid the crowd you should visit in the morning time. Another thing you should avoid is visiting the Taj Mahal in between winter months because the tomb will be covered by Fogg, so you should go between March to June only if you bear the heat of those months.
Taj Mahal Tickets
There are no entry fees for children who are below the age of 15 years for both Indian and Foreigner.
Most important thing is that the Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.
For Indians – 50/-.
For Foreigners/NRI – 1100/-.
For SAARC – 540/-.
Taj Mahal Entrances
There are so many gates to enter the Taj Mahal are south, East and West, but the West gate is majorly used by locals and for tourists and the most popular gate to enter is East gate and it is the closest gate for popular hotels near that.
What To Bring To Visit The Taj Mahal
Water bottle is a must when you are going to the Taj Mahal and it’s allowed inside the monument as well. You should carry small bags which contain some important items which are permitted including phone, camera and a water bottle per person.
How To Take Great Pictures Of The Taj Mahal With No One?
- Go near the Yamuna river to get a different point of view and you can take high quality pictures there.
- The wide angle lens is the best approach for you to be close up and personal most of the time, a wide angle lens will work perfectly.
- If you want to take some good photographs, you must arrive early in Taj Mahal to avoid crowds as well.
- Tripod is not allowed inside the tomb. It is good to take pictures through a camera or your phone.
- Take pictures under the best sunlight, so you can spot the best angle and light for the photograph.
Where To Stay In Agra
Radisson Hotel Agra
The price will be INR 4,423 per night including all taxes and charges.
Ratings are 7.8 and it’s good.
Joey’s Hostel Agra
The price will be INR 1,400 per night including all taxes and charges.
Ratings are 8.2 and it’s very good.
Hotel Sahibs Lighthouse Agra
The price will be INR 1,999 per night including all taxes and charges.
Ratings are 9.3 and it’s superb.
Courtyard by Marriott Agra
The price will be INR 4,974 per night including all taxes and charges.
Ratings are 8.3 and it’s very good.
Royale Sarovar Portico Agra
The price will be INR 4000 per night including all taxes and charges.
Ratings are 8.6 and it’s fabulous.
Other Prominent Places To Visit In Agra
- Agra fort
Agra fort is the first ever monument which was declared as UNESCO world heritage site in 1983. This site was constructed by the Great Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century, although this place is also called Badalgarh. This fort was constructed with the help of 4000 workers in 1573 and it is witness to major historical wars like the first battle of Panipat. Or you can explore some other places near this fort and explore its surroundings.
- Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is very intricate place which is situated near Agra consider as the majestic testament to Mughal architecture, this fort is made up of red sandstones which are the same including Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza and others with some majestic craftsmanship and cultural fusion. This is the most beautiful fort with amazing designs and hardwork of the people who maintain and make it.
Nearby Places To Visit In Agra
- Mathura / Vrindavan
Vrindavan is the most divine place where you will find dignity, divinity and love. This is the place where Krishna spent his whole childhood and his love story is also placed here, this is the nearest place you can visit and the distance is about 100 km. This will be your perfect spot to spend your day after Agra.
Duration – 2 days.
Distance from Agra – 75 km.
- Deeg
Deeg is the best and the closest place near Agra for one day, although Deeg is the small town which was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mahal in the 18th century. This is basically a summer spot with a resort, you can enjoy here by admiring some beautiful forts, bazaars and bird sanctuary and with some best places in just within 100 km.
Duration – 1 day.
Distance – 94 km.
- Gwalior
Gwalior is a stunning city with some beautiful palaces which you can easily access from Agra, basically this place is called a “place of history” and this place will be your ideal place if you choose this. The most stunning spot is Gwalior Fort which is the most stunning attraction in this place in which you can feel the charm of this place.
Duration – 2 days.
Distance – 119 km.
- Ranthambore
Ranthambore place is basically a place of tigers, as it is considered as the tiger reserves of the country which is adorned by flora and fauna. This is one of the best places to visit after Agra to perfectly spend your weekends. You will definitely admit the beauty of nature and explore its surroundings.
Duration – 1 day.
Distance – 197.8 km.
- Jaipur
Jaipur is the city of perfect historical iconic, as it is considered as the royal charm of Rajput’s. Whenever you visit Jaipur you will get to see the most famous and iconic historical monuments which you can admire the beauty of. This city is also known as “pink city” . This will be your best destination when you finish the tour of Agra.
Duration – 2-3 days.
Distance – 240 km.
- Lucknow
Lucknow is the other best place to spend a day in this city, as it is famous for its banks of river “Gomti” and it is also known for its beautiful architecture landmarks and historical monuments. There are a lot of attractions you may come across to admire and explore the surroundings, as it is known as the city of Nawabs.
Duration – 1-2 days.
Distance – 335 km.
Some Prominent Tips While Travelling Here
- Before the day you are coming to Agra make sure that you will find the top attractions which will be easy for you in Agra.
- 2,3 places should be prioritised to visit them anyhow like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
- Wherever you go, try to be there a little early so you can avoid the crowd.
- If you are travelling to some religious places like temples or Masjid, you should dress according to that.
- Don’t forget to eat and explore the local street food of Agra.
- Finally, admire all the sights that you are travelling in Agra, and take some logical information about that particular place.
In conclusion, Agra is the most beautiful and historical place you have ever come across, so enjoy all the historical sites of Agra and definitely you will get to learn something about this place. You can come here with your family, friends and with your beloved to admire the beauty of this city.
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