Where is Agra located? All the most interesting things about the world. Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Basic moments

Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra has many other attractions. Agra was the capital of Akbar the Great. His fort is located there, his tomb is outside the city, in Sikandra, and a few kilometers to the west lies the amazing desert city of Fatehpur Sikri, which he built in honor of the birth of his son and which he abandoned to fight on the north-western frontier. Descendants of the artisans who lived here continue the traditions of their ancestors, creating jewelry, copper, ivory and inlaid marble.

In the lower part of the city, you will encounter hordes of rickshaw pullers, barkers, unofficial guides, and souvenir sellers, whose persistence is sometimes infuriating.

Agra is located on the great bend of the sacred river Yamuna (Yamuna). The fort and the Taj, located 2 km from each other, look at the river from opposite ends of the bend. The main bus and train stations are a few kilometers further, in the southwest.

The laborers and artisans who toiled at the Taj built their homes immediately south of the mausoleum, creating a dense network of streets known as the Taj Ganj (Taj Ganj). Now it's popular place parking lots for budget travelers.

Story

The first mention of Agra in history dates back to 1501, when Sultan Sikander Lodi made the place his capital, but in 1526 the city fell into the hands of the Mughals - after Emperor Babur overthrew the last Sultan of Lodi at Panipat. Agra reached its peak of prosperity between the mid-16th and 17th centuries, during the reigns of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. During this period, the fortress, Taj Mahal and other large mausoleums were built. In 1638 Shah Jahan built new town to Delhi, and his son Aurangzeb moved the capital to this city 10 years later.

In 1761, Agra was captured by the Jats - warriors who plundered the monuments of Agra, including the Taj Mahal. The Marathas retook the city in 1770, but were replaced by the British in 1803. After the first war of independence, the British shifted the provincial administration to Allahabad. Stripped of its administrative role, Agra began to develop as a center of heavy industry, quickly becoming famous for its chemical industry and air pollution. That was until the Taj and tourism became the main source of income.

Tickets to attractions

The entrance fee to Agra's five main attractions - the Taj, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Tomb and Itimad-ud-Dawla Mausoleum - consists of fees to two different organizations: the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Agra Development Association (ADA). Of the price of Rs 750 for a Taj Mahal ticket, you pay Rs 500 for a special ticket from ADA, which allows you to save a little on tickets to the other four attractions. You will save 50 rupees at Agra Fort and 10 rupees each at Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Tomb and Itimad-ud-Dawla. Can you buy this ADA ticket? (500 rupees) in any of five places. Just say you're going to visit the Taj Mahal later today.

Access to all other attractions in Agra is either free or only with ASI tickets (to locations not included in the ADA day ticket price).

Children under 15 years old can see all attractions for free.

Where to relax from the bustle of Agra

The annoying and ubiquitous touts, traders and rickshaw pullers of Agra can suck all the energy out of you. There are several ideas on how to get rid of their annoying attention.

Relaxing in the garden

A walk among the dilapidated Mughal gardens in Agra can be a good alternative to the noisy, bustling city streets. Visit Mehtab Bagh or Ram Bagh. In summer, it is best to come here in the early, cool mornings. You can also sit in the shade of the wonderful, quiet garden at the Sheela Hotel restaurant, a few steps from the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal.

Privacy on the roof

You will be practically dragged in all directions by persistent owners, trying to convince you that you should choose their establishment. But sitting on the roof of a cafe in Taj Ganj, you will find the peace and quiet you dreamed of and can enjoy the fabulous view of the Taj Mahal. Our favorite is the Saniya Palace Hotel.

Walking with a rickshaw

Find a rickshaw with deep, comfortable padded seats, agree to pay him 100-200 rupees for a half-day tour of the city, sit back and watch Agra float past you.

Near the swimming pool

If you want to completely disappear, grab your swimsuit or swim trunks and head out to one of the expensive hotels Agra to swim in the pool. Typically, guests not staying at the hotel pay 300-500 rupees for this pleasure.

Coffee break

For a quick break, stop by Coffee Day at the east gate of the Taj Mahal. Yes, it's expensive, and, yes, it's a chain cafe. But there is air conditioning here, and that's the only place in Taj Ganj, where they serve good fresh coffee.

Shopping

Agra is famous for its marble work, decorated with colored stones imitating the Pietra Dura of the Taj. Sadar Bazar, Old city and the area around the Taj is teeming with shopping malls and shops. All Taj Mahal figurines are made of plaster, not marble. The cheapest ones are made of soapstone, which is easy to scratch.

Other popular purchases include carpets, leather and stones, although the latter are imported from Rajasthan (they are cheaper in Jaipur).

Don't try to explore all of Agra in one day. It's possible (and of course, better than missing it altogether), but that means you won't see much other than the Taj Mahal and, well, a fort. Moreover, in this case you will miss the opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of the mausoleum, changing in different time day.

Spending an evening in Agra means sitting at some rooftop restaurant with a couple of bottles of beer. None of the restaurants in Taj Ganj are licensed, but they can supply you with alcohol if you ask nicely, and will even let you bring your own booze if you don't advertise it too much. You can enjoy live Indian classical music and ghazal (love songs in Urdu) in the restaurants of some upscale hotels in Agra. Most have bars, but they are all pretty boring and soulless.

The main place in Agra to find cheaper hotels is the bustling Taj Ganj near the Taj Mahal, to the south. Further away, along Fatehabad Road, there are mid-range hotels. Another hotel area is Sadar Bazar, where there are many good restaurants.

Ask the Taj Mahal Tourism office for the latest list of recommended 'homestays', that is, private homes where you can stay. Here the quality of such housing is quite high, but often the houses are located far from the center. The price can range from 2000 - 4000 rupees per room.

When hiring a car or rickshaw to travel to the Taj Mahal, make sure that the rickshaw driver understands which gate you need to take you to, and then negotiate the price. Otherwise, you will definitely be taken in a circle to the southern end of Shahjahan Gardens Road, where expensive tongs (horse-drawn carriages) or camels await tourists who want to go to the western gate. And they will definitely say that they understood that this is where you wanted to come. Cars can't get to the Taj Mahal due to environmental laws, but they can get you much closer than these rickshaws.

Most of the "marble" souvenirs sold on the streets of Agra are actually made of alabaster or even soapstone (soapstone). Mini Taj Mahals are always made from alabaster, they are too complex to be quickly carved from marble.

Information

Internet cafe

There are a huge number of Internet cafes in Taj Ganj (20-40 rupees per hour). Many have Web cameras for communicating via Skype. Some will allow you to use your own laptop. There is a cafe where you can burn CDs with digital photos (50-100 rupees per disc).

Tourist police

The guys in sky blue uniforms are located behind the railway station, but you can often find them at the tourist office (2421204; Agra Cantonment railway station; 24 hours).

Health care

Amit Jaggi Memorial Hospital (2230515; www.ajmh.in; Vibhav Nagar, off Minto Road) Reader Recommended Private Hospital. District hospital (District Hospital; 2466099) Government local hospital on Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Money

ATMs can be found in any part of Agra. But there is only one near the Taj Mahal, at the eastern gate.

Getting around the city

Autorickshaw

Green and yellow autorickshaws of Agra run on compressed gas (not on gasoline), polluting the atmosphere less. There is a pre-payment counter for auto-rickshaws immediately after exiting the Agra Cantonment railway station. (24 hours a day). You can get an idea of the price here so you can bargain elsewhere later. Please note that vehicles are not allowed to enter Fatehpur Sikri. Price examples: Fatehabad Road 50 rupees; ISBT bus stand 80 rupees; Sadar Bazar Sikandra 80 rupees; Taj Mahal 50 rupees; half day tour (4 hours) 200 rupees; full day tour (10 hours) 400 rupees.

Trishaw

Cost of the trip from the Taj Mahal: Agra Cantonment railway station 40-50 rupees; Agra Fort 20 rupees; Biili Ghar bus stand 30 rupees; Fatehabad Road 20 rupees; Kinari Bazaar 30 rupees; Sadar Bazaar 30 rupees; half-day tour 150-200 rupees.

Taxi

There is a prepaid taxi counter near Agra Cantonment railway station. (24 hours a day). Here you can get an idea of the cost of a taxi ride. Prices: Delhi 2500; Fatehabad Road 150 rupees; Sadar Bazar 70 rupees; Taj Mahal 150 rupees; half day tour (4 hours) 450 rupees; full day (8 ocloc'k) 650 rupees.

How to get there and leave

By plane

Kingfisher Airlines (2400693; www.flykingfisher.com; airport; 10:00-17:00) operates one flight to Delhi per day (from 2000 rupees, 1 hour, 15:00). Kneria Airport in Agra is an Indian Air Force facility and you will not be able to enter unless your name is on the list of those booked for the flight that day. You must book your ticket online or by phone.

Bus

There are buses departing from Idgah bus stand:

Delhi – without air conditioning/with air conditioning. 149/226 rupees, 5 hours, often, 24 hours (without air conditioning)/6:00-18:00 (with air conditioning)
Fatehpur Sikri – 21 rupees, 1 hour, every half hour, 6:00-17:00
Gwalior – 82 rupees, 3 hours, often, 5:00-1:00
Jaipur – 159 rupees, 6 hours, often, 6:00-1:00
Jhansi – 141 rupees, 6 hours, 4 per day: 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 and 11:30

Buses from ISBT station go to Dera Dun (seater/sleeper 512/574 rupees, 11 hours, 20:00 and 20:30, both air conditioned).

Biili Ghar bus stand (Bili Ghar): Buses leave for Mathura (42 rupees, 1.5 hours, every half hour, 6:00-19:00).

Autorickshaws for groups of passengers (10 rupees) travel between Idgah and Biili Ghar bus stations. To get to the ISBT stand, look for a Dayalbagh-bound bus from Agra Cantonment railway station. (Dayalbagh; 20 rupees), but ask to be dropped off at Baghwan Talkies (Baghwan Talkies; 15 rupees), and from there a car for groups of passengers (5 rupees) will take you to ISBT.

Train

The train is the most quick way travel to Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur and Khajuraho. Most trains depart from Agra Cantonment railway station (2421204) , but some come from Agra Fort station.

Express trains are specially catered for day trippers traveling to or from Delhi, while regular trains operate throughout the day. If you can't reserve a place, just buy " general ticket» on the next train (approximately 60 rupees), find free place in the sleeping car and change your ticket when the ticket inspector arrives. In most cases, he won't even ask you to pay extra.

To reach Orchha, take one of the many trains that travel daily to Jhansi (Jhansi; sleeper 150 rupees, 3 hours), then go to the bus stand in a shared auto-rickshaw (5 rupees) and there change into one of the cars going to Orchha (10 rupees).

Agra is a city primarily known for its architecture, because during the Mughal rule, the most eminent artists of that time flocked here. Many parks, palaces, forts and mausoleums were built.

Each of the buildings is unique and inimitable, which attracts tourists to come here, deep into India. It is worth noting that the city is quite densely populated - 1,600 million people. Perhaps this is why Agra is considered one of the most unsafe cities in India, and also the most expensive.

Attractions

Among the attractions of Agra are the following:

Fatehpur Sikri

In 2007, the Taj Mahal was officially included in the new list of wonders of the world. This popularity is explained by the richness of the decorations of this historical monument. For 17 years, workers painstakingly carved unique patterns from marble blocks, which were subsequently decorated with precious stones. Since the Taj Mahal was conceived as the mausoleum of Shah Jahan, there are floral designs inside the structure, symbolizing the Gardens of Eden.

This fort was built over a decade by Emperor Akbar. According to the architects, the structure was supposed to resemble a crescent. Outside the walls of the fort, they located a whole complex consisting of vineyards and pavilions, the decoration of which can delight even the most sophisticated traveler.

Deserves special attention octagonal tower, because it is from there that you can admire the Taj Mahal. In addition, the tower itself is decorated with mosaics, which is a very characteristic phenomenon for Indian architecture.

Jama Masjid is a Friday mosque located in the center of the old city. The construction of the mosque was carried out under the supervision of the daughter of Shah Jahan, and perhaps that is why the building is decorated with characteristic zigzag patterns. During Mughal times, the area around the mosque was a fairly busy place with taverns and shops.

Now you can just walk along these streets, enjoying the atmosphere of the antiquity of this part of the city. It is worth noting that there are many souvenir shops where you can buy jewelry and gold.

Itimad-ud-Daula is another mausoleum like the Taj Mahal, only built a few years earlier. Among the broad masses this structure was called "little Taj". But Itimad-ud-Daula is still worth visiting as it has impressive patterns and mosaics that are definitely worth a look.

Fatehlur Sikri is also known as Cities of Emperor Akbar's mosques. More than one legend is associated with the construction of this city. One of them says that Akbar really wanted to have a son, and therefore decided to find the mystic Salim Shikhti to help him. It was on the spot where the emperor prayed to the sage for a son that Fatehlur Sikri was built. Subsequently, eminent guests who came there never tired of admiring the beauty and originality of the buildings.

Weather in Agra

Due to the fact that Agra is located in a subtropical climate zone, temperatures between April and July can reach 45°C. That's why best time to visit Agra is winter when the temperature does not exceed 25°C.

How to get there

You can get to Agra by the Shatabdi Express train, which runs daily from Delhi. The departure time of the train from New Delhi Station is 6.00 am. The Taj Express also departs from Nizamuddin Station at 7.15 am. The journey will take about 3 hours.

If it is not possible to take these special trains, you can get to Agra on any other train going to Kolkata or Mumbai.

For those who like bus travel, there are flights to Agra; the travel time will also not take more than 3 hours.

Where to stay

The main criteria for choosing a hotel in Agra are accessibility, proximity to the center and comfort. The most expensive area Agri is considered Taj Ganj, as it is located in close proximity to the Taj Mahal.

But if you try, even in such a place you can find acceptable and inexpensive guesthouses.

It is not necessary to book a room in advance, because in India it is quite common to bargain with the owners of hotels, shops, and so on.

You shouldn’t count on clean and spacious rooms in guesthouses either; interruptions in hot water are also possible. But the cost of living will be significantly lower than in luxury hotels on Fatehbad Road.

Among budget options The following can be particularly highlighted: Shanti Lodge, Hotel Shyam Palace, Rahi Tourist Bungalow Hotel Agra.

Agra is one of the most visited cities in India due to its preserved monuments ancient architecture. Together with the cities of Delhi and Jaipur, visiting Agra is included in the most popular route for tourists - the “Golden Triangle of India”.

City with rich history located at the intersection of ancient trade routes and today is a large transport hub countries. Developed transport connection allows you to get to the city by any means. The most comfortable, fastest and inexpensive of them is the railway: the journey from Delhi takes 3-4 hours. However, it is extremely difficult to see all the sights in one day.

Pearl of the city – Taj Mahal changes its color depending on the position of the sun, so its changing views alone are enough for a day of viewing. In addition to architectural monuments, the city has preserved ancient craft traditions, captivating with their originality and exoticism.

Agra Fort is also called the Red Fort. After the overthrow of the Delhi Sultanate in 1526, the Mughals captured Agra along with the fort and its many treasures, including the famous Kohinoor Diamond.

The Mughal Emperor Akbar moved his capital here in 1558 and began to restore the citadel. During his reign, the best architects, craftsmen and artisans came to the capital. The work was completed under his grandson, Shah Jahan. Three emperors of the Mughal dynasty made their additions to the complex, which is located on 91 hectares and has a crescent shape.

Fort is listed cultural heritage UNESCO in 1983, and in 2004 he was awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The fortified city has collected parts of both Hindu and Islamic styles. Unfortunately, a small area is reserved for excursions. The complex hides a huge number of pavilions, gardens, palaces, mosques and towers behind the red sandstone walls. The octagonal tower offers views of the Taj Mahal mausoleum, located on the other side of the Yamuna River.

The Taj Mahal is considered the architectural symbol of India, attracting more than 2.5 million tourists from all over the world every year. The reason for the establishment of the majestic monument of culture, history and architecture was the boundless love of Emperor Jahan for his wife Mumtaz. Mumtaz Mahal died suddenly during childbirth. After a year of desperate grief, the once majestic emperor, who expanded the territory of the Mughal empire, gathered its best craftsmen to build the most beautiful tomb for his beloved wife.

The mausoleum contains two tombs: the emperor wished to be buried next to his beloved wife in the most majestic palace that they worked on to create more than 20,000 workers. The walls of the mausoleum were decorated with precious stones (more than 28 types), the door was made of pure silver. The mausoleum is based on marble slabs.

Unfortunately, not everything was saved. The British were accused of looting the monument: many carpets, mosaics, stones and decorations were taken away. Today, to preserve its snow-white appearance, the Indian government has ordered the removal of hazardous industrial enterprises outside Agra, as well as the exclusion of transport on the territory of the complex. It includes the main entrance, mausoleum and gardens, as well as a symmetrical mosque and a guest house surrounding the mausoleum on both sides. The garden covers an area of 300 square meters. And in the wide water channel in front of the main entrance, a majestic monument is reflected, which is under the protection of UNESCO.

Fatehpur Sikri is a ghost town 35 kilometers from Agra. Emperor Akbar the Great began building his capital there. The complex of architectural monuments of this capital is made in a unique Mughal style. There is also the tomb of the prophet who predicted three sons for Akbar. The city was built up over the course of 14 years, and then was abandoned, presumably due to the lack of water supply to the growing city. The complex today is also under the protection of UNESCO.

Akbar the Great's tomb with tombstone is made of marble in Muslim, Christian and Hindu styles. Decorated with various mosaics and ornaments, it is surrounded by a beautiful garden of 48 hectares and a huge wall with four gates. The Gate of Splendor is the only real one.

The mausoleum of Itmad ud Daula was built for Emperor Jahangir in 1628. The mausoleum is also located in a picturesque garden with many alleys and paths. The walls of the architectural monument are made of white marble and inlaid with various precious stones. The interior decoration in colors such as black, yellow and white creates an unimaginable contrast and amazes the imagination. Structures made of red sandstone have been preserved on the territory of the complex.

The Mausoleum of Chini-ka-Rauza was erected by Emperor Shah Jahal for his devoted minister in 1635. The structure is square in shape with turrets at the corners. On each wall there are 24-meter arches, which are covered with tiles, which corresponds to the Indo-Persian style. The quadrangular hall with the tomb is surrounded by four more small halls, which are lined with tiles of different colors. Tourists can also see nests of colored parrots in the corners. Unfortunately, the brightness of the tiles has faded greatly over time, and the northern and south gate collapsed.

Rambagh Garden is considered the oldest garden of the Mughal era, which contains rare plants listed in the Red Book. The garden demonstrates Muslim ideas about heaven. Great amount paved paths, pavilions, shady places and bright open ones, fountains, ponds and canals: all this can still be enjoyed in the Garden of Eden.

Location: Near Aligadh Hatrash Road, Firojabad Road.

Wildlife SOS is a wildlife sanctuary. Tourists are especially impressed by elephants, which you can get close to and even touch. The park also contains bears.

Location: National Highway - 2.

Jawab Masjid is a red stone guest palace located to the right of the Taj Mahal. From under the numerous arches of this palace you can get picturesque photographs of the main pearl of Agra.

It becomes clear that enjoying the views, parks, architectural ensembles ancient homeland The fairytale Aladdin is endless. Also, do not miss the opportunity to bargain with sellers at the ancient bazaar, choosing carpets, leather or stone products. How about a ride in a green and yellow autorickshaw for a cent? The ancient legendary city continues to receive millions of tourists from all over the world.

The most visited Indian city by tourists is Agra. Its sights, squares and streets evoke admiration and delight even among those travelers who have seen many amazing and unusual places. Agra has a special grandeur, beauty and exoticism that fully reflect the culture of India.

Historical development

The city is located in the north of the country near the Jamna River. There is several evidence that it was built before our era, but the official founding date of Agra is considered to be 1504. Early mentions of Agra are in ancient Indian epics that have survived to this day. According to legends, the name of the city was given by Ptolemy. In ancient times, the city served as a fortress, and its prosperity occurred in the seventeenth century, when the Great Mughals ruled India. During that era, Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire and its cultural development flourished. In the middle of the 18th century, the city began to be attacked by militant neighboring peoples - Persians, Afghans, Jats. By the end of the century, the capital was completely destroyed and devastated.

Agra was then captured by the British, as a result of which the Indian rulers were expelled from its walls. However, it was under the rule of the British that the city began to actively develop, which made it a famous trading center in India. Thanks to the rule of the British, the city was built Railway, factories and factories, and public transport appeared.

Modern Agra

Nowadays, the city of Agra is a center of industrial business and tourism. It is extremely attractive to travelers for its unique attractions and ancient monuments. There are regular routes through Agra railway trains, connecting the city to Mumbai and Delhi. The large tourist center is full of its own flavor: the best way to get to know the city is to take a fascinating walk along Mall Road.

This street is lined with many shops selling leather goods and handicrafts. You can also book a taxi ride around the city or hire an official guide. The guided tour lasts half a day and includes a visit to the famous Taj Mahal and fort. At every mosque and fortress there are certainly various merchants who offer tourists big variety various goods.

Many architectural monuments and shrines make Agra a unique Indian city. Main Attractions – Taj Mahal and Fort display a fusion of different Indian cultures. The unique numerous palaces, tombs and memorials of India will not leave any traveler indifferent.

Sights of Agra

Taj Mahal

A trip to India would not be complete without visiting the world-famous and majestic Taj Mahal. India is famous for its architectural masterpieces, but museum complex The Taj Mahal, made of snow-white marble, is most famous throughout the world. The construction of the legendary mausoleum began in the 17th century. About thirty types of precious stones and various ornaments were used to decorate the tomb. The Taj Mahal is surrounded by picturesque gardens with pools and fountains. A special sight is the reflection of the memorial in the decorative ponds surrounding it.

The memorial was built by order of the Indian Emperor Shah Jahan as a sacred memory of his beloved wife named Mahal. After his death, the emperor bequeathed to bury himself next to his wife. Today their burial place is located in an underground crypt. The memorial is one of the most beautiful tombs in the whole world, which is a true masterpiece of Muslim and Indian architecture. This architectural monument is called “a tear on the cheek of eternity.” Imperial love is forever captured in its snow-white inlaid walls.

The Taj Mahal is located in the very center of Agra. During full moons it is open for evening visits. The sight of the majestic tomb under the full moon captivates the mind and allows you to fully enjoy the exoticism of the place. Night tickets can be purchased as early as 10 am. Smoking and eating are prohibited on the territory of the complex, and all visitors are asked not to make noise within the walls of the tomb.

Agra Fort

This fortress is located on one of the central hills of the city. This fort is reminiscent of the famous Red Fort in Delhi - its construction was intended for fortification purposes. The defensive structure is made of red sandstone. The fortress resembles the whole city. Once upon a time, it contained the ancient treasures of the Indian sultans. During the Mughal attack, the Indian fort was thoroughly destroyed, but in the 17th century, the Mughal emperor Akbar completely restored the fortress.

The restoration allowed the fort to become the way it now greets travelers - its walls are decorated with intricate patterns and colorful mosaics. The walls of the fortress are fortified high towers, and the fort itself is built in the shape of a semicircle. The complex includes several buildings, a palace, a mosque, pavilions and a beautiful garden.

Shrine of Itimad ud Daula

The famous mausoleum of India is located in a beautiful garden with water channels. Its walls are made of marble and inlaid with various precious stones. The buildings of the complex are crowned with minarets. The tomb is rightly called a “jewel box.” The memorial was intended for the Persian ruler who was in exile, Mirza Beg.

The tomb is located on a small pedestal; its decoration includes Florentine mosaics, jasper, onyx, and carnelian. Paintings depicting vases with fruits and flowers are made from precious stones.

Akbar's Tomb

Akbar the Great was the Mughal Emperor. He reigned in the 16th-17th centuries and was a worthy and revered ruler. His tomb is located in Sikandra, a small village near Agra. The tomb is made in a restrained style, but some of its details are luxurious. The mausoleum began to be built during the life of the ruler.

The tomb is a true masterpiece of Indian architecture. It is framed by huge gates, and a wide paved road leads to the tomb itself. All buildings are made of red sandstone. Akbar's actual burial place is in an underground crypt. Monkeys, antelopes, and peacocks live in the surrounding gardens of the memorial.

Mausoleum of Chini-ka-Rauza

This architectural and cultural monument is historical place India. The mausoleum was erected by order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his minister. Originally existed large complex various structures, but only the mausoleum has survived to this day. The building has a square shape and neat turrets. Located inside Big hall. The overall architectural style of the tomb is quite modest and simple. However, some interesting elements of the structure reflect Persian architecture well. To decorate the arches of the mausoleum, bright colored ceramic tiles were used, which were arranged in an interesting pattern.

Jama Masjid Mosque

The shrine is located near the Agra Fort and is surrounded by benches and shops. The mosque was built in the 17th century by Sultan Shah Jahan. Its top is crowned with domes made of marble with a unique carved pattern. The courtyard of the mosque was completely destroyed by the British in ancient times. The shrine has inscriptions from the Koran on the walls and inlays of precious stones. On Fridays, a service for Muslims is held at the mosque. In the very center ancient shrine there is a tank for ablutions. For the Muslim community, this mosque is of particular importance - priceless relics of the Prophet Muhammad are kept here.

Fatehpur Sikri

The history of Fatherpukh Sikri is amazing. The city was built when Emperor Akbar's long-awaited heir was born. Over the course of fifteen years, the capital of the Mughal Empire grew on the slopes, but over time, the lack of water in it forced the inhabitants to leave the place.

Today, this ghost town has fortresses, palaces, parks and baths, which were not destroyed and have survived to this day. The city's buildings and structures include original architectural elements and ornaments. Fatehpur Sikri has a huge scale and is built according to fairly clear rules. The palace buildings are made in a special style, which is close to Hinduism. At the entrance to the city there is a house of drums, from its walls the arrival of an important person was announced. The ghost town's mosques and palace attract many tourists. Here is the mausoleum of Salim Chishti and the five-story Rang Mahal palace complex.

Rambach Garden

The luxurious garden, five kilometers from the Taj Mahal, amazes all its guests with its special beauty. The ancient garden was laid out by the Mughal Emperor Babur in the 16th century. The place is called the “garden of diffused light.” According to Indian legend, the future Emperor Akbar proposed to his wife in this place.

The entire garden is decorated in unique vibrant Persian nuances. Abundant sunlight illuminates cozy gazebos, pavilions, spreading plants and paved paths. In the center of the garden there are picturesque fountains and a pond. Water canals run from it in different directions. Luxurious Indian garden reminds real paradise, along which crystal clear rivers flow. In ancient times, the garden was a favorite resting place for the emperor and his guests.

Agra is a city of art that has many majestic ancient monuments. Having visited this Indian city once, you can fully enjoy the exotic gardens of India, its temples, palaces and magnificent gardens. At the same time, Agra keeps up with the times - the city is famous for its own jewelry, handicrafts, carpets and leather goods.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! I really want to answer everyone who says that Agra is a real dump, with attractions inflated out of nothing. After a while, I no longer remember all the dirt and garbage that covered this Indian town. But the great creations of human hands, which proudly rise in the vastness of Agra, are forever ingrained in the memory as something completely incredible. A miracle of the world, and nothing else.

How to get there

To get to Agra, you will in any case first have to get to the capital of India. And from there you can choose different transport: plane, train or taxi.

By plane

There are no direct flights to Agra from Moscow or St. Petersburg, but you can take a compound flight via New Delhi. On a flight from New Delhi to Agra, you will have to change planes at. Please note that there are only a few flights a week from the capital. Therefore, if you choose this method, be guided by the current schedule.

Types of flights

The fastest and most convenient The way to get to New Delhi from Moscow is to use the services of Aeroflot. A direct flight will take you to the capital of India in 6 hours. But this is not the cheapest option; tickets will cost 620-800 USD (35,000-45,000 rubles). Keep an eye on promotions and earn miles with the help of airline partners, this is a good way to save money.
The most budget The flight is offered by Gulf Air with a transfer in Bahrain from 480 USD (28,000 rubles). There are also many options from Emirates, Air Astana, Qatar Airways, Uzbekistan Airways with various combinations of transfers and very slightly more expensive. You can compare ticket prices and look for great deals, for example.
AirIndia flies from New Delhi to Agra. The net flight time is 2.5 hours, but the connection can be either 30 minutes or more than a day. Tickets will cost about 100-140 USD (6,000-8,000 rubles). To travel to India, you must obtain a tourist visa at the embassy in advance, or obtain an electronic permit; this is discussed in more detail.

How to get there from the airport

From the capital, planes fly to Kheria Airport, which is only 6 km from the city.

There are prepaid taxi stands at the airport. A trip to the city center will cost 5 USD (320 USD). There are stops near the airport public transport, but what schedule and route they run on is not known. And squeezing your luggage into a stuffy bus crowded with locals is not the best idea.

By train

The most convenient and fastest way to get to Agra from New Delhi or other Indian cities is by train. I took the 2280 Taj Express Superfast train from the station New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) at 07.00 and went to the main station in Agra Cantt (AGC). The train covers the distance between cities of 200 km in approximately 2-3 hours, every day. I took a first class ticket for 4 USD (263 INR), second class is less comfortable (no air conditioning) and costs 1.15 USD (75 INR).

Train 12002 Bhopal Shatabdi departs New Delhi at 6:00. A first class ticket will cost 10 USD (700 INR). This train is considered the fastest; at 10:00 it arrives in Agra every day except Friday.

I bought a ticket online. Please print your voucher in advance and present it before boarding the train.

It is better to buy tickets in advance, as there may not be seats available on the day of departure. In travel agencies, which are located on the central streets of any city, they charge a percentage for providing ticket sales services. But there are no long queues. You can buy a ticket at the station, but there are always a lot of people there.

Lunch is served on the train, although I couldn’t determine what it tasted like.

Many people come to Agra for one day. Taj Express train 2279 departs from the main station at 18.55. Train 12001 NDLS Shatabdi- at 20:30, every day except Friday.

How to get there from the station

From railway station It's easy to get a taxi or auto-rickshaw from the pre-paid counter, the prices there are fixed depending on the area you go to. To the center it will cost 200 INR (3 USD) - taxi, auto-rickshaw is half the price. You can hire a private seller, but be prepared to bargain desperately, as the initial cost is at least twice as high.

By bus

Buses in India do not have a clear schedule and are often very overloaded, with people traveling standing with large bales. To avoid this, take a bus ticket increased comfort with air conditioning for 12 USD (800 INR).

Buses depart from Sarai Kale Bus Stand when full. Travel time is about 4 hours, but you can get into a serious traffic jam. Arrive at Idgah Bus Station.

By car

Many people rent a car to see other cities on the New Delhi-Agra route. But you need to calculate your strength, since in India there are almost no rules traffic. Many cars do not have side mirrors, and instead of turn signals they use a car horn. Look current prices for booking is possible.

The fastest highway from New Delhi good quality, but paid.

You can order a taxi at the airport or train station for about 65-75 USD (4,000 – 5,000 INR).

Clue:

Agra - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 2:30

Kazan − 2:30

Samara − 1:30

Ekaterinburg − 0:30

Novosibirsk 1:30

Vladivostok 4:30

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The most comfortable weather for visiting Agra begins in early October, when the rainy season ends, but there is no scorching heat outside. Of course, there are a lot of tourists in the city from late autumn and all winter, which can make visiting the sights difficult.

Agra in summer

It is hot in Agra until mid-summer. Daytime temperatures stay around +30-35°C, but can sometimes reach +45°C in the sun. The rainy season begins in July and proceeds quite moderately until September. August is considered the wettest month, with about 14 days of rain.

Agra in autumn

The dry season begins in October, daytime temperatures drop to +18-20 °C. Lush flowering of plants and trees begins.

Agra in spring

From the end of March, hot, sunny weather sets in. Rain is unlikely and temperatures rise to 30°C.

Agra in winter

In winter, the temperature stays at +14-17°C, which is quite cool. I didn’t have suitable clothes, and I had to wear the winter down jacket that I flew in from Moscow. Otherwise, in the evening it was very comfortable, as the temperature dropped to +4°C.

Agra - weather by month

Clue:

Agra - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Often travelers come to Agra only for a day, but despite this there are no problems with accommodation here.

The most convenient area for accommodation is Tajganj (1), it is directly adjacent to the Taj Mahal. I advise you to approach your choice of housing with all responsibility, because high price is not a guarantee of quality service. Beautiful pictures on the Internet may hide shabby walls and unwashed bed linen. Therefore, rely on reviews on booking sites, for example, Booking

In India, in principle, everything is not expensive, and hotels are readily available to major global chain operators. They have rooms with balconies and terraces with a gorgeous view of the Taj Mahal for 100 USD (6,500 INR - Indian rupee). Just keep in mind that from December to mid-January it is hidden in the fog.

If you don’t mind the spartan conditions, then for a couple of tens of dollars you can stay in a guesthouse (about 1,000 INR). There is no need to book them in advance. Ask the taxi driver to take you to Fatehabad Road and just walk around, choosing the most suitable room. Be sure to bargain.

Another popular area for visitors to Agra is Rakabganj (2). There are not many budget accommodation options here. In this area you will be able to live in close proximity to the Agra Fort and the Pearl Mosque.

If you are traveling with a large family, you can rent a whole house, but most of them are quite far from the main attractions. You can see different options

What are the prices for holidays?

Of all India, Agra is considered almost the most expensive city. In fact, if you don’t get tired of haggling everywhere and keeping an eye on receipts (in hotels and restaurants they often charge extra items), then you can fit into any budget. And besides, you won’t spend more than you have in your pockets.

Hotels

There is housing for every budget - from a couple of dollars to several hundred and even thousands. BUT! Don’t think that if you’ve paid hundreds of dollars and checked into a world-famous luxury hotel, everything will be perfect. Such is the Indian mentality that a maid without a twinge of conscience can, instead of laying out new bed linen, simply straighten the sheet for the previous guests. I don’t think it’s worth creating a worldwide scandal over this. Just politely point out what you are not happy with and the staff will correct their mistakes. This !

Restaurants

The situation with cafes and restaurants is the same as with hotels - there is something for every budget. If you are visiting attractions with a guide or taxi driver for the day, they will often take you to the “best and cheapest” places. In fact, they take people to places with which they have an agreement and they receive their percentage from such pimping. If you are not satisfied with the price or menu, be persistent in telling your attendant.

I chose cafes and restaurants myself, focusing on establishments where locals eat. Below you can see a list of recommended places for any budget.

Attractions

Login cultural centers It is not cheap compared to prices in India. For tourists, tickets cost 10 times more than for a local resident. But no more than 20 USD (1,200 INR).

Transport

For short distances it is better to take a rickshaw; the price of the trip should not be higher than 80 INR (less than 1 USD). For the whole day it will cost about 15 USD (970 INR).

But keep in mind that you will be stuck in stuffy traffic jams and constantly attacked by local beggars. Taking a taxi for short distances is not profitable, but for the whole day you can rent a car with air conditioning and a driver for 25-30 USD.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: US dollar, $ Euro, € Russian ruble, rub Indian rupee, ₨

Main attractions. What to see

All travelers arriving at the main station are faced with a crowd of taxi drivers and guides. I immediately agreed to go to the hotel and rent a taxi for the whole day. The cost is approximately 8-12 USD (500-750 INR). This is much more convenient and cheaper than looking for a taxi at each museum to the next place.

In addition to the taxi driver, I advise you to hire a guide at the station. It is not at all necessary that he walk around and tell you about all the sights, but in all ticket offices and queues at the entrances, he will guide you past the crowds. Since there is a separate priority ticket window and entrance for guides. The price depends on how much time he spends with you and how much he tells you, but on average this service costs about 10-20 USD (650-1,300 INR).

If you need a Russian-speaking guide, you can find one on special websites; there are many of our compatriots in Agra.

You can save a little if you buy a special ticket from the Agra ADA Development Association. The entry fee to Agra's five main attractions - the Taj, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Tomb and Itimad-ud-Dawla Mausoleum - consists of fees to two different organizations: the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the ADA. But the discount is so insignificant that if you don’t have the intention, like I do, to visit everything, you shouldn’t bother.

Top 5

Taj Mahal. The calling card of India, the eighth wonder of the world, the most important architectural creation of man - all this is about the Taj Mahal. I arrived just before the opening, but even at such an early time there were quite a lot of people. Mainly local residents who create a special color with their colorful clothes against the backdrop of snow-white marble. True, this also complicates the process of photographing; in 9 out of 10 photographs, someone’s head is necessarily present. By the way, tripods are not allowed into the area.
Login for foreign tourists costs 15 USD (1,000 INR), shoe covers and a bottle of water are given along with the ticket. Shoe covers must be worn when climbing to the platform on which the mausoleum is located and entering the mausoleum itself. And don't listen to those who say that the Taj Mahal is not particularly impressive. Despite the fact that the minarets are hidden by scaffolding, this monument to love and the wonders of construction skill are simply amazing. From the side of the Taj Mahal you can see the central gate through which you enter the territory.
Entrance is open daily from 6:00 to 19:00, except Friday. Two days before and two days after the full moon, the mausoleum is open in the evening hours - from 20.30 to midnight. There is a museum on site, which I will talk about below in the appropriate section.
Agra Fort. 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal to the north is the Agra Fort, or Red Fort. And although it seems that it is not far to walk, it is better to travel this distance by rickshaw or taxi. This is the second most important attraction in Agra and is worth spending a couple of hours there.
Entry costs 500 INR, but if you save your ticket from the Taj Mahal, you will get a 50 INR discount. At the entrance to the Ford, be careful, there are a lot of monkeys who can snatch any thing they like. They react especially strongly to shiny earrings, chains and glasses.
I advise you to read the history of this place in advance, print out a small guide, or hire a guide, because there are a lot of different halls and rooms in Ford. If you know English and want to save money, then you can walk a short distance from an organized group of tourists and listen to their guide. Be sure to climb the Musamman Burj tower, where, according to legend, he was imprisoned last years Shah Jahan's life, overlooking the Taj Mahal.
The fort has a semicircular shape and covers an area of more than 91 hectares, but most of it is closed to tourists and is used for military purposes. There are beautiful green gardens in the courtyards. On the lawns, Indian couples and whole families have mini-picnics.
Baby Taj (Tomb of Itemad-ud-Daula). After the fort, without hesitation, I went to the Tomb of Itemad-ud-Daula. Also called in Agra the Small Taj Mahal, or Baby Taj. In appearance it is indeed very similar to the Taj Mahal, only greatly reduced in size. But the tomb is located in the middle of a huge garden, inhabited by tame chipmunks (in Asia they are called tree squirrels), and many colorful birds, the names of which I, unfortunately, do not know.
By the way, I can’t help but mention the shocking contrast that appears before your eyes every time when, after terribly dusty, stinking streets, completely littered with garbage and along which sewage flows, you find yourself in these beautiful green gardens. If you drive from the southern part of the city and cross the Jumna River, be sure to pay attention to how on its banks women rinse fabrics dyed in bright colors. This is the traditional way of producing dyed fabrics, which are then used to make saris and other textiles.

Sikandra. Many guidebooks write that Sikandra is located 8 km from Agra, but in fact it is within the city limits, just on its very outskirts.
This former Indian village is famous for the fact that it is here that the outstanding ruler from the Mughal dynasty, Akbar the Great, is buried. In the hall near his sarcophagus there are also decorative graves of his two daughters Aram Bano and NishiBegam. The gardens surrounding the tomb are home to various animals: antelopes, monkeys, peacocks and chipmunks.
In terms of its scale, this tomb is sometimes compared to a palace. Therefore, the main attraction of Sikandra is the tomb of Akbar the Great, spread over 48 hectares (truly a worthy tomb for an eminent emperor).

Mehtab Bagh. Or the Moon Garden - one of the most beautiful parks in Agra. It is located on east coast Yamuna River - opposite from the Taj Mahal. I took a taxi across the bridge, but you can get to the garden by ferry in 15 minutes from the Taj Mahal.
I liked the garden because, in contrast to the noisy and dirty city, it is an oasis of peace, tranquility and improvement. From here it opens beautiful view at the Taj Mahal, you can take interesting panoramic photos at sunset.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Jama Masjid

Entrance to the Jama Masjit (Friday Mosque) is free, but do not forget to wear appropriate clothing.

At the entrance you are asked to take off your shoes. For a long time I fought off the pesters who try to carefully put your shoes away in a secluded place, and when they leave they ask for a lot of money for them. To avoid this, take a backpack with you. Jama Masjit is a Muslim temple built in 1648 by order of Emperor Shah Jahan and dedicated to his beloved daughter Jahanara Begum. It is located opposite Agra Fort. The mosque was built in a typical Mughal style - a combination of local Indian and Iranian architectural features. Entrance from the east.

Sri Mankameshwar

Sri Mankameshwar is considered to be the oldest Hindu temple. It is located near Agra Fort railway station.

According to legend, the temple was founded by Shiva himself on the birthday of Krishna. Sri Mankameshwar was rebuilt many times, so historians find it difficult to determine the antiquity of this structure. Don't forget to check out the silver plated lingam.

Radha-Soami-Satsang

Main temple supporters of the Radha-Soami ("Soul of the Lord") movement is located near the Agra Fort railway station north of Sri Mankameshwar. In June, Radhasoamians hold a big festival when hundreds of believers gather around the temple.

Akbar Cathedral

Akbar Cathedral is the main Catholic temple in India. Its history began in the 16th century, when on February 18, 1580, a delegation of three Portuguese Jesuit fathers arrived at the court of Emperor Akbar. Their enthusiasm and learning so shocked the emperor that he gave them permission to undertake missionary activities. In 1598 - 1604 the first cathedral building in the Baroque style was erected.

Under him, the Jesuits opened a college and a hospital. In 1610, they managed to baptize several offspring from the Sultan’s family, but then a period of persecution and decline began. The Catholic community of Agra was revived in the second half of the 18th century with the tacit support of Great Britain. It was then that the cathedral was rebuilt and acquired its characteristic modern features. However, inside it is a typical church, which is visited with pleasure by both believers (most of them are Indians) and tourists.

St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church

The parish of St. Thomas in Agra is small. Founded in 1965 and visited mainly by people from southern India. The church opens for Sunday prayers, as well as on holidays.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Taj Museum

The museum is located on the grounds of the Taj Mahal and additional ticket No need to buy here. The museum itself is small, and if you come without a guide, I advise you to stop by and get acquainted with the history of the creation of the mausoleum. The museum displays exhibits of Mongolian culture, coins, maps and clothing items. I spent no more than half an hour walking around.

Shahin Arts

I call such places museums because I never buy anything from them because of the astronomical prices. But in fact, this is a workshop together with a shop designed for tourists. In the workshop they told me and showed me how marble is processed and inlaid. You can even try to participate a little, but this apparently depends on at what point in the production you visit the workshop. The price tag for “exhibits” starts from 10,000 USD. And this is for small pieces of furniture (chairs, coffee tables), chess and elephant pieces are very popular. For 20 USD you can buy a small magnet; the price depends not on the size of the product, but on the number of stones. The workshop museum is located at Shamshabad Road, Near Pani KI Tanki, Agra. Works around the clock.

In general, there are quite a lot of such workshops in Agra, focus on the one that is most convenient for you to get to. Here are some more addresses: New Nice Marble Art & Handicrafts (Address: Tajnagri Phase 2, Tajganj, Agra), Marble Cottage (Address: Behind Dominos Pizza Fatehabad Road).

Agra Art Gallery

This is a jewelry store where you can view and buy inexpensive jewelry made from semi-precious stones. At first I even thought that they were offering me some kind of fake, the price was so low. But Moscow jeweler acquaintances said that many come to India specifically to purchase stones.

In the store, the visitor is seated on a chair and brought various products, explaining the intricacies of production. Nobody imposes anything if they don’t see open interest. But if you want to buy something, be sure to bargain.

Kohinoor Jewelers

There is also a variety of jewelry for sale here, but the most interesting thing is a small museum where you can see the work of one of the greatest masters of zardozi embroidery - an ancient form of embroidery practiced exclusively by men.

And in a separate room where the works of the great master’s students are displayed, you can buy the painting you like. Located at: Fatehabad Road, Agra.

Parks

The main parks of Agra are Mehtab Bagh, Anguri Bagh, Ram Bagh. If you are going to visit the top 5 attractions that I wrote about above, then, of course, do not miss them.

Rambach Garden

Rambagh Garden is located north of the Taj Mahal. Drive through traffic jams for about an hour. The Rambagh Garden is considered to be the oldest garden, created during the Mughal era. It is also called the “Garden of Light” and the “Garden of Sloth”. This is due to the legend that Emperor Akbar proposed to his third wife in this garden, where she was a gardener, and lay there doing nothing for six days until she agreed to marry him.

The garden was decorated in a Persian style - the emphasis was on the abundance of sunlight, while at the same time the garden has pavilions, gazebos, and tall spreading trees that provide sufficient shade on hot days.

Wildlife S.O.S.

It is a rehabilitation center for elephants and bears rescued from abuse and from circuses that have received inadequate care.

Volunteers are currently caring for the animals. You can make a voluntary contribution to help care for the animals or simply feed and play with them. As I was later told, to visit you need to write an email about your visit to. But I arrived without warning and this did not bother the park staff at all, and they let me through without any problems. Address: National Hwy 2, Agra Bear Rescue Facility, Agra.

Motilal Nehru Park

Any parks are primarily created for relaxation from the hustle and bustle and tiring rhythm of the city. The value of parks is revealed in India like nowhere else. In the center of the park is a large monument to Jawaharlal Nehru. You can lie on the lawn and in the shade of the trees. Address: Off Taj Road | Near Purani Mandi Chauraha, Agra.

Mausoleum of Chini-ka-Rauza

Visiting the mausoleum is free, but its condition leaves much to be desired - it has long been in need of restoration.

I had a lot of free time in Agra, so I decided to stop by, but if you are limited on time, then be aware that the historical place is quite ruined. Local “guides” are scurrying around, pestering you with offers to show you the beauty hidden from prying eyes. Don't be fooled, all the information is on the Internet and you won't miss anything even if you read it after your visit.

Tourist streets

In Agra there are no tourist streets as such where you can calmly stroll. All the sidewalks are lined with rickshaws, and the roads are heavy with traffic mixed with cows. Besides, white tourist attracts a lot of attention with just its appearance. I couldn’t walk calmly even 100 meters, they constantly offered me a ride, bought something, and the children begged for alms.

The only thing that stands out is the dense streets of Taj Ganj, which were built by the artisans who worked on the construction of the Taj Mahal. On these streets there are many cafes and small restaurants where you can go up to the roof and have lunch with a view of the Taj Mahal.

What to see in 1 day

Most the best option to see Agra in one day is to come by train Train 12002 Bhopal Shatabdi, which arrives at the Central Station at 10:00. There are storage rooms at the station where you can leave your belongings. I advise you to immediately take a guide, who can be found for advice on various forums. You can hire a guide at the station, but there is a risk that it will be an Indian who arrived yesterday from the Indian province and has absolutely no knowledge of the city’s routes. Real guides must have special badges with which they can buy tickets at the box office without queuing. Another plus is that the guide will be able to competently guide your taxi driver, without visiting incomprehensible cafes and shops. If you are not satisfied with something, threaten to pay less.

10:00-13:00 - Arriving at 10 am, head straight to the Taj Mahal. You need to allow about 3 hours, because at the entrance you need to go through a personal search and a metal detector, at which there are always very long queues. And the park area is quite large.

13:00-14:00 - After visiting the Taj, go have a snack at the nearest cafe with a rooftop lounge.

14:00-14:40 - Road from Taj to Agra Fort.

14:40-18:00 - The next main attraction to visit is Agra Fort. If you look at the map, it seems that the road is very close to the Taj Mahal. But in reality it will take at least 40 minutes due to terrible traffic jams. I advise you to spend the rest of the day in the Fort, because its territory is very vast, there are many interesting halls and towers that you can climb, and a beautiful garden.

The last train leaves at 20:30, but it gets dark in Agra much earlier (around 18:00), so there is little point in staying in Agra after sunset.

What to see in the area

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Mughal Empire for 14 years, is located 30 km west of Agra. If you come from Agra or Jaipur by car, I advise you to stop here first. The city was built by Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1585 in honor of the holy prophet. Fatehpur Sikri is a unique example of a Mongolian city that has survived to this day. On the territory of the city there is the tomb of the holy prophet Salim Chishti and the Jama Masjid temple, as well as private and public buildings. The tomb became a place of worship for many believers, but due to lack of water, like the city, it was abandoned and, after a while, plundered.

Entry is open from 6 am to 6 pm and costs 500 INR. I was very surprised by the fact that even during the day there were very few tourists here. Behind the palaces is the mosque and tomb of Salim Chishti. In the shadows of the buildings sit entire families of craftsmen who carve figures from stone and sell them right away.

Food. What to try

Despite the fact that vegetarian cuisine predominates in Agra, you definitely won’t leave hungry. In general, I never advise looking for non-local cuisine and eating pizza and burgers that are not theirs. historical homeland. First of all, how can Indians who don’t eat meat cook a good steak? And secondly, it is very easy to get poisoned with non-traditional food. It’s not for nothing that so many spices are added to all dishes, thereby killing germs.

When ordering, ask the waiter for “no spice.” This does not mean at all that pepper will be completely absent from the dish, but it will be more realistic to eat without burning your stomach, which is not accustomed to such food.

My favorite dish turned out to be a bread flatbread with cheese and garlic - Cheese Garlic Naan. And every time I ordered dishes from the vegetarian menu, I was amazed at how, with the help of various seasonings, you can achieve absolutely incredible flavor combinations, so much so that it’s even difficult to imagine what the dish was prepared from.

Budget

Bamboo Cafe(Address: 30 M.I.G Taj Nagri Phase | Near Shilpgram, Agra) - Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly
Time 2 Eat Mama Chicken Mama Franky(Address: 2 Sadar Bazaar Road, Agra) - Indian, Fast food, Asian, Vegetarian friendly
Treat Restaurant(Address: South Gate Taj Mahal, Agra) - Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly
Jones's Place
Good Vibes Cafe(Address: Taj Nagari Phase 1, Agra) --Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly

Cafe Sheroes Hangout(Address: Fatehabad Road | Opposite the Gateway Hotel, Agra) - Italian, Chinese, Indian, fast food, cafe, vegetarian friendly

Mid-level

MoMo Cafe(Address: Fatehabad Road | Courtyard Marriott,Agra) - Indian, Asian, International, Vegetarian Friendly

Pinch of Spice(Address: 1076/2 Fatehabad Road | Opposite Hotel ITC Mughal, Agra) - Chinese, Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly
Green Park Restaurant(Address: Grand Parade Road | Near Ganpati Textile Emporium & hotel Savera, Agra) - Indian, International, Vegetarian Friendly
Bob Marley Restaurant(Address: P6 Taj Nagri Vip Road, Agra) - Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly
Bon Barbecue Restaurant(Address: Fatehabad Road | 3A-3B Phase 1, Parador Hotel, Taj Nagri, Tajganj, Agra) - Chinese, Indian, BBQ, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly

Expensive

Esphahan(Address: Taj East Gate Road | The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra) - Indian, Asian, International, Vegetarian Friendly

ITC Mughal Taj Bano(Address: Taj Ganj, Agra) - Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly

C"est Chine(Address: Fatehabad Road | Jaypee Palace Hotel, Agra) - Chinese, Asian, Indian, suitable for vegetarians
Peshawri(Address: Tajganj | ITC Mughal, Agra) - Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly

Holidays

Taj Mahotsav is one of the most anticipated festivals in India, which takes place in Agra every year in February-March and lasts ten days. The festival is traditionally located at the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal on the territory of the Shilpgram market, where souvenirs are usually sold. Only during this holiday in Agra, an incredible mixture of various arts, crafts, music, dance, and cuisine takes place on the streets of the city.

Shopping and shops

It seems to me that there is no point in describing each shopping center in Agra separately, since inside they all consist of many shops with traditional products. There is no rush - the sellers will carefully serve you tea and tell you about their product. So you can come here as if you were visiting a museum to look at the creations of local artisans. Be sure to bargain, I reduced the price by as much as 10 times, despite the fact that I am far from a fan of long bargaining and persuasion.

Akbar International (Address: 289 Fatehabad Road, Agra)
Subhash Emporium (Address: 18/1 Gwalior Road | Opposite Telegraph Office, Agra)
Oswal Arts Pvt. Ltd (Address: 30, Munro Road, Agra)

And of course, local markets where you can try street food and buy souvenirs.

Sadar Bazaar (Address: Sadar Bazaar Road, Agra)
Old Bazar or Kinari Bazar (Address: Kinari Bazar, Agra)

Bars. Where to go

Not all even large establishments in Agra have a liquor license. Don't expect to be able to order a fancy cocktail at every restaurant. I very often came across the situation that I had to give cash to the waiter so that he could take out a bottle from under the counter (it was not included in the check later), or run to the nearest shop. Liquor stores are also not so easy to find - they are usually very inconspicuous. To find them, I had to ask the taxi driver to take them to the nearest store.

There are no bars as such in Agra, but large chain hotels always have restaurants with a bar counter. If you are staying in a small guesthouse, look on the map for the nearest world-famous hotel. I can only recommend the ones I've been to: Mughal, Downtown Club, Le Bar and Downing Street Bar. But they are not worth driving purposefully from the other end of the city.

Clubs and nightlife

There is no nightlife in the form of clubs and discos in Agra. Agra in this regard resembles big village than a city. Take a small speaker with you on your trip to listen to music on the terrace.

Extreme Sports

The real extreme experience is walking through the streets of Agra, especially at night. But this, of course, is not a call to action. There are also no various entertainments with elephants and snakes in Agra; for this exoticism, I advise you to go to. Agra has an exceptionally measured cultural holiday.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

In India, wherever you buy, be sure to bargain. For Indians, bargaining is like a special sport. Do this assertively but politely. Be sure to smile to let the seller know that you are interested in his product and are determined to buy. It will be the height of disrespect if in the end of the bargain you don’t buy anything and leave the store gloomy and dissatisfied. Indians are very touchy, but they are happy to reduce the price by 5-7 times if the buyer is friendly.

How to get around the city

The main and largest rickshaw and taxi stand is located at Agra Central Station. There you will also find a prepayment counter. 500 INR (8 USD) is calculated for 8 hours of transportation in an auto-rickshaw. This is the most affordable and convenient option for getting around the city.

After payment you will be given a receipt with the number of your vehicle written on it. Don't lose it, or write down the number in your phone. After visiting the sights, it will not be so easy to find the rickshaw you need in a whole crowd of absolutely identical ones.

Taxi. What features exist

If you are arriving by plane into Agra, there are prepaid taxi counters at Kheria Airport. A trip to the city center will cost 5 USD (350 INR). There you can rent a car with a driver for the whole day. Or get to the hotel and personally agree with the driver about a trip or rental for the next day. He must offer a price lower than at the prepayment counter.

I ordered a taxi at the Central Station, the prices there are slightly lower. For single short trips Taking a taxi is neither convenient nor profitable; they crowd around the narrow benches of Agra for a long time and often drop you off before your destination due to the fact that they cannot get through.

Any hotel can call you a taxi, but always check the price in advance and if you pay at the reception, be sure to take a receipt. Otherwise, after the trip, the taxi driver will most likely claim that he was not paid anything and demand that you pay again.

Buses

Regular buses in Agra are operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). Bus routes connect the main historical and cultural attractions of Agra. You can find out the schedule and bus schedule in Agra on the official website.

Transport rental

Measure 7 times and cut 1 time when deciding to rent a car. To be honest, I can’t imagine how it’s possible to move around Agra by car on your own. Movement on the streets resembles Brownian, there are no rules. Even left-hand traffic is not fully respected everywhere. In addition, the streets in Agra are very narrow, and livestock is constantly being driven along them.

But if you are the most desperate traveler, the nearest rental offices of world representative offices are located in New Delhi, you can look at.

Agra - holidays with children

I would not recommend holidays with small children in Agra. Despite all the wonderful sights, the city is considered the most polluted in all of India. Agra is the center of heavy industry, chemical and processing industries.

Booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

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