Agra comes from the era of mythology and in the epic Mahabharata Agra is referred to as "Agravana" which means heaven in Sanskrit. The famous geographer Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. was the first to mention Agra by its modern name. Modern Agra was founded in the 16th century by Sikandar Lodi, a ruler of the Lodi dynasty. When Shah Jahan abdicated the Mughal throne, Agra reached the pinnacle of architectural beauty. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a popular tourist destination as it is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. If you're a monumental enthusiast, we've got a place for you to tick off your bucket list.

 

Short breaks can be very pleasurable during the travel for your travel comfort and also for your short stay Book Hourly rooms

 

Here is a list of places that can be visited by you during your visit to Agra 

 

How to reach

 

 

By Air: There are many direct as well as connecting flights available throughout the year for Agra from Mumbai which will cost around 4000 INR - 7000 INR. 

 

By Road: Agra is located in the Golden Triangle of the tourist circuit. It is connected to Delhi via NH2. One of the best roads in the country, the Taj Mahal road connects Agra to Delhi via Greater Noida and you can easily reach Agra from Delhi within 3 hours. If you're coming from Delhi, the Taj Expressway is a great way to get to Agra. However, you should avoid using the highway early in the morning and late at night as it is surrounded by dense fog and accidents are common in winter. There are frequent bus services from Delhi to Agra - most buses depart from Anand Vihar station in Delhi.

 

By train: There are four main railway stations in Agra, the most common of which are Agra Fort and Agra Cantt. These stations are connected to many major cities, especially other tourist destinations near Agra like Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi. Taj Express and Shatabdi are the two fastest trains on this route, well connected to the capital, and have a good schedule up to Agra.

 

Places to visit in Agra 

 

Taj Mahal

 

 

The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the epitome of beauty. This is an eternal white marble poem, the best expression of the emperor's love for the queen. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, it was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. Her last wish was to "build such a shrine." a memory the world has never seen. “This magnificent temple took more than 17 years, 22,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to build. You need to pay around 50 to 200 INR depending on the time you visit.

 

Chini Ka Rauza

 

 

It is the mausoleum of Prime Minister Shah Jahan and Iranian poet Afzal Khan Mulla. It is located in Etmadpur, just 1 km from Itmad-ud-Daula. The monument is set in manicured gardens and is famous for its blue glazed tiles. The glazed tiles used in the monument are made of porcelain, also known as "porcelain miti" or "Chinese clay", said to have been brought from China. The tiles used for the memorial are still visible on a small exterior, while most of the interior is painted with floral patterns. This site reveals the exotic Persian art style found in Agra. You can visit this place every day from sunrise to sunset.

 

Ram Bagh

 

 

Ram Bagh is one of the oldest Mughal gardens and is believed to have been built by the Mughal emperor Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty. The garden is located only 3 km from the tomb of Itmad-Ud_Daula and 500 m from Chini ka Rauza. It is the oldest park in Agra and was established in 1528 as an oasis in the bustling market. Babur is said to be temporarily buried here before being taken to Kabul, Afghanistan. It was founded by the Mughals and later restored by Jahangir's wife Nur Jahan.

 

Guru Ka Taal

 

 

Guru Ka Tal is a very famous Guruwala in Agra. Construction of the site began in the 1970s and four out of ten Sikh masters are said to have visited it. This Gurudwara has historical and religious significance and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists. Thousands of devotees gather here every year to commemorate the great Sikh master. This beautiful structure is considered one of the great architectural wonders of India. The Gurudwara has exquisite stone carvings and invites visitors from afar to enjoy its magnificence.

 

Things to do in Agra

 

Watching Sunrise & Sunset at Taj Mahal

 

 

The best view is when the sun is rising very early in the morning when the crowd is comparatively low & the air is cool & fresh.

 

Attending the Taj Fest every year

 

Taj Mahotsav is the most famous festival in Agra which is held every February for 10 days. Organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Board, the festival aims to encourage creative artisans and help them showcase their special skills. National art, handicrafts, culture, various foods, and traditions can be viewed here. Taj Mahotsav also hosts various traditional performances by local artists. There are also camel and elephant rides that attract children.

 

Ram Baraat

 

Ram Baraat is held every year before the Dussehra festival. It is celebrated as 'Bharat' or the wedding procession of Lord Rama. The festival is part of the growth of Ramleel and at the end of the Dussehra celebrations, Lord Rama executes the statue of Ravana. The word "Janakpuri" is replaced by the word "acquittal" in Sita's palace. The highlight of the regiment is the colourful and beautiful 'Jhankis' they wear.

 

Enjoying the widespread Agra Local Food

 

 

Some food suggestions

Petha

Dalmoth

Bedhai & Jalebi

Paratha

Chaat

Mughlai Food

 

Here are a few places and things that you can do during your visit to Agra, which can be done with your family and friends and for your short breaks during travel. We have introduced HOURLYROOMS. It is an online hotel booking platform where users can book hotel rooms on an hourly basis. To book your short stay, visit the website at hourlyrooms.co.in or download the Hourlyrooms app. Happy Travelling.