If drawing up a list of places to visit in India, Agra would definitely make it to the top five. It is home to the magnificent Taj Mahal. But do not limit your visit to Taj alone – there are equally spectacular forts and tombs to be visited. Agra is also a great shopping destination, known for its marble inlay pieces, rugs & carpets. Last but not the least, you cannot leave Agra without boxes of Petha – a translucent soft candy sweet. Skyscanner is all set to help you plan a trip to Agra!
1. Taj Mahal
It took 21 years, 32 million rupees and 20000 artisans to build the ivory white mausoleum. Plan to stay near the Taj, buy the ticket online and queue up at sunrise to be among the first few to enter the complex.Best time to visit: Sunrise. The monument is closed to public on Fridays.Reasonable time to be spent: 120 minutesTips: You can view the Taj Mahal at night five times in a month i.e. on full moon night, on the two nights before and on the two nights after the full moon. Tickets have to be purchased the day before at Archaeological Survey of India office on Mall Road, Agra.
2. Agra Fort
This fort served as the primary residence of the Mughal royals before the capital was moved from Agra to Delhi in 1638. Top sights include the room where Shah Jahan spent his last days as a prisoner, – and – the Sheesh Mahal – with breathtaking glass-mosaic work on its walls and ceiling.Best time to visit: The fort is open from sunrise to sunset.Reasonable time to be spent: 120 to 180 minutesTips: Hire a local guide to regale you with facts and anecdotes from the lives of the Mughal emperors and queens.
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3. Fatehpur Sikri
The city with fine Indo – Islamic architecture was established by Emperor Akbar between 1572 and 1585. It contains a mosque still in use, palaces for the queens and many courtyards. Do spend time at Anup Talao, an ornamental pool with a central platform. This was the spot where the legendary singer of Akbar’s court ,Tansen sat and performed different ragas through the day.Best time to visit: Early morningReasonable time to be spent: 180 minutesTips: Do not forget to carry a bag to keep your shoes as you will need to take them off to enter the mosque.
4. Agra Bear Rescue Facility
Located inside the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, this facility was set up in 1999 as a refuge for rescued sloth bears. It is the largest sloth bear rescue facility in the world.Best time to visit: For a guided tour, contact visit@wildlifesos.org. You can choose among four slots during the day, each 2 hour-long.Tips: You can also volunteer to spend five days at the facility and get involved with building hammocks for the sloth bears or assisting keepers in feeding the bears.
5. Mehtab Bagh
This park offers best view on the Taj from across the Yamuna river. An ideal spot for photographers who want a panoramic shot of the Taj devoid of crowds.Best time to visit: SunsetReasonable time to be spent: 30 to 45 minutes
6. Sheroes Hangout Cafe
This vegetarian restaurant on Fatehabad Road is run entirely by acid attack survivors. Spend time reading a book at the library here, or just relish the coffee and snacks. There are no prices on the menu, you can decide how much you want to donate or pay for your meal.Reasonable time to be spent: 60 minutesTimings: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7. Gangotri state emporium, Mughal Carpet Company and Panchhi Petha
For buying marble inlay showpieces, visit the Uttar Pradesh State Emporium – Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex. If interested in hand knotted rugs and carpets, Mughal Carpet Company is recommended. Visit the original Panchhi Petha in Sadar Bazaar for stocking up Angoori Petha, Kesar Petha and the Dry Petha.
Plan to spend at least three days in Agra. The best time to visit Agra are the winter months from November to February.
