Some places in India will always be inspiring, and Agra is one of those cities. Agra is home to one of the seven wonders of the world, multiple religious monuments and the birthplace of many Indian arts and philosophies. You might find a cheap flight to Agra, but your experience in this city will be rich.
Situated in the State of Uttar Pradesh, Agra offers visitors a chance to experience three world heritage monuments and a glimpse at India’s finest craftsmanship. From leather to glassware and jewelry to embroidery, visitors to Agra will savor in the various Indian arts. But Agra is more than a city of carpet weaving and artifacts.
Many visitors book flights to Agra on far more personal journeys. The Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are just three places that welcome travelers on the journey to another land. The most famous of them is undoubtedly the Taj Mahal. Built in 1648 C.E by the Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal remains today one of the most striking structures in the world. Built entirely of white marble, some say the Taj actually glows in the moonlight and looks like it’s floating on a foggy day.The perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years to construct, and many travelers opt for flights to Agra to seek solace in the Taj Mahal’s peace pools and landscaped gardens. Whatever the reason for travel to Agra, visitors are sure to leave with lasting memories.
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Agra’s climate is tropical. April through June is very hot with temperatures over 110 degrees (F) and high pollution levels. The monsoon season can start in late June, reaching its peak in mid-July and continuing through September. Winters are chilly with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to 90s.The city's annual rainfall is approximately 26 inches, and most of it falls during July and September.
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Private tours around Agra are available, and the U.P. State Tourism Development Corporation provides tours that cover all the major sites.
Driving in cities in India is not recommended. Many visitors hire a car and driver by the day to get around, and taxis and rickshaws are another option. For taxis and rickshaws (both auto and bicycle), make sure to negotiate the fare before you get in. Haggle hard; Agra gets so many tourists that the drivers quote high prices. Also be aware that many drivers will stop at jewelers and other shops to earn a commission off anything that you buy. (Note that motorized vehicles are not allowed in the Taj Sanctuary in an effort to reduce air pollution.)
Bicycling is another way to get around, and there are many bicycle rental shops.
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- There are three primary sights that every visitor to Agra wants to the visit, the stunning buildings of the Mughal era of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri.
- The Taj Mahal is unquestionably the most famous building in Agra, if not India. Therefore, expect to meet a lot of other tourists visiting at the same time. To avoid most of the crowds, head there in early morning or late evening. Watching the sun rise or set over the building offers one of the most beautiful views of this spectacular monument to love. For even less crowds, view the Taj Mahal from the other side of the Yamuna river.
- Agra Fort, or the Red Fort, is situated on the opposite side of the river to the Taj Mahal. The red sandstone gives the fort its name. There are two entrances to the fort, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate, though visitors can only enter through the latter. Part of the fort is still in use by the Indian Army.
- Along with the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri is a Unesco world heritage site. Perhaps less famous than the other two attractions, it is, however, equally unmissable. An entire ancient city, just an hour away from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was the political capital of India during Akbar’s reign, but was abandoned after just 14 years. Today, you can see tombs, palaces, courts, gardens, fountains, gates, mosques and squares.
- Don’t just stick to the tourist spots for a good view of the city. Agra is a bustling metropolis, and one of the best ways to see this Indian city is on foot. Take a morning to walk through the streets and see the city as it goes about its daily business.
- If the intricate marble inlay of the Taj Mahal makes you long to own something similar, visit the Marble Handicrafts Emporium at 289, Fatehabad Road. The emporium is both a workshop and a marketplace. You can watch the demonstrations by craftsmen as they inlay semi-precious stones into the marble (a skill unique to the city). And then afterwards, you can buy a souvenir to take home…
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