...in the city of the Taj. While Agra has a lot to see and experience, if you're in a hurry and cannot afford to spare a few days to explore the city, plan a day trip from Delhi. Pack all the 'must do's' and 'must see's' into one day and though it's bound to be a hectic trip, it'll be worth the effort for sure. To begin, plan in advance and book your train tickets. Since Agra is one of the most visited tourist places in the country, getting a confirmed seat at the last minute would be highly unlikely.
[ read more ]
...in the city of the Taj. While Agra has a lot to see and experience, if you're in a hurry and cannot afford to spare a few days to explore the city, plan a day trip from Delhi. Pack all the 'must do's' and 'must see's' into one day and though it's bound to be a hectic trip, it'll be worth the effort for sure. To begin, plan in advance and book your train tickets. Since Agra is one of the most visited tourist places in the country, getting a confirmed seat at the last minute would be highly unlikely.
Book yourself on the Bhopal Shatabdi, which leaves New Delhi Railway Station at 6:15 am and reaches Agra Cantt. Railway Station at 8:12 am. Fare is just Rs.370 for the chair car. However, keep in mind that the train does not run of Fridays...which works out perfectly since the Taj Mahal is closed for public viewing on Friday, so there's no point in planning a trip to the 'City of the Taj' when you'd be unable to view the jewel itself!
Once you reach Agra, hire an auto rickshaw or taxi (as per your budget). Try to negotiate for a day hire, though autos and taxis are readily available in Agra so you shouldn't have trouble finding one at any place in the city. Then take off for a day of sightseeing. Other than Taj Mahal, the important sites to visit are Agra Fort and Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra. If you want to take it easy and not rush from one to the other, you might want to choose between the two. While Agra Fort is expansive and would require time to explore, Sikandra lies on the outskirts of the city and hence the travel time is comparatively more. Visit the Taj Mahal, then Agra Fort and/or Sikandra. For a late lunch, head to the revolving restaurant 'Jharokha-E-Taj' at Hotel Pushp Villa, formerly known as Deedar-E-Taj. Enjoy delicious Mughlai fare along with a panoramic view of the city and Taj Mahal. Of course, pick a table at the very edge, near the glass panels through which you can admire the views while savouring your favoured delicacies.
Once satiated and having seen all important sights of the city, head to Sadar Bazaar for a bit of SHOPPING. Home decor items, souvenirs with marble inlay work, leather goods and mini replicas of Taj Mahal are the best buys. You might even want to visit the state emporium, which though a fixed price shop, guarantees quality. At Sadar Bazaar, do buy a stock of Agra ka petha (a local sweet). The most famous petha shop in town is Panchi Petha, which is right in the market and has few other outlets around the city.
At the end of the eventful day, return to Delhi on board the Taj Express which departs Agra Cantt Railway Station at 6:55 pm and reaches Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 10 pm. Fare for chair car seat is Rs.263.
[ read less ]
