Don’t Forget These 10 Pointers When You’re Visiting Agra

Planning a vacation to one of the oldest locales in India that boasts of sonorous cultures trapped within local art, food, and the infamous mausoleum- Agra in India promises unforgettable experiences with one of the seven wonders in the world housed right here in the heart of the city. From the remarkable white marble that glistens against the morning sun to the pulsating local markets brimming with exotic local foods, art, and culture- Agra in its own has an aura that you won’t be able to resist.

Concreted on the banks of the gurgling river Yamuna is the picturesque city of Agra- a historical melting pot in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, infamous for its majestic collection of assorted historical panache from the grand Taj Mahal to the glorious Agra Fort, incredible Fatehpur Sikri, and more. Bubbling with ancient destinations that are proudly considered an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra often makes it in the must-visit list of Incredible India tour. However, tourists foreign to the city of Agra, India needs to pick up on these judicious tips mentioned below to make sure you don’t get in tangles when you’re out enjoying your exotic vacation in the lap of bygone brilliance.

1. Choose your visiting season carefully

Visiting outdoorsy locations like the Taj during the scorching summers of India can leave you with a bad sunburn and an unpleasant experience. In fact, visiting Taj Mahal during the prime seasons of October and November too can lead to unimaginable crowd rushing up your destination plans. To avoid external obstacles as such, try and visit the Taj Mahal just when the winter is fleeting by with the right blend of chills and sunbaked mornings creating a cozy aura for your outdoor plans. Try January end to February.

2. Do you know about the Golden Triangle Tour?

The Golden Triangle Tour is an infamous route that connects prime destinations of Jaipur, Agra, and the Capital, Delhi all in one go. This is one of those ideal times when shaking hands with a veteran touring agency can smoothen out the confusion. In fact, picking your brain with a trusted travel agency in Delhi and all over India can also get you added benefits like a company provided a guide or free breakfast in their preferred hotel chains, and even complimentary or discounted travel conveyances to and fro.

3. Know your gates to the Taj

Naturally, every tourist flocking to Agra makes a sharp beeline for the Taj- the gem that makes Agra incredibly famous as one of the best historical cities of India. Of course, while you try to perfect your Taj plans in your hotel room, there are possibly a hundred others out there doing the same resulting in a hotchpotch hustle and bustle right at the entry gates. Try to avoid the South gate which is conveniently located near the market and choose either the East or the West gate based on your hotel location.

4. Don’t carry too many things on your Taj Mahal Visit (No DSLR and Tripods!!)

The natural beauty and the intoxicating ambiance of the Taj Mahal can never be experienced through a camera reel and that is one of the reasons why you probably wouldn’t miss your DSLR or Tripod sets when you visit the Taj. Even though mobile phones are allowed, you would find a lot of negligible items like food, water bottles, gum packs, nail cutters, and stuff like being denied entrance at the checking post. You can either leave these in your conveyance car or ask the neighboring shop to locker your items for you in exchange for a small amount.

5. Shh- Bet you didn’t know about this Taj Mahal secret visit

The Taj hand-chiseled out or pure translucent marble shines glows vibrant and bright on a full moon night. If you want a glimpse of the iconic marble mausoleum illuminating underneath the silver rays of the moon, you need to check in with the Taj Management authorities and book yourself a ticket to the exclusive invite-only night visit to the Taj where the spectacle unfolding in front of you will be a beguiling experience.

6. Look around the Taj Mahal and you’ll find more unbelievable brilliance

While the Taj is all they talk about when you visit Agra, this enchanting historical city has many other mesmerizing locations that you simply can’t get enough of. The neighboring areas of Taj Mahal have soo much more to explore. From the ravishingly beautiful red sandstone Mughal brilliance we call the Agra Fort to the spellbinding Mehtab Bagh garden- 25 acres of blooming flora where Emperor Shah Jahan would frequently visit to glimpse at the hypnotizing view of his grand Taj Mahal.

Now, that you’ve learned all the tips and tricks to enjoying Agra to its fullest, plan your Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi and take an overnight bus to the city of historical finesse. Before we leave you with your traveling plans, here are a few bonus tips you might want to indulge in.

7. Shop till you drop from Kinari Bazaar

Opposite to the Taj is a maze of narrow lanes and by lanes filled to the brim with stalls and shops selling the exquisite culture, palate, and attires of India at budgeted prices. You can find anything from snacks to clothes, jewelry to spices and more. However, do remember this one point: Bargaining is MANDATORY.

8. The Buland Darwaza and the Jama Masjid waits for you

If you’ve ticked historical destinations like Mughal Emperor Akbar's tomb or the Kalakriti show off your must-visit list, take a quick day trip to the flattering city of Fatehpur Sikri where more picturesque monuments and charming historical stories await you.

9. Experience Agra in all its holiness

While you’re exploring Agra, make sure you plan a quick visit to the holy cities of Mathura and Vrindavan where you can experience Indian religion with its many perky rituals and deep-rooted traditions- all unraveling right in front of you.

10. Try out your local taste buds but be careful of the cuisine

When in Agra, take out one day out of your schedule to visit the various local eateries in and around you. You can often ask a travel guide for the best local palates and how to get them at a budget price. However, keep in mind, these local cuisines are often rich, spicy and filled in flavors- something that might come with repercussions if you’re not careful enough.