Agra the dream tour in India
Taj Mahal, Agra
One of the most beautiful architecture attraction in this world is “Taj Mahal”. It is located in the Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. This Taj Mahal is known as “symbol of love”, it was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. For his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Every year lots of visitors come to Agra to see this magnificent monument.
It is a wonderful moment when a tourist crossing the main gates of this monument. The Taj Mahal comes into focus. Covering a land huge areas. The Taj Mahal was constructed using white marble.
It took around 17 years to complete the construction. It is so amazing from the outside, has equally artistic work done in the inside. There are water channels in the entrance which makes the monument even more spectacular.
Agra Fort, Agra
The Agra fort is known as Lal Qila. The color of this fort is Red. It is a massive structure located on the bank of Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is only 3 kilometers from the famous Taj Mahal. This massive structure was built by Mughal Emperor Muhammad Akbar. Until the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It is one of the most visited tourist attraction in Agra.
In 2017, I was there to the see Mughal Empire. Saw the beautiful monuments in front of my eyes. Every tourist wants to see Taj Mahal in their own eyes.
How to Reach Agra by Road
Agra is situated in Uttar Pradesh, India. Delhi is the easy way to reach Agar quickly. It needs 3 hours from Delhi to Agra. However, during the winter months, tourist should avoid using the roads in the early morning and late night. Because it is surrounded by heavy fog can cause accidents. There are so many Volvo buses coming from Delhi to Agra. The fare is around 550 rupees. (One way). The bus starts from Delhi around 7.30 am and reach Agra around 11.00 am. Depart from Agra to Delhi bus starts at around 5.30 pm and reach Delhi by around 10 pm.
How to Reach Agra by Train
There are two major railway stations in Agra. The Agra Fort and Agra Cantt Railway Station. These stations are very well connected to cities. Especially tourist places nearby Agra from Delhi. Gatimaan Express and Shatabdi Express are two the fastest train on this route.
Gatimaan Express:-
The Fare of Gatimaan express is around 1500 rupees for AC and Chair is around 800 rupees. This train runs all day except Friday. Starts from Delhi Nizamuddin Railway Stations at 8 am and reach at around 10 am. The Gatimaan express train no. is 12050. It returns on the same day at 5.50 pm and reaches Delhi at around 7.45 pm. that time train no. is 12049.
Shatabdi Express:-
The fair of Shatabdi express is around 1100 rupees for AC and 550 rupees for Chair. It starts from New Delhi Railway Stations at 6 am and reach at around 8 am. The Shatabdi express train no. is 12002. It returns in Delhi on the same day. Starts from Agra at 9.15 pm and reach Delhi around 11.45 pm. Return time train no. is 12001.
When to visit
The winter season is better to visit.
Spot to visit
The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Where to stay
Agra Hotels are all located in Tajganj area. So after coming from the bus/train and go to search for the hotel. Entering the streets from Main Road will get a better hotel at a low price. Please, avoid the brokers. Per night for 2 person room starts only 900 rupees around. The price is a little lower than Delhi.
Food
We were basically relying on street foods. There are several good restaurants and food shops in front of the Taj Mahal. Here tourist will get good food at the best price. Per meal will take around 150 rupees.
Local Transport in Agra
Getting around the city tour can be done in the taxi, electric buses, or auto rickshaws. Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort are not so far. Tourist can just walk between these two. Otherwise, tourist can take autos rickshaws to see these two major monuments.
Visiting time in Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. Friday is a regular holiday.
Entry fees
Ticket can purchase from the Western, Eastern and Southern entry gate ticket counter. The Southern entry gate is only used for exit. But the other two gates can use for entry and exit. Tickets also can purchase by online with 5 rupees discount for Indians and 50 rupees discount for foreigners. Taj Mahal entry fee for Indians is 50 rupees. The SAARC Nationals it is 550 rupees and for foreigner’s entry fee is 1100 rupees. Additional 200 rupees will add if any visitor wants to visit the main mausoleum. (Optional). But for those under 15 years does not need any tickets. It is necessary to buy a ticket by showing passports for foreigners. For Indians, they need ID cards. So it is best not to try any kind of tricks.
Tour Itinerary
According to the personal experience, the best time to enter in the Taj Mahal is in the morning. We went around 8.30 o’clock in the morning.
The amazing form of the Taj Mahal is seen in the full moon night. The Taj Mahal is open from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm during the week which is on the full moon. It has some water channels and beautiful gardens inside this large area. Lots of trees over there. Also has plenty of monkeys around the Taj Mahal to be seen. Be careful from them.
The Red Fort is near the Taj Mahal. The emperor Akbar built this fort. The Taj Mahal is seen from the roof of this fort. It has so many wonderful buildings inside. Like Jahangir Mahal. There are many squirrels running under the feet. So be careful don’t heart them. Mesmerizing and wonderful experience to visit in Agra. The entry tickets price of this red fort is 50 rupees for Indians and 550 for foreigners. Rupee. If a tourist visits the Taj Mahal first then it only needs around 30 rupees.
Tour costing
- Train Fare is 1600 rupees (Round) from Delhi to Agra.
- Hotel room rent is 1000 rupees. (Per night).
- Food is 150 rupees. (Per meal).
- Local transport Auto Rickshaws per trip around 50 rupees.
- Others own expenses.
Awareness
- If any tourist goes there on the summer season, they will need to adjust the excess temperature over there. Use towels or umbrellas to protect yourself.
- Do not go with boring people on this tour. Because they can ruin the entire long journey.
- Try to avoid any kind of problems. Get help from the police for any need. Always keep the Passport in pocket safely.
- Do not do anything that is harmful to the environment or nature when you are traveling abroad. It will damage your country’s image with you.