About Agra

Agra, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is bounded by Mathura in the north, Dhaulpur in the south, Firozabad in the east and Bharatpur in the west. It is known for its magnificent architecture and historic marvels. The forts and Palaces showcase the legendary sumptuousness of the Mughals It is famous worldwide for its architectural wealth. The city is known for its marble handicrafts, carpets and world famous leather. Agra is home to one of the wonders of the world; the splendid architectural monument Taj Mahal.

Climate

The climate of Agra is extreme & Tropical. Summers are very hot & winters are cold and foggy. The humidity is terrible. The maximum temperature can be as high as 45 degree Celsius during the day, Nights are relatively cooler. During winter the climate is pleasant and is always preferable for tourists to travel during winters. The minimum temperature sometimes goes as low as 2-3°C.

Agra falls in a semi-arid region, hence receives an annual rainfall of 26 inches.

Best time to visit Agra is in the winter season (December-February).

Shopping in Agra

Agra is known for its handicrafts and fine arts tradition. The city was the capital of the Mughals, so lot of marble made handicrafts have their influence. The shopping arenas are filled with vibrant colours. The leather manufactured in Agra is famous worldwide; hence a tourist will find a wide range of leather shoes & sandals. Every tourist must taste the famous “Agra ka petha” a well known sweet. It’s also famous for other sweets like ‘Gazak’ and a salty snack ‘Dalmoth’. There are lot of shops which sell these sweets but the famous one is “Panchi Petha” at the station road.

The main shopping areas of the city are Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal Complex. Shopping is recommended at the Govt. Emporia or Souvenir Shops approved by Uttar Pradesh Tourism. A small marble replica of the Taj mahal is a must buy for all the tourists.

Tourist Offices on Agra

Govt. of India Tourist Office Ph : 0562 – 2363959, 2363377

UP Tourism office Ph : 0562 – 2226431, 2368598

UP Tourism Bureau Ph : 0562 – 2360517

Famous restaurants in Agra

Dasaprakash, Meher Cinema Complex, No.1 , Gwalior Road, Agra

Cuisine(s):Indian, Continental/Assorted European, South Indian, Amritsari

Chopra & Sons, Sadar Bazar, Agra

Budha Zorba Restaurant, Agra Cant , Sadar Bazar, Agra

Agra Club, 191, The Mall , The Mall, Agra

Nuova Flexi Restaurant, S-23, 1st Floor, Sanjay Palace, Agra

Olive Garden, C/o Holiday Inn Agra. Mahatma Gandhi Road, Near Sanjay Palace, Agra

Places to visit

Taj Mahal

Agra is famous world-wide famous for Taj Mahal. It is one of the wonders of the world. Known for its majestic beauty and a symbol of romance, it is one of India’s most fascinating and beautiful monuments. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his Favourite queen Mumtaaz.

Open time: – 6am to 7.30 pm

Agra Fort

It was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD .The fort is known for its creative design. There are number of building in the fort which include, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-E-Am, Diwani-E-Khaas and Musanman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment beside Jahangir’s place, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.

Open time:-sunset to sunrise. More..

Sikandra fort

This is another richly decorated structure. This is the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Fatepur sikri

This Historical city was constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar and was served as the empires capital. The Palace and the Jama Masjid which is one of the biggest mosques in India are the famous places to visit.

Prime attractions of Fatepur sikri are:-

Diwan-I-Am
Diwan-khana-I-khaas
Turkish Sultana’s House
The Treasury
Daulat khana-I-khas
Palace of Jodha Bai
Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid
Birbal’s Palace
Sunehra Makan
Panch Mahal
Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti
The Jami Masjid
Buland Darwaza

Timings & Entry Fees

Foreigners: Rs 485, Indians: INR Rs 50, Open on all Days

Chini ka Rauza

A high official in the court of Shahjahan, Afzal Khan, built this edifice. The architecture of this building is reminiscent of the Persian architecture.

Itmad-ud-daulah

This was built was Noorjahan .It is also an epitome of ‘Pietra Dura’ – the inlay work on marble following the lines of the Taj Mahal, open for the tourists from dawn to dusk.

Anguri bagh(Grape Garden)

The Anguri bagh (Grape Garden) is surrounded by Khas Mahal in the east and red sandstones arcades on the other three sides. It was the principal square of the zenana apartments or the living area of the royal ladies.

As the name suggests, this garden was known for harvesting choicest of grapes and flowers throughout the year.

Things to do in Agra

  • Visit the Taj Mahal
  • Visit Mathura, the birth place of lord Krishna, which is 54 km away from Agra.
  • Agra cuisine-Agra has lot of multi cuisine restaurants, but the famous Petha is worth trying.
  • Visiting the famous monuments and architectural wonders.
  • Visiting the Mughal Gardens and markets.
  • If possible visit Agra in the month of February to experience the Taj Mahotsav.

Agra Festivals

The city of Agra is lit up and decorated during the festive time called the ‘Taj Mahotsav’ .It is organised in the month of February. The festival is held for 10 days and gathers lot of tourists during this time. This festival showcases the culture and tradition of India. Lot of well known artists perform during the Mahotsav. Camel and Elephant rides are also organised for the tourists. Games are a pass time for people of all ages. Agra is best known for its id melas and colourful Tazias taken out on Muharram.

Travel tips

The city is crowded with tourists from all over world, so it’s preferable to book a hotel in advance. Summers are quite hot so winters are better to travel. Cotton garments for summers and light woollen garments for winters are recommended.

Do not buy water from local shops; always buy food and water from reputed shopping markets.

Content updated in January 2023
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