Agra

Information

A tiny microcosm of India…

Agra is among the most popular tourist destinations in India, and not without reason.

Agra City: For over a 100 years, the city of Agra was the capital of the mighty Mughal Empire. Three generations of Mughal kings ruled from Agra; and their legendary wealth and love of beauty found expession in outstanding art and architecture. Apart from the exquisite Taj Mahal, and the impressive Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Agra city also contains many other heritage monuments that combine Persian, Hindu and Islamic influences.

But there’s more to Agra than beautiful buildings.

The city of Agra is a tiny microcosm of India, where multiple religions and faiths co-exist. Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims still follow ancient ways of life, celebrating festivals and fairs as their forefathers did. Agra is surrounded by villages and farmlands, from where people flock to the city for their daily needs. Agra’s bazaars are teeming with spices, fruits, vegetables, colourful fabrics, jewellery and household wares, giving you a great look at daily life in North India.

Around Agra: Agra, with its well-developed tourist infrastructure, also makes a good base from which to explore surrounding regions.

Agra is barely an hour away from the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary (Bharatpur), a designated Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (and also a UNESCO World Heritage site). Very near the bird sanctuary lies the well-preserved Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site.

The medieval cities of Gwalior, Jhansi and Orchha are short train rides away, and can be visited as day excursions. If you are interested in birding and nature, you can make an overnight trip from Agra to the Chambal river valley, famous for gharials, marsh crocodiles, otters, turtles and several birds including the sarus crane and the Indian skimmer.

Tours Of The City

Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

What is this tour is about: This is a guided tour of the two most popular monuments in Agra – the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

A monument to love, or an emperor’s grandiose folly – whichever way you look at it, the Taj Mahal is an incredible sight and is likely to be the highlight of your visit to Agra. The nearby Agra Fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers glimpses into the life and times of the Mughal Emperors.

During this tour, our guides will explain the history and architecture of these monuments, and the lives of the interesting people who built them. You can also spend some time by yourself at the Taj Mahal to enjoy its beauty.

Duration: 4 hours

When: All days except Fridays

Start point: Agra Cantonment Station (AGC), or Agra Airport, or your hotel

End point: Agra Cantonment Station (AGC), or Agra Airport, or your hotel

Coverage: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Bazaar Walk in the Old City

What is this tour is about: If you want a look at the real Agra, come on this tour! Take a stroll with us inside little known bazaars of the city, where the old ways of life continue uninterrupted.

The streets are redolent of spices – turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom and several more. Women haggle over the price of bangles and sarees. The faithful offer prayers in little shrines at roadside corners. Vendors sell sweetmeats and spicy delicacies, the chai stalls do brisk business. Schoolchildren wind their way home through narrow lanes; and farmers come to buy implements. Old arts and crafts still flourish in the bazaars.

Duration: 1.5 hours

When: All days except Monday

Start point: Entrance to Agra Fort Station (AF)

End point: Jama Masjid (we can help find local transport to your hotel)

Coverage: Bazaar area near Jama Masjid

The Lesser Known Tombs of Agra

Much before the Taj Mahal was built, Agra boasted of two beautiful tombs – the imposing red tomb of Emperor Akbar (which he himself commissioned and laid out), and the dainty white tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah (commissioned by his daughter the Empress Noor Jehan).

The Mausoleum of Akbar (1542-1605):
Every schoolchild in India knows of Akbar the Great. A visionary leader, who ruled over a vast terrain, Akbar is without doubt the most popular of the Mughal emperors. During Akbar’s long reign of over 50 years the Mughal empire grew from strength to strength, encompassing nearly all of northern Hindustan. His reign was marked by agricultural and land reforms, improved taxation systems, and a spirit of religious tolerance. Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra, on the outskirts of Agra, houses his mortal remains. Designed by Akbar himself, and completed within his lifetime, it was modified later by his son Jahangir who augmented it by building a marble portion on the top.

“Baby Taj”- The Mausoleum of Itmad-ud-daulah:
Akbar’s much-longed for son Salim (later called Jahangir) was fond of opiates, and spent the second half of his life in stupor. His queen Noor Jehan (Light of the World), a beautiful, talented and strong woman, ran the Empire by proxy, controlling it through her network of trusted advisers and ministers (which included her father and brother). Noor Jehan’s father, Ghiyath Beg, was one of Akbar’s trusted court officials. Akbar gave him the title Itmad-ud-daulah (Pillar of the State). He was the chief treasurer, and a man of significant influence. Later, under Jahangir’s rule (and no doubt, by Noor Jehan’s influence!), Itmad-ud-dalulah rose further to become wazir (chief minister).

Itmad-ud-daulah’s tomb is a tribute to Noor Jehan’s refined sensibilities. Built fully in white marble, it has some of the prettiest inlay work in all of Agra. It is the first example of outstanding pietra dura in Agra, showing a marked deviation from the robust and masculine style of Akbar. It was this new style that would later manifest itself in the Taj Mahal.

Duration: 4 hours

When: All days of the week

Start point: Agra Cantonment Station (AGC), or Agra Airport, or your hotel

End point: Agra Cantonment Station (AGC), or Agra Airport, or your hotel

Coverage: Sikandra and Baby Taj

Cuisine Tour in Agra – Home style cooking

What is this tour is about: This is a 2-hour tour that includes a visit to a local home, interactive cooking session, and lunch.

The city of Agra lies in Uttar Pradesh, a fertile agricultural state. Agra is surrounded by rural areas, where farming and animal rearing are the primary occupations of people. There are two annual crops – the kharif crop (wheat, mustard) which is harvested in April, and the rabi crop (millets, rice, mung dal) which is harvested in October. Vegetables, fruits and other seasonal produce are available in plenty in Agra’s markets.

During this tour, we will visit a vegetarian Hindu home, for an interactive cooking session. You will get an introduction to the essential ingredients of North Indian cooking. We will learn not just about the various spices and condiments used in an Indian meal, but also some of the interesting do’s and don’ts related to religion and food.

Please note, this is not a cooking class with a professional chef. Rather, it is a chance to visit a home for insights into daily life in this part of India, and an introduction to a very tasty regional cuisine by the lady of the house. You are welcome to participate, or just sit back and watch. You can also take notes, ask questions, and photograph the cooking session if you wish. The cuisine that you will see demonstrated is a vegetarian “thali” meal. The basic staple is wheat, and a typical meal usually includes breads made of unleavened wheat, accompanied by vegetable-based dishes, dal, salads, pickles, papad and dessert.

Duration: 2 hours

When: Any day of the week except Sunday

Start point: Your hotel

End point: Your hotel

Coverage: Home visit, interactive cooking session and lunch

3-10 Days

12+ Age

Asia