Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is 378 kilometres west of the state capital, Lucknow, 206 kilometres south of the national capital New Delhi, 58 kilometres south from Mathura and 125 kilometres north of Gwalior. Agra is one of the most populous cities in Uttar Pradesh, and the 24th most populous city in India.
What to do in Agra
1. Taj Mahal: A Monument to Love
The last remnants of Mughal architecture are alive even today in the Taj Mahal. Every year, this UNESCO World Heritage site attracts anywhere from seven to eight million visitors. So majestic and imperial are her exteriors that no one would ever guess, at first glance, that the ivory-marble facade is actually a mausoleum. Resting on the banks of the Yamuna river, the palatial tomb, which Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, also houses a mosque and a guest house. The exteriors are flanked by lush gardens and pristine pathways.
2. Agra Fort: An Ancient Stronghold
With its 380,000 square feet and semi-circular design, not to mention the distinctive red 'terra' look of sandstone fortification, the Agra Fort is a piece of both Indian history and Indian architecture. It is rumoured that the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan died in one of its towers (with a view of the Taj Mahal, of course). Besides its sprawling size, the Agra Fort features the majestic Delhi Gate, the Diwan-i-am and the gorgeous decorations on its exalted columns will mesmerize you for the day.
3. Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: The Baby Taj
Before the Taj Mahal, there was a first draft: Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb. Just like its successor, this popular tomb is also a decadent monument left from Mughal rule, featuring the palatial structure in the centre, surrounded by serene and manicured gardens. Though smaller in size, it is no less stately, often called the 'jewel box'. Climb the stairs to the top of its domed minarets or walk across to the gate for a sequestered view of the mausoleum. The detailed carvings and decorations on the exterior walls will make you realize this is no mere resting place.
4. Fatehpur Sikri: An Emperor's Touch
The city that Akbar built himself is the entrance to a city that houses many historical spots of significance, including the famed Jama mosque. The most recognizable of these is the Buland Darwaza, a 54-meter-high entrance, intricately carved and designed. The city of Fatehpur Sikri houses many beautiful tombs, such as the Tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, Turkish baths known as 'hammams' and the Diwan-i-Khas, with gorgeous geometric designs and serpentine columns that hold up the circular platform, fit for a king.
5. Tomb of Akbar the Great: A Complete View of History
Of course, no tour of Indian Mughal reign would be complete without a visit to the famed emperor Akbar's tomb. While the renowned emperor rests peacefully under a cenotaph today, thanks to his son Jahangir, the tomb and building has plenty of stories of splendour, conflict and sacred symbols. It was eventually restored by the British Lord Curzon. Today, the grand Circumferential Gallery that guards Akbar's grave, its impeccable front facade, the beautifully detailed inlay panels on the southern gate and the scripture in calligraphic hand over the doorways stand in for an era and aesthetic long gone but unforgotten.
How to Get to Agra
By Plane
Most visitors to Agra fly into New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). From there, you can take the subway to New Delhi Railway Station, then catch a train to Agra (2 hours 55 minutes, between ₹450 and ₹1,200).
By Train
India has an excellent rail network, and Agra can be reached from almost every major city by train. Journey times are around three hours from New Delhi, three hours from Jaipur, and eight hours from Mumbai. The majority of trains stop at Agra's Cantt station. From there, a taxi to city center hotels will cost about ₹150, while auto rickshaws will cost ₹50.
By Car
If you touch down at New Delhi airport, you'll find car rental companies like Autoriders and Europcar nearby. From there, the best route is to follow highway 48 southwards, then turn left onto the Kundli Manesar Palwal Expressway at Panchgaon, before changing to highway 19 at Palwal, which will take you straight to Agra.
By Bus
Rajasthan's government runs RSRTC buses to cities like Jaipur in the province, and there are also daily bus connections between Delhi and Agra (journey time 4-5 hours, ₹300). Most buses will stop at the Idgah Bus Stand in the south of the city, and it will cost around ₹100 to take a taxi to city center hotels.
