Agra is home to one of the seven wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal which is not just renowned as an architectural wonder of history but is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
Since the beginning, the Taj Mahal has been a symbol of eternal love and is a must-visit for anyone who is planning to visit Agra or India from some other country.
The city of Agra has located on the banks of the river Yamuna and is filled with sheer nuances of culture, Mughal art, and display. Apart from its monuments, Agra also offers some other exciting stuff that includes Agra ka Petha as well as chaat and lassi.
Best Time to Visit Agra
The best time to visit Agra is between the months of October and March. During this time, you can hope to explore this city to its fullest.
History of Agra
Agra is truly one of the most significant cities in all of India's history. Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, this beautiful city came into the limelight when Sikander Lodhi decided to make Agra his capital.
Even during the reign of Akbar, it remained the capital city, and it was only during the Mughal period that some of the most magnificent monuments were established, like the Taj Mahal, Buland Darwaza, and several others.
However, it was with the Mughal period only that the charm of Agra was also destined to decline. And as soon as it happened, East India Company saw its drastic rise in our country in terms of being the next ruling power.
The foremost step which they took after the decline of the Mughals was to set up a great number of industries locally; thus controlling a significant part of the Indian Economy of those times.
Major Attractions in and Around Agra
1. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions not just in India but all over the globe. Due to its historical significance, it has been given the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had built this monument in remembrance of his wife, late Queen Mumtaz Mahal. It has been purely constructed out of white marble and sees a great footfall of tourists on an annual basis.
2. Fatehpur Sikri
Situated about 40 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a perfect place to be to spend some quality time with your loved ones. This place was founded by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar and it was fundamentally made of Redstone. And, now as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a popular tourist attraction.
3. Agra Fort
Agra Fort is an architectural masterpiece that was built by Emperor Akbar in 1573. In fact, it is a very massive fortification that, once upon a time, was the erstwhile residence of the Mughals till 1638. During your visit to Agra, don't miss out on Agra Fort.
4. Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is one of the last Mughal gardens and one of the scenic spots situated in Agra, and it witnesses great footfall on an annual basis. The highlighting feature of the garden is its impeccable symmetry, wherein you get to experience the stunning views of nature.
How to Reach Agra
Agra in Uttar Pradesh is a fine kaleidoscopic reflection of India's cultural prominence. It is a city loaded with the magnificence of Taj and Yamuna. To witness this city, you will need to cover a total distance of 233, 1,224, 1,297, and 1,925 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively. Check out the travel details below to learn how you can reach Agra by public transportation.
By Air
The nearest aerodrome from Vrindavan is the Kheria Airport (AGR). It is a military airbase, one of the largest of the Indian Air Force. The aerodrome was opened during world war II. It has overall good flight connectivity with other Indian cities with many airlines flying to and fro. From the airport, you can book a taxi or avail of some other means of local conveyance.
However, the closest international airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and has very good flight connectivity with other Indian states as well as countries. From the airport, you can easily find a cab or other travel options like state-run buses to reach your destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Agra
By Train
You can deboard at the Agra Cantt Railway Station (AGC). It is considered the primary railway station of Agra and is situated in close proximity to Sadar Bazaar. The station is based on the Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai lines. From the station, you will need to book a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination.
- From Delhi - Board NDLS MAS SPL from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at Agra Cantt
- From Mumbai - Board Mangladweep Express from Panvel and deboard at Agra Cantt
- From Amritsar - Board ASR NED EXP SPL from Amritsar Junction and deboard at Agra Cantt
By Road
You can also consider traveling to Agra by roadways and national highways which connect it with other cities and towns of India. These roads and highways are majorly well-maintained and easily accessible. For traveling you can choose out of three options mainly according to your budget and convenience - boarding interstate/private buses, booking an online cab, or self-driving there.
- From Lucknow - 333 km via Agra-Lucknow Expressway
- From Prayagraj - 472 km via Allahabad Highway or NH19
- From Aligarh - 117 km via Taj Express Highway/ Yamuna Expressway
Frequently Asked Questions about Agra
Q. What is Agra famous for?
A. Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Q. What are some other places to visit in Agra besides the Taj Mahal?
A. Some other popular places to visit in Agra include the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Itimad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, and Akbar's Tomb.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
