Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna river in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, about 230 kilometres (140 mi) south-east of the national capital Delhi and 330 km west of the state capital Lucknow. With a population of roughly 1.6 million, Agra is the fourth-most populous city in Uttar Pradesh and twenty-third most populous city in India.
Transportation
How to get there
- By Air: Agra has limited domestic flights, mainly from major cities like Delhi and Jaipur. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel pickup to reach the city center.
- By Train: Agra is well-connected by train, with Agra Cantt. Railway Station being the main station. Frequent trains run from major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi.
- By Bus: Interstate and local buses connect Agra to surrounding cities. The main bus terminal is ISBT Agra, where you can find both government and private bus services.
- By Car: Driving to Agra is convenient, especially from nearby cities like Delhi (about 210 km away) and Jaipur (about 240 km). The Yamuna Expressway offers a smooth route from Delhi to Agra.
Ways to get around the city
In Agra there is no subway, and buses are limited, so the popular means of transportation is an auto rickshaw.
Best time to visit
The most popular time to visit Agra is between late October and early March. In December and January, Agra is in winter and this is when Agra is most foggy in the mornings. If you want to see the Taj in an ideal misty morning, and want both sun and morning mist, you can travel to Agra during the warmer weather around February.
Visiting Agra during the monsoon season (July - late September) is also a popular time for many people, but the weather can still be very hot and humid, when it's not raining.
Taj Mahal
Located in Agra, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic monuments in the world. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1648. This stunning example of Mughal architecture is made of white marble adorned with intricate inlays of precious stones, set within beautifully landscaped gardens that symbolize paradise. The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors annually, celebrated not only for its architectural beauty but also as a timeless symbol of love.
Agra Fort
One of the best Mughal forts in India. Construction of the fort was begun in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, and was later completed by his grandson, Shah Jahan, who converted the military fortress into a palace, adding character His was made of a lot of white marble.
Tomb of Itmad ud Daulah
Tomb of the Persian nobleman, grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal. The intricate designs and carved marble lattice screens are impressive examples of Persian architecture, and the riverside location makes for a peaceful place to view Agra's Yamuna. The traditional Persian-style gardens are being restored - traditionally these had cypress trees, roses and traditional Persian flowers around the gardens.
Akbar's Tomb
The resting place of Emperor Akbar, the mausoleum is located 10km west of Agra, and is another astonishing example of beautiful Mughal architecture in Agra. Most impressive is the Sikandra entrance gate with its four towers, along with the beautifully painted ceiling and walls of the main monument. The gate opens onto large, grassy gardens. Deer can be seen roaming around and the gardens are a peaceful place to relax.
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