Agra, India

A Testament to Love

Yes you have to go to Agra and see the Taj Mahal.

Yes it is a tourist hotspot but a stunning one.

The city itself is a mess, dirty and dusty and avoid looking at the horses and donkeys!  Besides the Taj, Agra Fort is one of the best to see in India.  The Fort is large so a good guide is essential and do some reading beforehand.

How to get there and Transportation

Fly from Delhi with Air India - we stopped at Agra on our way to Khajuraho, it also stopped in Varanasi first so possible that you can catch the flight in Varanasi.  Schedules change so do check.

By Train - from Delhi - a few options to chose.

Drive from Delhi on the new highway, this takes around 4 hours plus with stops, a very boring journey.

TRAIN PLANE

Best time to Visit

October to March are the best months to visit.

August to October is monsoon season so a chance to see a wet shiny Taj Mahal.

We visited in May, it was hot but if you are used to heat then less tourists around.

 

Where to stay

Oberoi Amarvilas - perfect location and stunning views of the Taj Mahal, the best hotel in Agra

Radisson Blu Agra Taj East Gate - now Mansion Grand but top rooms have views of the Taj

Trident

Taj Resorts

ITC Mughal

large and well fitted luggage storage and wardrobes at the four seasons first residence with well stocked mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities
Plenty of room for Mr Bump and his friends!
Lovely power shower for removing Cairo's dust and grime

 

toilet and bidet facilities at the four seasons first residence
Well, what can I say - the toilet and bidet
small balcony overlooking Giza Zoo, the city and pyramids beyond
small, unfurnished balcony with great views (the inset pyramids are courtesy of a very powerful zoom!)

What to See

Stunning setting for breakfast and afternoon tea- plus you can smoke INDOORS!

 

near perfect eggs benedict with smoked salmon at the four seasons first residence, cairo, beautiful dining area with amazing stained glass windows
When it comes to our favourite - eggs benedict with smoked salmon, the First Residence rated highly!

 

Taj Mahal

Be there for sunrise, less people and do I really have to give an explanation of this….constructed by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.  What is interesting is that they ruined the symmetry inside when placing his tomb next to his wife.  Neither are in these tombs, they are below.

Opening hours 6 am to 7 pm

Agra Fort

Started in 1565 by Emperor Akber and changed to a palace by Emperor Shah Jahan who was kept a prisoner here by his son during the last years of his life.  Note the dogleg design of the entrance gate built to slow down and confuse attackers.

Get some great photos of the Taj in the distance.

Opening hours 6 am to 7 pm

Mehtab Bagh Garden

Great for sunset view of the Taj from the opposite bank of river.  Rumours abound that Shah Jahan planned to build a black Taj here for his own burial but no evidence of this has been found to date.

Opening hours 6 am to 7 pm

Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah

Known as the baby Taj and well worth a visit before visiting the main attraction. This houses the tombs of Emperor Jehanghir’s prime minister and Empress Nur Jehan’s father.

Wildlife SOS

2 hour personal guided tour to learn about animal rescue in India.

SOS

Where to report animal cruelty in Agra

PFA    Peta

Restaurants

Pinch of Spice - 2 options in Agra - traditional Indian food plus some western options

Joney’s Place - small Indian restaurant - cash only

Shankara Vegis - vegetarian option - 3/100 Taj East Gate Road, Near Taj Mahal, Kinari Bazar, South Gate, Tajganj Agra - Tel: +919917639035

Jahanpanah - Awadhi cuisine

Jhankar - in the Tajview hotel - Tel: +91 562 6602000

Dasaprakash - south indian vegetarian

Spice   Joney's   Jahanpanah Dasaprakash

Shopping

Not a huge choice here and although we asked the guide for recommendations for local crafts we ended up in a tourist trap shop and spent a good hour trying to extricate ourselves from having to buy crap.

Kinari Bazaar - For a local shopping experience.

11.30 am to 6 pm

Subhash Emporium - be prepared to use the credit card, they sell the wonderful tables that are in the Amarvilas bedrooms. - Pietra Dura award winning craftsmen on Gwalior Road

 

large and well fitted luggage storage and wardrobes at the four seasons first residence with well stocked mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities
Afternoon tea with a gorgeous, stained glass window backdrop
Shops leading to the entrance of the grand bazaar, cairo
Nearby Grand Bazaar

Tip

Start with the Baby Taj and then go to the Mehtab Bagh Gardens for the sunset views before visiting the Taj Mahal the next day for sunrise.

 

After Agra you can visit the Bharakpur Bird Sanctuary (check online which months certain birds will be there) and Fatehpur Sikri before returning to Delhi.

Four Seasons First Residence Hotel, Cairo

I have no hesitation in recommending the First Residence Cairo. A perfect an luxurious escape from the grime and madness that is the amazing city of Cairo. Click the logo to visit their website

 

 

Follow Debbie Allen:
Hi! Welcome to my life... travel is a lifelong hobby, bucket lists get longer... that's the whole joy of them! Originally from the UK I have now lived in Phuket, Thailand since 2008 and run a dream holiday rental agency on the island. In my free time I travel and thought it about time to share experiences, tips, do and dont's along with cherished memories and beautiful photographs - I hope you enjoy taking a digital trip alongside me and that you will emerge the other side with some new destinations in mind...

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