THE CITY OF WONDERS- AGRA Agra, a city located on the bank of Yamuna is known for his Wonders of Wonders- the TAJ MAHAL. Before starting the journey the first thing that strikes in our mind is how to reach at that place, where to stay, visit etc.
Q.1. How to reach Agra? There are many ways of transport to Agra whether it’s rail, road or air. By rail, Agra has connectivity to all the major cities of the country such as Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Indore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. There are two major railway stations – Agra Cant & Agra Fort. Through road it is connected through national highways and other highways having one major bus terminal, ISBT. While someone who wants to travel by air, then they should land on Kheria Airport which is about 11 km away from the Taj Mahal. Prepaid Taxis are always available from the airport which will take you to your desired location.
Q.2. Where to stay? Well this up to you that what’s your budget. There are many five star as well three star hotels in Agra. Here are list of some of the best hotels in Agra:
1. Jaypee Palace
2. The Oberoi Amarvillas Hotel
3. The Taj Gateway Hotel
4. Clarks Inn
Apart from these hotels there are Lodges which can provide luxury services up to your mark. Now comes the places to be visit in Agra. Here is your day to day plan….
Day 1 : If you have sort all your problems related to travelling, lodging etc. then you should first visit the monument of love – Taj Mahal . Prepaid Taxis as well as autos are available from your hotels that will take you to the eastern gate of Taj Mahal. From the gate you will get battery rickshaw that will take you to the main entrance. If you love to walk or you are with your love and want to feel then in my opinion don’t prefer rickshaw, just take the feelings and go on…. After getting entry, you should leave all your stress outside the entry gate because when you will see it, you will have some mixed type of feelings. If you want to know the history of Taj Mahal then hire a guide who will tell you the entire history as well describe the whole monument. Every person wants to visit this beautiful place without any disturbance, then don’t allow the photographers to roam around you, if u have your own it’s better to click from yourself. Spend about 4-5 hours with patience, enjoying each and every moments, capturing all the moments in your camera. If you want to take back as memories then there is something to you. There are shops nearby Taj Mahal which sell handicrafts items from the local craftsmen. Buy them but before bargaining. If you know the bargaining tips then there is much for you. After coming back to your rooms, freshen up because there is another place to come- Sadar Bazar. Here u will get all shop of branded items, clothes, accessories etc. Apart from these there are food shops where u will get various flavors of food.
Day 2: After completing the Taj Mahal in your checklist, the next destination is Fatehpur Sikri, located outside Agra. The run from Agra to Fatehpur sikri hardly takes 1-1:30 hour. It’s a very religious mosque (Dargah), people from all around the country come here to get blessings and also for their mannat(wish). Taxis as well as busses are always available from the Agra and some hotels also arrange them according to the requirements. If you are having your own vehicle, then what to say, enjoy the ride with your loved ones. After reaching Fatehpur sikri the first thing you should do is, hire a guide. Don’t worry it will be not too costly.. You will get in nominal cost if u knows the concept of bargaining. The easiness will be that they will tell you all the history, reasons better than anyone. Take your time.. Visit each and every place…. Listen the history and truly you will get some interesting. Get your photo shoot; take some pictures of your companion. After that return back to your hotels and get ready for next day.
DAY 3: There is another place yet left to visit, it is Red Fort (Agra Kila) situated in the main city. Take taxi or if you are bored of travelling in taxi, take auto. Enter the Red fort, watched each and every place and don’t forget to visit the room from where the taj mahal can be easily seen. Spend some time, look the works of architect on the walls. After visiting the Red fort, if you have enough time then you can visit either the Keetham Bird Sanctuary which is at Agra- Mathura highway or you can visit Sikandra situated at the end of the city at Agra-Jaipur road. After completing your trip to Agra, don’t forget to take the famous sweets in the world – Petha. Otherwise your trip will be an uncompleted trip.
Have been to wonder City Agra? If not, Plan a trip and explore more of it. And share you experience on travel blog of eChutti.
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