What You Need to Know before Planning an Agra Tour

Agra, known for its historical wonders such as the Taj Mahal, is also a city rich in art, culture, and tradition. The city attracts tourists all year, and while there are many of hotels in Agra, it is best to book ahead of time because hotels here are often crowded, especially from October to March.

If you are planning a day trip or a long holiday to Agra, here are some things to keep in mind:

Inside the Taj complex, you can also visit the Taj Museum, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to enter.

• Beware of Thieves/ Local Vendors

Every city has its share of positive and negative experiences, and Agra is no exception. Pickpockets and thieves should be avoided. While admiring the Taj Mahal, make sure to keep an eye on your valuables. The security checkpoint is the most vulnerable to theft, so be cautious.

The hawkers near the monument might be aggressive and charge a high price. So, if you do decide to buy from them, make sure you bargain. 

• Other Tourist Attractions

Even though the Taj Mahal is the city’s biggest attraction, there are other sites to see. The red stone Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are UNESCO world heritage sites that were built during Emperor Akbar’s reign and are definitely worth seeing. Another beautiful and historical monument created by Queen Noor Jahan for her parents is Itimad-ud-daula’s  Tomb.

Aside from them, the city is known for its boot shops, marble markets, Sadar Bazaar, and other retail establishments. Because the markets are not particularly economical, I would advise you to bargain effectively and spend wisely.

• Petha-  The Special Delicacy of Agra

Agra offers it all when it comes to food, from Chinese to Korean, Japanese, continental, and north Indian. There are numerous restaurants and dabbas to choose from, depending on your budget.
A cafe called Sheroes Hangout is located a few blocks away from the Taj Mahal. That place is run by acid survivors. Visit here and eat some tasty dishes while hearing their heroic stories.

Some Dos and Dont’s to Keep in Mind before Visiting Agra

Dos

• Visit during the milder months, but only at the beginning or conclusion of the peak season, i.e. from October to mid-November or mid-February to March.
• To avoid crowds, try to arrive as early as possible, by around 8 a.m. The memorial is open at all times.
• The ticket can be purchased at the entry gates. Foreigners are charged Rs 1100, citizens of SAARC or BIMSTEC countries are charged Rs 540, while domestic/OCI cardholders or Indians are charged Rs 50. The entry fees is with the water bottle. 
• Children under the age of 15 are allowed to enter free of charge.
• If you don’t want to walk or require a car for an elderly or disabled individual, there are gas vehicles available to transport you.
• To avoid long lines, enter through the south gate in Taj Mahal.

Don’ts

• Except for the water bottles provided with the ticket, no edibles are permitted inside.
• There is no alcohol, smoking, knives, or weapons permitted.
• You are not permitted to chew gum indoors.
• Choose no random guide to show you around. There are licenced government guides available, so verify the ID cards before booking.