Coming to Agra? And feel like there is nothing else to do or see beyond the much talked about world wonder – Taj Mahal which took 22 years and 20,000 workers to built? Have a look at these five best experiences in Agra – things to do in city of Love which will make you change your opinion about Agra.
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Things to Do in Agra
1. Dinner with Taj Mahal at Hotel Amar Vilas, Agra
Enjoy the luxury at its best in the finest hotel of Agra, where you can either dine at one of the two restaurants (Bellevue and Esphahan) that offer a choice of fine international cuisine and authentic traditional flavours of India, or simply relax with a quiet drink whilst gazing at the Taj Mahal from the bar terrace. This most expensive hotel of Agra offers an unrivalled view of Taj Mahal along with the finest international and Indian cuisine. Though a drink or two will surely burn a hole in your pocket, but the experience is well worth it. Quality costs! Advance reservation is recommended. The Oberoi Amar Vilas
2. Visit The World Heritage Sites
Agra is the only city in the world which boasts of having three World Heritage Monuments – splendid Taj mahal, magnificent Agra Fort and majestic Fatehpur Sikri. While Taj Mahal is the top priority in every traveler’s list, people often miss the other two. Make sure you visit one of the finest Mughal Forts of India – Agra Fort and the deserted red sand stone city of Fatehpur Sikri which once remained the capital of India for a long time till it was abandoned due to scarcity of drinking water. Check our: Featured Tours to Agra
3. Watch the saga of love at Kalakriti Dance Drama Show
Every evening at 6:30 pm, a dance drama depicting the story of making of Taj Mahal is performed live for 80 minutes at Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center, not far from Taj Mahal. This multi-lingual show also displays a big replica of Taj Mahal, with multi color lights thrown upon it showing the different moods of Taj mahal all through the day and night. Tickets start from Rs. 1,200.
4. Explore Agra by Mouth
Don’t forget to taste the authentic Indian cuisine when you are in Agra. The local breakfast of “Bedai / Kachori and Jalebi” is well worth the try along with the very famous Agra Petha in many taste variants. Highly recommended non-touristy multi-cuisine restaurants where locals eat are – Pinch of Spice, Pind Baluchi and Hotel Amar. For the best inexpensive hygienic street food, you can head to Time To Eat – Mama Franky at Sadar Bazar or try the Indian Pasta made by Masterchef India finalist.
Agra Food Walk – Explore Agra by Mouth
For those of you who are unaware, we do offer Agra Food Walk – Explore Agra By Mouth tour where you can taste the unlimited samples of traditional Indian food at hygienic places without worrying about “Delhi-Belly” for a small price. So if you happen to be in Agra with some free time in your hands and an empty stomach, do get in touch with us for exploring India through your taste buds.
Check out below the videos of our very popular food walk :
5. Shop till you drop
Agra is a shopper’s paradise for those of you who know the art of haggling. Agra is famous for leather stuff including shoes and jackets. Also, Agra is the best place to buy marble handicraft souvenirs involving the inlay work of semi-precious stones called Pietra-Dura for your loved ones back home. Don’t forget to check out handmade carpets/rugs, gold jewellery and sarees. Or you can have a walk in old city wholesale markets which have existed for over 400 years since the Mughal era. But beware of the scams and being ripped off at these so called “Government Approved Showrooms”.
6. Go Beyond Taj
There are some excellent walking tours and experiences to do in Agra which gives you the chance to go offbeat in Agra.
- Agra Culture Trail – Heritage Walk in the Old Agra with a visit to an Indian home.
- Agra Beyond Taj – Red Taj Mahal, Akbar’s Church & Abdul Karim’s Tomb
- Agra Village Walking Tour – Explore the countryside and see the real India beyond the luxury of hotels.
7. Bird watching at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Visit the world-famous Keoladeo National Park, former hunting grounds of the royal family of Bharatpur. The National Park is an hour’s drive from Agra, great for families and kids as you can rent bicycles or rickshaws to explore the Park. The Park is immensely diverse with hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds.
Location: Keoladeo National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Road, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 302001
Timings: 7 am to 5 pm
Best Time To Visit: All year long
8. Learn The Art of Indian Cooking
Here is your chance to deconstruct authentic north-Indian cuisine, and understand the ingredients that go into making a lip-smacking meal. Join us in our kitchen as we cook a hearty and royal Mughlai meal with you. Get high on the aroma of the freshly ground spices – the flavors of this self home-cooked meal will be hard to forget!
Where: Authentic Indian Cooking Class with Family Meal
9. Sound & Light Show at Agra Fort
For those who appreciate art and performances should definitely see this light and sound show which is a great way to get an insight into the history of the Mughals. Depicting the journey of the entire Mughal era by making use of colorful lights that fall on various parts of the fort, this sound show is perfect for not only the adults but also for the kids.
Cost Of Tickets: INR 70 for Indians, INR 200 for Adults
Location: Agra Fort
Timings: 8:30 am to 9:20 pm
Time Required: 1 hour
Best Time To Visit: Winter season (October to March)
10. Party All Night
Experience the city’s nightlife and dance the night away in the best pubs and bars in Agra on this Agra pub crawl. Are you eager to discover this fun side of the city? A pub crawl for 3 hours in which you visit 3 of the most happening pubs of Agra, show some moves and listen to live music. Drinks are included!
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