Agra

• Go on a bike ride through Agra

You may not have heard of it and may find it rather unusual but that is exactly why you must do this activity. Yes! Go on a bike ride through the streets of Agra. Embrace this European culture and uniquely explore Agra. This sure is a treat for you if you’re a biker and love to travel.

Imagine exploring the royal heritage and culture of Agra while you ride through the cool and beautiful breeze of Agra. There are several vendors and travel companies that offer this service to its tourists. They give out bikes and cars on rent at extremely affordable prices.

• Don’t forget to visit the Korai village for a rural perspective

What many often forget to experience amidst the 5-start luxury experiences of a certain place is the rural reality that lies behind it. That applies with Agra as well. While the city is properly developed and there is nothing that you won’t find over here, there is also a village called Korai located not many miles away from the city. Go on this tour and explore the rural life.

• Not only dine but also cook with a local

What’s the best way of exploring the true essence of a specific place? Yes, it surely is through tasting the delicacies that the place has to offer but imagine being a part of the cooking process of it! There are numerous places that offer this service in Agra. Cook Indian dishes at a local’s house wherein the sweet people will not only teach you how it is made but also tell you many tales that lies behind it. Eat with an Indian family for a unique experience in Agra.

• November to March: This is the best time to visit Agra. The weather is pleasant and temperatures range between 25 to 32 degrees. This is also the peak tourist season for the city and hence hotel prices will be on the higher side.
• April to October: During this period, the weather is usually very hot with temperature ranging between 35 to 45 degrees. May is the hottest month in Agra with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees. Monsoons arrive in Agra in July and August, with sudden drop in temperature during heavy showers. However, the average high remains at 40 degrees. This is not the peak season and hence hotels rates will be cheaper.

Agra can be reached via the below mentioned points:

• Air: Agra is connected to Varanasi, Delhi and Khajuraho by air. It also receives various stopover flights from other major cities in India. Agra’s Kheria Airport is about 12.5 kms from the city centre; and taxis are easily available from the airport to the city.
• Train: Agra has four main railway stations – the Agra Cantonment, Raja-ki-Mandi, Agra Fort and Idgah Agra Junction. Agra is on the main train line on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai routes. There are numerous train options connecting these cities every day. There are also superfast expresses that run from Agra to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.
• Road: Agra is connected by bus to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow and Gwalior. In case you plan to take the bus from cities other than these, it’s best to look up connecting buses or trains.

There are many historic places to visit in Agra, like;

• The Taj Mahal
• Agra Fort
• Akbar’s tomb
• Jama Masjid
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Itmad-ud-daulah’s tomb
• Sheesh Mahal
• Moti Masjid

Below mentioned are the best resorts to stay in Agra:

• Luxury resorts: If money is not a problem and you’re looking for something lavish, then you should go for the Oberoi Amarvilas, The Marine, The Trident or the ITC Mughal Agra.
• Mid-range/budget resorts: Hotel Atithi, Amar, Madhushree, Deviram and Taj Inn are some hotels on the lower price segment that are suitable for families a well as solo travellers. If you are looking for homestays, then you can look at Hotel Sheela. It is right on the footsteps of Taj and boasts of a beautiful garden in the low populated trapezoidal area. Heritage Home is also a beautifully built comprehensive Sikh family house, with spacious gardens.

Unlike popular notions, the staple food of Agra is not Mughlai but typically North Indian. Some restaurants offering the local cuisine of the city are;

• Pinch of Spice: Here you will get a traditional Indian meal with creamy oily dal, spicy paneer, and various preparations of chicken and mutton are few of the dishes served here. Also try the Barra Kebab or the Fish Tikka here. This is a  five star hotel for a celebrity-like stay.
• Bellevue: Among the only two restaurants in Oberoi Amarvilas open to non-guests, Bellevue offers a fantastic view of the Taj Mahal and with super tasty national and international cuisines to enjoy.
• Gulshan Restaurant: Gulshan restaurant is a another local food eatery that is light on the pocket and gives you complete value for money. It primarily serves vegetarian set meals or  North Indian thalis.
• Brijwasi: Brijwasi is essentially a sweet shop which also has a restaurant extension. Similar to Bikanerwala or Haldiram's, Brijwasi is the local favourite for light snacks or meals.

The most convenient transport mode is the autorickshaw. Just outside Agra Cantt Station is the prepaid autorickshaw booth, which gives you a good guide for touring the city. Usually, trips shorter than 3km should not cost more than ?50. You can also book a full-day (eight-hour) Agra tour for ?600. And if you just want to visit the Taj and back with waiting time, they will charge you ?250. Always agree on the fare before entering the rickshaw.

Note: autorickshaws aren’t allowed to go to Fatehpur Sikri.

There are many markets in Agra both wholesale and retail, for street shopping and eating. Some of these markets also have a historic feel that depicts the old city during the 1700-1800s.

• Subhash Bazaar: Subhash Bazar is a one stop destination for a wide range of products. It is mainly popular for silk sarees and other clothing. If you like street shopping you might find some good quality garments here at a reasonable price.
• Kinari Bazaar: Kinari Bazaar is quite an old market of Agra located near Jama Masjid and is popular for wholesale products.
• TDI Mall: The TDI Mall is one of the best multiplex shopping malls in Agra located near the Taj Mahal. The mall is ideal for shopping, leisure and entertainment with an exclusive space reserved for retail outlets, a state-of-the-art multiplex and multi-cuisine restaurants. The multiplex has been planned in such a way that it offers a common check-in point and concession area.
• Raja ki Mandi: Raja ki Mandi is a very crowded and popular shopping market in Agra. Located in Lohamandi area of Agra, this is one of the cheapest markets in Agra with shops ranging from garments, sweets, jewellery, household, ladies items, religious items and a lot more.