A mix of the chaos and confusion of Delhi with the tranquility and peace conveyed by the Taj Mahal. The city's artistic treasure is something you absolutely cannot miss and takes up a large part of your visit to Agra, but it's worth every second. Everything around it is more expensive than usual in India and the locals are very insistent. It has absolutely incredible landscapes that, in my opinion, can be seen in one day.
Note
In addition to the amount paid for any service or item, it is expected that you leave a tip, without exception! And it is not just any tip, if you give them less than they are expecting, they will ask for more right away.
A mix of the chaos and confusion of Delhi with the tranquility and peace conveyed by the Taj Mahal. The city's artistic treasure is something you absolutely cannot miss and takes up a large part of your visit to Agra, but it's worth every second. Everything around it is more expensive than usual in India and the locals are very insistent. It has absolutely incredible landscapes that, in my opinion, can be seen in one day.
Note
In addition to the amount paid for any service or item, it is expected that you leave a tip, without exception! And it is not just any tip, if you give them less than they are expecting, they will ask for more right away.
There is the option of going by public transports, and I even considered this option, but I didn't really know what I would find and, besides, it would take much longer to get there. Since I had to comeback to New Delhi on the same day and I wanted to get to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the only option was to go by car. So, I went with the same driver from the hotel for 14,000 Indian rupees (€156.18 - go and return, for two people, with tickets to the monuments included (Taj Mahal and Agra Fort) and to walk around everywhere we wanted in Agra).
If you end up staying at another hotel and need someone to drive you, you can contact the agency I went: +919871653826 or https://www.heritageindiatravel.com/
1. Taj Mahal: one of the seven wonders of the world. It is a beautiful mausoleum made of white marble, located on the south bank of the Yamuna River, which was built as a monument to the love of the Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It took 20 years to build, using 20,000 men and precious stones from all over the world.
Be careful with monkeys, make sure you do not carry anything in your hands and don't look them in the eyes. I saw a lot of monkeys stealing phones and water bottles.
You can visit the garden that surrounds it, go inside the Taj Mahal (where you will see two perfect replicas of the tombs of the emperor and his wife), see the Memaan Khana and the Jawad Masjid.
It is open every day except Fridays (when only Muslims are allowed to pray), from 6am to sunset, and costs 1,300 Indian rupees (€14.50). If you go the way I suggested, this value is included on the price, so you don't have to pay anything more.
2. Agra Fort: a fortified palace that symbolizes power, strength and resilience. It was where Shah Jahan was imprisoned for 8 years (until his death) by order of his own son. It is a very interesting visit and well worth it, especially for the views. Again, if you go the same way I did, the entrance fee is included on the price you already pay. If you don't, the entrance fee is 650 Indian rupees (€7.25) and it is open at the same times as Taj Mahal (it is also closed on Fridays);
3. Marble and Stone from Taj Mahal Construction: the shop where descendants of the people who participated in the construction of Taj Mahal currently work. The techniques of jewel inlay and marble work are passed down from generation to generation in order to maintain the legacy and the honour of being part of the history of Taj Mahal. Here, you can see the different precious stones that are worked, and the entire process of creation and execution. It is fascinating and impressive. However, afterwards there is a lot of insistence on buying some of their works, and this ends up spoiling the experience a little bit. Nevertheless, it is well worth the visit. There is no entrance fee;
4. Agra Center: there is no better way to end this destination than to get to know its people, its culture and its customs, and for that, you need to stroll around the center. There is no set itinerary, so lose yourself in the streets and its markets.
- Taj Mahal (one of the seven wonders of the world, it will take you practically the whole day, but it is worth every second);
- Agra Fort (a fortified palace, which symbolizes power, strength and resilience);
- Marble and Stone from Taj Mahal Construction (the shop where descendants of the people who participated in the construction of the Taj Mahal currently work);
- Agra Center (there is no better way to make the final stop of this destination than to get to know its people, its culture and its customs, and for that, you need to stroll around the center. There is no set itinerary, so lose yourself in the streets and its markets.