Agra Tour Packages

1. About Agra
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Agra
4. Agra At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Agra
6. Best Time To Visit Agra
7. Top Things To Do In Agra
8. Shopping In Agra
9. Dos and Don’ts While Travelling To Agra
10. Foods To Try Out In Agra
11. Best Quick Getaways From Agra
12. Art And Culture In Agra

Agra is an ancient region that has been referenced in inscriptions and literature dating back to the prehistoric era. There are cave paintings in the regions which prove that humans lived in the area prior to formal settlements. In ancient literature, Agra is called Arya Griha, meaning ‘the abode of the Aryans’. In the epic Mahabharata it’s called ‘Agravana’, which means ‘border of the forest’.

In the 16th century, modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi dynasty. Babur, who was the founder of the Mughal dynasty, stayed in Agra for a brief period and brought in the concept of square Persian-style gardens. He built Aram Bagh, whose name was later changed to Ram Bagh by the Marathas. The Mughal emperor Akbar built the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, with the latter remaining his capital from 1571 to 1585. More monuments and palaces were constructed within the Agra Fort as well as the city by Jahangir, who was Akbar’s son.

The golden age of Mughal architecture was seen during the reign of Shah Jahan who built the world renowned Taj Mahal. The capital was shifted from Agra to Shahjahanabad in Delhi under his rule. Aurangzeb, who was the third son of Shah Jahan, moved the Mughal capital back to Agra. After the end of the Mughal era, Agra was ruled by the Jats, the Marathas, and the British.

Tourism is a major source of income in Agra. Hotels, restaurants, and tour guides are some of the factors utilised by tourists that bring in money for the city and its government. Handicrafts, too, contribute to the economy of Agra by employing skilled artisans and selling a variety of items to visitors. One of the oldest industries in Agra is the leather industry, which produces bags, shoes, and belts, all of which tourists purchase when they visit the city. Some of the other industries that help with the economy of Agra are cotton, textile, stationery, metal products, and wood paper products.

• Until 1638, Agra was the primary residence of the emperors of the Mughal Empire.
• The Taj Mahal is called ‘the monument of love’ as it was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
• The Yamuna River in Agra was once given the title of the ‘Blue River’ due to its clear and pure water.
• Over 1,000 elephants had to be used to transport the construction materials that were used to build the Taj Mahal.
• Agra is regarded as the birthplace of Hindu and Urdu literature.
• The Taj Mahal receives approximately seven to eight million visitors every year.
• The city has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Agra has been mentioned in the Mahabharata as ‘Agravana’.
• Agra is India’s largest footwear cluster and also the second-largest shoe exporter in the world after China.
• Agra is home to the largest sloth bear rescue facility in the world, which is the Agra Bear Rescue Facility.
• Surdas, the renowned blind Hindu devotional poet and singer, was born in Agra.
  Agra is the birthplace of Mirza Ghalib, the famous Indian poet.
• The St. John’s College in Agra is one of India’s oldest colleges.
• The popular Indian sweet called petha originated in Agra in the royal kitchens of the Mughal emperors.
• The Agra Fort was mentioned in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes novel titled The Sign of the Four.

• If you wish to visit the Taj Mahal when it’s relatively less crowded, try going there early in the morning.
• When visiting the monuments in Agra, it’s advised to get the tickets online so you don’t get stuck in long queues.
• Security checks are conducted at the entrance before visitors can see the Taj Mahal. Therefore, only carry small bags and purses as backpacks and large bags are not allowed inside the monument.
• The main airport in Agra is the Kheria Airport (AGR).
• Visitors are not allowed to wear shoes inside the main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal. Therefore, remember to wear shoes that are comfortable and can be removed easily.
• If you’re a woman travelling solo, don’t wander around the streets at night as it’s considered unsafe.

The reasons for tourists to grab our Agra tour packages are endless, some of which are:

Taj Mahal is a reason by itself to visit Agra. The unmatched beauty and grandeur of this wondrous monument, coupled by the fact that it was created in the name of love, draws millions of visitors to it annually. There is also a night viewing of the Taj Mahal which is exclusively available only five days in a month, which is on a full moon night and two nights before and after the full moon.

Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire, and it’s during this period that many of the Mughal emperors left behind their legacy through numerous historical monuments. Built using eye-catching elements such as white marble and red sandstone, each of these monuments has a story more fascinating than the other. Some of these historical locations you must visit include the Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Akbar’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, and Itimad-ud-daulah’s Tomb.

The rich culture and tradition of Agra is clearly reflected in its lip-smacking cuisine as well. The kitchens during the Mughal era left behind several delicacies which are enjoyed in Agra even today. This includes kebabs and meat based curries that are a delight for every foodie out there. However, while trying out Agra’s cuisine, you absolutely can’t forget the delicious street food that’s popular all over the world. From jalebis and bhallas to pethas and chaats, there is a wide array of snacks you can relish every day of your trip.

When you want to take a break from witnessing the magic of history and architecture in Agra, you can always turn to the fun bazaars that have the most diverse shopping scene. Some of the best things to buy in Agra are footwear, handbags, leather goods, and jewellery. There are also things you can buy to beautify your home, such as handicrafts, rugs, carpets, and wall hangings.

Agra has a subtropical climate. While the summers of Agra are long and hot, the winter season is cold and short. Although the city has a substantial monsoon season, it’s not as heavy as compared to the other parts of the country. Let’s take a look at what each season in Agra is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Agra tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature in Agra oscillates between 23 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. Once summer begins, the dryness and humidity keeps increasing, with the temperatures reaching their peak in April and May. It’s towards the end of June that you can feel monsoons making their way to Agra. The high levels of heat make it difficult to roam around in the city, which is why there are very few tourists at this time. However, if you wish to go sightseeing with minimal crowds, this is the time to visit Agra. If you’re not used to uncomfortably hot weather, though, you might want to skip experiencing Agra’s summer season. The evenings and nights usually bring about some respite. Make sure to carry light, loose, and cotton clothes along with plenty of sunscreen.

Tourists can expect the temperature to remain between 25 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius during the monsoon season in Agra. The rains bring about significant relief from the heat, but it still remains considerably hot and humid. The rain in Agra ranges from moderate to occasionally heavy showers. The average annual rainfall that Agra witnesses is around 400 mm. The items that you must carry while visiting Agra during this season are raincoats, umbrellas, and sturdy shoes. The famous Kailash Fair takes place in Agra at this time, where devotees come to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.

The temperature during the winter season in Agra ranges from 7 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius. Owing to the pleasant weather, clearer skies, and mild temperatures, winter is usually considered the best time to visit Agra. During the peak winter days, the temperature can go as low as 2 degrees Celsius. The average winter temperature in Agra oscillates between 8 to 14 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal time to walk around the city, but beware of the fog that usually engulfs Agra during this time. Since this is the peak tourist season, book our Agra tour packages in advance to get the best deals on hotels and flights. Keep plenty of winter gear while travelling at this time, such as sweaters, gloves, and scarves.

Visiting Agra feels like going back in time when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. Almost every corner resonates with a piece of history through the numerous monuments that Agra is home to. With our diverse Agra tour packages, the following are the places you can visit in Agra and the adventures you can participate in:

Agra’s Taj Mahal is not only an architectural marvel but also an eternal symbol of love. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Spread over an area of 17 hectares, the construction of this monument took about 22 years, lasting from 1632 to 1653. On normal operating days, the Taj Mahal opens half an hour before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. It remains closed to visitors every Friday. The monument is regarded as the epitome of Mughal architecture, containing Persian, Indian, and Islamic influences.

Agra Fort is a Mughal monument from the 16th century which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Up until 1638, it served as the primary residence of the Mughal emperors, after which the capital of the Mughal Empire was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The Mughal emperor Akbar ordered the construction of the Agra Fort. Its construction took about eight years, and was completed in 1573. The walls of the fort were constructed using red sandstone. Every new Mughal emperor brought a distinct element to this monument. Akbar added buildings to the fort that had Bengali and Gujarati architectural influences. Shah Jahan, on the other hand, got rid of some of the structures to add creations using white marble.

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb has been in existence for longer than the Taj Mahal. In fact, several of its architectural features were used to build the Taj Mahal, which is why Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is called ‘Baby Taj’. It was among the first Mughal monuments that was built using white marble instead of red sandstone. The Mughal queen Nur Jahan built the structure to honour her deceased father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The construction of the monument took six years, from 1622 to 1628.

Mehtab Bagh, which is also called the Moonlight Garden, is situated across the Yamuna River and north of the Taj Mahal. This garden complex originally had four sandstone towers in each of its corners. Presently, there is only one tower remaining. The initial design of the garden was crescent-shaped, featuring fountains and pools. However, it was later changed to its current square design. This is because most of the garden’s old features were destroyed due to frequent floods in the early 1900s. Mehtab Bagh was restored to its original state by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Akbar’s Tomb, also known as Akbar’s Mausoleum, is a mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Made of red sandstone and white marble, it is situated in a suburb of Agra called Sikandra. While Akbar himself had started the construction of the tomb, it was completed by his son Jahangir. The mausoleum was built between 1605 and 1613.

Jama Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in the city, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his daughter Jahanara Begum. The construction of the monument took five years and cost INR 5 lakhs. Situated right opposite the Agra Fort, it was built mainly using red sandstone and white marble, standing tall as a fine example of Mughal architecture. In the centre of the courtyard is a fountain with four kiosks in its corners. The monument is called the ‘Friday Mosque’ and is open on all days except Fridays. It remains open from 7 am to 12 pm and 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

Fatehpur Sikri is a town situated about 40 km from Agra. It was given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and is called ‘the city of victory’ due to Akbar’s win during the Gujarat campaign in 1573. Founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1569, it served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. Fatehpur Sikri is home to several popular monuments, including Jama Mosque, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, and Birbal Bhavan.

Anguri Bagh, which literally translates to ‘a garden of grapes’, was built in 1637 by Shah Jahan. It’s a part of the Khas Mahal palace complex within the Agra Fort. Back in the day, the royal ladies utilised this main square for their leisurely strolls. Over the years, Anguri Bagh has undergone numerous restoration attempts, with the Archaeological Survey of India doing their best to preserve the garden’s grandeur.

• Hot air balloon rides over the Taj Mahal
• Wildlife safari at Chambal River
• Boat ride on the Yamuna River
• Trekking in the Aravalli Range

Agra has several unique souvenirs that tourists can grab during their vacation with GT Holidays’ Agra tour packages. Here are some of the things to shop for in Agra and the best places to shop from:

Agra is known to be the leather hub of India, and the city produces an eclectic array of authentic and high-quality leather products. Some of the different kinds of leather items to buy from Agra are bags, jackets, shoes, and belts.

If there is a city in India that’s famous for its jewellery and gemstones after Jaipur, then it has to be Agra. For those looking for unique and exquisite jewellery pieces, check out the jewellery made using diamonds and semi-precious stones that Agra is known for.

Marble is quite significant in Agra’s history due to the many monuments that were made using white marble. This is why it’s not surprising that marble replicas are some of the most popular souvenirs to buy from Agra. You can get your hands on ornamental boxes, vases, statues, and tabletops.

If you have a sweet tooth, then you must carry some of Agra’s delicious sweets back home for yourself and your loved ones. Some of the best sweets to grab from Agra are pethas, barfis, and gajaks.

Given the significance of Taj Mahal as a historical monument in Agra, tourists get the chance to bring back a part of its beauty during their trip through Taj Mahal souvenirs. Marble and glass are some of the materials used to make such mementoes.

The tradition of creating unique artefacts has deep roots in Agra. The skilled craftsmen of the city design beautiful handicrafts, such as statues, flower pots, glass handicrafts, and marble soapstones.

Elegant hand-embroidered textiles are the specialty of Agra. Available in numerous designs and styles, a couple of the embroidery textiles travellers like to get from Agra are silk embroidery, zari embroidery, and chain stitch embroidery.

• Sadar Bazaar: For leather products, ethnic clothes, handicrafts, sweets.
• Kinari Bazaar: For textiles, leather products, handicrafts, rugs, glassware.
• Shah Market: For gadgets and electronic items.
• Raja Ki Mandi: For clothes, sweets, accessories, footwear, religious items, household products.
• Subhash Bazaar: For clothes, fabrics, silk items.

• Bargaining is common in the markets of Agra. Just be polite and quote a price till you can reach mutual agreement with the vendor.
• Stay mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe while shopping in Agra so as not to fall victim to petty theft and pickpocketing.
• Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes before you go on a shopping spree in Agra.
• Carry a water bottle to avoid getting dehydrated during your shopping session.

• Since Agra has many historical monuments, make sure to keep the surroundings clean when you visit these places, and throw away any waste in the dustbins.
• Use the public toilets when needed and keep the streets clean by not throwing any garbage on the road.
• Only go for those tour guides and photographers who have government issued identity cards.
• In order to avoid polluting the area around the monuments, remember to park your vehicles in the designated parking areas.
• Tourists are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke inside the monuments, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
• Visitors are not allowed to carry tripods and selfie sticks inside Agra’s monuments.
• Do not bring in drone cameras while visiting the Taj Mahal, as they are strictly prohibited inside and around the monument.
• If you plan to visit the religious sites, such as the temples and mosques, make sure to dress modestly and keep your knees and shoulders covered.

Must-see attractions: Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bhangarh Fort, Bala Quila, Siliserh Lake, Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri, Vijay Mandir Palace.

Must-see attractions: Keoladeo National Park, Government Museum, Bharatpur Palace, Shri Bihari Ji Temple, Lohagarh Fort

Must-see attractions: Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Dwarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat, Govardhan Hill, Prem Mandir

Must-see attractions: ISKCON Vrindavan, Radha Raman Temple, Keshi Ghat, Govind Dev Ji Temple

Must-see attractions: Gwalior Fort, Sas-Bahu Temple, Sun Temple, Gwalior Zoo, Jai Vilas Palace

Are you a lover of street food? If yes, then Agra’s street food will leave you asking for more. From Mughlai delicacies to exquisite desserts, listed below are the foods you must try during your vacation with our Agra tour packages:

‘Agra ka petha’ is one of the most famous sweet dishes across India. It’s a translucent, soft, candy-like dessert that’s made using ash gourd or white pumpkin. The dessert contains nuts and dry fruits and is available in different flavours, including plain, saffron, coconut, paan, and rose. There are two types of pethas you will find in Agra, where one is soft and liquid-like, and the other is hard and dry.

While parathas are popular in many parts of India, you absolutely have to try this Mughlai delicacy in Agra. These flaky, fried flatbreads are made using wheat flour and the stuffing is of eclectic varieties. This could include potatoes, cheese, carrots, grated cauliflower, onions, and paneer. Parathas in Agra are usually served alongside pickles, chutneys, or yoghurt.

Bhalla is a dish containing fried mashed potatoes and is known as aloo tikki in most parts of the country. Shaped like flattened balls, it is mixed with various spices and chickpea curry and served with chutneys.

Dalmoth is a crunchy, crispy, and spicy snack. It’s made up of nuts, fried lentils, and spices. The snack is usually eaten along with tea or coffee. Some also consume it along with alcoholic drinks.

The Mughal influence in Agra is clear in the Mughlai cuisine found in the city. Mughlai delicacies have a lot of meat based curries made using nuts and dried fruits. The flavour of these curries is intensified through the inclusion of ground, whole spices. Some of the Mughlai items you can try in Agra are butter chicken, seekh kebabs, chicken tikka masala, biryani, and mutton korma.

Jalebi is a deep-fried sweet dish which is popular both as a breakfast item and evening snack. It’s made using a fermented batter and is then dipped in sugary syrup.

Agra is known for its production of leather goods, right from bags and shoes to accessories. The leather industry, too, has an intricate history in Agra, with the city being a major hub of leather production in the country. Miniature paintings form a significant part of Agra’s artistic heritage. These paintings depict scenes related to domestic life, battles, and the imperial court. Another art form prevalent in Agra is religious paintings. These paintings depict Lord Krishna’s life during his childhood and adolescent days, along with Krishna’s raas leela. Braj, which is the birthplace of Krishna, comes alive in these paintings that depict Krishna’s life in various locations of the region.

Agra celebrates several festivals throughout the year. There is the Taj Mahotsav, an annual festival held in February in the village of Shilpgram in Agra, which is a handicraft and cultural event. The festival involves delicious local food, street music, and elephant parades and is attended by domestic as well as international tourists. Another festival that takes place in February in Agra every year is the Agra Balloon Festival. It’s a 3-day festival that allows visitors to enjoy an aerial view of the Taj Mahal and other monuments. There is also the festival of Ram Barat which takes place just before Dusshera and is a part of the Ram Leela celebrations.

The traditions of Agra are deeply connected to its religious and historical heritage. The city’s customs and rituals linked to festivals, marriages, and everyday life is a combination of Hindu, Mughal, and local influences. Traditional events like weddings include dancing, music, food, and grand rituals, displaying Agra’s cultural richness. The tradition of chewing on paan or betel leaf, which was initiated during the Mughal era, is still common in Agra. It’s offered to guests as a sign of respect and hospitality and is a common part of cultural and social gatherings.