Tips for travelers: Things to know before visiting Agra, India
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These insightful tips are shared by our experienced Agra tour guide(s), Monika and Rajeev
Getting Around In Agra
How far away is city center from the airport, and what's the easiest way to get there?
So, see first Agra only has a domestic airport and the connecting parts of Mumbai, Bangalore, Bhopal, and Ahmedabad, and from the airport to the city center is actually only half an hour away. Again, it is very cumbersome to get to the airport and get out of the airport because it is the AFO area. The best way, I will say, you can have auto-rickshaws there, you can find taxis over there, Ola is already there, Uber is there, and when the guest is actually having a group with the tour guide, we will arrange something for them. So, the best way is to get a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.
Local Food
What are some of the best local food to try in Agra?
It depends on the travelers. For tourists, it is generally recommended to avoid buying food from roadside stalls. Instead, multi-cuisine restaurants that maintain higher hygiene standards are preferable. Street foods like pani puri (crispy-fried puffed balls filled with spiced potato, onion, and chickpea, along with tamarind or mint water), and samosas (fried pastry with a savoury filling, either vegetables or meat, spiced potatoes, onions, peas), though popular and delicious, should be sampled with caution as the spice quotient and water do not always suit foreigners.
However, for those not afraid of “Delhi belly” (India’s notorious stomach issues), street food in Agra can be quite a treat. Chaupati and Sadar Bazar Chaat Gali are popular evening spots for local snacks. Sadar Bazar is only about a 15-minute drive from the Taj Mahal.
Agra is known for its Mughal cuisine, a remnant of its history as the Mughal capital. Notable dishes include Mutton Doki Ajah, Dabal Aniyan, and various chicken dishes. Vegetarian options are also plentiful, with dishes such as paneer butter masala (rich and creamy dish of Indian cottage cheese in a tomato, butter and cashew sauce) and various biryanis (made with rice, some type of meat or vegetables, and spices). Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian biryanis are available, often served with naan (leavened, oven-baked or tawa-fried flatbread) or butter naan (leavened, oven-baked or tawa-fried flatbread with butter).
Healthcare
What healthcare facilities are available for tourists/foreigners in Agra?
Agra City offers both government-run and private hospitals near the Taj Mahal, such as Shanti Manglick Hospital and Upadhyay Hospital. Additionally, the city has a medical college and numerous hospitals scattered throughout, along with many drug stores for chemists.
Staying Connected
Should travelers consider getting a local SIM card? If so, would it be cheaper to grab one at the airport upon arrival or wait and buy one at a local shop in the city?
It’s better to buy a SIM card at a local shop because some travelers have experienced issues with SIM cards not working after purchasing them at the airport. A local shop is more reliable, and any issues can be promptly resolved. For offshore guests spending considerable time in India, obtaining a local SIM card is advisable. The prices of SIM cards are more or less the same whether bought at the airport or in a shop in Agra City, and they are quite affordable, usually around 50 INR (0.60 USD).
In India, calling rates are very cheap. Travelers need to provide a copy of their passport and a photograph to purchase a SIM card. While activation at the airport can take two or three days, buying from a local shop through a known shopkeeper can expedite the process, with activation usually within two or three hours.
Money Matters
Where can you usually find the best exchange rate in the city?
In Agra, there is a forex located under Costa Coffee, a well-known spot. This location allows tourists to exchange currencies conveniently. Tourists can swipe their credit cards there to withdraw large amounts of money in one go, such as 40,000 INR, unlike ATMs that typically have lower withdrawal limits per transaction. However, this service includes an 8% tax plus additional charges.
Hotels in Agra usually offer less favorable exchange rates for currency. Therefore, it is recommended to use forex shops outside the hotels for better rates. On Fatehabad Road, there are several forex shops where tourists can compare and bargain for the best rates. They can inform the shopkeepers of the rates offered by their hotels to negotiate a better deal for their dollars or pounds.
Important Travel Info
Are there any medications or items travelers should avoid bringing into the country?
Tourists can generally carry their own medicines and other essentials without much restriction. However, narcotic drugs such as diazepam, nitrazepam, and haloperidol cannot be brought into India. Over-the-counter medicines and creams are permitted. India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs also has a handy guide for international travelers. Tourists can check out the most updated list of prohibited/restricted items here: https://www.cbic.gov.in/entities/internationalTravellers
For summer visits, it is advisable to bring electrolyte powder, cool towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Mosquito repellent is also essential. For winter, pack jackets and mosquito repellent. Make sure to bring all necessary items for the specific weather and conditions of the season you’re visiting.
Attractions
Are there any dress codes to follow when visiting religious sites or monuments in Agra?
At the Taj Mahal, there is no dress code, so visitors can wear shoulderless tops or shorts if they wish. It is recommended to wear colorful dresses for good photos.
However, for a heritage walk in Delhi, particularly at Jama Masjid, tourists should be mindful that no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Hands and legs should be covered. Similarly, at Fatehpur Sikri’s mosque complex, skirts or shorts are not permitted for men and women. Visitors should not show their knees.
For other sites such as Agra Fort, Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, Sikandra, and Fatehpur Sikri, there is no specific dress code, but a modest dress code is recommended.
What To Buy
Where are the best places to find souvenirs in Agra?
Sadar Bazar and Rajpur Chungi are good local markets in Agra, but caution is advised when shopping. For Agra’s famous handmade rugs, it is best to buy from specific local shops to ensure quality.
Popular souvenirs from Agra include marble and leather goods. Agra is known for intricate marble art. However, tourists should be cautious of big shops that tend to overcharge. It is recommended to explore areas like MG Road and Ganga Gandhi Road for more reasonably priced items. Gokulpura, in front of Agra College, is known for souvenirs made from alabaster or soapstone, which are less durable than marble.
Climate Tips
What's the best time to travel to Agra weather-wise? Are there any seasons to avoid?
The tourism season in Agra city is heavily dependent on the weather. The most pleasant weather is from September to March, possibly extending into mid-April. The peak tourism period is from November to February, when temperatures are more moderate.
Agra experiences extreme thermal variation, with summer temperatures soaring up to 48 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures dropping to as low as 0 degrees Celsius at night. Due to the city’s proximity to the mountains, it can get very cold, especially in January. Tourists should dress warmly during this time.
While summer can be extremely hot, it is an excellent time for photography, as there is no fog or smoke, and the monuments are less crowded. The Taj Mahal opens at 5 o'clock in the morning in May and June, allowing for clear and beautiful photographs at sunrise. Visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise and Agra Fort at sunset is recommended to avoid the midday heat.
Area Guide
Which neighborhoods in Agra have the best nightlife scene and events?
In Agra, there is no nightlife as it is a very conservative city. Agra City goes to sleep by 10 o'clock. Certain outlets, such as parks and the rooftop bar at Molecule, remain open later, but nightlife is essentially nonexistent. Nearby cities such as Mathura, which is also a holy city, similarly lack nightlife options.
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