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Agra : The City of Taj Mahal
The Flower of the Mughal empire-in-ascendance, Agra is, also, home to that immortal epitome of love, Taj Mahal. Though the city retained regal favour for just three generations, it was embellished with the best of the dynasty’s architectural legacy. The over 300 years old Taj, however, is its most compulsive feature and attract! the largest number of tourists from all over the world. Also within the city’s ambit lies Fatehpur Sikri, virtually an expres¬sion of philosophy and creed of a liberal emperor. In keeping with its status of the most sought-after destination, Agra today boasts of worldclass hotels with excellent facilities and services. The city is also amongst the most accessible.
Reaching Agra by Air
Agra is connected to Delhi by a daily flight of Indian Airlines (30 minutes) that continues to Khajuraho (35 minutes) and Varanasi (40 minutes}, from where it returns the same day.
Kheria Airport is located 6 km from the city centre. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for transfer to the city.
Indian Airlines, Hotel Clarks Shiraz pre-recorded information Kheria Airport
Reaching Agra by Rail
Agra is best connected to Delhi by superfast luxury and express trains. The same day return services of Shatabdi Express to Bhopal via Agra I hrs.), Gwalior and Jhansi Taj Express (2.5 hrs), Intercity Express (3.5 hrs.) and are the best options that also make short excursion tours to the city possible. A shatabdi-type superfast luxury trains has now also been introduced between Agra and Jaipur.
Being on the major trunk routes of Indian Railways, Agra is also con- netted to all other parts of the country by express trains.
Agra Fort (for Jaipur) and Agra Cantt Railway Stations are the main entry points of the city. Agra Cantt. Railway Station is about 1.5 km from downtown Sadar Bazar and about 5 km from the Taj Mahal. Taxis and auto-rikshaws are available at the railway station for transfer to different parts of the city. A pre-paid service for [axis and auto-rikshaws, is operated by the railway police, the booking counter for which is located close to the main exit gate at platform no. 1.
Amongst the services offered are transfers to hotels, etc. and car and auto-rickshaw hire for sightseeing. Full-day sightseeing tour by car with coordinated timings with arrival and departure of Shatabdi Express
Reacihng Agra By Road
For those driving from Delhi, the best route is by Mathura Road via Faridabad (25 km), Palwal, Hodat, Kosi and Mathura {145 km). There is a dual-carriageway national highway for most of the journey from Delhi to Mathura.
Facilities En route There are rest houses with catering facilities on the highway after every 50 to 75 km. Hodal: The midway point, Hodal, has a Haryana Tourism facility including a motel last food restaurant and entertainment. Kosi: At Kosi, an ITDC hotel offers accommodation as well as eating and bar facilities. Being an important highway on which traffic operates at all hours, there are adequate number of petrol stations and workshops all along the route.
Express bus services (a/c and non-a/c) are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior and Jhansi. At Agra, deluxe buses o Jaipur operate from Sheetal Tourist ?tome, complex, near Idgah Bus Stand.
Local Transport
Almost all activity in Agra is within a 5-km radius of the Taj Mahal. Auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available, rates negotiable. Coaches and taxis, a/c & non-a/c, can be hired from travel agencies. Car Hire
Tours Conducted tours to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are operated by the U.P. State Tourism Development Corporation and various other travel agencies.
Eating Out in Agra
Mughlai Cuisine is the speciality of Agra. The food is typified by rich cream-and-curd based sauces, succulent kababs and unique breads such as the naan and tandoori paran-tha has roasted in earthen ovens. The best known dishes include the Burrah Kabab, succulent meat cubes marinated in a yoghurt-based sauce and roasted over a slow charcoal fire. Other specialities include the famous tandoori chicken, seekh and roti kababs. Rice-based dishes such as the biryani, a mulriiayered concoction of lamb, nuts and saffron-flavoured rice, are complete dishes in themselves. Amongst the sweets, petha and kheer are recommended. Restaurants within hotels serve excellent, Mughlai, Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine.
The Pizza Hut at Fatehabad Road, near Mansingh Palace, serves a choice of delightful pizzas, for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, including mini-meals for two to four persons. A vegetarian meal for two, with choice of cheese/mushroom-capsicum/ cheese-jalapenos pizzas, garlic bread and pepsi costs The restaurant also provides a toddlers play area to allow you to enjoy your meal. For these looking for more spacious environs to enjoy their meal, the Only Restaurant at Festive Agra.
UP Tourism’s Taj Mahotsav festival, exposing the folk arts, crafts and cultural richness of the region, is an annual event from 18-27th February. July/Aug is the time for the Sheetla Fair near Delhi Gate and Aug/Sept for the Kailash Fair held at Kailash 12 km from Agra. During the month of Ramzan Fatehpur Sikri holds the annual Urs at Salim Chisti’s tomb. The farthest end of The Mall is a multi-cuisine outlet with large lawns. The other good options are Capri (Hari Parbat), Panch Ratna (Sanjay Place), Taj Restaurant of ITDC (Western Gate, Taj Mahal) and Taj Khema (UPSTDC).
Excursions Agra
Fatehpur Sikri: 38 km from Agra, was once the capital city of Akbar after the childless Mughal was blessed with a son with the blessings of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, who lived here. The new capital came up in 1569. Though the juxtaposition of the buildings seems whimsical, they are thoughtfully planned, imparting an atmosphere of playful brilliance. Towering walls on three sides surround the rectangular-shaped city, accessible through nine gates, and an artificial lake is located on the west. Credit for preserving the monuments goes to Lord Curzon. These protected monuments and the city’s environs are well-maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Fatehpuri Sikri is linked by road to Agra from where one can take a bus (ordinary/deluxe) or private a/c and non-a/ c taxis. A non-a/c Ambassador taxi charges about Firozabad: An industrial city, 44 km away, famous for its glassware such as bangles and chandeliers.
Entertainment/Sports in Agra
Chambal Safari: A privately operated nature and wildlife resort located at Ater Fort, 90 km from Agra, on the borders of National Chambal Sanctuary. The Sanctuary along the Chambal River. Shelters a wide variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, dolphins, deer, antelope and water birds. River cruises for wildlife viewing, camping, nature walks, clay pigeon shooting are some of the activities offered- Part of the proceeds are donated to the Cham-ba! Conservation Foundation. For details and bookings: Jarar Estate, Jarar House, Mathura Road, Agra
Taj Nature Walk: The 70 hectares of forest cover developed around the Taj Mahal, just 500 mt. from the eastern gate.
Deluxe Hotels in Agra
Welcomgroup Mughal Sheraton
• 300 rooms. Chamber of Princes Single Chamte I of Kings Single Double , Chamber of Emperors, Mughal Chambers Exclusive Single
? Four Restaurants & Coffee Shop, Tealounge, Bar, Astrologer, Business Services, Con-1 vention Centre, Health Club, Swimming pool, Beauty parlour, Entertainment - Croquet I mini obstacle track, golf, jogging track, royal horse carriage, Movie lounge, Tennis, Billiards, Snooker, Library, Children’s Daycare centre.
Taj-View
Taj Ganj, Fatehabad Road 10 km from airport; 5 km from railway station
• 100 rooms. Garden View Single Taj Facing Taj Facing Deluxe Sigie
? Coffee Shop, Restaurants, Bar, Swimming Pool, Health Club, Conference/Banquet I Halls, Business Centre, Secretarial Services.
The Trident
Fatehabad Road I 8 km from airport, 7 km from railway station
• 143 rooms. A/c Superior Single ? Multicuisine Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Beauty Salon, Car Rental, Safe Dept. I Conference Rooms.
Agra Ashok
6B Mall Road 6 km from airport, 3 km from railway station
• 55 rooms. Single
? Two Restaurants, Coffee Shop, Bar, Swimming Pool, Astrologer, Banquet (100), Money I Changer, Travel Counter, Credit Cards.
Jaypee Palace
Fatehabad Road 10 km from airport, 8 km from railway station
• 350 rooms. Standard Single
? Seven specialty restaurants, Bar, and international standard convention centre, Swimming pools, Health Club, Beauty Parlour, Entertainments - tennis, squash, table tennis, jogging tracks.
Holiday Inn
4.G. Road I Swimming Pool, Health Club, Bar, Coffee Shop, Beauty Parlour, 4 Banquet Halls.
Xarks Shiraz
4 Taj Road ” airport, 3 km from railway station » 237 rooms. I Three Restaurants, Bar, Coffee Shop, Swimming Pool, Astrologer, Health Club, Travel Counter, Bank, Safe Deposit, Beauty Parlour, Credit Cards, Money Exchange, Secretarial Services, Barbecue, Indian Airlines Office.
Tandaro Hotels in Agra
Dward Park Plaza International
airport. 5 km from railway station
83 rooms. Superior Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Bar, Swimming Pool, Health Club, Travel Desk, Money ex-change, Conference and Banquet facilities.
Mansingh Palace
Fatehabad Road airport, 4 km from railway station
• 100 rooms. Deluxe
1 Restaurant, Bar, Astrologer, Swimming Fool, Coffee Shop, Health Club, Beauty Parlour, Travel Counter, Credit Cards, Shopping Arcade.
Amar
Fatehabad Road 7.5 km from airport, 4 km from railway station
• 68 rooms. A/c Deluxe Single Double Super Deluxe Single Double, Mughal Room ?Restaurants, Bar, Health Club, Swimming pool, Money Exchange, Safe Deposit, Credit Cards.
Atithi
Tourist Complex Area, Fatehabad Road
7,5 km from airport, 4 km from railway station
•44 rooms. A/c Standard Single, Deluxe Single, Double
? Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Credit Cards, Swimming Pool, Health Club, Beauty Parlour,
Money changing, Safe Deposit, Car Rental.
Deedar-E-Taj
VIP Road, off Fatehabad Road,
9km from airport, 8 km from railway station
• 51 roams. Executive Single Double Deluxe Taj View Single
its. Restaurant, Coffee shop, Bar, Conference/Banquet hall, Foreign exchange, Credit card.
There are budget hotels in Agra with tariffs ranging from Some of these include: Taj Khema « 330140; U.P. Tourism Bungalow lets an excellent opportunity for an outing amongst lush surrounding. The forest provides sanctuary to a variety of avifauna and from the mounds one obtains delightful views of the monuments.
Son-et-lumiere: A sound-and-light programme is held at the Agra Fort highlighting the important events in its history. Two one-hour shows are held every evening, his. in Hindi.
Golf: Golf course, Circuit House Campus, Taj Road.
Fishing: At Sur Sarovar. Contact: Executive Engineer (Tower Division), The Mall, Agra Cantt.
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