The most visited Indian city by tourists is Agra. Its sights, squares and streets evoke admiration and delight even among those travelers who have seen many amazing and unusual places. Agra has a special grandeur, beauty and exoticism that fully reflect the culture of India.
Historical development
The city is located in the north of the country near the Jamna River. There is several evidence that it was built before our era, but the official founding date of Agra is considered to be 1504. Early mentions of Agra are in ancient Indian epics that have survived to this day. According to legends, the name of the city was given by Ptolemy. In ancient times, the city served as a fortress, and its prosperity occurred in the seventeenth century, when the Great Mughals ruled India. During that era, Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire and its cultural development flourished. In the middle of the 18th century, the city began to be attacked by militant neighboring peoples - Persians, Afghans, Jats. By the end of the century, the capital was completely destroyed and devastated.
Agra was then captured by the British, as a result of which the Indian rulers were expelled from its walls. However, it was under the rule of the British that the city began to actively develop, which made it a famous trading center in India. Thanks to the rule of the British, a railway, factories and factories were built in the city, and public transport appeared.
Modern Agra
Nowadays, the city of Agra is a center of industrial business and tourism. It is extremely attractive to travelers for its unique attractions and ancient monuments. Trains run regularly through Agra, connecting the city with Mumbai and Delhi. The large tourist center is full of its own flavor: the best way to get to know the city is to take a fascinating walk along Mall Road.
This street is lined with many shops selling leather goods and handicrafts. You can also book a taxi ride around the city or hire an official guide. The guided tour lasts half a day and includes a visit to the famous Taj Mahal and fort. At every mosque and fortress there are certainly various merchants who offer tourists a wide variety of different goods.
Many architectural monuments and shrines make Agra a unique Indian city. The main attractions are the Taj Mahal and the fort, displaying the fusion of different Indian cultures. The unique numerous palaces, tombs and memorials of India will not leave any traveler indifferent.
Sights of Agra
Taj Mahal
A trip to India would not be complete without visiting the world-famous and majestic Taj Mahal. India is famous for its architectural masterpieces, but the Taj Mahal museum complex made of snow-white marble is most famous throughout the world. The construction of the legendary mausoleum began in the 17th century. About thirty types of precious stones and various ornaments were used to decorate the tomb. The Taj Mahal is surrounded by picturesque gardens with pools and fountains. A special sight is the reflection of the memorial in the decorative ponds surrounding it.
The memorial was built by order of the Indian Emperor Shah Jahan as a sacred memory of his beloved wife named Mahal. After his death, the emperor bequeathed to bury himself next to his wife. Today their burial place is located in an underground crypt. The memorial is one of the most beautiful tombs in the whole world, which is a true masterpiece of Muslim and Indian architecture. This architectural monument is called “a tear on the cheek of eternity.” Imperial love is forever captured in its snow-white inlaid walls.
The Taj Mahal is located in the very center of Agra. During full moons it is open for evening visits. The sight of the majestic tomb under the full moon captivates the mind and allows you to fully enjoy the exoticism of the place. Night tickets can be purchased as early as 10 am. Smoking and eating are prohibited on the territory of the complex, and all visitors are asked not to make noise within the walls of the tomb.
Agra Fort
This fortress is located on one of the central hills of the city. This fort is reminiscent of the famous Red Fort in Delhi - its construction was intended for fortification purposes. The defensive structure is made of red sandstone. The fortress resembles an entire city. Once upon a time, it contained the ancient treasures of the Indian sultans. During the Mughal attack, the Indian fort was thoroughly destroyed, but in the 17th century, the Mughal emperor Akbar completely restored the fortress.
The restoration allowed the fort to become the way it now greets travelers - its walls are decorated with intricate patterns and colorful mosaics. The walls of the fortress are fortified with high towers, and the fort itself is built in the shape of a semicircle. The complex includes several buildings, a palace, a mosque, pavilions and a beautiful garden.
Shrine of Itimad ud Daula
The famous mausoleum of India is located in a beautiful garden with water channels. Its walls are made of marble and inlaid with various precious stones. The buildings of the complex are crowned with minarets. The tomb is rightly called a “jewel box.” The memorial was intended for the Persian ruler who was in exile, Mirza Beg.
The tomb is located on a small pedestal; its decoration includes Florentine mosaics, jasper, onyx, and carnelian. Paintings depicting vases with fruits and flowers are made from precious stones.
Akbar's Tomb
Akbar the Great was the Mughal Emperor. He reigned in the 16th-17th centuries and was a worthy and revered ruler. His tomb is located in Sikandra, a small village near Agra. The tomb is made in a restrained style, but some of its details are luxurious. The mausoleum began to be built during the life of the ruler.
The tomb is a true masterpiece of Indian architecture. It is framed by huge gates, and a wide paved road leads to the tomb itself. All buildings are made of red sandstone. Akbar's actual burial place is in an underground crypt. Monkeys, antelopes, and peacocks live in the surrounding gardens of the memorial.
Mausoleum of Chini-ka-Rauza
This architectural and cultural monument is a historical place of India. The mausoleum was erected by order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his minister. Initially, there was a large complex of various structures, but only the mausoleum has survived to this day. The building has a square shape and neat turrets. There is a large hall inside. The overall architectural style of the tomb is quite modest and simple. However, some interesting elements of the structure reflect Persian architecture well. To decorate the arches of the mausoleum, bright colored ceramic tiles were used, which were arranged in an interesting pattern.
Jama Masjid Mosque
The shrine is located near the Agra Fort and is surrounded by benches and shops. The mosque was built in the 17th century by Sultan Shah Jahan. Its top is crowned with domes made of marble with a unique carved pattern. The courtyard of the mosque was completely destroyed by the British in ancient times. The shrine has inscriptions from the Koran on the walls and inlays of precious stones. On Fridays, a service for Muslims is held at the mosque. In the very center of the ancient shrine there is a tank for ablutions. For the Muslim community, this mosque is of particular importance - priceless relics of the Prophet Muhammad are kept here.
Fatehpur Sikri
The history of Fatherpukh Sikri is amazing. The city was built when Emperor Akbar's long-awaited heir was born. Over the course of fifteen years, the capital of the Mughal Empire grew on the slopes, but over time, the lack of water in it forced the inhabitants to leave the place.
Today, this ghost town has fortresses, palaces, parks and baths, which were not destroyed and have survived to this day. The city's buildings and structures include original architectural elements and ornaments. Fatehpur Sikri has a huge scale and is built according to fairly clear rules. The palace buildings are made in a special style, which is close to Hinduism. At the entrance to the city there is a house of drums, from its walls the arrival of an important person was announced. The ghost town's mosques and palace attract many tourists. Here is the mausoleum of Salim Chishti and the five-story Rang Mahal palace complex.
Rambach Garden
The luxurious garden, five kilometers from the Taj Mahal, amazes all its guests with its special beauty. The ancient garden was laid out by the Mughal Emperor Babur in the 16th century. The place is called the “garden of diffused light.” According to Indian legend, the future Emperor Akbar proposed to his wife in this place.
The entire garden is decorated in unique vibrant Persian nuances. Abundant sunlight illuminates cozy gazebos, pavilions, spreading plants and paved paths. In the center of the garden there are picturesque fountains and a pond. Water canals run from it in different directions. The luxurious Indian garden resembles a real paradise, with crystal clear rivers flowing through it. In ancient times, the garden was a favorite resting place for the emperor and his guests.
Agra is a city of art that has many majestic ancient monuments. Having visited this Indian city once, you can fully enjoy the exotic gardens of India, its temples, palaces and magnificent gardens. At the same time, Agra keeps up with the times - the city is famous for its own jewelry, handicrafts, carpets and leather goods.
In the city of Agra, just 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal, is the Red Fort, a fortress that was the residence of rulers during the Mughal era. It must be said that part of the complex is still used for military purposes, so visitors are not allowed there. But even without this, there is something to see.
Construction of the fortress began in 1565, due to the fact that the capital was moved from Delhi to Agra on the initiative of Akbar the Great. Six years later, the fort was protected on all sides by a wall. At the beginning of the 17th century, under Shah Jahan, the territory of the fort was expanded. The construction history can be clearly traced through the materials used by different rulers. Under Akbar, red sandstone with marble elements was preferred, while Shah Jahan preferred white marble with patterns of gold and precious stones. Over time, the military purpose of the fort was lost, and gradually it became just a palace. It is called a real “city within a city”, with its own mosque, striking with its grace and harmonious proportions. No wonder it was nicknamed Moti Masjid, which means “Pearl Mosque”.
After the capital was moved back to Delhi in 1648, the Red Fort lost its significance. And in 1666, Shah Jahan, who was languishing in captivity, died here. His son Aurangzeb, who seized power, kept his father under house arrest, and from the windows of the Red Fort, Jahan sadly contemplated his beautiful creation, the Taj Mahal, for eight years. And in 1803, the fort was captured by British troops.
Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula
This architectural monument, like the legendary Taj Mahal, was built during the Mughal era. In its entire appearance, it resembles a smaller copy of the Taj Mahal, and even bears the name “Small Taj”.
Empress Nur Jehan built the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula for her father. Unlike other buildings of the Mughal era, this mausoleum looks quite compact, which is why it is often called a “jewel box”. The decorative elements of the garden are made of white marble and ornamental stone, and the interior of the mausoleum is very similar to the interior of the Taj Mahal.
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Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the modern seven wonders of the world, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, combining elements of Persian, Indian and Islamic architectural styles. The structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during 14 births. In 1983, the Taj Mahal was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1653.
The Taj Mahal is a five-domed structure 74 m high on a platform, with 4 minarets at the corners, adjoined by a garden with fountains and a pond, which reflects the image of the tomb.
The Taj Mahal complex is bordered on three sides by jagged red sandstone walls, with the river side remaining open. Outside the walls of the central structure there are several additional mausoleums where the rest of Jahan's wives are buried, as well as the large tomb of his beloved servant Mumtaz.
Soon after the completion of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his own son Aurangzeb and arrested at the Delhi Fort. After his death, he was buried in a mausoleum next to his beloved wife.
Every year, more than 3 million tourists enjoy the mysterious view of the mausoleum, and the Indian government is taking urgent measures to close hazardous industries in Agra that threaten the environment and are the reason for the subsidence of the mausoleum.
In the mode, you can view attractions in Agra only from photographs.
Great Forest of Mahaban
Mahaban and Gokul are places associated with the memory of Krishna's adoptive parents: Nanda and Yashoda.
Mahaban - the "Great Forest" - contains several temples, the most interesting of which is the Nanda Palace, also known as Assi Khamba or "Eighty Columns". Possibly built as early as the 10th century, it is a mixture of several styles, including traditional Buddhist. At one time the temple was converted into a mosque, and with its columns it resembles the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
On the high bank of the river, 2 kilometers from Mahaban, is Gokul - a shepherd camp where, according to legend, little Krishna was secretly transported. It was here that Krishna first revealed his divine origin to his adoptive mother Yashoda - she forced him to open his mouth after noticing him eating earth, and looking into him, she saw the entire universe. Unfortunately, all the 16th and 17th century temples in Gokul are in very poor condition and need renovation. But getting here is easy by boat, rickshaw or bus.
The most popular attractions in Agra with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Agra from our website.
Agra is a city primarily known for its architecture, because during the Mughal rule, the most eminent artists of that time flocked here. Many parks, palaces, forts and mausoleums were built.
Each of the buildings is unique and inimitable, which attracts tourists to come here, deep into India. It is worth noting that the city is quite densely populated - 1,600 million people. Perhaps this is why Agra is considered one of the most unsafe cities in India, and also the most expensive.
Attractions
Among the attractions of Agra are the following:
- Fatehpur Sikri
In 2007, the Taj Mahal was officially included in the new list of wonders of the world. This popularity is explained by the richness of decorations of this historical monument. For 17 years, workers painstakingly carved unique patterns from marble blocks, which were subsequently decorated with precious stones. Since the Taj Mahal was conceived as the mausoleum of Shah Jahan, there are floral patterns inside the structure, symbolizing the Gardens of Eden.
This fort was built over a decade by Emperor Akbar. According to the architects, the structure was supposed to resemble a crescent. Outside the walls of the fort, they located a whole complex consisting of vineyards and pavilions, the decoration of which can delight even the most sophisticated traveler.
Deserves special attention octagonal tower, because it is from there that you can admire the Taj Mahal. In addition, the tower itself is decorated with mosaics, which is a very characteristic phenomenon for Indian architecture.
Jama Masjid is a Friday mosque located in the center of the old city. The construction of the mosque was carried out under the supervision of the daughter of Shah Jahan, and this may be why the building is decorated with characteristic zigzag patterns. During Mughal times, the area around the mosque was a fairly busy place with taverns and shops.
Now you can just walk along these streets, enjoying the atmosphere of the antiquity of this part of the city. It is worth noting that there are many souvenir shops where you can buy jewelry and gold.
Itimad-ud-Daula is another mausoleum like the Taj Mahal, only built a few years earlier. Among the broad masses this structure was called "little Taj". But Itimad-ud-Daula is still worth a visit as it has impressive patterns and mosaics that are definitely worth a look.
Fatehlur Sikri is also known as Cities of Emperor Akbar's mosques. More than one legend is associated with the construction of this city. One of them says that Akbar really wanted to have a son, and therefore decided to find the mystic Salim Shikhti to help him. It was on the spot where the emperor prayed to the sage for a son that Fatehlur Sikri was built. Subsequently, eminent guests who came there never tired of admiring the beauty and originality of the buildings.
Weather in Agra
Due to the fact that Agra is located in a subtropical climate zone, temperatures between April and July can reach 45°C. That's why best time to visit Agra is winter when the temperature does not exceed 25°C.
How to get there
You can get to Agra by the Shatabdi Express train, which runs daily from Delhi. The departure time of the train from New Delhi Station is 6.00 am. The Taj Express also departs from Nizamuddin Station at 7.15 am. The journey will take about 3 hours.
If it is not possible to take these special trains, you can get to Agra on any other train going to Kolkata or Mumbai.
For those who like bus travel, there are flights to Agra; the travel time will also not take more than 3 hours.
Where to stay
The main criteria for choosing a hotel in Agra are accessibility, proximity to the center and comfort. The most expensive area of Agra is considered Taj Ganj, as it is located in close proximity to the Taj Mahal.
But if you try, even in such a place you can find acceptable and inexpensive guesthouses.
It is not necessary to book a room in advance, because in India it is quite common to bargain with the owners of hotels, shops, and so on.
You shouldn’t count on clean and spacious rooms in guesthouses either; interruptions in hot water are also possible. But the cost of living will be significantly lower than in luxury hotels on Fatehbad Road.
Among the budget options, the following can be highlighted: Shanti Lodge, Hotel Shyam Palace, Rahi Tourist Bungalow Hotel Agra.
Basic moments
Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra has many other attractions. Agra was the capital of Akbar the Great. His fort is located there, his tomb is outside the city, in Sikandra, and a few kilometers to the west lies the amazing desert city of Fatehpur Sikri, which he built in honor of the birth of his son and which he abandoned to fight on the north-western frontier. Descendants of the artisans who lived here continue the traditions of their ancestors, creating jewelry, copper, ivory and inlaid marble.
In the lower part of the city, you will encounter hordes of rickshaw pullers, barkers, unofficial guides, and souvenir sellers, whose persistence is sometimes infuriating.
Agra is located on the great bend of the sacred river Yamuna (Yamuna). The fort and the Taj, located 2 km from each other, look at the river from opposite ends of the bend. The main bus and train stations are a few kilometers further, in the southwest.
The laborers and artisans who toiled at the Taj built their homes immediately south of the mausoleum, creating a dense network of streets known as the Taj Ganj (Taj Ganj). It is now a popular stop for budget travelers.
Story
The first mention of Agra in history dates back to 1501, when Sultan Sikander Lodi made the place his capital, but in 1526 the city fell into the hands of the Mughals - after Emperor Babur overthrew the last Sultan of Lodi at Panipat. Agra reached its peak of prosperity between the mid-16th and 17th centuries, during the reigns of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. During this period, the fortress, Taj Mahal and other large mausoleums were built. In 1638, Shah Jahan built a new city in Delhi, and his son Aurangzeb moved the capital to this city 10 years later.
In 1761, Agra was captured by the Jats - warriors who plundered the monuments of Agra, including the Taj Mahal. The Marathas retook the city in 1770, but were replaced by the British in 1803. After the first war of independence, the British shifted the provincial administration to Allahabad. Stripped of its administrative role, Agra began to develop as a center of heavy industry, quickly becoming famous for its chemical industry and air pollution. That was until the Taj and tourism became the main source of income.
Tickets to attractions
The entrance fee to Agra's five main attractions - the Taj, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Tomb and Itimad-ud-Dawla Mausoleum - consists of fees to two different organizations: the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Agra Development Association (ADA). Of the price of Rs 750 for a Taj Mahal ticket, you pay Rs 500 for a special ticket from ADA, which allows you to save a little on tickets to the other four attractions. You will save 50 rupees at Agra Fort and 10 rupees each at Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Tomb and Itimad-ud-Dawla. Can you buy this ADA ticket? (500 rupees) in any of five places. Just say you're going to visit the Taj Mahal later today.
Access to all other attractions in Agra is either free or only with ASI tickets (to locations not included in the ADA day ticket price).
Children under 15 years old can see all attractions for free.
Where to relax from the bustle of Agra
The annoying and ubiquitous touts, traders and rickshaw pullers of Agra can drain all your strength. There are several ideas on how to get rid of their annoying attention.
Relaxing in the garden
A walk among the dilapidated Mughal gardens in Agra can be a good alternative to the noisy, bustling city streets. Visit Mehtab Bagh or Ram Bagh. In summer, it is best to come here in the early, cool mornings. You can also sit in the shade of the wonderful, quiet garden at the Sheela Hotel restaurant, a few steps from the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal.
Privacy on the roof
You will be practically dragged in all directions by persistent owners, trying to convince you that you should choose their establishment. But sitting on the roof of a cafe in Taj Ganj, you will find the peace and quiet you dreamed of and can enjoy the fabulous view of the Taj Mahal. Our favorite is the Saniya Palace Hotel.
Walking with a rickshaw
Find a rickshaw with deep, comfortable padded seats, agree to pay him 100-200 rupees for a half-day tour of the city, sit back and watch Agra float past you.
Near the swimming pool
If you want to completely disappear, grab your swimsuit or swim trunks and head to one of Agra's luxury hotels for the day to swim in the pool. Typically, guests not staying at the hotel pay 300-500 rupees for this pleasure.
Coffee break
For a quick break, stop by Coffee Day at the east gate of the Taj Mahal. Yes, it's expensive, and, yes, it's a chain cafe. But it has air conditioning and is the only place in Taj Ganj that serves good, fresh coffee.
Shopping
Agra is famous for its marble work, decorated with colored stones imitating the Pietra Dura of the Taj. Sadar Bazar, the old city and the area around the Taj are teeming with shopping malls and shops. All Taj Mahal figurines are made of plaster, not marble. The cheapest ones are made of soapstone, which is easy to scratch.
Other popular purchases include carpets, leather and stones, although the latter are imported from Rajasthan (they are cheaper in Jaipur).
Don't try to explore all of Agra in one day. It's possible (and of course, better than missing it altogether), but that means you won't see much other than the Taj Mahal and, well, a fort. Moreover, in this case you will miss the opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of the mausoleum, which changes at different times of the day.
Spending an evening in Agra means sitting at some rooftop restaurant with a couple of bottles of beer. None of the restaurants in Taj Ganj are licensed, but they can stock alcohol for you if you ask nicely, and will even let you bring your own booze if you don't advertise it too much. You can enjoy live Indian classical music and ghazal (love songs in Urdu) in the restaurants of some upscale hotels in Agra. Most have bars, but they are all pretty boring and soulless.
The main place in Agra to find cheaper hotels is the bustling Taj Ganj near the Taj Mahal, to the south. Further away, along Fatehabad Road, there are mid-range hotels. Another hotel area is Sadar Bazar, where there are many good restaurants.
Ask the Taj Mahal Tourism office for the latest list of recommended 'homestays', that is, private homes where you can stay. Here the quality of such housing is quite high, but often the houses are located far from the center. The price can range from 2000 - 4000 rupees per room.
When hiring a car or rickshaw to travel to the Taj Mahal, make sure that the rickshaw driver understands which gate you need to take you to, and then negotiate the price. Otherwise, you will definitely be taken in a circle to the southern end of Shahjahan Gardens Road, where expensive tongs (horse-drawn carriages) or camels await tourists who want to go to the western gate. And they will definitely say that they understood that this is where you wanted to come. Cars can't get to the Taj Mahal due to environmental laws, but they can get you much closer than these rickshaws.
Most of the "marble" souvenirs sold on the streets of Agra are actually made of alabaster or even soapstone (soapstone). Mini Taj Mahals are always made from alabaster, they are too complex to be quickly carved from marble.
Information
Internet cafe
There are a huge number of Internet cafes in Taj Ganj (20-40 rupees per hour). Many have Web cameras for communicating via Skype. Some will allow you to use your own laptop. There is a cafe where you can burn CDs with digital photos (50-100 rupees per disc).
Tourist police
The guys in sky blue uniforms are located behind the railway station, but you can often find them at the tourist office (2421204; Agra Cantonment railway station; 24 hours).
Health care
Amit Jaggi Memorial Hospital (2230515; www.ajmh.in; Vibhav Nagar, off Minto Road) Reader Recommended Private Hospital. District hospital (District Hospital; 2466099) Government local hospital on Mahatma Gandhi Road.
Money
ATMs can be found in any part of Agra. But there is only one near the Taj Mahal, at the eastern gate.
Getting around the city
Autorickshaw
Green and yellow autorickshaws of Agra run on compressed gas (not on gasoline), polluting the atmosphere less. There is a pre-payment counter for auto-rickshaws immediately after exiting the Agra Cantonment railway station. (24 hours a day). You can get an idea of the price here so you can bargain elsewhere later. Please note that vehicles are not allowed to enter Fatehpur Sikri. Price examples: Fatehabad Road 50 rupees; ISBT bus stand 80 rupees; Sadar Bazar Sikandra 80 rupees; Taj Mahal 50 rupees; half day tour (4 hours) 200 rupees; full day tour (10 hours) 400 rupees.
Trishaw
Cost of the trip from the Taj Mahal: Agra Cantonment railway station 40-50 rupees; Agra Fort 20 rupees; Biili Ghar bus stand 30 rupees; Fatehabad Road 20 rupees; Kinari Bazaar 30 rupees; Sadar Bazaar 30 rupees; half-day tour 150-200 rupees.
Taxi
There is a prepaid taxi counter near Agra Cantonment railway station. (24 hours a day). Here you can get an idea of the cost of a taxi ride. Prices: Delhi 2500; Fatehabad Road 150 rupees; Sadar Bazar 70 rupees; Taj Mahal 150 rupees; half day tour (4 hours) 450 rupees; full day (8 ocloc'k) 650 rupees.
How to get there and leave
By plane
Kingfisher Airlines (2400693; www.flykingfisher.com; airport; 10:00-17:00) operates one flight to Delhi per day (from 2000 rupees, 1 hour, 15:00). Kneria Agra Airport is an Indian Air Force facility and you will not be able to enter unless your name is on the list of those booked for the flight that day. You must book your ticket online or by phone.
Bus
There are buses departing from Idgah bus stand:
- Delhi – without air conditioning/with air conditioning. 149/226 rupees, 5 hours, often, 24 hours (without air conditioning)/6:00-18:00 (with air conditioning)
- Fatehpur Sikri – 21 rupees, 1 hour, every half hour, 6:00-17:00
- Gwalior – 82 rupees, 3 hours, often, 5:00-1:00
- Jaipur – 159 rupees, 6 hours, often, 6:00-1:00
- Jhansi – 141 rupees, 6 hours, 4 per day: 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 and 11:30
Buses from ISBT station go to Dera Dun (seater/sleeper 512/574 rupees, 11 hours, 20:00 and 20:30, both air conditioned).
Biili Ghar bus stand (Bili Ghar): Buses leave for Mathura (42 rupees, 1.5 hours, every half hour, 6:00-19:00).
Autorickshaws for groups of passengers (10 rupees) travel between Idgah and Biili Ghar bus stations. To get to the ISBT stand, look for a Dayalbagh-bound bus from Agra Cantonment railway station. (Dayalbagh; 20 rupees), but ask to be dropped off at Baghwan Talkies (Baghwan Talkies; 15 rupees), and from there a car for groups of passengers (5 rupees) will take you to ISBT.
Train
Train is the fastest way to travel to Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur and Khajuraho. Most trains depart from Agra Cantonment railway station (2421204) , but some come from Agra Fort station.
Express train services are specially designed for day trippers traveling to or from Delhi, while regular trains operate in Delhi throughout the day. If you can't book a seat, just buy a "general ticket" for the next train (approximately 60 rupees), find an empty seat in the sleeping car and change your ticket when the ticket inspector arrives. In most cases, he won't even ask you to pay extra.
To reach Orchha, take one of the many trains that travel daily to Jhansi (Jhansi; sleeper 150 rupees, 3 hours), then go to the bus stand in a shared auto-rickshaw (5 rupees) and there change into one of the cars going to Orchha (10 rupees).
Welcome to Agra - the old capital of the Mughal Empire. Here is the main attraction of India - the huge mausoleum-mosque of the Taj Mahal.
Among India's many former capitals, Agra attracts the largest number of visitors. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire during its peak period - under Emperor Akbar.
The mausoleum where the emperor is buried is located a few kilometers from the city and is one of the outstanding works of architecture. But not only and not so much the endless stream of tourists and pilgrims goes to Akbar’s mausoleum, but to the masterpiece of world architecture, the Taj Mahal, which means “Crown Palace”.
Photo: Attila Siha Bracelets making workshop
...You can’t pass by the bracelet workshop indifferently. In the courtyard, by a small fireplace, a whole family is sitting: a grandfather, his two sons, their wives and children. Everyone is busy working. Even a four-year-old boy fanned the flames and raked up the coals falling from the fireplace. The older ones pound the glass, sort it by color and size, and serve glass rings to the adults. A young man brews shellac.
The women stick the molten, still hot mass, reminiscent of dark sealing wax, around the glass rings. The durable, easy-to-work mass is made of shellac, a natural resin produced almost exclusively in India. And then the women cover the uncured surface of the bracelet with colored glass.
Quick, dexterous movements of their hands - and the bracelets fall one on top of the other, forming bright, cheerful slides.
They are really fun because to a local woman they have much more meaning than just decoration. Parents begin to buy bracelets for a girl child and give them earrings depending on their income.
Women string glass, metal, silver or gold bracelets on their hands, and some of them on their feet. A Hindu woman puts on a colorful dress or sari, puts a red or brown spot on her forehead - a bindi, and a married woman whose husband is alive makes a red parting on her head to distinguish herself from a girl.
Jewelry on a woman shows others that she is happy in her family life. According to the canons of Hinduism, only that woman is worthy of respect in society who dies before her husband. The widow must either perform the ritual of sati - burn herself at the stake along with her cremated husband, or lose all the joys of life. Now sati is not practiced, although very rare cases cannot be ruled out when relatives put a widow in such a position that it is easier for her to throw herself into the fire than to live. Everything is like in Russia.
With the death of her husband, the wife must take off all her jewelry, break it and not wear bracelets, not dye her parting, and not put a bindi or tilak, another type of decorative spot, on her forehead. A widow can only wear a white or black sari. The latter is worn less often and not everywhere. She must regularly shave her head, however, this ritual is no longer always observed, and mostly in villages. The widow does not attend family celebrations and only eats leftovers from other family members' dinners. The fate of a woman is especially difficult if, after the death of her husband, she is left without children. A widower can marry. But custom does not allow a woman to remarry. True, the laws of the country do not impose such a ban on her, but the customs in the country are often stronger than the laws.
How can one not understand an Indian woman’s love for jewelry!
