Agra
From Fiona Caulfield, author of the Love India travel guide series:
“Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, wonder of the world, world heritage site, symbol of eternal love, ‘teardrop on the cheek of time.’
The Taj Mahal is the iconic symbol of India and the most-visited tourist destination on the subcontinent. Here’s how to do it in style.
WHERE TO STAY
Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel
Taj East Gate Rd.
91-562-223-1515
www.oberoihotels.com
All 102 rooms and suites overlook the Taj Mahal, which is just 600 meters away. This is the only hotel with a view of the monument and it’s a palatial property with terraced lawns, fountains, a stunning swimming pool and an excellent spa.
Many of the premier rooms have private open-air terraces. It is expensive, rooms start at Rs.30,000, but worth it, even for just one night1
Other Place to Stay:
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Old Agra Rd., Bharatpur
91-564-423-1199
www.laxmivilas.com
Many hotels in Agra lack charm. An interesting option is to stay in Bharatpur, 45 km from Agra and 24 km from Fatehpur Sikri, on the road to Jaipur. The quirky heritage property backs on to the bird sanctuary and is good value.
BEST EXPERIENCE
The Taj Mahal
Open daily from 6 am to 7 pm, except Fridays. Go early for the iconic Princess Diana ‘alone on the beach’ photograph.
Time your visit during a full moon period. Open two day prior and two days post, tickets must be booked in advance. For dates, check with the Archaeological Survey India (asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_agratajmahal_night.asp).
Fatehpur Skikri
Located 40 km from Agra, this magnificent fortified city was the capital of Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585 when it was abandoned due to lack of water. The red sandstone city remains perfectly preserved. A ‘must-do’.
WHAT TO BUY
Agra is famed for marble inlay and leather goods. However, the shopping available in the city is uninspiring. At the Oberoi, visit Tijori, the Gem Palace, Ritika Bookstore and the specialist cashmere shop.
Saray Design (located in Delhi)
91-11-4174-8991
www.saraydesign.com.uk
Saray Design is the course for exquisite marble carving and inlay work inspired by the beauty of the Taj Mahal. Founded by respected author and scholar, Mitchell Crites, Saray employs many master artisans who are direct descendants of the craftsmen who worked on the Taj Mahal. The Saray Gallery is in London and they have a design studio in Delhi used for architectural projects and bespoke craftsmanship.
WHERE TO EAT
The Oberoi
The Oberoi offers romantic dining in private garden pavillions. The Indian restaurant Esphahan is open for in-house guests only. Bellevue, the multi-cuisine restaurant, and the bar are open to non-guests.
GETTING THERE
Agra is a one-hour flight from Delhi. Kingfisher Airlines operates this route, departing Delhi at 7:55 am. The Oberoi private air-charter servie is available for Rs. 200,000 per flight.
The fastest train is the Shatabdi Express, taking two hours, departing Delhi at 6:15 am. The Taj Express takes 3 hours and departs Delhi at 7 am. The Shatabdi is recommended for the return trip, departing Agra at 8:30 pm.
The 190 km drive takes up to 5 hours, About 2 hours into the journey is the temple town of Mathur Vrindavan (www.mathuravrindavan.com) where Krishna was born and frolicked with the gopis. Home to many famous temples, which close between noon and 4 pm.
GETTING AROUND
From the Oberoi you are shuttled the short distance to the Taj Mahal in golf buggies. Chauffer-driven chaassic ambassadors are available for sightseeing trips. Local taxis and autos are everywhere, but the tourist frenzy and haggling is bad.”
LIBRARY
In the Shadow of Taj: A Portrait of Agra.
For more Day Trips from Delhi, order Love Delhi Travel Guide, available online at Longitude Books, the Conran Shop and Amazon.
