Agra is a must on all tours and having been there several times I can understand why.
|First To reach Agra from Delhi by train/road itself is a pleasant experience.Road is great and takes about 4 hrs of leisurely travel time.On the way stop for recreation at midway motel where good snacks and kids have animals and other rides and swings.All the way to mathura where if you want to stop or proceed ahead but do not miss the imposing refinery at Mathura(esp. in night/evening when the lights are out!).
Train also offers good connections and I found taj Express better as there is a feeling of openes about it rather than the closed window panes of Shatabdi but if dust is your problem then of course take Shatabdi.
The town itself is very warm and people are not in a big hurry and general atmosphere is of relaxation.
Accomodation:uP govt offers plenty of cheap and good accomodation and rooms are pretty comfortable and we all enjoyed our stay at the hotel.
The town itself has much more to offer than Taj.Taj is great so no point in writing about it.
The Red fort is imposing and though the approach is full of unauthorised people once inside it the grand spectacle of Mughal architecture awaits you.The river bed now dry and barren offers a romantic view esp when you see the Taj from the fort.
There is imam bada with equisite sculpturing in the town and since it is in the heart of the city you get the feel of the entire city.The approach to taj in the cantt area is also a good drive or walk if you are so inclined.
A visit to the old town with its numerous temples(famous being the Shiv temple)and lovely markets where shopping is delight.Get good quality utensils, suparis, petha, daal moth etc.
Food is just superb and so cheap.Wholesome plate of kachori and Jaleba for only Rs.5!!!!
A visit to Dayal Bagh is also recommended to see the temple being built though it is not so exquisite as it is made out to be.
On the return journey please do not forget to visit Fathepur sikri.It is indeed a very beautiful serenic and romantic place to be in.
The cooling effects are so nice that you never feel hot and the dargah has a mystic charm to it which is best examplified by taking a view through the finely carved windows and the lovely ’’jaali’’ work is to be seen to be believed.the front lawns are also well developed.
What is missing is cleanliness and too much of touts and hawkers around the historical sites if you can cope with them it is a fairly recommendable outing for at least 2days and 3 nights.
Also do not forget to do some fine shopping for memorobilia including glass figures from Firozabad near the taj