Where to Stay in Agra

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The Best Area to Stay in Agra

The primary – and, for numerous, the sole – rationale to go to Agra is to check out the Taj Mahal, the ultimate monument to affection, which infrequently fails to impress. Therefore it makes sense to stay near the Taj; even better, within simple wandering distance. This allows visitors to wander about surrounding souvenir stalls, dine at a rooftop cafe with (generally far-off and blocked) views of the Taj, and, possibly, visit once more at the unique and less jam-packed times of sunrise or sunset. While numerous come on day trips from Delhi, it’s worth staying several days to also explore other majestic remnants of the Mughal Empire, like the Agra Fort, only 2km from the Taj.

Delightfully, numerous Agra`s finest inns are inside about 2km of one among the three entrances to the Taj Mahal. Along Taj East Gate Road, that leads straight to one ticket workplace, are various inns of all levels, including considered one of India`s and Agra`s finest: The Oberoi Amarvilas. The last 1km of this street is a automobile-free pedestrian trail solely used by cycle-rickshaws, horse-carts, and electrical shuttle buses. Travellers on a finances frequently keep within and round Taj Ganj, a real village adjoining the southern perimeter of the Taj Mahal complex. The slim alleys are full with reasonably priced guesthouses and cafés, though some locals would favor that guests would keep elsewhere.

Along the major inner-city avenue, Fatehabad Road, are located the finest selection of hotels, restaurants, and stores, but vehicle traffic is horrendous. Near another major attraction – Agra Fort – is the Old City, a visually appealing but chaotic area with a majestic mosque and bustling marketplace. Designed during the colonial era, the suburb of Cantonment in the inner west has wide shady streets and lies close to the bus station, train station, and airport – though all three transport hubs are less than 13km from the Taj Mahal regardless.

The Best Places to Stay in Agra

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Best Area in Agra for…

    • Best region in Agra for seeing sights: Fatehabad Road
      This conveniently situated – though commonly loud and busy – street had many lodging, dining, and shopping establishments. All hotels were within a simple two kilometer radius by three-wheeled vehicle of all three Taj Mahal entries, while some were even walkable. Further north was the other major attraction, Agra Fort, in the older and more fascinating part of the city.
    • Preferred Area in Agra for Shopping: Kinari Bazaar (Old City)
      The oldest section of the city surrounding Agra Fort is not as tourist-crowded and overpriced as locations closer to the Taj Mahal. At the Kinari market – especially the alleys around the Jama Masjid mosque – look for traditionally woven rugs, gemstones (likely manufactured in Jaipur), leather handbags and shoes, and marble items like statues. Costs are always negotiable, and authenticity cannot be guaranteed, so some visitors opt to spend their currency instead on T-shirts and fridge magnets. With few tourists wandering about, the bazaar is pleasingly hassle-free.
    • Taj East Gate Road is viewed as one of the most family-friendly locations in the city of Agra, India near the iconic Taj Mahal.

Those traveling with children will appreciate lodging along the west end of Taj East Gate Road, which stretches one kilometer and is free of vehicles, noise, and fumes. It’s pleasant strolling to the Taj or the numerous cafes and shops along this pedestrian street used solely by horse-drawn carriages and pedal-powered trishaws. Some cafes and agencies rent bicycles, providing a terrific way to explore the immediate surroundings of the Taj

    • Fatehabad Road has the best food and dining in Agra.

This major route running through the inner south just 2km or so from the Taj Mahal is crowded with mid-range hotels. Catering overwhelmingly to Indian tourists, there is no shortage of places to dine (including a few globally recognized quick-service outlets). This presents a wonderful area to sample tasty, authentic, and reasonably priced Indian fare, such as local versions of paratha (Indian roti-style bread filled with potatoes and other vegetables), as well as Agra’s renowned sugary confections called petha

  • The part of Agra most convenient for transportation is Cantonment
    Most visitors arrive at the Agra Cantonment Railway Station or the small airport, both situated in the southwest part of the city close to the outskirts surrounding the Cantonment area. This is due to these transportation hubs, as well as the main bus terminal, being located there as part of the heavily secured air force base. In reality, however, virtually every hotel is only a few minutes from the Cantonment area regardless.
  • Best area in Agra for nightlife: Taj Ganj
  • There is little activity after nightfall besides gazing at the illuminated Taj Mahal from afar. This spectacle is best witnessed – though around 700 meters or further – from a rooftop cafe/bar at a guesthouse in Taj Ganj village along the southern perimeter of the Taj Mahal complex. Not as impressive as signage or staff imply, views are always somewhat blocked. The majestic monument is beautifully lit up after sunset, making impressions greatest during these times.
  • Best Area in Agra for Atmosphere & Way of Life: Fatehabad Road
    This main route through the city core is constantly vibrant or chaotic, relying on your viewpoint (and tolerance level) of Indian urban life. There`s substantial traffic and the sidewalks are packed with stalls, however everything is genuine and not specifically intended for Western visitors. Numerous restaurants serve authentic Indian cuisine, like local versions of nationwide favorites, and the souvenir shops sell saris, rugs, gems, and leather products. The Indian-style TDI Mall highlights a cinema exhibiting the most recent Bollywood blockbusters.

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  • Most Romantic Area in Agra: Taj East Gate Road
    Built by a Mughal emperor after the death of his beloved (third) wife, the Taj Mahal is arguably the most romantic monument on earth. The finest area for a honeymoon or intimate getaway within this industrial city is the pedestrian street along the western end of Taj East Gate Road. The only ‘traffic’ is cycle-rickshaws and electric shuttle buses, so it’s comparatively very quiet. Rooftop cafés provide views (albeit obstructed and distant) of the Taj, which is especially romantic after dark, and the immediate area can also be explored by chartered horse-carts or rented bicycles.
  • Best Area in Agra for First Timers: Taj East Gate Road
    By Indian expectations, Agra is a small city of ‘just’ concerning 1.5 million inhabitants. While not almost as large and frenzied as Delhi, the traffic and resultant commotion and emissions can be overpowering to anyone going to India for the first time. Taj East Gate Road gives access to one entry of the Taj Mahal but is not nearly as tumultuous as other roads in Agra. Actually, the traffic-free pedestrian route along the western part of the road is lined with cafés (some in shady courtyards and all offering some Western nourishment) and superb for exploring by rented bicycle.
  • Safest Area of Agra: The Taj East Gate Road
    There is nothing particularly unsafe regarding Agra, although some tourists have been deceived by dishonest salesmen and auto-rickshaw drivers. Like all Indian cities, the main danger in Agra is the heavy traffic flow. Always remember: no vehicle will ever stop for any pedestrian, except (usually) at a red traffic light, so crossing the road should be done carefully. Thus, staying along the western end of Taj East Gate Road is advisable, especially for first-time visitors and families. This 1km-long section of the road has no traffic, so pedestrians merely need to watch out for electric shuttle buses and bicycles.

The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Agra for Tourists

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1. Taj East Gate Road

This road guides visitors towards the famed entryway (one of three ways in) to the Taj Mahal. The relatively quiet southeastern end is lined with laidback cafés and upscale hotels, while the 1km long western section serves as a walkway. With only electric shuttle buses from the parking areas, cycle-rickshaws, and horse-drawn carriages, this part presents numerous shops, bars, and eateries, some allowing for obstructed rooftop perspectives of the Taj from a distance. In this agreeable and leisurely area, perfectly suited for exploring by rented bicycles, are several affordably priced lodgings, as well as the prestigious Oberoi, providing the finest vistas of what brings everyone to Agra.

2. Fatehabad Road

This main road located approximately two kilometers from the Taj Mahal is crowded with hotels, eateries and shops that primarily cater to Indian visitors. The eastern section contains a few high-end hotels (such as the ITC), with additional options near the intersection with Taj East Gate Road. Packed along the western end is an overabundance of mid-priced lodgings. This region is much noisier, dirtier and more chaotic, but it does offer a shopping mall, some currency exchange facilities (rare elsewhere), and many craft shops of above-average quality.

3. Taj Ganj

This location directly to the south of the Taj Mahal perimeter is a genuine village within a city. It offers a pleasant glimpse into everyday Indian life, but some locals are hesitant about intruding Western visitors. The narrow alleyways, some too slim for auto-rickshaws, are scattered with long-standing hostels and budget-friendly guesthouses. Many provide rooftop cafés/bars, yet views of the Taj – despite what signs or staff may indicate – are distant and obscured.

4. Cantonment & Sadar Bazaar

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Much of the inner western section of the city was planned and constructed by those who colonized the area, so some roads are wider and provide more shade than others. This is especially accurate around the Agra Cantonment Railway Station, where most trains to and from Delhi and Jaipur halt; the Sadar Bazaar commercial district; and the defense housing locale, notable by all the red walls. It’s an ideal region for walking and even cycling, but few tourist facilities are nearby. The Taj Mahal is about 10 minutes away by auto-rickshaw.

5. Old City near Agra Fort

Apart from the distance from crowds viewing the Taj Mahal (only about 2km away), there are two other notable reasons to stay in this area: the Agra Fort Railway Station, where some intercity services stop, and the old city vicinity, which highlights the fascinating Kinari Bazaar, venerated Jama Masjid mosque, and the extraordinary Agra Fort. The area is loud and polluted, which is typical of Indian inner cities but lacks foreign visitors and, therefore, annoying auto-rickshaw operators and dishonest shop-owners.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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