Agra

Of all the places and cities in India, perhaps Agra is the most visited. When planning a trip to this country, most sites you would want to see would be located in this region. Most of the places and monuments here are inspired by the stories of their gods and goddesses especially Vishnu and the triumph of good over evil. Keep an open mind when visiting places like these because they are usually rooted to their traditions.

The temperature in this city could be described as continental, there are long hot summers in the months of March up to September when it can reach up to 48°C and bring about dry winds. The monsoon months of July up to September usually brings along with it 27 inches of rainfall annually. There is also a winter which lasts from November to February, which can be pretty warm and cozy during the day but below freezing during the nights.

If it is your first time visiting this city, try going during the months of October to November and February to March when the weather and climate are mostly bearable. Avoid the monsoon season, the extremely hot summer season and the extremely cold winter season. Bring clothes that are appropriate as well like cotton for hot weather and light wool for the colder times.

The Indira Gandhi International Air Terminus is the closest international airport to Agra. It is found in New Delhi which is a 200 kilometer drive away. Because of the major road improvements done lately, the National Highway 2 makes it easier to travel between these two cities.

There are also train stations that cater to inter-city mass transportation. Agra is even the main line between Delhi and Mumbai. These railways also connect the city to other major cities in India. You can also try hiring a local taxi service to take you around town to see the sights or even to go to the other cities.

There are also city buses that run routes within the city; you might also want to try the rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and Tonga. The rickshaws are often quite expensive so you might as well just try the auto-rickshaw of Tempo system. They have specific routes and specific stops and can carry as many as 6 people at a time. Vehicles that emit pollutants are not allowed within the premises of the Taj Mahal that is why you have to the Tonga which is an electric automobile.

• Taj Mahal: the most famous building in Agra and known throughout the world; it is also a part of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Agra; it was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal.
• Agra Fort: another World Heritage Site.
• I’timād-Ud-Daulah: also known as the “Baby Taj” and was built by the Empress Nūr Jahān for her father.