अहमदाबाद से आगरा उड़ानें

Agra is one of the most populous city of Uttar Pradesh. It is a major tourist destination because of its many magnificent Mughal era buildings like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. It is also an important part of the Golden Triangle tourist route along with Delhi and Jaipur. This former capital of Mughal Empire is mainly popular for the Taj Mahal and this is the reason that most of the tourists miss out many other interesting activities or places. Next time while planning a trip to Agra, don’t forget to explore more of this amazing city. Here’s a list of the top ten things to do in Agra:

1. Spend a day with villagers at Korai Village

Take a break from the usual sightseeing and try out something new by spending a day with the villagers. Korai Village is located at a distance of 8 Km before Fatehpur Sikri. Here you can explore the rural area of the city by interacting with the villagers and learning about their simple lifestyle. You can also visit their huts and can see how they cook their food in the traditional village style. Don’t forget to meet the village wizard Mohammad who is popular among tourists for his tricks.

2. Take a forest walk inside the Taj Nature Park

Here is another chance to see the Taj Mahal while walking amidst a beautiful park made by the Social Forestry Division of Agra. It is spread over 70 hectares of land and is just 500 meters away from the east gate of the Taj Mahal. You’ll be walking through a 9 km trail amidst various species of birds, wildlife, trees and shrubs. In some places, elevated photo points are made from where one can click a shot of the Taj Mahal. It almost touches the right bank of the River Yamuna and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

3. Buy Leather Goods at Sadar Bazaar

Sadar Bazaar is a popular local street market of Agra. Located at West of Khari Baoli near Agra Cantt Railway Station, Agra Fort and Taj Mahal, the bazaar is famous for the leather work, shoes and handicraft items. Marble inlay items like coasters, vases, table tops, boxes and other gift items can also be bought from here. It is open daily (except Tuesday) from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Don’t miss out on the local street foods like chaat (especially bhalle) and pani-puri from the evening stalls.

4. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Joney’s Place

Located on the Miyan Nazir Road, Tajganj, Joney’s Place restaurant offers delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try out the North Indian style breakfast of puris and cholley, a grand lunch with a glass of refreshing banana lassi. Diners can choose from a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, macaroni, pancakes, sandwiches, pasta and even falafel and hummus. The malai kofta and the toasted tomato and cheese sandwich are highly recommended. It is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

5.Go to Marble Cottage for Marble Inlay Handicraft Items

Located at Jasoria Enclave, Fatehabad Road, Marble Cottage, Agra is a famous factory cum small retail shop of Marble Inlay Art and handmade products. Established in 1974, now with its team of 15 highly skilled craftsmen, it creates magnificent objects in marble. You can choose from variety of things like Taj Mahal replicas, White Marble Table Tops, White Elephant, Marble Inlay Photo Frame, Chess Boards, Candle Holders, Marble Jewellery Boxes and Marble Animal Figures. Beautiful carpets and rugs are also available here.

6.Visit Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

It is located 20 Kms from Agra on the Delhi-Agra Highway (NH2). Spread over an area of 7.97 square kilometres, it was declared as a National Bird Sanctuary in 1991 by U.P. Forest Department. The place also houses a beautiful man-made lake known as Keetham Lake that is a perfect spot for relaxation. It is estimated that more than 106 species of migratory birds come to this sanctuary every year. One can also see a variety of fishes and aquatic birds. Some of the aquatic birds inhabiting Keetham Lake include Darter, Purple Heron, Black necked Stork, White Ibis, Little Gerbs and Paddy Bird.

7. Attend the Taj Mahotsav Festival at Shilpgram

Taj Mahotsav is an annual 10 day festival that is held at Shilpgram. This festival celebrates the rich crafts, arts and culture of India. Around 400 artisans from all over the country come together and showcase their unique crafts. Stone/wood carvings from Tamil Nadu, Chikan work from Lucknow, Bamboo work from the North East, Paper Mache work from South India and Kashmir, brass wares from Moradabad and Pottery from Khurja can be found here. Get a slice of the folk dances and taste varieties of lip-smacking Indian dishes. At Fun Fair, kids can enjoy joy rides like merry-go-round, Train-rides and Ferris wheel.

8.Have a look at Hammams of Fatehpur Sikri

Hakim’s Hammam of Fatehpur Sikri is the largest surviving Hammams (domed bath house) of Mughal India. It is a majestic structure with exquisite stucco work and golden paintings that occupies an area 105 metres by 78 metres. It is assumed that the Hakim’s bath house was used by Akbar and other royal family members. The water required for the baths was supplied by a well which is situated in the south-east corner. The building has a dressing room, a room for steam bath and two large rooms which were probably used for massage therapy.

9.Take a bite of Mughlai Food at Only Restaurant

Located at 45, Taj Road, Only Restaurant is the best place to try Mughlai food in the city. The interiors of the restaurant are pretty appealing with bright tablecloths and bamboo walls. The menu offers Mughlai, Chinese and Continental cuisine. Live music programmes are also held every evening. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. A must go place for foodies!

10.Watch the romantic musical drama ‘Mohabbat-The Taj’

The Sanskritik Natyashala of Kalakriti Conventional Centre organises ‘Mohabbat-The Taj’, a series of musical play that depicts the love story of Shahjahan and Mumtaz. The place can seat up to 585 people and has a 70 mm wide backdrop screen. They have created the world’s largest replica of Taj Mahal in Makrana marble which is carried by a hydraulic lift on the centre of the stage. The regal costume of the artists, the magnificent jewellery and the language of the songs of the play are worth seeing as they take you back to the Mughal era. Daily live shows are held at 6:30 p.m.

Ahmedabad, often referred to as Amdavad, is a vibrant metropolis in the state of Gujarat, India. This city seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern urban development. Known for its significant role in India's independence movement, Ahmedabad is home to numerous historical landmarks, bustling markets, and a thriving cultural scene. The city's unique charm lies in its ability to preserve its traditional roots while embracing contemporary advancements.

Ahmedabad's cultural landscape is diverse and colorful, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of various communities. The city's architecture is a testament to its glorious past, with stunning examples of Indo-Islamic and modernist styles. Visitors are often captivated by the lively festivals, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality that define the essence of Ahmedabad. Whether you're exploring its ancient stepwells or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad offers an enriching experience for every traveler.

The ideal time to visit Ahmedabad is during the winter months from November to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant and conducive to sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, making it comfortable for travelers to explore the city's attractions.

Visiting Ahmedabad during the festivals of Navratri and Uttarayan (The Kite Festival) is highly recommended. Navratri, celebrated in October, is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, marked by vibrant dance performances known as Garba. Uttarayan, celebrated in January, sees the skies filled with colorful kites, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. These festivals offer a unique glimpse into the local culture and traditions.

Ahmedabad boasts an array of attractions that cater to diverse interests. Some of the must-visit places include:

• Sabarmati Ashram: This historic site served as the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement.
• The Calico Museum of Textiles: Renowned for its impressive collection of Indian textiles, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the country's rich textile heritage.
• Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: Famous for its intricate stone lattice work, this 16th-century mosque is an architectural marvel.
• Swaminarayan Mandir: A stunning temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, known for its exquisite carvings and serene ambiance.
• Adalaj Stepwell: A remarkable example of ancient water architecture, this stepwell is adorned with intricate carvings and offers a cool retreat from the heat.

For those seeking offbeat experiences, exploring the narrow lanes of the old city, visiting the Kite Museum, or shopping for traditional handicrafts at local markets like Law Garden and Manek Chowk are highly recommended.

Ahmedabad is served by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), located approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, while Terminal 2 caters to international flights. The airport is well-connected to major cities across India and several international destinations.

Popular domestic routes include flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. Internationally, the airport connects Ahmedabad to cities like Dubai, Singapore, Muscat, and Sharjah. Travelers can easily book flights to Ahmedabad through various airlines, ensuring a convenient travel experience.

Getting from the airport to the city center is hassle-free, with several transportation options available. Prepaid taxis, app-based cab services like Uber and Ola, and airport shuttles provide convenient and reliable transfers.

Ahmedabad's public transportation system includes buses operated by the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) and the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). These buses cover extensive routes across the city, making it easy for travelers to reach their destinations.

Auto-rickshaws are a popular and affordable mode of transport for short distances. For a more personalized experience, travelers can rent bikes or cars from various rental services available in the city.

With its efficient transportation network, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere, Ahmedabad is a city that promises an unforgettable travel experience. Book your flights to Ahmedabad today and embark on a journey filled with history, culture, and modernity.