राजमाहेंदरी 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.

Rajahmundry, nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, is a city brimming with cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Located on the banks of the majestic Godavari River, it is a place where history and modernity converge. Known for its vibrant festivals and rich traditions, Rajahmundry offers a unique blend of spiritual and natural attractions that captivate visitors. The city's warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its architectural marvels and lush landscapes, makes it a must-visit destination.

Rajahmundry holds a significant place in the history of Telugu cinema, being home to the first Telugu studio, Durga CineTone. The city's connection to the arts is further exemplified by its numerous temples, ghats, and cultural sites that reflect the deep-rooted traditions of the region. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a spiritual seeker, Rajahmundry has something to offer everyone.

The ideal time to visit Rajahmundry is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather is pleasantly cool, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers, on the other hand, can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring, making it less suitable for travel. Monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, brings heavy rainfall and can be unpredictable, but it also enhances the natural beauty of the region.

For those planning to attend the Pushkaram fair, which is held every 12 years, it is essential to check the event dates and plan accordingly. This grand festival attracts pilgrims from all over the country, offering a unique cultural experience.

Rajahmundry boasts a plethora of attractions that cater to diverse interests. The Godavari River is undoubtedly the city's crown jewel, offering picturesque views and serene boat rides. The Kovvuru Bridge, one of Asia's longest rail-cum-road bridges, spans the river and is a marvel of engineering worth visiting.

Another major attraction is the Pushkar Ghat, a sacred site where pilgrims take holy dips. The ghat is surrounded by several temples, adding to its spiritual ambiance. The Sir Arthur Cotton Museum is a must-visit for those interested in engineering and history, showcasing various models and machinery related to irrigation works.

For a taste of local culture, explore the bustling markets and savor the delectable Andhra cuisine. Dishes like Kandhi Podi, Gongura Pachadi, and Pesarattu are a true delight for food enthusiasts.

Rajahmundry is served by the Rajahmundry Airport (RJA), located approximately 18 kilometers north of the city in Madhurapudi. The airport is well-connected to major Indian cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, with airlines like IndiGo offering frequent flights. The airport features a single terminal that handles both domestic arrivals and departures, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Travelers can easily book flights to Rajahmundry through various online platforms, including Goibibo, which offers competitive prices and convenient booking options. Whether you're looking for cheap flights to Rajahmundry or planning a last-minute trip, you can find the best deals and flight options to suit your needs.

Getting from Rajahmundry Airport to the city center is convenient, with several transportation options available. Taxis and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber provide a comfortable and hassle-free ride to your destination. For a more budget-friendly option, you can opt for auto-rickshaws, which are readily available outside the airport.

Within the city, public transportation includes buses operated by APSRTC, which connect various parts of Rajahmundry and nearby towns. The city also has a well-developed network of auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws for short-distance travel. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, bike rentals are available, offering a flexible and enjoyable way to navigate the city.

Rajahmundry's central railway station is a major hub, connecting the city to other parts of Andhra Pradesh and beyond. It is well-served by trains from Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and other key cities. The city's main bus stations, including the APSRTC Bus Complex, Kotipalli bus stand, Kakinada bus stand, and Gokavaram bus stand, provide extensive connectivity to neighboring towns and villages.

Whether you're arriving by air, rail, or road, Rajahmundry offers a seamless travel experience, making it easy for visitors to explore and enjoy all that this charming city has to offer.