Agra

Most travelers visit Agra for one reason alone: to gape at the world's greatest monument to love, the legendary Taj Mahal. Agra is around 124 miles (200 kilometers) south of India's capital, Delhi, and although the town itself is nothing to rave about, there are some noteworthy nearby attractions, such as Fatehpur Sikri (see below).

How to Get There
Agra can be reached by air and road, with flights from Delhi, Khajuraho, and Varanasi. There are also good rail connections, with the quickest train between Agra and Delhi being the comfortable Shatabdi Express (there are also services to a selection of other cities). State-run and private buses also link Agra to a number of Indian cities, including Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Delhi.

How to Get Around
You can easily move around by taxi, cycle rickshaw, or autorickshaw, although make sure you negotiate the fare before setting off.

Attractions
On the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is nothing short of an architectural masterpiece. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz (who died giving birth to their 14th child), the Taj is a grand, jewel-encrusted marble mausoleum. This World Heritage-listed monument is flanked by four slender minarets and fronted by ornamental gardens. No matter how many times you visit the Taj, it never ceases to impress.

Worth a visit is the Agra Fort, a huge sandstone fort-and-palace complex that was started in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, with additions made by subsequent rulers. It has distant views of the Taj Mahal.

Places to Eat
Don't leave Agra without trying its signature sweet, peitha (made of pumpkin and sugar).

For excellent south Indian food, try Dasaprakash, which whips up all the usual southern favorites, such as dosas and idlis. 1 Gwalior Road; tel. +91 (0)562 236 3535.

For wholesome vegetarian fare try Zorba the Buddha. The chefs here do a fine job of curries as well as continental food. Sadar Bazaar.

Places to Stay
There's a wide range of places to stay in touristy Agra, including one of India's most stylish hotels, the Amarvilas.

The modern, mid-priced Hotel Ashish Palace has commendable rooms (each with a fridge and color television) that are clean and comfortable. It's wise to book ahead. Tourist Complex area, Fatehabad Road; tel. +91 (0)562 223 0032.

Another very good mid-priced option is the Hotel Amar, a three-star property with 68 well-furnished, clean rooms. There's a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. Tourist Complex area, Fatehabad Road; tel. +91 (0)562 233 1884; e-mail amaragra@sancharnet.in.

By far the most luxurious place to stay, the expensive Amarvilas is set in a picturesque Mughal-style garden, complete with a beautiful swimming pool. The extremely smart rooms (which even come with a pillow menu) have balconies that boast terrific views of the Taj Mahal. You won't want to leave. Taj East Gate Road; tel. +91 (0)562 223 1515.

For More Information
India Tourism 191 The Mall; tel. +91 (0)562 222 6378.
Agra City Guide