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Trips #TnlRoadTrips: Let's Take You On A Trip Back In Time From Delhi To Agra
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#TnlRoadTrips: Let's Take You On A Trip Back In Time From Delhi To Agra

This weekend, let your work desk gather a little dust and emails go unanswered as you set out on a road trip from Delhi to Agra.

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By: Priyanka Chakrabarti Published: Aug 18, 2020 07:00 AM IST

#TnlRoadTrips: Let's Take You On A Trip Back In Time From Delhi To Agra

Agra may be known for its ‘Monument of Love,’ the Taj Mahal. But the pristine-white monument also overshadows the grandeur of this city that it embraces and exhibits in diverse forms. This weekend, let your work desk gather a little dust and emails go unanswered as you set out to glide on the openness of the Yamuna Expressway from Delhi to Agra. Agra pulls you into the charm of its magical Mughal gardens, majestic monuments, and offers a slice of its delicious past through its cuisine. By Shubhanjana Das

Sitting on the banks of the Yamuna, Agra has long attracted tourists from all over the world — thanks to the Taj Mahal. While the mausoleum is unarguably Agra’s pièce de résistance, the city has much more to boast about. Head out from Delhi on a pleasant 233-km-long drive through the Yamuna Expressway, a journey that takes around three and a half hours. This six-lane controlled expressway is a dream track for newbie drivers, and it is dotted with places to eat. Guess what! You can also catch a glimpse of the F1 tracks.

When in Agra, apart from Taj Mahal add these following places to your itinerary.

1. Mehtab Bagh

 

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Right opposite the Yamuna, in the north of the Taj Mahal complex and the Agra Fort, is ‘The Moonlight Garden’ or Mehtab Bagh. The manicured garden was the 11th and the last in the series of the parks built by the Mughals along the Yamuna. The park was reconstructed from a brief state of ruin to protect the Taj from the erosive effects of the sand blown across the river. Its manicured gardens with rows of fountains and flowers are one of the best places to take in the views of the majestic white mausoleum.

2. Agra Fort

 

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The fastest way to transport yourself back to the time of Mughals is through the Agra Fort, also referred to as ‘Lal Quila’, ‘Fort Rouge’, or ‘Qila-e-Akbari’. What was initially only a brick fort was later rebuilt by Emperor Akbar in 1573. The fort served as the main seat and the residence of the Mughals before the capital was shifted to Delhi from Agra. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Taj Mahal, the sandstone fort is spread across 94 acres, has four gates, and houses numerous structures like the Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khaas, Diwan-i-Aam, Machchhi Bhawan and Moti Masjid. Its mighty towers and imposing facades have been brilliantly restored and maintained to portray its royal history. The fort stays open to tourists from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm.

3. Fatehpur Sikri

 

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Of the many architectural and historical gifts that Akbar has bestowed upon this country during his 51-year-long reign, Fatehpur Sikri houses some of its most important and visually arresting ones. Built in 1570 under the direct supervision of the Emperor himself, the monumental complex incorporates Persian, Hindu and Muslim elements of design and decor. Expect to spend no less than a few hours here at Fatehpur Sikri as you explore the courtyards, gardens and gazebos within, some of them being Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, Jodha Bai Palace, Birbal’s House and Diwan-i-Khaas. The city was left abandoned by its emperor due to frequent wars between Mughals and Rajputs and water shortage. It was later turned into British headquarters. Tourists can find the ruins of the bazaars and the naubat khana.

4. Agra’s Flavours

 

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The flavours of Agra come from a sumptuous melting pot of Hindu and Mughal culinary influences. The city is synonymous with its petha, which was earlier cooked in the kitchens of Shah Jahan. The Panchhi Petha shop in Sadar Bazaar serves the most authentic ones. Their paan, anguri, chocolate, and Kesar petha has a loyal customer base. Deviram Sweets in Pratap Pura is the perfect destination for a humble yet amazing brunch or a lunch of aloo puri. Your meal will be incomplete if not accompanied by Agra’s bedai and jalebi.

5. Itimad-Ud-Daulah

 

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After you have satiated yourself with Agra’s culinary treats, head to Itimad-Ud-Daulah, yet another marble mausoleum built in the memory of a beloved. Itimad-Ud-Daulah was commissioned by Mughal Empress Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghias Beg between 1622 and 1628 AD. The first tomb to be built on the banks of the Yamuna, its structure exhibits Persian architectural influences and is inlaid with semi-precious stones. Its marble lattice screen lends to it a softer and dreamy air as compared to the redstone and sandstone structures of the city. Along with Mehtab Bagh and Chini Ka Rauza, this is a trinity you can’t miss visiting when in Agra.

Total distance – 233 km

Duration of the road trip – 3 h 30 m

Best time to visit – October to March

Things to keep in mind – If you visit the Taj Mahal first thing after arriving at Agra, we suggest you make your way back again during the evening for its epic light and sound show in both Hindi and English, held 30 minutes after sunset.

P.S: before embarking on this journey, do check with local authorities to stay updated with entry rules, COVID-19 guidelines and SOPs.

Where to stayThe Oberoi Amarvilas

Where to stop and eat – Jollygo Food Court

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