Agra Travel Forum

hi! am planning a 3 week trip to india next january. my main focus is to see the taj mahal. which guide book (buying in the uk) for that area would people recommend? i'm into art, culture, travelling on a moderate budget....thanks in advance!

You have to get up early for it's allways crowded with tourists rspecially in the morning.Very romantic though with the red ford, plenty of history and culture.Just have a look in the 'lonely planet'guide before buying it.It is full of information also practical ones.Good luck

here is a lil tip....
it may take time but if u hire a taxi/car n go across the yamuna (through terrible traffic) one can see the taj from across the river from the remains of one of the first moughal gardens in india. there are many architectural books on taj... if u intrested in those
if spending a few days there do c other small mosoleums n tombs scattered all over the city...fathepur sekri is a must (city built by Akbar ) outside Agra
in red sand stone
most ppl miss taj from across d river n not bother abt the lil tombs!!!
have a great trip

I was just there 2 weeks ago and it was magnificent. I would suggest staying in a hotel in Agra, near to the Taj so that you can see it as the sun rises, and at sunset. Agra seems to be an impoverished area for the most part, but there are some nice hotels near the Taj. There will also be some aggressive photographers who will want to take a dozen shots of you around the monument. My suggestion is to ask some other tourists to take pictures of you with your own camera.

Lonely Planet is the best book around but you can also check the local books like 52 Weekend Gateways from Delhi which can be found at Outlook Traveller's website www.outlooktraveller.com

The Best Guide Book is Right Here and you are now looking at it !! – Browse the Taj tips on VT and print them off, Also as mentioned above, Don’t miss the Baby Taj, The Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri whilst visiting Agra !! – OK The Taj Mahal is the Best but the other sites are also worth a look.
Also as above – the Lonely Planet is probably still the best general guide book – When I use ut, I use it for suggestions and not as a Bible as some people do !!
I was in India earlier this year and had a Cracking time, I’m sure you will have your Dream Trip Too
Happy Travels and Good Luck
Rob

Agra will no take to much time... so plane carefully the rest of the trip, there is plenty to see, i agree with the baby taj, and fatepur sikri, and my personal recommendation goes to UDAIPUR!!

Lonely Planet's India is good. As with all guide books (they all have something to offer, so get to the library)the entries should be treated as someone's opinions, not hard facts. Also, remember that if you don't want to spend your entire trip bargaining, accept that you will be paying a little more for most things than the prices that guide books list. Visit photo sites like flickr.com for inspiration and ideas. Fatehpur Sikri is certainly worth a visit. I too recommend the view of the Taj from across the river. Agra and surrounding area would only take two or three days of a three week trip, in my opinion. I can understand someone wanting accomodation next to the Taj, but if you want something a little quieter, check out The Tourist Rest House. I found it to be incredible value, with good food served in a nice courtyard, free internet and an owner who will help you with whatever travel/ sightseeing/ transportation questions you may have (this includes advice on which drivers to avoid!).
Enjoy India!

yes besides taj u must also see the other tombs to get an idea of mughal artwork. u will enjoy photographing them i am sure.besides the marble tombs we also have red stone architecture called the agra fort, a splendrous symphony in stone.dont miss that too.

when u come down to my city jaipur the stone forts and palaces are a treasure to shoot and a delight to experience. the delhi agra jaipur guide books tell you a little more about its history and culture so thats a good buy too/


happy travelling....