Mahindra Homestays » Agra

Where to shop in Agra

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:00:30 +0000

In Agra visitors focus on seeing the main attractions, the grand Taj Mahal and it’s adjoining monuments are the definite highlights of the city. However, Agra is also a good place to also take out some time to hit the shops. A whole variety of souvenirs can be found, from street stalls to large emporiums. Here is our guide to help you plan where to shop in Agra.

Outside the Taj Mahal for Marble Inlay Work
The famous inlay work on table tops and other parts for home furnishings hard goods are popular with travellers from around the world. The East gate of the Taj opens out into a row of shops which specialize in this work. A variety of quality and prices can be found here depending on your budget. The good part is that since these marble prices are heavy, the shop owners ship it to your address at an additional cost. With some disappointing experiences, it’s wise to hold some payment for these till you receive the shipment. Kalakriti is one of the known shops for this. They may be slightly over priced but are known for the variety and reliability. They also have interesting jewellery options and carpets. A one stop shop if you may want to call it that!

Sadar Bazaar for Shoes
Agra is famous for its traditional leather handicrafts and shoes. The narrow winding streets of Sadar Bazaar not only provide the perfect exploratory backdrop for a shopper but also great bargains. Lose any inhibition to bargain here as the prices are inflated. Belle shoes and flip flops are available here in many colourful designs and price ranges. Ensure that you take a rickshaw and not try and get your car here.

Street Sellers for Perfume
The one thing you will definitely find on the go is a small perfume bottle. Many local sellers carry these on them and will meet you on the streets and also restaurants. The bottles do not cost more than Rs 100/- so do not pay more than that. These are small but very potent and not everyone has an instant liking to them. A drop is enough to last for a month.

Taj Mahal Replicas Everywhere!
One of Agra’s most popular souvenirs these will be in your face everywhere! Proactive sellers will walk up to and try and give you a replica for posterity. Be aware that all of these are not made from pure marble. Most of them will be made from alabaster and therefore deserve alabaster prices!

Malls in Agra for Shopping, Leisure and Entertainment
There are a few malls in Agra but they are largely for local consumption. As a traveller your shopping experience might be more enjoyable in the bustling markets and not showroom lined malls but Agra is home to several large fully air conditioned shopping malls equipped with modern facilities such as a multiplex, variety of well known shops and numerous eating options in the food courts. Your options include:

TDI Mall, Plot No-3-D, Taj Mahal Road
Ashok Cosmos Mall, 119-120/8, Sanjay Place
Pacific Taj Mall, Plot No. 3E,Taj Nagari Scheme, Phase-I, Fatehbad Road

Government Emporiums for Fixed Prices
If you are worried about haggling at local markets and prefer a ‘fixed price’ style of shopping then visit the government emporiums in Agra. Popular options include purchasing carpets and artwork. You may be able to get a discount for purchasing multiple items.

Gangotri, U.P. Govt. Handicrafts Emporium, Taj Mahal Complex
U.P. Handloom, Sanjay Place, Hari Parbat, M.G. Road
UPICA, Sanjay Place, Hari Parbat, M.G. Road
U.P. Handicraft Palace, Fatehabad Road

For more advice on where to shop in Agra you can always check with your homestay host. Homestays offer a safe and high quality base for your Agra stay. If you would like help planning a visit contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.

Taj Mahal – An Epitaph of Love

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:23:34 +0000

Among the many must see sites of interest in India the Taj Mahal is by far is the most prominent of the lot. Here is a visitors guide to the Taj Mahal, a historic monument for love which has captured the imagination of the world.

HISTORY
One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the monument is an epitome of love by Mughal King Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The only tomb that was built posthumously in appreciation of someone, is now one of the most visited locations in the history of the world. It took 22 years for this architectural achievement to get completed. 22000 artisans and labourers worked day and night and finally finished the structure in 1636 A.D. It stands majestically on the banks of the River Yamuna and is a remarkable example of flawless sculpturing, calligraphy and workmanship.

Resplendent white marble is the main component of the structure, along with red sand stone and coloured stones. It is known to be one of the most faultless structures in the world.

LOCATION
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra in Uttar Pradesh in the North of India. While Agra isn’t the most popular city amongst travellers it is well located and easy to fit into a longer itinerary. Other sites of interest include marble carving factories and the magnificent Agra Fort.

GETTING THERE
Agra is well connected by road and rail from Delhi and takes only 4.5 hours to reach. For those who want to fly instead, there are a number of flights from major cities of India and the airport is just 7 kms off the main city.

TIMINGS AND DATES
The Taj Mahal opens at 6.30 a.m and closes just after the sun sets at 7.30 p.m. It is closed on Fridays so plan ahead. Also, it’s a charm to see the Taj Mahal lit on a full moon night. It is open two days before and after as well. Tickets need to be booked a day in advance for this spectacle. For normal days, try going at sunrise or sunset time.

The best season to go to Agra is between October and March when the weather is cooler and more bearable.

FEES
As most monuments in India, the fees are different for Indians and Foreigners. Rs 20 for Indians on normal days, Rs 110 during sunrise / sunset and Rs 970 for foreign nationals. The ticketing system is fairly organised and a refreshing change from the hustle of other monuments in the country.

THE TAJ EXPERIENCE
For the last decade, the slow weathering of the Taj was of great concern in the archaeological sector and steps have been taken to make the site as low impact as possible. Battery run vehicles to reach the monument are run at strict intervals. Shoes are allowed but visitors have to use a net bag to wear over their shoes. People are ushered fast from the main sanctum and not allowed to spend unnecessary time inside.

Though the River behind the monument has completely dried, it is now cleaned and allows for some breathing space around the Taj. Thousands visit this sacred tomb of love each day, but the monument is kept extremely clean. The favourite spot still remains the front of the fountains where people sit and take forced perspective pictures with the Taj in their hands.

Certainly an unmissable sight for people coming to the country for the first time, soak in the serene beauty of the tomb and the towers around it. The magnificent architecture and precision is something to marvel even after you have left.

If you would like your next trip to include some of India’s most famous historic monuments then get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary. Agra is ideally incorporated into a Golden Triangle itinerary taking in some of India’s top sites.

Destination of the month: Fall in love with Agra in February

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 07:18:59 +0000

A VALENTINE WEEKEND IN AGRA
One of the world’s most recognisable symbols of love is the Taj Mahal. Visiting the iconic monument is one of the top things to do in Agra and India. It’s perhaps not a stretch to say that this is on the list of places to see for every traveller in the world. It is particularly true for couples in love looking for a very special Valentine’s Day, fall in love with Agra in February.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE TAJ?
The monument was created by Emperor Shah Jahan for the love his life, Empress Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj’s history, beauty and aura are unmistakably haunting and can thaw even the coldest of hearts. For a sight that’s sure to raise the hair on your neck, visit the Agra Fort. Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb in this massive fort. Standing at the small area from where Shah Jahan spent his last seven years staring at the Taj is a profoundly moving experience.

NIGHT VIEWING
In the last few years the tourism department introduced Night Viewing of the Taj for visitors. The tickets for this 30 minute viewing must be booked in advance. There’s possibly no sight as romantic as the white marble of the Taj glistening under a full moon and the whole poetic image being mirrored in the serene reflecting pool.

PLAN AHEAD
The Taj is the most popular attraction in India and visiting it on Valentine’s Day with your partner is not a path-breaking idea. Thousands of couples will be looking for the same experience and will be smart about making their bookings ahead of time. Rooms go fast as do train tickets and night viewing opportunities. It’s important to make advance booking especially if you are looking for somewhere romantic to stay as all the best rooms will get snapped up quickly.

Browse our conveniently located homestays, close to the Taj as well as Agra Fort.

North India: Monuments and National Parks

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:08:12 +0000

This package is available from Rs. 32,945 price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

Delhi – Agra – Corbett

On this exciting north India tour you will visit Delhi, Agra and Corbett giving you the opportunity to see some of India’s most beautiful highlights. From a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal to tiger spotting in the breathtaking Corbett National Park your trip will provide you with unique photo opportunities and the chance to experience real India. See an interactive route map.

Contact us to get the latest offers on this tour and to have it tailored to your requirements

Day One: Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Banyan Tree homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your host Mamta Sharma. The homestay is an oasis of calm with the whole city bustling close by. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application*, participating in an Indian cooking class* or shopping in the local art and craft shops**.

Day Two: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple**, Qutub Minar**, Lodhi Garden** and the Red Fort**. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you directly to the sites you choose to visit. When you have had your fill of Delhi’s historic sites come back home to relax in the garden or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool. Fitness freaks can choose to sweat it out in the gym or play a game of croquet.

Day Three: Agra
Travel from Delhi to Agra, home to India’s most iconic landmark the Taj Mahal.** Make sure you also visit the Agra Fort** and Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb**. Once again your own personal driver will accompany you around the city. Spend the night at the delightful Garden Villa, where you can enjoy tea in their lovingly maintained garden. Early in the evening let your hosts teach you some North Indian Indian delicacies in your own personal cooking class***.

Day Four: Corbett
Today you will travel to Corbett where you will be staying at The Homestead. You will be welcomed by your hosts Bunny and Amu in their sprawling farm bordering the Corbett National Park. Wheat, sugarcane, litchis, mangoes and a variety of other fruits and plants flourish around The Homestead and you can enjoy the day relaxing by the pool, enjoying the spa or getting involved with the activities on the farm.***

Day Five: Corbett
Take a trip to the Jim Corbett National Park, a favourite getaway for explorers and wildlife lovers. The park houses many endangered species such as tigers, chital and sambar. Explore the landscape on a jeep or elephant safari** and keep your camera ready with stunning panoramic views of the Shivalik and the Himalayas.

Day Six: Corbett
Spend the day exploring, take a bullock cart ride* or cycle* around the 150 acres farm. Fishing enthusiasts can take a short trip to a nearby river*. A popular sport with the family, you will have plenty of records to try and break. You may choose to go on another jeep safari** or try an elephant safari** (subject to availability).

Day Seven: Delhi
Drive back to Delhi ready for your flight home.

Your Monuments and National Parks tour includes:
Six nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sightseeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

Special offer
This package is available from Rs. 32,945 total price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

You may want to add on:

3 nights in Jaipur – This means you do a Golden Triangle as well.
2 nights in Nainital for some trekking and mountains
2 nights in Udaipur, 2 nights in Jodhpur and 2 nights in Pali – if you would like to cover a little more of Rajasthan
2 nights in Chandigarh and 2 nights in Amritsar – for Punjabi food and culture. Amritsar has the world famous Golden Temple.

ABOUT:
Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special seven day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

KEY:
*Suggested activities within homestay – on chargeable basis. Will need prior booking.
**Suggested activities or sightseeing in destination – not included in package price. Subject to timings and availability and weather. Mahindra Homestays is not responsible for any changes or uncontrollable factors
***Complimentary activities in the homestays that are part of the package.

Click here to make an online enquiry about this Monuments and National Parks Itinerary
The package can be customized according to your needs and interests. For telephone enquiries please call:

Local call from UK 02031408422
Local call from within India 1800 425 2737
Other destinations call 1800 4252737

Golden Triangle India

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:47:06 +0000

This package is available from Rs. 34,350 total price per person on twin sharing. Prices are valid until March 2013.

Discover some of India’s most famous highlights with your own bespoke itinerary on our fantastic value Golden Triangle India tour.

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur

Enjoy your own private Indian tour and stay in Mahindra Homestays Award Winning pan India network of homestays with this bespoke itinerary. Discover the real India, staying in beautiful family homes where you are assured of a warm welcome and delicious, genuine home cooked cuisine.

Contact us to get the latest offers on this tour and to have it tailored to your requirements

Day Three: Agra
Get an early morning start to Agra and this gives you an opportunity to visit Mathura Krishna Temple** on the way. Lunch at one of the ‘Dhabas’ on the way and reach Agra. Visit the Agra fort** before you end the day. Spend the night at the delightful Garden Villa, where you can enjoy tea in their lovingly maintained garden.

Day Four: Agra
Today spend the early part of the day visiting Fatehpur Sikri** and the iconic Taj Mahal**. Your driver will be available to take you to all the sights you wish to visit. There are some lovely gardens in Agra to see. Retire to your homestay in the evening and let your hosts teach you some local Indian delicacies in your own personal cooking class*** preparing a traditional North Indian meal that you can then enjoy for dinner.

Day Five: Jaipur
Today is an early start to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s famous ‘Pink City’. You will reach Jaipur by late afternoon where you will check into your next homestay, Madhu Pushp Bhawan. This majestic Rajasthani house is full of history and heirlooms, with a large lawn, fountain and pagoda where you can relax. Spend the rest of the day with a walk around the colourful bazaars of Jaipur and the City Palace complex with the delicate Palace of Winds and an interesting medieval observatory**. Evening is free to roam the markets of the old city or see a bollywood movie at the art deco cinema hall of Raj Mandir**.

Day Six: Jaipur
You can start your day with an early morning yoga session***. After breakfast head out to the magnificent Amber Fort** where you can have the experience of traveling on elephant back to the top of the hill where the fort is situated. Spend the afternoon can be spent visiting the battle fort of Jaigarh** and Tiger fort**. Have an evening of entertainment and elaborate dinner at Choki Dhani**.

Day Seven: Delhi
Your driver will return you back to Delhi for your flight back home, hopefully feeling refreshed having discovered true Indian hospitality.

Your Golden Triangle India Tour includes:
Six nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sightseeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR PRICE

This package is available from Rs. 34,350 INR total price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special seven day itinerary to capture the highlights of India’s famous Golden Triangle. Instead of sharing the experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour which can be tailored to suit your requirements. This itinerary offers fantastic value and responsible tourism.

You may want to add on:

2 nights in Udaipur, 2 nights in Jodhpur and 2 nights in Pali – if you would like to cover a little more of Rajasthan
2 nights in Corbett National Park for wildlife
2 nights in Nainital for some trekking and mountains
2 nights in Chandigarh and 2 nights in Amritsar – for Punjabi food and culture. Amritsar has the world famous Golden Temple.

ABOUT:
Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special nine day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

Click here to make an online enquiry about this Golden Triangle Itinerary
The package can be customized according to your needs and interests. For telephone enquiries please call:

Local call from UK 02031408422
Local call from within India 1800 425 2737
Other destinations call 1800 4252737

Beyond the Taj Mahal: 9 Great Things to Do and See That Will Add Extra to Your Agra Trip

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:01:47 +0000

That famous white marble wonder the Taj Mahal has captured the world’s imagination for centuries. But there’s more to Agra than the monument of timeless love and devotion. Here we bring you everything else you need to see and do to make the most of this historical city.

Article Photo Credit: Creative Commons

1. Experience some other architectural delights
Believe it or not, Agra has other stunning buildings to see. Like the Agra Fort for instance. This majestic fort has sixteen palaces, has served as a home to six Mughal Emperors and offers a breathtaking view of the dominant Taj. Also check out Itmad-ud-dualah, known as the ‘Baby Taj’. This look-alike was commissioned by Queen Noor Jahan as a tribute to her father.

2. Have your prayers answered
At Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will not only find the highest gateway in the world, Buland Darwaza (Grand Entrance), but also the Tomb of Salim Chishti. The Sufi Saint’s revered resting place attracts millions of people every year. It is widely believed that all your prayers will be answered here. And when one day they are, you must return to the shrine to perform a small ritual.

3. Capture the colours of the Dhobi Ghat
Carpeted with yards of fabric in more colours than known to man, Agra’s Dhobi Ghat is an unlikely but popular destination. This part of the river, where washer-folk scrub their laundry, attracts photographers as well as filmmakers from all across the world. Locations in and around it were recently seen in Slumdog Millionaire.

4. Eat with your hands
For many years Agra served as a home to the Mughal dynasty. Their influence can be seen in the city’s famous Mughlai cuisine. This rich cuisine has found fame and following all over the world, but this is where it originated. Authentic Mughlai dishes are served in most homes as well as restaurants.

5. Find souvenirs and bargain hard
Indigenous arts and crafts are everywhere in Agra. Jewels, handmade leather goods and fabrics embroidered with ethnic motives are highest on the visitor wish-list. Overpricing is extremely common, so bargain meanly.

6. Ride a rickshaw
The cycle-rickshaw is a quaint inheritance from a vanishing India. Slowly being edged out elsewhere by air-conditioned SUVs, the rickshaw remains an integral part of Agra’s old-world charm. But it’s wise to save this experience for a cool evening.

7. Get a handful of henna
Henna is usually applied on special occasions, but as a visitor you don’t need an excuse to turn your hand into a canvas for henna artists. The art is common all over India, but in Agra you can get a beautiful henna tattoo for a fraction of the price charged in the bigger cities. For a few extra rupees you could even get your arms and feet adorned with intricate designs.

8. Walk through the alleys
By negotiating the narrow alleys in many parts of the city you can sense what Agra was like decades ago. Many houses here are centuries old and historically important in their own right. They are a photographer’s delight.

9. Be strung along
Using music, humor and sound effects, the art of puppetry is still being kept alive in Agra. However, the themes and content of the shows have expanded considerably. Now, politics and Bollywood movies frequently find a place, with delightful spoofs and dramatic retellings. Find details near the city’s top tourist spots.

Mahindra Homestays offers various welcoming family homes to stay in in Agra.

Homestays combine the comfort and distinction of a boutique hotel with the personal hospitality, informality and local knowledge enjoyed when staying with family friends. They offer an insight into the culture, traditions, history and everyday life of an Indian family. What’s more, guests get the chance to enjoy authentic Indian food at its very best – home cooked.

Find out more and book now.

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