श्रीनगर 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.

Nestled beautifully in the heart of Kashmir Valley, Srinagar is the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. This enchanting city is situated on the banks of the river Jhelum. The city is famous for its serene lakes, colorful houseboats, romantic shikara rides, vibrant Mughal Gardens, beautiful landscapes, apple orchards, a wide range of flora, snow-capped mountains, and hospitable locals. Srinagar is a perfect pick for adventure enthusiasts and nature admirers. It's a destination perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

April to October is the best time to visit, offering mild weather for sightseeing and exploring the region's natural beauty. The summer season is considered to be the perfect time to visit this 'paradise on earth,' as the weather remains cool and you will get mesmerizing views of the city's beauty.

There is no dearth of places to visit in Srinagar. While on your trip, go for a shikara ride or stay in a houseboat on the Dal Lake to witness beautiful landscapes. Visit the magnificent Mughal Gardens namely Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Garden, and Chashma Shahi to get a sight of Mughal creativity and a wide range of flora. Dal Lake, Hazratbal Shrine, and Shankaracharya Temple are must-see attractions. Head to Manasbal Lake if you love hiking. Other notable attractions include Hazratbal, Jama Masjid, Pari Mahal, Nehru Garden, and Shankaracharya Temple. Adventure-seekers can go for paragliding to enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. This city is truly a shopper's paradise. Visit the local markets like Lal Chowk and Raghunath Bazar to buy Pashmina shawls, silk carpets, chain-stitch rugs, dry fruits, and silver jewelry.

While on your trip to Srinagar, you must relish the mouth-watering local delicacies. Rogan-gosht, Seekh-tuji, Kashmiri Pulao, and Gushtaba are some local dishes you should not miss. Mughal Durbar, Shamyana Restaurant, and Ahdoos Hotel are some recommended places to enjoy lip-smacking dishes. Srinagar offers all kinds of accommodation options for stay.

Srinagar offers a variety of transport options to explore its scenic beauty and historical sites. Whether you're visiting Dal Lake, Gulmarg, or Pahalgam, here's a quick guide to getting around:

• Taxis & Private Cabs: Pre-paid taxis are available at Srinagar Airport (SXR), perfect for exploring the city or nearby destinations like Gulmarg. Private cabs offer comfort and flexibility for day trips. Tip: Confirm fares in advance to avoid surprises.
• Auto-Rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are ideal for short trips within Srinagar, including visits to Shankaracharya Temple and Hazratbal Shrine. Tip: Always negotiate the fare before starting the ride.
• Shikara Rides: A must-do in Srinagar! Enjoy a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, offering a peaceful way to explore floating markets and houseboats. Tip: Go for a full-day Shikara tour for the best experience.
• Buses: Srinagar's local buses are an affordable way to travel across the city. They also connect to nearby towns like Jammu. Tip: Buses are economical but slower than taxis.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Kashmir at your own pace. It's perfect for trips to Gulmarg or Pahalgam.