How to Plan Your Agra: Old City Food Tour with Local Guide and Tastings

When visiting Agra, most people focus on the main attractions like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, but what about the hidden gems in the city’s markets and streets? If you’re a food lover, then the Old City Food Tour with Local Guide and Tastings is a must-do experience. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to plan your Agra food tour and what to expect on the journey.

Experience

The Old Agra private food and walking tour is a three-hour journey through the city streets. You’ll walk with a knowledgeable tourist facilitator who knows all the best spots for trying out the local cuisine. The tour is limited to six travelers, so you’ll have a more intimate experience.

Highlights

During the tour, you’ll check out local markets and get a taste of daily life in Agra. Some of the highlights of this food trail include:

• A tantalizing array of tastes from sweet to savory
• Famous street foods like pani puris, aloo tikki, dahi bhalla, papdi chaat, pav bhaji, and more

Full Description

The tour starts from Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in Agra, situated in the old market of the city. You’ll walk along the narrow lanes surrounding the mosque, which is a home to a traditional market lined with colorful shops selling spices, garments, jewelry, cosmetics, and street foods. Your food trail will include a variety of stops depending on the availability of local ingredients and cuisines. You’ll taste freshly made chaat, a savory snack made with a mix of potatoes, chickpeas, and spices, garnished with fresh coriander and tamarind chutney. You’ll savor the crispy aloo tikki, a savory potato cutlet served with chutneys and yogurt. You’ll also try pani puri, the king of street food in India, a small crispy hollow shell filled with tangy tamarind water and spiced mashed potatoes. At every stop, your local guide will provide unique insights into the food’s history, cultural significance, and culinary techniques. You’ll learn about the different spices used in local cuisine, and how to choose the best fruits in the local market.

Booking the Tour

To book the Old City Food Tour with Local Guide and Tastings, visit the booking page and select your preferred date and time. The tour costs $18.82 per person, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the activity starts.

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re a foodie visiting Agra, then the Old City Food Tour with Local Guide and Tastings is an experience you shouldn’t miss. You’ll taste some of the best street foods in the city, learn about the history of local cuisine, and get to know the city’s hidden gems. With a maximum of six travelers, you’ll have a more personalized and intimate experience. So book your tour, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

Frequently Asked Questions About Agra

1. What is Agra?

Agra is a city located in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna and is famous for being the home of the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world.

2. How do I get to Agra?

The best way to reach Agra is by air, as it has a well-connected airport with several domestic and international flights. You can also get to Agra by train, as it has several railway stations that connect it to all major cities in India. Additionally, there are several bus services that connect Agra to nearby cities.

3. What are some famous places to visit in Agra?

Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra has several other famous places to visit. Some of them include:

• Agra Fort
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Akbar’s Tomb
• Moti Masjid
• Mehtab Bagh
• Jama Masjid

4. What is the best time to visit Agra?

The best time to visit Agra is between November and March, as the weather during this time is pleasant and comfortable. The temperature during these months ranges between 10°C to 25°C, and there is minimal rainfall.

5. What is the entry fee for Taj Mahal?

The entry fee for the Taj Mahal varies for Indian and foreign tourists. For Indian tourists, the entry fee is INR 50, and for foreign tourists, it is INR 1100. Additionally, there are separate fees for visiting other parts of the Taj Mahal such as the main mausoleum, the mosque, and the guesthouse.

6. What is the dress code for visiting Taj Mahal?

There is no strict dress code for visiting the Taj Mahal, but it is recommended to dress conservatively and avoid shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops. Additionally, visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering the main mausoleum.

7. Can I take photographs at the Taj Mahal?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs at the Taj Mahal, but there are certain restrictions. For instance, photography is not allowed inside the main mausoleum, and visitors are not allowed to carry tripods, selfie sticks, or drones.

8. Is it safe to travel to Agra?

Agra is generally a safe city to travel to, but like any other city, it is important to take precautions and stay alert. Some tips to ensure your safety include avoiding lonely and poorly lit areas at night, staying away from touts and scams, and keeping your valuables safe.

9. What is the local cuisine of Agra?

Agra is famous for its Mughlai cuisine, which is a blend of Indian and Persian flavors. Some famous dishes to try in Agra include:

• Tandoori chicken
• Mughlai biryani
• Mutton korma
• Paneer tikka
• Dal makhani
• Petha (a sweet made from pumpkin)

10. What are some popular souvenirs to buy in Agra?

Some popular souvenirs to buy in Agra include:

• Taj Mahal replicas
• Marble figurines and sculptures
• Leather goods such as bags and shoes
• Handmade carpets and rugs
• Embroidered textiles and fabrics
• Spices and dry fruits

Book Your Tour Now

Agra is a city that is steeped in history, culture, and tradition. It is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or a shopaholic, there is something for everyone in Agra. So, plan a trip to Agra and experience the magic of this beautiful city for yourself.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Agra

If you are planning a trip to India, then one of the must-visit destinations is Agra. Agra is home to the famous Taj Mahal, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Apart from the Taj Mahal, there are several other places to visit in Agra that provide a glimpse into India’s rich culture and historical heritage. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to spend your time as a tourist in Agra.

Visit the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the most popular tourist attraction in Agra. It is a white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel and a symbol of love that attracts millions of visitors every year. You can visit the Taj Mahal from sunrise to sunset, except on Fridays. The ticket price for foreigners is INR 1300 per person, and for Indian nationals, it is INR 50 per person. To avoid long queues, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance online. You can spend up to three hours sightseeing at the Taj Mahal and take beautiful pictures. You can also take a guided tour that provides interesting insights into the history and architecture of the monument.

Explore Agra Fort

Agra Fort is another famous tourist destination in Agra that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a massive fort made of red sandstone and was the residence of the Mughal Emperors until 1638 when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The fort complex includes several beautiful palaces such as Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal, and Diwan-i-Khas. The fort’s architecture is a fusion of Hindu and Mughal styles, providing an insight into the rich cultural heritage of India. The fort is open from sunrise to sunset, and the ticket price for foreigners is INR 600 per person, and for Indian nationals, it is INR 40 per person. You can spend up to two hours exploring the fort and admiring the beautiful architecture.

Visit Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a small town located 40 km west of Agra and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and served as the Mughal capital for 14 years before being abandoned due to water scarcity. Fatehpur Sikri is a beautiful complex of palaces, mosques, and gardens and is an excellent example of Mughal architecture. The complex is open from sunrise to sunset, and the ticket price for foreigners is INR 610 per person, and for Indian nationals, it is INR 40 per person. You can spend up to two hours exploring the complex and admiring the beautiful architecture.

Visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula is also known as the Baby Taj because of its resemblance to the Taj Mahal. It was built by Empress Noor Jahan in memory of her father, who was a high-ranking official in the Mughal court. The tomb is made of white marble and is beautifully adorned with intricate carvings and inlaid work. The tomb is open from sunrise to sunset, and the ticket price for foreigners is INR 310 per person, and for Indian nationals, it is INR 10 per person. You can spend up to one hour exploring the tomb and admiring the beautiful architecture.

Explore the Local Markets

Exploring the local markets in Agra is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture and heritage. You can visit the Kinari Bazaar, which is famous for its silk sarees and textiles, or the Sadar Bazaar, where you can find leather goods, spices, and handicrafts. You can also visit the famous Marble Emporiums, where you can buy beautifully crafted marble souvenirs.

Try the Local Cuisine

The local cuisine of Agra is a blend of Mughlai and Punjabi dishes that are rich in flavors and spices. You can try the famous street food such as chaat, samosas, and kachoris that are available in almost every corner of the city. You can also try the famous Mughlai dishes such as biryani, kebabs, and tandoori chicken at the local restaurants.

Book Your Tour Now

Agra is a city rich in culture and heritage and has several attractions that provide a glimpse into India’s history. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula are some of the must-visit destinations in Agra. Exploring the local markets and trying the local cuisine is also an excellent way to immerse oneself in the local culture. We hope this guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Agra has been helpful to you.