I will want to make a side trip to Agra? Whats the best way to get there?

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Master Quark

I've been thinking about this answer...

FORGET ABOUT ALL I SAY BELOW EXCEPT WHAT TO SEE:

Arrange a nice tour to Agra on a new AC Volvo bus..see some of the links mentioned by the other answerers or see if Ascot can arrange something for you.....(be sure you get at least 2-3 hours at Thaj and about the same at Red Fort.you might actually need more time at the Fort to se it all....)
After you have been kicking around India a while consider some of my suggestions below..I assume you going to be studying a while in Delhi based on one of your previous questions!

A day trip to Agra is all that is necessary. You can stay longer but anything past 2 or 3 days is really overkill. Check you travel guide or hosts for a hotel (rooms go for 50RP a day to many thousands of RP per day).

DO NOT HIRE A TAXI THOSE ROADS ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND IF NOT USED TO OR BEING DRIVEN IN INDIA YOU WILL ARRIVE IN AGRA A NERVOUS WRECK and pay 10-20 RP per KM round trip..It's not worth it. Many years ago i would sometimes hire taxis from town to town but I have seen so much carnage on the roads i will olny take a Bus now....and only if I can't find a train.

The hospital can arrange railroad tickets or book the train yourself at The New Delhi Railroad Station near Connaught Place in the Tourist Bureau on on the 2nd floor. They take RP and dollars, if you have dollars the line if often much shorter than the RP line. Arrange or go at least 3-5 days before planning to leave for Agra (the sooner the better). This is a very popular route and can be booked days in advance. (be sure you have your passport on you in case you need to get on the tourist Quota, in which case you may have to go in person.

Today you can also book online with a major credit card just go to htpp://www.indianrail.gov.in/ or try www.irctc.co.in )

The best train to take is the Shatadbi Express Train # 2002 'The New Delhi Bhopal Shatabdi Express' leaving New Delhi at 6:00 am and arriving Agra around 8:00 (this train gives you the most time in Agra.

It Departs Agra around 20:00 TRAIN #2001 ''Bhopal New Dehli Shatabdi Express' (get used to military time its all they use in India (8pm) check when you buy your ticket schedules change. If you are a budget traveler try not to stay in Agra it is not a nice place and many westerners get sick there. There is no reason to hang around Agra!

One note of caution since this train attracts allot of wealthy westerners it also attracts rip off artist and scam artists. You do not have to worry, just don't let anyone push or shove you (that's a pickpocket for sure) and be alert. Keep an eye on your belongings at the stations. I use the chain that I use on the train for overnights and actually lock my luggage together on the platform. Then I just forget about it. Nobody going to drag away 3 or 4 bags!

Another great trick is to get down at the station right before the main station..(one before Agra Cantonment) ask the Indians they will know. This way you can avoid all the hawkers and rickshaw wallas that are going to MOB YOU if you get off at the Agra Cantonment? station (it's literally the worst station anywhere in India. You will not believe the mob trying to sell you something..It can put you off India. ...If you do what I suggest just get off train and get a short Rickshaw ride into Agra (a few Kilometers). Ask Please this is an expess train and might not stop at the station I get off at.

PLACES TO VISIT AGRA
Thaj Mahal
Red Fort (better than the Red Fort in Delhi) over 10 Palaces inside
Skip Kanari Bazaar? (I used to hang out there in the 1980s but there are many much nicer Bazaars in Delhi..Chandi Chowk for one.

Try to arrange a guided tour of the Red Fort many wonderful stories within those walls....or do what I do..I find a tour in English and just join them (and I always slip the Indian guide something at the end of the tour). The more interesting the more Rupees!

Then get out....Agra is polluted beyond belief (the sky is yellow from the sulfur and breathing can be strained) and it's dirty and the animals can be aggressive. Who needs to get a rabies shot.
Oh you are a doctor get Rabies in the West?

I love India (I must, I've been going since 1986 but Agra is a bit of a anomaly. It's really too bad there most famous monument sits in this hell hole. There is a reason Agra is the way it is be I'll not get into this in a public forum. E-mail me if you are curious!

Master Quark

BigK1118

Umm air plane.

Radhey Shyam Juneja

If u r traveling by car DO NOT go from Bareilly Badaun highway. Go via Delhi Highway. If u r taking a train travel to Agra Cant and then stay in a hotel there. Do Not take a train to Mathura. The best way is air India travel. Take a flight from Delhi to Agra. Enjoy ur journey!!! Do remember to visit Taj Mahal for sure with ur spouse. Remember NOT to carry any cameras, mobile phone or Arms and Ammunition inside the Taj Mahal premises.

crazy s

Well most modes of travel will take you there.

It is true. A car, a plane, a train, an elephant (it might cost you) a camel cart and a donkey cart. A taxi or rickshaw.

How about hitch hiking? Even a bullock cart will take you there. You do not believe me? You know nothing about india.

It is a wonderful country.

sÎµÎ±n

The Delhi Agra flight is a short flight of 40 minutes
(but unfortunately i could find no connections in web sites)

Agra is conveniently connected to Delhi by railway lines. Many trains connect Delhi and Agra, including luxury trains such as the Palace on Wheels
http://www.thepalaceonwheels.com
- but it's not 4 short distance travel, i guess
- train connections will post later

There is an excellent national highway connecting Delhi and Agra (204 kms). You can drive down from Delhi in luxury taxi's, coaches or buses and arrive in Agra in a about 4 hours
http://india.makemytrip.com/Car-rentals-in-India/Car_Search.aspx

I suggest the private cab, u can plan as per u'r convenience
being intercity, i'll suggest a wagon type of vehicle (landrover) called tata sumo - commonly used by tour operators & travel agents.
http://india.makemytrip.com/Car-rentals-in-India/Car_Listing.aspx?days=

Ecstacy

Donkey Cart

Beetle bug

there are no flitghts to Agra. Agra airport has been closed for scheduled traffic for the past six years. the best option will be take the Bhopal Shatabdi Express (fully Aircon seating) train from new delhi leaving at 6.15 AM and reaching Agra 8.15 AM or Taj Express from Nizamuddin (dep 0715 hrs). You can return by the same trains by the evening. You can book online at www.irctc.co.in

anika1963

Fly Air India

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