If you are planning to visit the world's most beautiful building, the Taj Mahal, it will definitely not disappoint you but the crowds you will encounter will certainly not add to your overall experience. The best way to avoid the worst of the queues, crowds and Agra's horrendous traffic is to stay there overnight. This way you can arrive at the Taj early (it opens at 6.00) and miss the tour parties which generally start to arrive at around 9.00. Staying in Agra also means you have the possibility (if you plan it right) of seeing the Taj in the moonlight. From 8.30 to 12.30 am groups of fifty people are allowed into the grounds (not the building) for up to half an hour.

Staying in Agra will also give you more time to visit Aga's other important sites. Apart from the Red Fort and Akbar's tomb another site not to be missed is the Itimad-Ud-Daulah or the 'baby Taj' as it is known. This tomb of Mizra Ghiyas Beg who was Shah Jahan's chief minister is an exquisite building that contains many of the design features that were later incorporated into the Taj. The gardens of the Taj are also very beautiful so take the time to wander around them, take photos from more original angles, and find a bench and sit and contemplate what wonders love can create!

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In Agra, the Shanti Lodge was ideal. It was close to the Taj and had a rooftop restaurant which had superb views of the Taj.

Staff were efficient and friendly, rooms were clean. We paid R500 for a double room with air con and ensuite.

Shanti Lodge
Chowk Kagjiyan
South Gate, Taj Mahal
Agra -282 001
09837540428
shantilodge2000@yahoo.co.in

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An older version of the Taj Mahal, on the other side of the Yamuna river. It's made of brown stone and marble, and is about 100 years older.

When we went, there were only three other visitors - all Indian. Not in such perfect condition, but lovely gardens and very peaceful with beautiful views over the river. Properly, it is the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, but every taxi driver will know it as Baby Taj.

www.bizagra.com

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Excellent reasonably priced Indian homestay. Colonel Lamba is a nice old Sikh fella who along with his family runs the hotel/home. Pick ups from the train station are on the house and the rooms are really clean, ensuite, air-con and have cable TV. Rs550 for a double room and excellent homecooked meals available for Rs250/night and well worth it!

Gulhomar Enclave, off Shamshabad Road, Agra

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