History of Taj Mahal
Reaching Taj Mahal By Air
Domestic aircarrier, Indian Airlines runs daily flights connecting Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and the holy city of Varanasi. Kheria Airport is about 6 km from the Agra city centre and can be reached by taxis and auto-rickshaws at fixed rates, Rs 75 for the former and Rs 50 for the latter.
Indian Airlines has two offices :
-- Hotel Clarks Shiraz, Taj Road, Agra.
-- Kheria Airport.
Reaching Taj Mahal By Rail
Agra is well connected by excellent train services to Delhi such as the Shatabdi Express (2 hrs), Taj Express (2.5 hrs), Intercity Express (3 hrs).
Railway Stations :
-- Agra Cantt Rly Stn, Enquiry: 131, 133. Reservation: 364611
-- Raja-ki-Mundi Rly Stn, Contact: 354477
-- Agra Fort Rly Stn, enbquiry: 132, 135 Reservation: 364131
-- Tundla Rly Stn on Ferozabad Rd (for changing trains) 05611-22631
Reaching Taj Mahal By Road
Express bus services (a/c and non-a/c) are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, and Jhansi. For those driving to Agra, the distances are :
-- Mathura - 58 kms.
-- Bharatpur - 60 kms.
-- Gwalior - 118 kms.
-- Delhi - 203 kms.
-- Jaipur - 236 kms.
-- Khajuraho - 393 kms.
Taj Mahal Tours
Conducted sightseeing tours to all these places leave daily at 10.00 am from the Agra Cantt. Railway Station. Tickets are available at the station or can be booked in advance at the Northern Railway Reservation Office. The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Mondays.
Local Transport around Taj Mahal
Most hotels conduct sightseeing tours. Auto-rickshaws, tongas, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis are available, rates negotiable, depending on distance as they have no meter. Inter-city buses also operate on a point-to-point basis at fixed rates. Both A/C and non A/C Coaches and Tourist taxis can be hired at Agra for local sightseeing.
