India

Agra Tuk-tuk Tour: Old City Bazaars, Mehtab Bagh, and Itmad-ud-daula (Taj Mahal Experience)

Can you think of a better way to tour the mazelike marketplaces and bazaars in Agra than a local guide? Instead of an impersonal visit on a bus, riding in an electric tuk-tuk that you truly experience the true sights and sounds, smells and tastes of India in an up close and personal way.

By Vikas Agarwal
tuk tuk tour agra bazaars
Tourist, with her camera ready, enjoying the tuk-tuk tour through the streets of Agra

 
Agra Tuk-tuk Tour

More Information on These Vehicles
Information About the Four Hour Tuk-tuk Tour Adventure
Enjoy a Unique Local Dessert Called Petha
Take the Tuk-tuk Across the Wide Yamuna River
The Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb (Baby Taj Mahal)
Enjoy a Sunset View of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh


 

While staying in Agra on your Asian adventure holiday, you will receive personal treatment from a skilled guide who is ready to take you via tuk-tuk from the front door of your hotel to many interesting things that Agra has to offer.

 

More Information on These Vehicles

A popular form of transportation in this region of India, the tuk-tuk is also called a motorized rickshaw. They are powered with electricity stored in a battery, which makes them very environmentally conscious. You will ride in relative comfort without windows or walls to get in the way of your experience of Agra markets.

The tour in a tuk-tuk will bring you to the historic area of Havelis in Agra, which is where the celebrated poet Mirza Ghalib was born. Drive down the streets where Ayurvedic doctors apply their trade, and then continue on to the aromatic spice bazaars and the popular Kinari market. On every side you will see everyday life in India with all its colorful bustle and unique charm. You can learn about arts and crafts, the local culture, and the type of fresh ingredients the locals use in their dishes. The ride lasts for hours long.

The streets are not suitable for cars and buses, so electric tuk-tuks are the best way to see it all without tiring out your feet. Some roads are narrow and most are filled with people going about their daily business. Inside the four hour tour, your guide will stop at various locations so you can shop for souvenirs, tasty treats, and take some photographs for your travel scrapbook.

Finally, the rickshaw tour comes to a close at the Mehtab Bagh. Enjoy a few of the famous Taj Mahal across the water. From here, take the car back to your hotel to rest after your Agra adventure.

 

7 rickshaw

A Kinari Bazaar pedicab can carry quite a load. © Don Mammoser/ Shutterstock


 

Information About the Four Hour Tuk-tuk Tour Adventure

While there are many sites of interest in Agra, many of the best experiences you can have is by immersing yourself in daily life with locals going about their business around you. This old city is best seen by electric rickshaw or tuk-tuk or on a walking tour. Many markets and buildings you see have been the same for dozens of years, so visiting them is like a step back in history cleverly mixed with the modern world.

Agra stood as India’s capital way back in history during the Mughal era. Today, it remains an important city in the area and is well known for its shopping and business. With a local person to guide you, you can be sure you will not miss out on Havelis, which is in an older section of the city with unique historical architecture. The tour continues in the bustling center of town.

Let the spices like red chili tickle your nose as you gaze at the bright colors on every shopfront and listen to the busy drone of vendors and shoppers haggling over the best prices. These down narrow pathways to visits the popular Johri Bazaar where artisans who craft jewelry set up shop. You will get an excellent view of goldsmiths hammering out delicate charms and other artists stringing beads and placing stones. It is interesting to note that the narrowness of the road was an intentional design choice as it makes it more difficult to feel things and get away with it. Another excursion takes you to the Jama Masjid, a mosque which was built by Emperor Shahjahan during the Mogul era.

 

5 marble shop

A young man sells popular marble inlay work in a souvenir shop in the Taj Ganj area of Agra. © Don Mammoser / Shutterstock


Another stop of interest on your tuk-tuk tour is the Gokulpura bazaar, which is well known for various handcrafted items like marble inlay knickknacks and other items. By yourself a set of coasters, plates, or a pretty vase. They even sell small replicas of the Taj Mahal for tourists.
2 spices market

Agra marketplaces offer many unique spices and grains to cook the local cuisine. © Don Mammoser / Shutterstock


6 making popcon

A vendor at the Kinari Bazaar in Agra Pops and sells fresh popcorn. © Don Mammoser / Shutterstock


4 local market

The Agra bazaars are colorful, busy places that sell everything from T-shirts to fruit. © Don Mammoser / Shutterstock


 

Enjoy a Unique Local Dessert Called Petha

Dip your spoon into true culture and cuisine of Agra when you sample Petha, a unique local dish made from pumpkin. Although its ingredients may seem common, it tastes like sweet gelatin in pineapple, strawberry, chocolate, or even unique Betal leaf flavor. It’s a very far cry from American pumpkin pie. Most marketplaces in Agra contain a shop selling Petha. You may want to try all the flavors or even take some home with you to enjoy later. It is a great way to refresh yourself and regain some energy during your tour.

Your tuk-tuk driver and guide will be sure to bring you to a market called Seth Gali, which is renowned for its delicious snacks and desserts. People who live in the city come from all over to share a snack and some friendly conversation. Feel like something salty instead of something sweet? Food stalls and tables filled with all sorts of delicious to-go dishes surround you at this busy market in Agra.

1 sweet shop

Agra marketplaces sell a variety of delicious treats. © JAGDEV-SINGH / Shutterstock


8 tuk tuk

A tuk-tuk driver travels through the busy Agra, India city streets. This city lies in northern Uttar Pradesh state near the Yamuna River.© Zangrilli Andrea / Shutterstock


 

Take the Tuk-tuk Across the Wide Yamuna River

The Yamuna River Bridge represents the final stretch of your journey and an excellent opportunity to look at the natural features of the city and the people who utilize the. Families and workers alike come down to the waterway to wash, fish, and enjoy themselves. Pause to take in the sights of the busy locals going about their everyday lives on the banks and in the water of Agra’s central natural feature.

3 dhobi ghat

A glimpse of the Yamuna River in Agra can give you a view of busy Dhobis cleaning cloth and trying them on the sandbanks. © diy13 / Shutterstock


 

The Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb (Baby Taj Mahal)

Agra is not all marketplaces and bazaars, however. Your guided tour will lead you to the amazing architecture of what some call the Baby Taj Mahal. This tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah resembles the more popular structure in many ways including the long pool of water, the corner towers, and the overall symmetry of the property. It stands above the Yamuna River and offers a convenient and restful spot to sit a while and enjoy the view. After the hustle and bustle of the market streets, you may enjoy the gardens and scattered spots of shade. Entry onto the grounds costs a few dollars and camera tripods are not allowed.

11 baby taj mahal

The glorious architecture of Itimad-ud-Daulah, or Baby Taj, in Agra, India. © Avigator Fortuner 887 / Shutterstock


 

Enjoy a Sunset View of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh

The part of Mehtab Bagh is a popular place to stroll on the opposite side of Agra’s main river. Amid decorative rows of hedges and trees, you will find the perfect spot to view the famous Taj Mahal. As the sun sets behind you, you may find the perfect photo opportunity as the Taj Mahal is lit up with a colorful sky. Your view will be unobstructed, as most tourists crowd to see this historical spot from the other direction. The Mehtab Bagh gives you plenty of space to explore in comfort and peace.

Finally, it is time to bid farewell to your friendly guide and the unique electric rickshaw vehicle you spent the last few hours in. Consider taking a fun selfie with the driver so you can remember your fun experience forever. A car and driver will pick you up and take you back to your hotel for dinner and relaxation.

11 baby taj mahal

Taj Mahal as seen from the opposite side of the Yumana River in Mehtab Bagh park in Agra,, India © Marco Taliani de Marchio / Shutterstock


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