Agra to Hyderabad Flights

  About Agra

House to UNESCO's three World Heritage sites namely, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri, Agra to tourists is what flame is to moths. The illustrious history and culture of the city topped with tourist attractions make Agra fascinating. Located in Uttar Pradesh, the city is close to 200 km away from Delhi. However, thanks to the Yamuna Expressway and excellent domestic routes to Agra, the connectivity is excellent.

While the famous attractions of Agra do tell a fascinating tale, the architecture and cultural relevance further make the city alluring. From towering tombs to gorgeous mausoleums, the city of Agra places a perfect host to travellers who would like to indulge in their rich history. Not to mention how the legacy of the Mughal empire further adds more charm to the city's structures and backstory.

Places to see in Agra

The Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort easily become the two main tourist attractions in Agra . People flock over from various parts of the country and even the world to marvel at the sight of the gorgeous marble grave. At the same time, watching the Yamuna river flow in the backdrop of the red Agra Fort is another visual treat.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is the main highlight of Agra and has a humongous footfall of travellers daily. The crowd can get pretty tricky to handle sometimes, and hence, it is best to either book a tour in advance or to reach the ticketing booth early. The monument is closed on Fridays so best not to make a travel plan on the said day.

The structure is basically a mausoleum built with pristine white marble back in the 17th century. Originally a grave made in the loving memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan went ahead to bless Agra with the Taj Mahal. The architectural masterpiece with its well-maintained tombs and Indo-Islamic relevance has given it a world heritage stature. There are several stories of the Taj Mahal that make it one of the most intriguing structures in the country.

It is believed that the Mughal emperor ordered to cut away the arms of all the labourers who worked to erect the monument. Fearing that someone might emulate the beautiful structure and betray the emperor himself led Shah Jahan to take up this step.

Not just the mausoleum but even the surrounding gardens and complex altogether, are ornamental to the luxe of the Taj Mahal. The grounds of Taj Mahal certainly are charming and soothing to the eyes of a tourist. However, there are some strict rules and regulations that tourists need to follow to enter the monument, though. Since it is one of the major attractions of the city and the country, governmental interference is prevalent as phones, and other such devices are not allowed in the vicinity.

Agra Fort

Another pristine structure on the lands of Agra is the famous Agra Fort. Even though the layout of the fort is quite similar to the Red Fort in Delhi, the way it has been maintained sets the two structures apart. Constructed out of red sandstones, the Agra Fort is a landmark and the other tourist attraction of the city. Originally built by Emperor Akbar, the structure is more than 500 years old. Thanks to its historical value and the impeccable designs, the Agra Fort has gained quite a lot of momentum in the travel industry.

Tourists love to visit the Agra Fort and get a view of the white mausoleum of the Taj Mahal from the direction. The fort also has a veranda and lush gardens that have been maintained well by the authorities. Usually, tour packages come with the Taj Mahal as well as Agra Fort as tourists often head to both the monuments. However, if you wish to visit one of the structures, the cost of the ticket will change accordingly.

Things to do in Agra

The Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort might be the highlights of the city, but there is an abundance of lovely gardens and temples that you can pay a visit to. Mehtab Bagh, located bang opposite the Taj Mahal, gives a serene view of the monument sans the crowd. Plus, the Yamuna river adds a certain charm to the botanical garden's setting. You can explore more of this garden and even head to Ram Bagh and Soami Bagh to relish the landscapes. Perhaps pack a picnic for yourself and your family while you're in Agra.

There are a plethora of historical structures that have been erected in the city of Agra which you should certainly not miss. Right from Mariam's tomb to Jama Masjid, the innumerable contribution the city's structures have towards architecture makes it worth exploring. Since Agra was the capital of India during the Mughal era, much of the city's charm is actually very Indo-Islam.

During the months of February-March, a carnival takes place called Taj Mahotsav. Basically, the 10-day cultural festival celebrates art with enthusiasts flicking over from various parts of the country and even the world. If you do plan your trip around this time, you should engage one of your days to attend the festival. A special Taj Nature's Walk also takes place where you are taken through a tour of the Eastern-wing of the Taj Mahal. The garden with small waterworks makes for a delightful expedition.

Food and restaurants in Agra

Chaat lovers would be in for a treat, and Agra is a haven for those who can't get enough of street Chaat. You will find various kinds of eccentric and delicious Chaat variety at some of the restaurants and even streets. Typical items such as Aloo Tikki, Paneer Tikka, Gol Gappa, samosas, kachori, etc. can be found in all the food joints in Agra. In fact, sweet jalebis and spicy berahis are also part of the Agra food palette that you should explore.

Agra also has varied cuisine ranging from Chinese to Mughlai. Some of the best restaurants are Gulshan Highest, Joney's Place, Silk Route Restaurant and Nice Point Restaurant. These food joints are located in the prime spaces of Agra, making it easy for tourists to pick them for their gastronomical desires.

How to reach Agra (Transportation)

By Air

The closest airport to Agra is the Delhi airport. From the Indira Gandhi International Airport located in Delhi, you can head straight to the railway station or the national highway connecting Agra and Delhi. Here you will find a variety of options to travel to the city of Taj Mahal. You can either make prior bookings to tour Agra, or you can reach the city and then make bookings too. Prior hotel bookings in Agra would be helpful to you.

By Rail

Thanks to the Taj Mahal and other historic structures erected in the lovely city of Agra, the connectivity is also top-notch. Agra falls on the mainline for railways with routes such as Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai connecting with the city. In fact, there are dedicated trains stopping at Agra from significant cities with close to 20 trains coming from Delhi. All the trains usually stop at Agra Cantt and Agra Fort Station.

From Delhi aside from the usual trains, a special Taj Mahal express also departs and is promoted explicitly for tourism. This express train stops at Raja Ki Mandi station. Usually, the station is rather simple and quiet with hardly any bustling. However, come Taj Mahal express and the station springs to life with tourists making their way out to see the monument. There's a luxury train arriving from Rajasthan which has a stop at Agra. Going by the name Palace on Wheels, the train stops at Agra as part of its 8-day itinerary to cover fancy destinations in Rajasthan and Agra.

The good thing about Agra is you will find organized tours at the station itself. It is essential to make your bookings in advance if you are travelling during peak season. Travellers from Delhi can complete their Agra trip within a day. There are provisions of tours that begin from the capital so you can head out early in the morning and return by sunset. Since many domestic routes are connecting Agra to metro cities, travelling here is extremely relaxed.

By Road

Travellers picking bus as their mode of transport should get down either at Idgah Bus Stand or ISBT. The two stops mentioned are 8 km and 12 km away from the Taj Mahal, respectively. Buses are considered to be ideal options as the travel time is not tremendous. You'll spend close to 5 hours on the bus before reaching Agra.

If you're travelling from Delhi by private vehicle, you should take up the Yamuna Expressway as it connects the capital to Agra. Thanks to the brilliance of the expressway, you will actually be able to reach Agra in a decent two-hour transit. There is a toll to enter Agra, so ensure to keep some change handy. An Agra-Lucknow Expressway has also been built to reduce the travel time for travellers and enable a smooth transit. This drive would take approximately 3 hours.

  About Hyderabad

Hyderabad, in Andhra Pradesh, is a city that flourished during the rule of the Nizams is a place that you must visit. While it is popular for the monuments and palaces that it boasts of, it also became popular for the increasing craze of cinema and the creative liberty that the artists took to create masterpieces. It is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, both. Hyderabadi is also known for introducing the best Biryanis to the world.

Though Hyderabad has flourished and developed a lot, it has also maintained some of its old charms to keep history alive. The Charminar, which literally translates to four minarets, is a major tourist attraction in Hyderabad. You must also visit the Ramoji Film City, which is a little further away from the main city but it is totally worth it. Not only will you get to visit the magnificent film sets but you will also come across a lot of stories about the place. If you're lucky, you might even run into your favourite actor.

Hyderabadi food tends to be more on the spicier side, and if your taste buds can handle it, you'll want to pack some of it and take it back home. Apart from the monuments and palaces, Hyderabad also has a spot for all you shopaholics. It is known for its pearl jewellery. You get the best pearl and silver jewellery in the city and at an affordable price, too. The city is also popular for the Karachi Bakery, where you get the most delicious cookies, biscuits and other snacks. There's one near the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, too. Make sure you stop by to take home some delicious snacks for your family and friends.

Hyderabad also has quite a lot of clubs, fancy restaurants and malls for the youngsters. You'll find a lot of upcoming new cafes and coffee breweries in the city, too. The city has a blend of old and new traditions. The Golconda Fort is a popular tourist attraction in Hyderabad. It is one of India's many architectural wonders and is built on a 400-feet high granite hill. There is a particular location below the entrance dome under which, if you clap, it will be heard a kilometre away at a pavilion. This is one of the major accomplishments of the fort, and this was made so a message could be delivered to the royals in advance, in case there was an impending attack. It was built in the 12th century and is a highly recommended place to visit.

The Chowmahalla Palace was built in the 18th century, and it spells grandeur. Spot the Belgian crystal chandeliers and white marble floors that will make you want to redecorate your own house. The Hussain Sagar Lake is an artificial lake that used to be Hyderabad's water supply before two more lakes were built. A statue of Buddha is lit up at night and stands tall in the middle of the lake. You can go boating here and soak in the serene view. The sunset is breathtaking from the lake.

The Ramoji Film City is the world's biggest film studio complex and welcomes tourists from all over the country. You can even book a hotel within the complex since it is quite far away from the city. You can opt for a tour guide who will show you around the city or one of the tour buses that have a group of tourists to get around the complex. If you are lucky, you might even come across your favourite celebrity in the film complex.

Best Time to Visit Hyderabad

Hyderabad witnesses winters from November to February. The temperature drops down to 13 degrees Celsius and goes up to 25 degree Celsius maximum. Winters are quite chilly and are also ideal for sightseeing in the city. This is also the best time for you to go shopping and there are chances that the markets will be crowded since it's the peak season for the city.

It rains in Hyderabad from August to October. It gets rainfall that's moderate to heavy, which works really well since the city becomes greener. The rains are quite unpredictable, and it might make you sit in your hotel room instead of venturing out. But you can head out when the rainfall is mediocre.

Hyderabad sees a long summer that starts from March and lasts till July. May and July witness the highest temperatures that also brings in humidity. Summer is not a very favourable time for you to plan your trip to Hyderabad, but you can visit the city during winter or the initial days of monsoon.

Places to visit in Hyderabad

The Golconda Fort is one of the oldest and an important place to visit in Hyderabad. Ruins of the fort are worth visiting. It gives you a sneak peek into the history, and you'll even come across a few untold stories. Charminar is yet another monument that is deemed important and is buzzing with tourists all year round.

Ramoji Film City is also one of the most popular destinations in Hyderabad. It is the world's biggest film studios complex, and it even says so in the Guinness World Book of Records. Since Ramoji Film City is quite far from the city, you should dedicate an entire day to exploring the film studio complex. You can book an accommodation stay or within the complex to avoid hectic travelling.

The Hussain Sagar Lake is another major attraction and best way to spend the evening. Catch the sunset at the manmade lake and grab your favourite chaat at the stalls around the lake. Chowmahalla Palace is another place you must visit to experience the grandiose and luxe of palace life.

Things to do in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a city for all kinds of tourists. You can go on a historical tour to all the monuments, forts and museums or you can go partying at some of the most happening places. Or just make a list of restaurants that are popular in the city and eat at all of them. Book a tour to the Ramoji Film City instead of trying to take things in your own hands. It will be more comfortable, and you won't feel all lost when you reach the location on your own. Not to mention, a tour guide always has interesting, untold stories to tell while taking you on tour. Go for a drive at the Queen's Necklace in the evening, and you won't regret it. It will be an evening well spent.

You can also visit the NTR Gardens which was made as a tribute to former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and celebrated actor, NT Rama Rao. If you are travelling with your kids, they will surely enjoy spending time here. Learn more about the history of Hyderabad and everything that has changed over time. Hyderabad is also known for the gems that it sells. You can buy as many pearl or silver jewellery as you please. There are a lot of authentic jewellery stores in the city where you will find precisely what you want without shelling out more money.

Food and Restaurants in Hyderabad

You can order a Hyderabadi Biryani wherever you go in Hyderabad. It's one of the most famous biryanis in the country, and you can order it without hesitating from any restaurant that you find. Try the Boti Kebab at Hotel Shadab in Ghansi Bazaar or Paradise at Paradise Circle in Secunderabad. It's a special kebab that you will enjoy from the first till the last bite. Qubani Ka Meetha is yet another Hyderabadi dessert that you must try. While you are at Hotel Shadab, do try the Mirchi ka Salan, another popular dish in Hyderabad.

How to reach Hyderabad

By Air

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport to Hyderabad but is quite far away from the main city. The flight connectivity is pretty strong. It connects all the domestic routes to Hyderabad and international routes from the city, too. All the major cities are well-connected by air. Do look for decent flight deals online and see if you can manage to get cheap flight tickets. Though the main city is quite far from the airport, you will get a private taxi or bus quite easily from the airport.

By Rail

Hyderabad is well-connected to all the other cities by rail through Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kachiguda railway stations. Most trains that are travelling to and from major metropolitan cities pass through Secunderabad station. Train journeys are quite comfortable, and if you do not have any time constraints, you can opt for a train journey.

By Road

Buses and private taxis run to and from Hyderabad quite frequently. In fact, you can get private buses that run to Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, too. There are quite buses connecting Andhra Pradesh to other neighbouring states, too.

  About Hyderabad Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport or Hyderabad Airport serves as the international airport to the city of Hyderabad in Telangana state. The airport is situated about 24 km in the South of Hyderabad, in Shamshabad. The Hyderabad Airport has one passenger terminal which caters to both, domestic and international airlines. The airport also has a cargo terminal as well as two runways. An aviation training facility is also prevalent at the airport along with a fuel farm and a solar power plant. It is recognized as the sixth busiest airport in India, in terms of passenger traffic. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also caters as a hub to airlines such as Alliance Air, SpiceJet, Lufthansa Cargo, TruJet, Quikjet Cargo and IndiGo. Hyderabad is a focus city for Air India.

About Hyderabad Airport Terminals

The Hyderabad International Airport has one only terminal which integrates the domestic and international sides of terminals. The area covered is 1,133,000 sq ft and has a scope to accommodate 12 million passengers in a year. While the western wing of the airport terminal takes care of the international flights, the eastern side takes cate of domestic flight operations. There are about 96 check-in counters, 19 self-check-in kiosks and close to 46 counters of immigration. A total of nine gates are present at the airport, located on the south of the terminal whereas there are two more in the north. Passenger lounge facilities are available and provided by the Plaza Premium Lounge. Separate lounges for VIP are also available in the terminal. The airport has ten aerobridges and about 57 parking bays. GHIAL recently added 26 more parking bays to the are, taking the new tally to 83 parking bays.

About airport authority

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport or RGIA is possessed and operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL). It is a public-private undertaking which comprises of public entities, including the Airports Authority of India and the Government of Telangana, along with private organizations namely, GMR Group and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad. While the AAI and Government of Telangana hold 13 per cent respectively, the private entities such as GMR Group and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad have 63 and 11 per cent holdings respectively. According to the agreement acknowledged by GHIAL and the Central Government, GHIAL has the right to function the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for 30 years. Further from the completion of the years, GHIAL further receives an option to choose if they wish to continue another 30 years of association.

Facilities at Hyderabad Airport

Special assistance - The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has provisions to cater to the travellers ranging from escorting senior citizens to portage facilities. Some of the special assistance features include asking for baby strollers, to help expectant mothers or senior citizens with wheelchairs, helping passengers with mobility issues, helping accompany minors, catering to passengers who are travelling with pets, buggy services and other such concerns. You can avail the services at the information desk. Or you can make prior intimation with the airlines that would help the staff be prepared for your demands.

VIP facilities - The airport does have several VIP services available. As it is one of the top 10 international airports in the country, the services are quite world-class, including the lounge accommodation. There are meeting rooms and lounge areas for travellers with first-class or business class tickets. There are showers and spas also available at the airport to help in-transit passengers to relax. In fact, the VIP lounges and hotels where travellers can relax before they take their connecting flight.

Restaurants and cafes - You will find some excellent restaurants and food establishments at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. This includes small food and beverage kiosks and a dedicated food court. There are global food joints such as KFC, Subway, McDonald's and more. Some of them are also available at the departure and arrival areas. The departure zones at domestic and international terminals also have upscale restaurants and bars that you can check out.

Lost and found - The airport also offers lost and found services that you can avail. The centre is open 24/7, so you can visit the room whenever there is an item that you have lost. You will need your boarding card, photo identity card (this could include passport, visa, driver's licence, voter's card, etc.) and a proof that substantiates the fact that you are the rightful owner of the lost item. In case you are unable to visit the lost and found centre yourself, you can send a representative. However, while you do that, you will need to provide an authorized letter from the passenger and include a description of the lost item. The said person will also need to show relevant ID proofs.

Prayer room - Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also has convenient prayer/multifaith rooms within the premise of the passenger terminal building. There are two rooms present at the airport.

Baggage - The luggage facilities at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport are also top-notch. As the airport caters to domestic and international passengers, the airport does have luggage services include wrapping and porter facilities. To avoid theft and mishandling of luggage, you can opt for baggage plastic wrapping. There are trolleys also available at the departure and arrival gates of the terminal building.

Child care centre - There are dedicated child care rooms available at the arrival and departure zones of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The rooms are well-maintained and cleaned properly. The airport staff also keep the child care rooms clean and sanitized. There are baby products also available as are provisions of a comfortable chair for feeding and changing table for a diaper change.

Medical services - The airport also reserved medical services to aid to emergency cases. They are available at proper intervals to ensure that the help arrives quickly in time of immediate assistance. You can also visit the information desk to get hold of some medical assistance. The medical services are provided by Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. It is a 24/7 service with pharmacy and paramedics. The airport also has well-trained doctors available who cater to the treatment centre. There is a dedicated ambulance service also available at the airport.

Airport transit hotel - One of the highlights of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is that the airport accommodates a hotel for in-transit passengers. You can get more details on the same at the information desk, available at all intervals. The airport has lodge services with AC and Non-AC dorms. The prices of the same are mentioned on the website of GHIAL as well as at the information desk. You can further opt for deluxe rooms and shower booths as well, to freshen up.

Top airlines flying from Hyderabad Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is known to serve about 18 international destinations and 45 domestic cities. As one of the top ten busiest airports in India, Hyderabad Airport's connectivity in terms of domestic as well as international cities is excellent. It manages to connect several cities and is also known to operate a plethora of airlines. The Hyderabad airport is recognized to serve domestic airlines such as Air India, Alliance Air, Vistara, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and TruJet. Not just major cities in India but Hyderabad also provides great service to connect to smaller cities and towns too. While the prominent domestic airlines from Hyderabad Airport cater to major cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Visakhapatnam and Guwahati, it also has connectivity with smaller cities.

As the city also caters to connecting 18 international destinations, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also has tremendous globally recognized airlines. Air Arabia, Air Asia, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Silkair, Srilankan Airlines, Thai Airways and Flynas, are some of the airlines that operate from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The airport also plays the role of connecting domestic cities to international airlines to fly abroad. Cities such as Sharjah, Kuwait, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, London, Colombo-Bandaranaike, Doha, to name a few, have good connectivity from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

How to reach Hyderabad Airport

Thanks to the services provided by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation, the accessibility to reach Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is excellent. There are direct buses that are provided for individuals travelling from the city centre to the airport. It is one of the most comfortable transport facilities to reach Hyderabad Airport. A flyover was constructed to reach the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport without facing excess traffic. The flyover has been constructed on the National Highway 44 and National Highway 765, interspersed with the Outer Ring Road. Called the PV Narasimha Rao Expressway, the flyover is perfect and helps reach the Hyderabad Airport without dealing with the city traffic. Although the Hyderabad Metro Rail's second phase is in the works to connect a line to the airport terminal, it is still in the process. Taxi cabs are the best modes of transport that can be considered to reach Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.