Axel2DP

For the hotels in the Taj Ganj area of Agra, is it better not to pre-book so that I can show up at the place and check out the room first before deciding? It seems like the budget hotels in the area are all pretty bad; Their only redeeming quality is the rooftop view and their close proximity to the Taj. I would hate to pre-book a room and then show up and have them give me a really horrible room - it's the bathroom I'm most worried about, but I'm also afraid of not getting a place if I don't pre-book.

I was planning on staying in Agra for 3 full days, but the more I do research on hotels in the Taj Ganj area, the more unappealing that idea is becoming. If you had to decide between Agra or Udaipur, which city would you pick?

galactus

The first question is, what exactly is your budget range? You can get fairly decent hotels in under 100$/day in Agra like the Clarks Shiraz. Udaipur's hotels are more upscale usually.

I personally would go for Agra any day, even though I must admit that Udaipur has better hotels if you have money to burn.

Axel2DP

I can afford midrange and slightly higher price if need to. I want to be able to walk to the Taj at 5-6 in the morning, so I would have to stay in the Taj Ganj area. I checked out the hotels in the area on tripAdvisors and they were not good. I'm sure I can survive a couple of nights staying in one of those places, but is the Taj Mahal a really "must see" sight?

Jaya

Anything you want to know about Agra can be found in Cicerone's postings. Here's the link to her profile and comments, she's a wealth of India info because she travels there almost every month and has for many years. She's left many comments and suggestions about Agra.

http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/cicerone/

galactus

"Must see" is subjective, but yes it is quite nice. I enjoyed Sikandra in Agra too. But as for walking to the Taj early in the morning distance hotel, I'm afraid I don't know of any good one. Would you be equally happy with a taxi to take you there at your chosen time? Most hotels do have that option albeit with some charges for unusual hours.

magical

Your best bet is to take a short taxi ride to the drop off point at Taj Mahal. The drop off point is at least half mile from the gate entrance, so you will get to walk in. Inside the grounds, you will also be walking to get to the actual building. Taxis are relatively inexpensive , plus add charge for early morning drop off from your hotel.

If this is your first visit to India, I would say that seeing Taj Mahal would qualify as a "must see". It is decidedly unique, and much more than just an important building.

You are going about your upcoming trip the right way ---- getting your questions out of the way prior to starting your trip. Enjoy your trip to India.

naziyaahmed1

Taj Mahal is must on your visit...u can ignore it.
As far as the hotels are concerned in Taj Ganj area there are few nice one is Taj Resort recently built.. it is at walkable from there...just 700 meters away from the eastern entrance.It rate is less than 100 Dollars.
Hotel Radisson is also nearby little more than a km.
Every body they had to get down to buy Entrance tickets for Taj Mahal in a parking than board golf cart/electric buses for transfer to Taj Mahal.
Thanks and Regards
Naziyaahmed1

CaliNurse

Check Palmstay Guest House. It was booked on the days my friend needed it, but the owner, Varun, is a delight--answers emails promptly and offers to help, even if you are not staying. It is located behind the Radisson.
NB: This is a guest house, not a luxury hotel, but I daresay it would be a good way to see Agra .

http://palmstay.com/rooms__dining

Axel2DP

Thanks for all the hotel suggestions. I tried them,but they're booked for the days that I want - during the last week of November. I'll look around or try some of the suggested hotels again later in case they have cancellations.