“ damn if I need to ever go back to that country. There's about 1000 other places I'd rather see. No joke. Life is short, be in beauty and pleasure.”

+1
Glad I went but also very glad work paid for the trip. Without family there is is not anyplace I would willingly spend my own money to go.

Man I could not wash the dirt out of my clothes upon returning. I did an 5 wk tour with my boyfriend at age 26 throughout the country incl Agra.

India is the most amazing, culturally spiritual and interesting country ever but damn if I need to ever go back to that country. There's about 1000 other places I'd rather see. No joke. Life is short, be in beauty and pleasure.

The Taj Mahal is absolutely stunning. Definitely a must see.

BUT - It is going to be so absolutely horribly scorching hot in August. And the pollution - ooooooh the pollution.

Anonymous wrote:Omg it's a nightmare there esp in the blistering heat if will be literally hell. I would actually go to Italy which is 95% bad. I've been to Agra but not in Aug and imagine it to be 99% hell I kid you not. I think I did it in April or May years ago and it was hot as Hades. The crowds, kids begging and let me tell you something Indian kids begging is something they have perfected it will tear your heart out, the dirt and the grossness that is Agra was well just totally gross. A life hanging trip for me which forever instilled in me to be grateful we do not see poverty on that scale anywhere here in the US I guarantee it. It also made me decide never again to go to India.

Yes Taj is amazing but you have to be prepared. Agra is a literal shithole. Why anyone would take their kids to Agra in Aug is beyond me. Seriously please reconsider. At least go to Rajasthan or Udaipur.

Those are pretty much the worst months to go. Indian summer is April/May, not August, which is post-monsoon. Yes, it will be hot, but it will not be 100+ degrees for days on end hot.

Everything else is pretty much spot on. There are MUCH nicer places to visit in India besides Delhi/Agra.

If you go in the winter, there’s too much fog in the morning. But I’ve heard that’s the time to go at other times.

August is really hot. I would try to shift your trip to winter break (I assume you have school age kids based on your choice of August). Much much more pleasant.

Anonymous wrote:Spend money to avoid crowds. In Agra, stay at the Oberoi which has a view of the Taj. Wake up early to get a sunrise view and also to visit it before it gets crowded.

Hire a driver to take you from Delhi to Agra and back. Often the driver will stay in Agra so you have him at your disposal while in Agra too, but the Oberoi is so nice you may just want to stay there the whole time.

I can recommend the tour company we used if you'd like.

We got up really early and were the first ones there to watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal.

I would never do Italy in Aug I did it in June but I'm just saying I'd still pick Italy in Aug v Agra in Aug. look at Taj online or go during winter is all I have to say.

Omg it's a nightmare there esp in the blistering heat if will be literally hell. I would actually go to Italy which is 95% bad. I've been to Agra but not in Aug and imagine it to be 99% hell I kid you not. I think I did it in April or May years ago and it was hot as Hades. The crowds, kids begging and let me tell you something Indian kids begging is something they have perfected it will tear your heart out, the dirt and the grossness that is Agra was well just totally gross. A life hanging trip for me which forever instilled in me to be grateful we do not see poverty on that scale anywhere here in the US I guarantee it. It also made me decide never again to go to India.

Yes Taj is amazing but you have to be prepared. Agra is a literal shithole. Why anyone would take their kids to Agra in Aug is beyond me. Seriously please reconsider. At least go to Rajasthan or Udaipur.

It.will.be.extremely.hot. Also, except for the Taj Mahal, the entire town of Agra is dirty and filthy, all the way up the entrance. Be prepared for those and you'd be fine.

Anonymous wrote:Spend money to avoid crowds. In Agra, stay at the Oberoi which has a view of the Taj. Wake up early to get a sunrise view and also to visit it before it gets crowded.

Hire a driver to take you from Delhi to Agra and back. Often the driver will stay in Agra so you have him at your disposal while in Agra too, but the Oberoi is so nice you may just want to stay there the whole time.

I can recommend the tour company we used if you'd like.

We did all the above except stayed at the Radisson (with Taj view) and joyed our time there a couple years ago. Guide had restaurants chosen, etc etc. Driver got us there and back smoothly. He stayed in Agra so he was always available. Friends who tried the train had a lot of trouble. We enjoyed our time. Don’t skip the Taj Mahal, as a PP said. It is beautiful.

You need a guide and driver. If you aren't adventurous, you need to pay to have some distance from the crowds and noise.

When I was there Agra was one of the worst places for belligerent begging. And for little kids it could be traumatizing- it was disfigured people walking on all fours begging, people showing us little kids with deformities so we’d give them money, people banging on the windows of the vehicle and yelling. Just really really aggressive. I didn’t care because I was 22 and stupid but I do remember it- PP is probably right that you should do a tour if that might affect your kids.

Spend money to avoid crowds. In Agra, stay at the Oberoi which has a view of the Taj. Wake up early to get a sunrise view and also to visit it before it gets crowded.

Hire a driver to take you from Delhi to Agra and back. Often the driver will stay in Agra so you have him at your disposal while in Agra too, but the Oberoi is so nice you may just want to stay there the whole time.

I can recommend the tour company we used if you'd like.

Anonymous wrote:We will be in India in August and want to visit Delhi/ Agra as well. 2 kids aged 9 and 12 who are not the most adventurous when it comes to the crowds and hustle. Any suggestions from folks who want there during this time?

Well, if you don't like crowds and hustle, India might not be the country for you, particularly Delhi and Agra. Also, four days is not much time. Don't be too ambitious. If you are flying into Delhi with two children and you only have four days, I'd skip Delhi and Agra all together. Go to Rajasthan instead. Jaipur isn't far by train. Or perhaps north into the foothills where it'll be cooler. Maybe Rishikesh. Both areas are tourist-friendly and there's lots to see. But Delhi and Agra - especially Agra - will be sensory overload, and not in a good way. Also, stay in a good hotel (Taj, Oberoi) and have them make all the train/car bookings. Buying a train ticket in India is not simple or rational. And again, don't bother with Agra. You will regret wasting your time and the hassle is not remotely worth it.

We will be in India in August and want to visit Delhi/ Agra as well. 2 kids aged 9 and 12 who are not the most adventurous when it comes to the crowds and hustle. Any suggestions from folks who want there during this time?