Sometimes, all you need is a quick escape from the daily grind, and that’s exactly what we got last weekend!
On Saturday, 21st September 2024, the entire DR Infosoft Pvt. Ltd. crew decided to pack our bags and head for a fun-filled weekend to Agra.
Our little getaway was short—just one night and two days—but packed with so many exciting experiences that it felt like we’d been gone for much longer.
The Journey Begins: New Delhi to Agra
Our group of 13 enthusiastic travelers gathered at our meeting point near the office in Mayur Vihar, New Delhi, at around 9.45 AM.
The morning air was filled with excitement, laughter, and the buzz of anticipation for the journey ahead.
Our ride for the trip?
A spacious and comfortable 17-seater AC Tempo Traveller that was just perfect for a gang like ours.
We officially hit the road at around 10:30 AM, and the fun kicked off right there in the bus. From groovy music to a treasure trove of snacks, our mini-party on wheels had everything to make the ride enjoyable.
The views outside the window—a mix of bustling city scenes slowly giving way to peaceful countryside—added a calming backdrop to our joy-filled chatter.
If you’ve ever been on a road trip with friends, you know the drill: lots of gossips, random jokes, and yes, plenty of selfies!
The Pit Stop: A Feast at Rudr Shiva by Mama Yadav
Around noon, our rumbling tummies made us stop at Rudr Shiva by Mama Yadav, a gem of a roadside restaurant.
If you haven’t heard of it, add it to your list for your next road trip. The place was grand, a far cry from the typical roadside eateries you might imagine.
The restaurant’s palatial architecture was Insta-worthy, and before we even touched our food, we were busy snapping selfies against its regal backdrop.
When the food finally arrived, we were not disappointed. Lip-smacking is an understatement! From Kadahi Paneer to Arhar Dal and Jeera Rice, every dish was a delight to our taste buds.
I must say, even the washrooms were so clean that some people couldn’t resist the temptation to click selfies there!
Yes, you read that right—washroom selfies. Strange, but true.
Arrival at Agra: Welcome to Howard Plaza The Fern
By 2:30 PM, we reached Agra and checked in at Howard Plaza The Fern, a hotel that radiated luxury and charm. After a warm welcome drink and smooth check-in process, we got the keys to our rooms—6 in total.
Each room was a blend of comfort and style, perfect for unwinding after the journey.
After freshening up and grabbing a quick rest, we were all set for our first Agra adventure: a visit to the magnificent Agra Fort.
Marveling at Agra Fort: A Journey Back in Time
Agra Fort is truly a marvel. As we entered this UNESCO World Heritage site, built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, we were instantly transported back to the grandeur of the Mughal era.
The vast courtyards, red sandstone walls, and intricate designs all whispered stories of history, and we couldn’t resist documenting every corner with our cameras.
We explored iconic spots within the complex like Roshanara and Jahanara, from where the Taj Mahal gleamed at a distance across the Yamuna River, looking like a precious gem waiting for our arrival the next day.
The sight was mesmerizing, and the atmosphere was filled with wonder as we soaked in the beauty and history around us.
A Ride to Meena Bazaar: Time to Shop
After soaking in the history at Agra Fort, we decided to dive into the vibrant local culture by visiting Meena Bazaar. And wow, what a unique experience that was!
The market wasn’t your typical shopping street. It was a maze of interconnected shops—enter one store, open a door, and you’re in another!
You could spend hours wandering through rooms filled with leather goods, intricate handicrafts, colorful shoes, marble artifacts, and jackets.
Evening Vibes: Games, Food, and Fun
By evening, we returned to the hotel, refreshed ourselves, and gathered in one room to chill out.
Fun games, hilarious jokes, and team bonding were the highlights of the evening.
The vibe was relaxed yet lively, and it felt great to just unwind with colleagues, who at this point felt more like a family.
At around 9:30 PM, we headed to the hotel’s buffet area for dinner. The spread was huge, offering a variety of veg and non-veg dishes.
It was the perfect way to end an eventful day, and after the feast, we hit the bed for a good night’s sleep.
Day Two: Poolside Fun & The Taj Mahal
Sunday morning started on a refreshing note. After freshening up and enjoying a hot cup of tea, we headed straight for the hotel’s swimming pool.
Splashing around with friends and clicking poolside selfies was just what we needed to kick off the day. The laughter echoed as we soaked up the fun, enjoying every minute.
After a relaxing pool session, we got ready for breakfast, which, like dinner, was another feast.
The breakfast buffet was brimming with tasty and healthy options that left us feeling energized for the day ahead.
Once we were done, it was time to check out of the hotel, take one last round of selfies (of course), and head to the grand finale of our trip—the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal: A Symbol of Love and Grandeur
Even though I had written countless words about the Taj Mahal, nothing could have prepared me for seeing this masterpiece in person.
We arrived at the Taj Mahal complex via a battery-powered ride and entered through the East Gate.
And then, there it was—the monument of love, gleaming white, standing proud in all its glory.
As we got closer, the excitement in our group was palpable. Cameras were out, phones were snapping away, and we were all in awe of the beauty before us.
It’s one thing to read about the Taj Mahal being the most beautiful building in the world, and another thing entirely to stand before it.
The elegance, the symmetry, the story—it’s truly breathtaking.
We spent hours wandering around, taking group photos, and just marveling at the intricate details of the structure.
Panchhi Peta: Perfect Memento to Carry Home
As we exited the Taj Mahal complex and made our way to the battery ride stand, we couldn’t resist one more must-do in Agra: buying its world-famous Petha.
We headed straight to the famous Panchhi Petha Store, where we stocked up on boxes of this delicious sweet treat.
It was the perfect memento to carry home, reminding us of the flavors of Agra long after the trip was over.
Back to Delhi: The Journey Home
After our wonderful time at the Taj Mahal, it was time to head back to the bus and begin our return journey to Delhi.
On the way back, we stopped again at Shiva Dhaba by Mama Yadav for a hearty lunch—another round of yummy food and, yes, more selfies.
By 6:00 PM, we reached Delhi, feeling refreshed and content.
The trip to Agra had been a perfect blend of fun, history, relaxation, and bonding.
We returned home with hearts full of sweet memories and a renewed spirit, ready to tackle whatever the workweek had in store for us.
Agra, you were a beauty, and this trip? Unforgettable!
