Shopping Trips in Agra

Shopping in Agra is nothing short of an excursion to tourist attractions in India. Agra has both traditional markets that have been in the trading business for centuries. Then, there are the modern shopping sites and complexes especially the state emporiums where you can purchase antique souvenirs to luxury items.

A miniature marble Taj Mahal is a popular souvenir that tourists prefer to walk home with after a day's shopping in Agra. Besides the pietra dura marble items that are inlaid with colorful stones, other popular items that are worth buying during your shopping in Agra are rugs, leather items, gemstones, ethnic handicrafts and jewelry.

Sadar Bazaar and south of Taj Gang are popular shopping areas in Agra. Shilpagram, a craft village on the eastern side of Taj Mahal in Agra, is a popular open-air emporium that is frequented by many tourists on their shopping in Agra. With number of expensive emporiums lining the street, these shopping areas have plenty of rest houses and restaurants to choose from on your tour to Agra, under the Golden Triangle Tours package offered by Adventure Tours of India.

The Kinari Bazaar, also known as the old marketplace, near Jama Masjid, has many small distinct trading areas that date back to the Mughal period. The Loha Mandi (Iron Market), Sabzi Mandi (Vegetable Market) and the Nai-ki-Mandi (Barber's Market) are the main markets though the latter no longer functions as a barber's area, rather it is famous for its textiles.

Agra Brassware
The main markets for shopping in Agra are near the Taj Mahal complex. These areas include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. The U.P State Emporium called Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex, offers a range of brassware.

Agra Leather
Apart from clothing and accessories; you can also buy decorative pieces made entirely of leather. The skilled leather workers make beautiful animals like deer, tiger and the lingering symbol of maharaja's elephant are all made of leather. These items on the walls of your living room will surely invite appreciation from your peers.

Agra Marble
Returning from our visit to the Taj Mahal, we were guided to a marble factory by our guide, under the auspices of using the restroom. What a surprise, a guide who led us to a friend's or relative's shop! However, not to worry, as he assured us that this is the "best marble factory in Agra"--lucky us! At any rate, it was interesting watching how the designs we had just admired at the Taj Mahal were produced and continue to be manufactured for consumption around the world.

Agra Rugs
The main markets for shopping for rugs and carpets in Agra are near the Taj Mahal complex. These areas include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. The U.P State Emporium called Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex, offers a range of rugs and carpets. The Shilpagram crafts village is another venue where rugs and carpets are on sale, directly by the craftsmen themselves.