Agra
Audio Guides
Effective April 2011, the Archaeological Survey of India introduced an official self guided audio tour facility of international standards for visitors. The tour allows visitors to experience the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort at their own pace, with authentic and factually accurate information. Visitors may avail of the audio guide facility from the official audio guide booth near the monument ticket counters. Prices for audio guide services are ₹105 (approx US$ 2) in English & Foreign Languages (currently French, Spanish, Italian, German) or ₹63 in Hindi & Indian Languages.
Reviews for the audio guides have been very positive on Tripadvisor and other travel websites and this is the recommended way to see the two Agra monuments. Recently, smartphone application and iPod tours have become available, including the official Taj Mahal app offered by AudioCompass [6] - the same company that provides the audio guides.
Prices
Current prices (June 2012) are: Rs 750 (for foreigners)
for Taj Mahal (250 entrance + 500 levy) and ₹300 for Agra Fort (250 entrance +
50 levy). One gets ₹50 discount when presenting ticket for Taj Mahal at Agra
Fort. The Taj Mahal entry fee also includes a 500mL bottle of water and shoe
covers. Make sure you pick them up when you buy your ticket. For Indians, its
Rs 20.
Official Guides
Official guides are available for Agra for INR 900
(approx US$ 20) for a half day (including Taj Mahal & Agra Fort). Contact
your hotel for details. Any guide that charges less than that is probably an
unlicensed tout. Most unlicensed touts have fake IDs and focus more on taking
you shopping rather than on presenting accurate information.
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