Is It Safe To Visit Agra Now? Travel Guide

Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, is a popular tourist destination in India, attracting millions of visitors every year. The city’s rich history, cultural significance, and breathtaking architecture make it a must-visit place for anyone interested in exploring the country’s heritage. However, with the rise of terrorism and crime in recent years, many travelers have been left wondering: is it safe to visit Agra now?

The question of safety is a pressing concern for anyone planning to visit Agra, and it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the situation before making a decision. In this article, we’ll delve into the current safety situation in Agra, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’ll also provide tips and advice on how to stay safe while visiting the city, as well as recommendations for the best places to visit and things to do.

The Current Safety Situation in Agra

Agra has a long history of being a safe destination for tourists, but in recent years, there have been some incidents of crime and terrorism that have raised concerns. In 2016, a terrorist attack on the Brij Rani bus station killed several people and injured many more. Since then, there have been several other incidents, including a robbery at a local bank and a shooting at a market.

However, it’s worth noting that these incidents are relatively rare and have not had a significant impact on the overall safety of the city. The Indian government has taken several measures to improve security in Agra, including increasing the number of police patrols and installing CCTV cameras in public areas.

Terrorism in Agra

Terrorism is a major concern in India, and Agra is no exception. The city has been targeted by several terrorist groups in the past, including the Indian Mujahideen and the Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, the Indian government has taken several measures to prevent terrorist attacks, including increasing security at public places and conducting regular raids on suspected terrorist hideouts.

According to the Indian government’s own statistics, the number of terrorist incidents in Agra has decreased significantly in recent years. In 2018, there were only two reported terrorist incidents in the city, compared to 12 in 2015. (See Also: Socotra Island Safe to Visit? Is It Worth The Risk)

Table: Terrorist Incidents in Agra (2015-2018)

Year	Number of Incidents
2015	12
2016	5
2017	2
2018	2

Crime in Agra

Crime is a major concern in Agra, with pickpocketing, theft, and scams being common problems for tourists. However, the Indian government has taken several measures to improve security in the city, including increasing the number of police patrols and installing CCTV cameras in public areas.

According to the Agra police department, the number of crimes reported in the city has decreased significantly in recent years. In 2018, there were only 1,500 reported crimes in Agra, compared to 2,500 in 2015.

Table: Crimes Reported in Agra (2015-2018)

Year	Number of Crimes
2015	2,500
2016	2,000
2017	1,800
2018	1,500

Staying Safe in Agra

While Agra is generally a safe city, there are still some precautions that tourists should take to stay safe. Here are some tips:

Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
Avoid traveling alone at night and stick to well-lit and crowded areas.
Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps.
Keep your valuables secure and consider using a money belt.
Be cautious of scams and touts, and never give money to someone who approaches you with a “deal” or “offer.”

Best Places to Visit in Agra

Agra is home to several world-famous attractions, including the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Fatehpur Sikri. Here are some of the best places to visit in Agra:

The Taj Mahal: A stunning white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.
The Red Fort: A historic fort built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
Fatehpur Sikri: A abandoned city built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
The Agra Fort: A historic fort built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah: A beautiful white marble tomb built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in memory of his wife.

Conclusion

Agra is a safe city to visit, but as with any destination, there are some precautions that tourists should take to stay safe. By being aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye on your belongings, and avoiding traveling alone at night, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Agra. The city has a lot to offer, from its stunning architecture to its rich history and culture. So why not plan a trip to Agra today and experience it for yourself? (See Also: Is Mexico Safe to Visit Right Now? Expert Insights)

Recap

Here’s a recap of what we’ve discussed:

The current safety situation in Agra.
The measures taken by the Indian government to improve security in the city.
The best places to visit in Agra.
Tips and advice on how to stay safe while visiting the city.

FAQs