Ekaa Villa
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Agra can be a hard nut to crack. Most tourists dip in and out, here to see its star attraction before scooting off somewhere else, but they’re missing a trick. Dig deeper and you’ll discover that the city’s culture is shaped not just by its architecture but its history, handicrafts and food too, so take time to linger. India and all its complicated splendour are here to view. And the staff are here to guide you. They are passionate about helping guests peel back the layers to reveal a side to Agra beyond the postcard views. Join bespoke tours to hidden pockets of the city you won’t find in the guidebooks, or unearth foodie treasures that only the locals know of. You might come to Ekaa Villa in search of the Taj but you'll leave remembering the outstanding hospitality.
Highs
- A boutique hotel within 20 minutes’ walk of the Taj Mahal – a rare find!
- Staff go beyond the call of duty, brimming with helpful tips and info
- Bespoke experiences and guided tours offer the chance to discover Agra’s authentic side
- We hear the home cooking is outstanding, especially when served with their frequent live traditional music
- Rooms are extremely affordable
Lows
- The rooms are traditional in style, and they lack mod cons like TVs - but there is A/C
- Aside from the excellent restaurant, the hotel has little in the way of facilities
- It can get uncomfortably hot in Agra during the summer months (Mar-May) when temperatures can reach 45C
- All the food is vegetarian, but judging by the rave reviews, we doubt meat eaters will feel short-changed
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique Hotel
- 13 rooms
- Restaurant
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
In keeping with the hotel’s ethos, the 13 rooms at Ekaa Villa are about authenticity rather than cutting-edge design. Each has its own colour scheme and showcases traditional Indian styling, with local handicrafts like pretty teapots, floral rugs and decorative plates on display. Dark polished wood features heavily, as do brightly painted walls in shades of terracotta, peach or lemon yellow. Ensuite bathrooms have showers, smart black tilework and locally-made soaps.
Rooms come in three categories. Queen rooms are the smallest at 16m2, King Rooms are larger with space for a small sitting area, and Grand Kings can fit an extra bed on request. If outdoor space is important, opt for the Grand King with Balcony. There are no TVs in any rooms, but you do get air conditioning and fans.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Foodies rejoice! Dining at Ekaa Villa is said to be a huge highlight. It’s all vegetarian and locally sourced from within a 50km radius, with dishes based on traditional cooking and recipes passed down through generations. In the evenings, expect feasts of spiced dals, rotis, pickles and rice, served in clay pots and on large plates made from leaves. If you’re lucky, you might get some entertainment in the form of a local sitar player.
Breakfast is included and sounds just as scummy. Try the sugar-stuffed bread or local favourite Aloo-bedawain, a type of fried bread served with spicy potato curry. If that sounds too much, usual suspects like cakes, toast and omelettes are available as well. Do try the hot drinks too, perhaps a jasmine tea or a sweet and creamy lassi.
Food is taken seriously here so ask for recommendations if eating out. Agra is home to the illustrious and rich Mughlai cuisine, and the team at Ekaa's hold cookery classes to teach the classics. They'll also take you out to the bazaars, searching out the old halwais who specialise in individual dishes. Not to be missed!
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- It's impossible to mention Agra without a nod to its shining star: the Taj Mahal. The absolute zenith of Mughal architecture does not disappoint. It's a serene sight that rewards those that linger, so take it in under a slow gaze. Tours are bookable via the hotel
- For a more relaxing view of the Taj, head over the Yamuna river to the Mehtab Bagh gardens. It’s a far more sedate experience and offers some fab photo opportunities of the Taj and river
- Join a walking tour of the old city, taking in bazaars and hidden ruins. A good tour guide is worth their weight in gold - they open up so many doors and make sense of the chaos
- If the city gets a bit much, head out to the Chambal River for a boat safari to spot river dolphins
- Binge on sublime Mughal architecture - Agra makes a perfect base for exploring the main sights along the Yamuna river and day trips further afield. The imposing red walls of Agra Fort (which hide far more delicate inner palaces) and nearby Akbar's mausoleum are local highlights. You'll need to jump in a taxi for an hour to reach Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified Mughal city, but it's worth the journey
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cooking classes
- Historical sites
- Private guided tours
- Traditional cultures
Kids
All ages are welcome at Ekaa Villa, and extra beds can be added to the larger rooms. But there are no facilities for children, so we'd say it's better suited to older kids who are happy to spend days out exploring the city.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Grand King and Grand King with Balcony rooms have space for one extra bed or baby cot.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Ekaa Villa is located on a residential street in Agra, a 15-minute walk from the Taj Mahal. It's 4 hours south of Delhi.
By Air:
Delhi Indira Gandhi International is the nearest major international hub. Agra Airport (54km away) is served by domestic flights from Delhi, though many visitors transfer to Agra by road or rail (see below).
By Rail:
Agra is on the main railway line between Delhi and Mumbai. The journey time from Delhi to Agra is approximately 2 hours. Once you reach Agra railway station, take a taxi to the hotel (20 mins).
By Road:
Agra is well connected by road with Bharatpur, Mathura, Delhi and Jaipur. Regular bus services operate from all major cities, although we'd recommend hiring a driver for your visit (our Tailormade Tour Operator can arrange this for you).
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Delhi International Airport 235.0 km DEL
Other:
- Beach 1000.0 km
- Shops 0.3 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests