Ekaa Villa & Kitchen — Hotel in Agra

Ekaa Villa & Kitchen was the perfect place for us to base ourselves for our visit to Agra.

For us, Ekaa’s high level of care started even before we got to India (our thanks to Vasu for this). By the time we left home, they had already arranged for our car-and-driver service from Delhi (the first point of our trip) to their doorstep in Agra, as well as from them to our next point of travel: Varanasi.

Furthermore, they went above and beyond by securing our tickets on the Vande Bharat Express (the high-speed train) from Varanasi to Delhi. This is significant for at least two reasons: first, our train journey was unrelated to Ekaa or Agra, so the folks at Ekaa were extending themselves to ensure our comfort; and second, we would have encountered a variety of logistical and bureaucratic pitfalls had we thought that booking a pair of train tickets online ourselves, with reserved meals, was as straightforward as it superficially appeared. Because of Ekaa’s work on our behalf, our transition between cities was seamless.

As for our experience at Ekaa itself: excellent. I found myself commenting that I would return to Agra if for no other reason than to stay at this hotel. Our room was spacious and impeccable; comfortable (excellent bed, AC/heating unit, bathroom space/lighting/appliances) but unpretentious; the sort of room where you kind of wish you had the time to hang out in it rather than spending the day out and about.

And if we didn’t want to hang out in our room or on our balcony, one of the other options would have been Ekaa’s library. They have a small and cozy upstairs library with a curated collection of rare books on subjects related to Indian history, culture, and art. As book lovers, it was difficult not to have much time to give to these treasures.

The dining at Ekaa is unforgettably good. Udit explained to us that their chef uses fresh ingredients that are locally sourced to make his dishes. And many of these are not dishes you’ll find just anywhere in India, as they represent cuisine indigenous to the culture and heritage of Agra.

Actually, some of their menu items, you might have a hard time finding at restaurants at all: Ekaa has brought some of India’s famous street food to their restaurant table, where “Delhi belly” won’t be part of the show. (Their chaat was a favorite of mine.) It was a bonus to get to learn from Udit and experience how each meal, beyond its delicious flavor, was a sampling of India’s vast heritage.

Our main reason for visiting Agra was to, of course, see the Taj Mahal. (It’s about a 15-minute drive or 35-minute walk from Ekaa.) But two other experiences stand out, in particular: our day trips to Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan (a 90-minute drive), and Wildlife SOS in Agra (an hour drive). Keoladeo is a wild bird sanctuary for various species of migratory birds, many coming from as far as Siberia. Wildlife SOS is a privately-funded rescue and rehabilitation organization that saves elephants and bears from environments where they have been abused by humans (circuses, street performing) and gives them rehabilitative care as well as a permanent home. Both very special places to which Ekaa helped us coordinate our visits.

There are people and companies whom you come away from merely satisfied that they have fulfilled their side of a contract with you. And then there are those like the people who run Ekaa who pleasantly surprise you with a level of generosity that’s almost alien in an era of commerce seemingly dominated by profiteering. I think it’s personal to them that their guests have a great experience. This is why they exceed all expectations and why I highly recommend them to anyone planning a visit, long or short, to Agra.

Our many thanks to Udit for the benefit of his wide knowledge and for treating us like extended family, to Vasu for his tireless work on our behalf to make our travels so smooth, and to each member of the outstanding staff of Ekaa (and to little Waldo!) for a most...

Agra certainly is a place much beyond Taj Mahal and I got to know about the true culture and heritage of Agra while staying at Ekaa Villa which is the first boutique hotel of Agra.

As soon as I entered the hotel, the hotel staff made sure that I was extremely comfortable and took care of all my requirements. Room service was extremely quick and I got everything I wanted in no time. Coming to the room, it was small, cosy and yet very comfortable. Rooms were super clean and were designed with minimalist decor which I personally adore the most. Everything is neatly done and each and every corner is extremely beautiful. Best part is that the room doesn't have a TV and the concept behind that is to encourage the guests to explore rich culture of Agra rather than being glued to a television screen. Even the washrooms were completely clean and all the skincare and hair care products provided were full sized, organic and of a very superior quality. But the thing that impressed me the most about this place was the food. Food served at Ekaa Villa is extremely unique and the menu is designed everyday keeping seasons and local cuisine in mind. You won't miss your traditional "ghar ka khana" at this place because Ekka provides you homelike Indian food even when you are away from your home. Food is cooked in desi ghee and is very balanced when it comes to spices. I tried local dishes like chhachh wale aaloo, poori, kathal ki sabzi, etc. which were not only healthy and nutritious but delicious too. Since it was summer, we were served coolers like mango lassi, bel ka sharbat, etc. for breakfast to beat the heat of Agra. They use "pattal" i.e. plates made out of leaves to serve food which is not only a traditional Indian way of serving food but it also is an eco friendly option compared to regular plastic plates. I can definitely visit this place again just for their delicious food.

They even arranged heritage walks for us which completely changed my perspective about Agra. I visited Agra's very famous Jama Masjid and Chat Gali wherein I got to taste the unexplored flavours of the streets of Agra. These walks were not just about food tasting but the hosts made sure that we were imparted with each and every detail of the rich culture of Agra. They even took us to villages to show us the real essence and taste of Agra.

Overall, I loved the entire experience and would definitely recommend you guys to stay at this place if you are visiting Agra, you'll definitely have the best time...

A Luxurious Escape in Agra: My Stay at Ekaa Villa & Kitchen

As a travel influencer, I'm always on the lookout for unique and unforgettable experiences. Recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Ekaa Villa & Kitchen in Agra, and let me tell you, it exceeded all my expectations.

Ekaa Villa isn't your average hotel. It's a beautifully designed boutique stay that captures the essence of Agra. From the moment you step inside, you're transported into a world of elegance and comfort. The rooms are warm and inviting, some even featuring balconies with charming views. The attention to detail throughout the property is truly impressive, with delicate inlay work that reflects the city's rich heritage.

But Ekaa Villa is more than just aesthetics. The staff is what truly makes this place special. They were incredibly attentive and helpful throughout my stay, always going the extra mile to ensure I had everything I needed. They even arranged some exclusive experiences for me, allowing me to discover the hidden gems of Agra beyond the Taj Mahal.

Speaking of the Taj Mahal, Ekaa Villa's location is perfect for exploring all that Agra has to offer. It's conveniently situated near the city center, yet offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle

Of course, no stay at Ekaa Villa would be complete without experiencing their incredible cuisine. Their on-site restaurant, Ekaa Kitchen, is a culinary journey in itself. The menu features authentic Agra dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Each bite was a delicious exploration of the city's rich flavors.

Overall, my collaboration with Ekaa Villa & Kitchen was a fantastic experience. They provided me with a luxurious and comfortable stay, while also giving me a deeper understanding of Agra's culture and history. If you're looking for a place to stay in Agra that offers more than just a room, look no further than Ekaa Villa. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and discover the true essence of this incredible city.

Highly recommended for:

Travelers seeking a unique and luxurious stay Foodies who want to experience authentic Agra cuisine Anyone looking to explore beyond the Taj Mahal and discover the hidden gems of Agra Tips:

Be sure to ask the staff about their "Beyond the Taj" experiences. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a meal If you're a bookworm, you'll love their...