Shopping

Agra is famous for its marble and soft-stone inlay, as well as zardori-embroidered fabrics, leather goods, brassware, carpets, and jewelry. However, it's hard work dealing with what is probably the worst concentration of touts and scamsters in all India, so if you can, avoid shopping here. Don't be fooled by Cottage Industries Exposition, which is not a branch of the similarly named government-owned (Emporium) shops in other parts of the country. This one is overpriced, and whatever is sold here can quite easily be obtained in Delhi at half the price. If you absolutely must buy something to remind you of your visit here, Subhash Emporium (18/1 Gwalior Rd.; tel. 0562/222-5828; www.subhashemporium.com) sells good-quality inlay work, souvenirs, and other gifts. Or make your way to one of the official government emporiums for reasonably priced sources of local handicrafts.