Agra & Taj Mahal from New Delhi

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Good Views / Viewpoint, Must-Do Experience, Monument - Historical, Temple, Town / City

Of all the Wonders of the World, only one is a monument to romantic love: the Taj Mahal. Poetry written in marble spires by the heartbroken Shah Jahan, its graceful white domes arc over the tomb of his wife and mother of his 14 children, Mumtaz Mahal.

It is a splendid sonnet in stone, inlaid with precious gems, surrounded by spectacular gardens, and engraved with sweet verses from the Qu'ran. The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most famous building in the world, and though you've almost certainly seen it in photos, the monument's symmetry, scope, and obsessive detail can only be appreciated in person. Moreover, the Taj is but one of three World Heritage sites in the city of Agra, a city of architectural achievements.

If you are staying in Delhi, with its own wonderful old buildings and fascinating culture, you can visit Agra and the Taj Mahal on a 12 hour day trip. You'll make the 200 kilometer (124 mile) journey through the arid countryside in an air conditioned van, with a private, English-speaking guide explaining a bit about the daily life in India outside the tourist destinations.

After exploring the Taj Mahal, Agra's other treasures await, including the Agra Fort (also called Lal Qila), about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) northwest of the Taj Mahal. The magnificent stone fortress, as richly ornamented as any palace, is humbled only by its beautiful neighbor; with its array of architecturally interesting buildings, you may even enjoy it more.

A wonderful add-on to the Agra tour is Fatehpur Sikri, 40 km (24 mi) from Agra. A truly ancient place, the city (inhabited since the Stone Age) rises majestically in richly adorned buildings at the edge of a dried lake, long since drained to quench the city's thirst. Today it is abandoned, save for visitors.

While a day trip will suffice for those with limited time, those with more time to spend in this fantastic region could consider a more leisurely 4-day trek, stopping in the glittering jewelry shops of Jaipur as well.

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All Agra & Taj Mahal from New Delhi Reviews

Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Private Tour: Day Trip to Agra from Delhi including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Great trip, well organized, nice guide!
The driver was also reliable, just forgot my cap in his car,;..
Just maybe a little more water would have been nice,...

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Private Tour: Day Trip to Agra from Delhi including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

The highlight of any trip to India must include a visit to the Taj Mahal. This tour suited our needs perfectly. Our driver Sadrughan, picked us up at the hotel and drove us ALL the way to Agra, where we joined our guide, Shyem. We Visited The Jigurudey Temple, the Taj Mahal, and the Red Fort, directed very capably through the sites by Shyem. One of the great surprises was that he was expert in knowing where the best picture-taking locations were, and even took some of our most memorable pictures. We loved it all!

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Private Tour: Day Trip to Agra from Delhi including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Perfect organisation, great value for money

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