Agra Discovery
Explore Agra Fort, a colossal red sandstone and marble complex situated along the Yamuna river. Past the moat and towering gates, step into the fort that features a maze of paths flanked by towering walls that extend to about 1.25 miles around. Inside, admire the manicured courtyard gardens dotted with fountains, and surrounded by palaces, pavilions, and mosques that showcase Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. See the Jahangir Palace, the wooden Diwan-i-Khas with Persian artworks, and the bejeweled Khas Mahal with intricate floral inlays. Learn more about the Mughal era while you walk around the large Hauz-i-Jehangir bathing bowl, and the octagonal tower of Musamman Burj where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was confined. While soaking in views of Taj Mahal and its surroundings through large marble lattice windows, learn about how the Agra Fort has stood the test of time over several centuries and empires. Next, head to Mehtab Bagh, a crescent-shaped riverside botanical garden built by the Mughals, which affords superb vantages of Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna river. Strolling about the orchards and fountains, enjoy reflections of Taj Mahal in the large octagonal pool, best experienced on a moonlit night! (Half Day; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate)
Sunrise Visit of Taj Mahal
Wake up with the sun to experience the world’s greatest monument of love, the Taj Mahal, in the light of dawn. Your local guide will meet and take you to this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site at a time when the crowds are less. Learn about the tale of eternal romance between Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, which led to the building of this epic white marble mausoleum with jewel encrusted inlays. This incredible example of Mughal architecture is set within a vast, landscaped complex that features gardens, a mosque and several other mausoleums for the emperor’s other wives, tucked behind a grand darwaza (gateway). (Watchout: Taj Mahal Closed on Friday;Activity Type: Private;Ideal For: All ;Best Time to Visit: Oct – Apr;Avoid: Monsoon & Summer Season ;Duration: 2 hours ;Travel Time to Activity Type : 20 – 25 mins one way ;Notes: No Video Cameras are allowed at Taj Mahal.)
Visit to Fatehpur Sikri
Discover the former Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri that was built and founded in the 1500s by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar. This was a planned imperial city that would bring leaders of many religions together as Akbar held ideals of a syncretistic faith. Unfortunately just ten years after completion the city was deserted due to drought and water shortages. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, this half day tour is a very popular stop en route from Agra to Jaipur. (Half Day, Private Activity en route to Agra Fitness Level: Easy)
