Agra is the home of India's most famous monument and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Hence, it's a must-see destination on anyone's trip to India. Words cannot do the Taj Mahal justice, its incredible detail simply has to be seen to be appreciated.
Day 1 - Agra
Today you travel from Jaipur to Agra. You can stop en route to visit the abandoned Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri.
Agra offers one of the most remarkable and romantic sights in India, the magnificent monument of love that is the Taj Mahal. Much can be said about the Taj Mahal -- it's India's most famous architectural marvel, it's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage building, and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, what makes the Taj Mahal so romantic is that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had it poignantly built out of love for his wife, who tragically died during childbirth. Her body is inside the monument, together with that of the emperor.
Day 2 - Agra
In the morning your guide will pick you up from your hotel to visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). This sublime garden tomb has such perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship that it simply has to be seen to be appreciated. About 20,000 workers were employed in its construction, completed after some 20 years. So perfect are the proportions of the Taj and so exquisite its workmanship that this is really one of the world's most marvelous buildings.
Along the river Yamuna is the impressive Red Fort from where there are fantastic views of the Taj. The Red Fort was the capital of the Moghul Empire and thus of India during the 16th and 17th centuries. The fort's colossal walls rise over 20m in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference. They are encircled by a fetid moat and contain a maze of buildings, some extremely exquisite, that form a small city within a city.
The afternoon will be at leisure to relax or to further explore Agra on your own.
Day 3 - Agra
Today your tour ends after breakfast. From Agra you can either return to Delhi or continue with our module From Agra to the Ganges. If you have less time at your disposal, you can consider taking a night train to Varanasi.