TAJ MAHAL TOUR

Agra is world famous city of Taj and it is first destination on the itinerary of most travelers coming to visit India. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shah jahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.

The crowning glory of the city is obviously the Taj, a monument of love and imagination, which represents India to the world.

Taj Mahal Agra
Taj Mahal there is no other monument in the world, which can match the beauty and grandeur of the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal - stands serene and awesome, ona raised marble platform, by the banks of the Yamuna, testifying to the timelessness of art and love. Its pure white marble shimmers silver in the soft moonlight, exudes a shell - pink glow at dawn, and at the close of the day, takes on the tawny, fiery hue of the majestic sun. Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful masterpieces of architecture in the world. Agra is situated about 200 km south of New Delhi, Capital of India. Shahjahan built the monument in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the lady of the Taj, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love.

Agra Fort
Agra Fort is built alongside the Yamuna River and stretches almost 2.5 km, the magnificent towers, bastions, ramparts, and gateways of the Agra Fort symbolize the stature and power of Mughal Emperor Akbar.The construction of this massive structure began in 1565, under Akbar, and continued till the time of his grandson, Shahjahan. The Diwan - i - Am, the Diwan - i - Khas, the Khas Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors, the Pearl mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Garden of Grapes, and the Fish Pavilion are the other monuments in the fort complex.

Itmad-ud daulah
Itmad-ud daulah tomb stands in the centre of a grand Persian garden, an architectural gem of its times is one of the most beautiful of Mughal tombs, stands across the river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal, nearly one and a half kilometers up-stream. It is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Emperor Jehangir's wazir, or Chief Minister, and also his father - in- law.This splendid garden tomb is believed to be the precursor of the magnificent Taj Mahal, and was the first Mughal structure to be built entirely of marble, and the first, again, to make use of pietra dura, the inlay marble work that came to be typical of the Taj.

Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is situated at a distance of 37 kms from Agra. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra.But in real terms Fatehpur Sikri is a place where one should spend some time.

Enjoy seeing the enchanting Taj Mahal on a tour to Agra in North India. Book your room in any of one of the hotels in Agra and make your stay in Taj Mahal a memorable experience. Holidays in Agra combine the best hotels in Agra with journeys to the historic Mughal monuments of Agra and nearby destinations.

Agra by Air
Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. Major Indian airlines operate daily tourist shuttle flights to Agra. Flights connect Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi

Agra by Road
Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra, from where one can catch buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc. Agra is connected to Delhi, Rajasthan and other cities of Uttar Pradesh by an excellent bus service.

Agra by Rail
Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra lies on the Delhi to Mumbai broad - gauge railway line. Express trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, and Chennai halt at Agra.