Duration of tour: 1 Days / 0 Nights
Name of the city: Agra
Destinations Includes:Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Baby Taj
Tour Overview: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
After breakfast, we start our guided tour to Agra, most memorable and enchanting Taj Mahal, standing romantic with a majestic view of sunrise - it is the best time to experience the marble monument in its full glory. Moreover the light is best for photography during this time of the day while the less number of people help in a better tour.
TAJ MAHAL - Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the TAJ is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately veiled screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Next in our tour program is the Agra Fort, the little octagonal tower of which is the right location to observe a mesmerizing angle of Taj. Situated on the bed of River Yamuna, the fort gives a majestic look and splendid appearance.
Further, take a drive to Fatehpur Shikri on the way.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir, heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in 1568; The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Agra Day Tour Ends
• All Monument Entrance Fees
• English speaking guide
• Tonga ride for Taj Mahal sightseeing
• Lunch in restaurant
• All transfers and sightseeing by Exclusive Air Conditioned Chauffer driven well condition vehicle with Indian tourism permit.
• Fuel, toll, parking and driver's allowance
• Unlimited mineral water in the car
• All applicable taxes