• Time: 6:00 AM

Your tour begins early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel or location in Delhi. The drive from Delhi to Agra covers approximately 230 kilometers, taking around 3-4 hours via the Yamuna Expressway, one of India’s best highways.

• Travel Tip: The early departure helps you avoid traffic and gives you ample time for sightseeing in Agra. It’s recommended to carry some light snacks and water for the journey, although there are rest stops along the way.

1. Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Upon arriving in Agra, head straight to the Taj Mahal, the highlight of your tour. The Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a stunning white marble mausoleum and one of the world’s most iconic monuments.

• Key Highlights:
  • Main Mausoleum: Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship, inlay work with semi-precious stones, and the harmonious blend of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.
  • Charbagh Gardens: Stroll through the lush gardens that provide a serene setting for the Taj Mahal. The well-planned Mughal gardens symbolize paradise on earth.
  • Reflecting Pool: Capture the classic image of the Taj Mahal reflected in the long pool that stretches along its entrance.
  • Tomb Chamber: Pay your respects at the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, where the calligraphy and floral patterns showcase the epitome of Mughal art.

Your guide will provide detailed insights into the history of the Taj Mahal, its construction, and the love story behind it. Make sure to take time to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and photograph this architectural wonder from various angles.

2. Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

After exploring the Taj Mahal, proceed to the Agra Fort, located about 2.5 kilometers away. This massive red sandstone fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as the primary residence of the Mughal emperors before they moved to Delhi. The fort is an architectural masterpiece that combines both military strength and exquisite palaces.

• Key Highlights:
  • Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience): This hall was where the emperor addressed his subjects and resolved their grievances.
  • Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience): A private meeting place for the emperor and important guests, featuring marble pavilions and intricate carvings.
  • Jahangir’s Palace: A blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles, this palace was used as a royal residence.
  • Musamman Burj: The tower where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, offering views of the Taj Mahal in the distance.

Walk through the fort’s majestic courtyards, corridors, and palaces, learning about its fascinating history and significance as the seat of Mughal power.

• Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

After your visit to Agra Fort, take a break for lunch at a local restaurant. Agra offers a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Mughlai cuisine to international fare. Be sure to try some local specialties, such as Mutton Korma, Tandoori Chicken, and Petha, a sweet delicacy unique to Agra.

3. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj)

• Time: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

After lunch, if time permits, visit Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often referred to as the “Baby Taj.” Built by Nur Jahan for her father, this tomb predates the Taj Mahal and is considered a precursor to its design. It is the first Mughal structure made entirely of white marble and features beautiful inlay work with semi-precious stones, much like the Taj Mahal.

• Key Highlights:
  • Inlay Work: Similar to the Taj Mahal, this tomb features exquisite inlay work with semi-precious stones.
  • Lattice Screens: The delicate jali (lattice) work on the windows allows light to filter in, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.
  • Architecture: Though smaller in scale, the symmetrical design and intricate detailing of the Baby Taj offer a glimpse into the Mughal architectural transition.

This monument is less crowded than the Taj Mahal, offering a peaceful experience to appreciate the craftsmanship.

4. Mehtab Bagh

• Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

If time allows, visit Mehtab Bagh, a Mughal garden located across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. This garden offers a tranquil setting and provides one of the best vantage points to view the Taj Mahal at sunset. The soft light of the setting sun bathes the monument in a golden hue, making it an ideal spot for photography.

• Key Highlights:
  • Taj Mahal View: The unobstructed view of the Taj Mahal from across the river offers a unique perspective, especially during sunset.
  • Mughal Garden Design: Mehtab Bagh’s Charbagh layout is typical of Mughal gardens, with perfectly aligned pathways and water features.

• Time: 5:30 PM

After a day filled with history, culture, and stunning architecture, it’s time to head back to Delhi. The return drive via the Yamuna Expressway will take about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. You’ll arrive back in Delhi by late evening.

• Drop-off Time: 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM (approx.)