Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri
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An ideal extension to view the famous sights of Agra with an expert local guide
An ideal extension to view the famous sights of Agra with an expert local guide. Experience sunrise at the Taj Mahal, walk the battlements, court yard and pavilions of Agra's Red Fort and head further afield to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Highlights
- Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
- Red Fort and the Itmad-ud-Daula (Baby Taj) in Agra
- Explore the beauty of abandoned Fatephur Sikri
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Agra
Upon arrival you will be met at either the airport or the train station and transferred to your centrally located hotel. There are no activities planned for the rest of the day so you are free to wander and explore the markets and streets of Agra. Agra is situated on the banks of Yamuna River and was first made the capital of India in 1501 by the Lodi dynasty. In 1526, Barbur defeated the Lodis, and for the next two centuries, Agra alternated with Delhi as the Mughal capital. Agra is a great place to try barbecue meats (kebabs) mixed with Indian spices. Petha, pieces of white pumpkin dipped in sugar syrup, and Gajak, a crumbly sweet made with sesame and jaggery, are delicious local sweets and sold everywhere - try them. For a splurge have a drink at the Oberoi Amarvilas. Built in typical Mughal style, barely 600m from the Taj Mahal, they have the most stunning view of the monument.
Day 2 Full day sightseeing
Very early this morning, we depart from the hotel and make our way to the Taj Mahal to watch as the sun rises over this extraordinary building. Built by Shah Jahan’s as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal the beauty of this structure is unmatched. We have time to walk the corridors and gardens before continuing on to the Agra Red Fort. With its grand courtyards, royal pavilions and palaces the Agra Fort is a fitting testimony to the Great Moghuls – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – during the era when Agra was the capital of the Moghul Empire. We then travel 35km out of Agra to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and deserted 14 years later its glorious courtyards and palaces conjure up dreams of the mysterious past. There’s the imperial Jami Masjid, the tomb of Shaik Salim Chisti who predicted the birth of Akbar’s son Jehangir, the Panch Mahal, a strange building which resembles a Buddhist Temple, a cloistered courtyard which was the Hall of Public Audience and the Pachchisi paved with black and white where the Emperor played chess using slave girls as figurines. We return to the hotel in Agra for the night. You will then return to your hotel where you will have free time. If time permits you should visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, known as the ‘Baby Taj’; it was built before the Taj Mahal by Nur Jahan, queen of Jehangir, for her parents. The first Mughal building to be faced with white marble and where ‘pietra dura’, (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used. Or alternatively head down to the Yamuna River and take a small boat across the river to get a glimpse of the Taj Mahal from a different angle and a different perspective - truly magical. * Please note the Taj Mahal is closed on Friday's.
Day 3 In Agra, trip concludes
Today is departure day, so after breakfast you will be transferred to the train station or airport for your onward connection. If your onward travel is later in the day, remember that check out time is 12:00 noon. You can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 2 breakfasts
- accommodation on a twin share basis
- English speaking local guide
- transfers from airport or train station
- private vehicle
- sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itinerary
Summary
- 3 day trip
- 2 nights hotels
Group Size Min
2
Group Size Max
8
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
There is no specialist gear requirements for this trip.
What You Carry
Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$490
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
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