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Taj Mahal Tour

Eternal Love, Carved in Stone

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The Taj Mahal in Agra— an architectural marvel of the Mughal Empire— is arguably one of India’s greatest and most emotive landmarks.

The rush of emotions you feel when you first set your eyes on this marvel is hard to describe in words. No trip to India is complete without a visit to this magical monument.

Since its completion in 1653 AD, this eternal Mughal Ode to Love has captured the imagination of the world and inspired artists, storytellers, lovers, poets, architects, kings, queens and creators.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1632 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a homage to his beloved wife Mumtaz who died during childbirth. Shah Jahan’s goal was to create a Mausoleum so grand that no other monument on earth comes even close to rivaling it.

Our exclusive luxury Taj Mahal tours take you on a tailor-made journey to the Taj Mahal.

Featuring 5-star accommodations, privately guided heritage & cultural tours and a wide range of bespoke experiences, we introduce you to the royal mystique and romance of Agra.

Our itineraries are flexible and curated to your needs and preferences. With our 24/7 guidance and support provided by leading luxury travel advisors and experts with decades of experience in the field, you are in capable hands.

MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCES 

Golden Moments

Golden Moments: Sunrise/Sunset Taj Mahal Magic

Arguably one of India’s greatest monument, the Taj Mahal is an eternal ode to romantic love.

One of the first things you need to do in Agra is watch the sun rise and set in the backdrop of this stunningly picturesque architectural marvel. The experience is surreal and rivaled by very few other places on the planet.

Beyond boundaries

Beyond Boundaries: Unique Perspectives of the Taj Mahal

As one of India’s most visited sites with droves of visitors jostling to get the perfect view, finding the right vantage point to look at the Mahal is quite a challenge.

But there are a few secret places where you can get best views.

Walk over to the Haveli of Agha Khan (later a tannery during the British Raj) to get awesome sunset views of the Taj. The Kali or Sandli Masjid near the East Gate is great for views during any time of the day. Another good vantage point is the Hathi Gate (the gate used for the entry of Elephants) near the mausoleum of Saint Ahmad Bukhari.

Hidden Gems

Hidden Gems: Tombs of Itimad-ud-Daulah and Sikandra

Sikandra (the resting place of Emperor Akbar) and Itimad-ud-Daulah Mausoleum are important heritage monuments of Agra. 

Akbar’s tomb in the Sikandra suburb of Agra was commissioned by his son Jahangir in 1613.

Itimad-ud-Daulah (also known as the “jewel box”) is considered the blueprint for the Taj Mahal, was commissioned by Jahangir’s wife Nur Jahan as the resting place for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg who was a Persian Amir exiled to Hindustan.

Timeless Treasures

Timeless Treasures: Shopping for Artisanal Splendors

The old bazaars of Agra are home to artisanal traditions dating back centuries.

Carpet weavers, embroiders, jewelers, gemstone makers and traditional garment makers have been selling their wares in Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, Subhash Bazaar and Munro Road for generations.

Going on a little artisanal handicraft-shopping spree is a must-do Agra activity.

Spa Indulgence

Serenity Revived: Spa Indulgence Amidst Grandeur

Agra is touristy. There is always a buzz of the hustle and the jostle of visitors at its crowded cultural attractions.

When you have ticked off all the attractions in Agra, you will appreciate unwinding with some spa indulgence and treating yourself to relaxing massages and spa therapies.

Bazaar walk

Mughal Heritage: Bazaar walk in Mughal Lanes

Facing the southern gate of the Taj complex, the old Taj Ganj bazaar dating back to the 1640s is as old as Agra itself.

Once a bustling caravan-serai and commercial hub of Agra, this now-congested bazaar with its labyrinths of alleys and shops is steeped in history and folklore. Uncover its ancient mystery in our heritage walk.

Agra fort

Fortress of Legends: Agra Fort Unveiled in Luxury

Also known as AGRA’S RED FORT, this 94-acre towering fort located a mere 2 Miles from the Taj Mahal served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperor until 1638 AD when the capital was moved from Agra to Delhi.

Renovated and bolstered by Akbar, Shah Jahan and Humayun, this UNESCO World Heritage Site which predates the Mughal Dynasty. It is the second most visited tourist attraction in Agra. Explore Agra Fort in our private luxury tour with a renowned historian.

Cultural Performances

Melodies of Tradition: Captivating Cultural Performances

Portraying the epic love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved Mumtaz, the “Mohabbat e Taj” (Love of the Taj) show is held at the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center in Agra.

Enjoy this stunningly beautiful and authentic stage performance that depicts the Mughal way of life and teleports you back into the era.

OUR BESPOKE EXPERIENCES

Bubble and breakfast

Bubbles & Breakfast: Luxurious Morning Delight Taj Mahal

Enjoy our royal Mughal breakfast experience with a whole range of North Indian delicacies and one mighty royal feast, the mouth-watering NIHARI (slow-cooked lambed stew)— from the Arab root “Nihar” for the morning.

Princes and nawabs of the Mughal Dynasty began their day with Nihari and so should you, in Agra.

Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship Unveiled: Private Artisan Workshop Visit

The MARBLE INLAY ART (known as the Pietra Dura in the world of architecture) is what makes the Taj truly incredible.

Termed “Parchin Kari” by Mughals, it took some 20,000 Pietra Dura artists, gathered from as far as Central Asia and Persia 22 years to perfect the intricate floral pattern artwork drawn on the white marble.

Take our bespoke lesson with Ustads (maestros) of Parchin Kari Marble Inlay art in Agra.

Flavors of Royalty

Flavors of Royalty: Authentic Mughlai Cooking Class

THE MUGHALS were great connoiseurs of food. Their cuisine is truly epic and has withstood the test of time and is still as popular in contemporary India as it was centuries ago.

Take our authentic Mughlai cooking classes and learn to make Korma, Haleem, Kebab, Keema, Nihari, Aalo Gosht and other delectable delights.

Moonlit Eternity

Moonlit Eternity: Special Visit to Taj Mahal at Night

Every month, for five nights, the Taj Mahal is open to visitors. These nights include the night of the full moon, two nights before the full moon night and two nights after the full moon. 

Witness the wonder that is Taj on a moonlit night in our exclusive night tour.

Kachpura Village

Secrets of Agra: Guided Kachpura Village Heritage Walk

There is, of course, the Agra everyone knows— the Agra of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daula and other grand monuments.

But there is another kind of Agra that lives on the other side of the Yamuna river in the Kachpura village oblivious to the tourist hustle and bustle.

Home to the descendants of the everyday common folks, stone-masons, artisans and workers that built the city and migrants from other parts of the region, KACHPURA is a working treasure of subterranean heritage.

Explore its alleys and streets and unearth the stories and legends they have carried for generations in our guided tour of Kachpura.

Wildlife SOS

Wildlife SOS: Bear & Elephant Rescue Centres

The forest department of Agra runs the SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility which is home to almost 200 sloth bear rescued from all over India.

The facility also runs the Elephant Conservation Care Center located few miles away where 20 rescued elephants are looked after.

Our exclusive visit to these SOS sites gives you an opportunity for an ethical encounter with these magnificent animals and to be a part of the conservation effort.

Chambal Safari

Adventure in Agra: Chambal Safari

The 2,084 sq. miles tri-states (Madhya Pradesh, Utter Pradesh and Rajasthan)

National Chambal Sanctuary is home to the endangered Indian Gharial (fish-eating crocodile), the red-crowned roof turtle, endangered Ganges river dolphins and hundreds of other mammals, reptiles and bird species.

Enjoy a wildlife adventure in our private Chambal Safari at this popular tourist destination located at a comfortable 2-hour drive from Agra.

Sheroes Café

Sheroes Café: Interact with Acid Attack Survivors over a Meal

Run by acid-attack survivors, the Sheroes Cafe in Agra established by Chaanv Foundation and Stop Acid Attack Foundation is not just a cozy hangout place but also doubles as a rehabilitation center for other survivors of acid attacks.

Get to meet these real-life heroes and hear their stories of survival and courage.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can visit the Taj Mahal pretty much throughout the year. It is open to visitors all year round except on the Friday of every week, which is a prayer day in the Islamic tradition.

However the best time of year to visit is during the winter season from October to March when the temperature in North India ranges from a moderate 50°F to 77°F.

Summer months (April-September) in the region can get unpleasant with the mercury rising to 95-107°F.

There is no officially enforced dress code but it is better to be respectful of local cultural sensibilities and dress appropriately.

Avoid wearing skimpy clothes that bare your legs, shoulders and arms. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are appropriate for travel anywhere in India.

No. There is no separate fee for a smartphone or DSLR camera. It is included in the entry ticket.

However, for professional videography and commercial cinematography, you will have to pay separately and seek permission. Drone cameras are strictly prohibited.

Yes, tickets for the Taj Mahal are now available online on the portal hosted by the Archaeological Survey of India  ( https://www.asiagracircle.in/index.html )

Every month for five nights, the Taj Mahal is open for night viewing.

This includes the night of the full moon, the two nights preceding it and the two nights after the full moon night.

Eight batches of 50 people each are taken on rounds of 30 minutes from 20:30 hrs to 00:30 hrs. Please note that night viewing is closed on Fridays and during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Depending upon how pleased you are with the quality of service, we recommend you give a tip of 300-400 for a half-day tour and 500-800 for a full-day tour.

The Classic Golden Triangle

Agra fort
06 Nights / 07 Days
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Golden Triangle with Udaipur

Amber Palace
07 Nights / 08 Days
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Exploring the Best of Rajasthan

Jaipur
16 Nights / 17 Days
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Oberoi Amarvilas

The Oberoi Amarvilas

The one particular reason why the OBEROI AMARVILAS stands out from the rest is its strategic location mere 600m away from the Taj Mahal, giving you unhindered views of the stunning marvel from its rooms and terraces.

Imagine a romantic candlelight dinner with the Taj glittering in the night like the white pearl that it is.

This Mughal-inspired hotel offer a world-class 5-star experience and boasts manicured gardens, terraced lawns, reflecting pools and pavilions.

Another feather in its cap is the sumptuous classic Mughal cuisine it offers to go with many other Indian and Western cuisine options. 

ITC Mughal

ITC Mughal A LEED Platinum Certified Luxury Resort & Spa

Sprawling over a massive area of 90,000 sq. meters, THE ITC MUGHAL lives up to its name with enormous Mughal-styled gardens located within a labyrinths of water channels, reflecting pools, shaded walkways, fruit trees, flowers and fountains.

This 233-unit luxury resort boast luxurious suites & rooms, a spa, several dining options, banquets, swimming pools, a gym and a host of other luxury amenities.

The Coral House

The Coral House

Located close to East Gate Taj Mahal, THE CORAL HOUSE is a classy little family-run boutique hotel nestled in a lush leafy garden that is home to some forty species of birds.

It is owned and operated by the lovely Sanjay and Pratibha who have been globetrotters and guides for decades and are always available to share their knowledge and experience with the guests.  

THE CORAL HOUSE offers tastefully-decorated thematic rooms interior-designed by Pratibha, homemade meals and breakfasts and a homely vibe in hustle of densely populated city.

trident

The Trident, Agra

THE TRIDENT, built in red stone, is a hallmark of the Indo-Saracenic tradition of the Mughals.

Boasting landscaped gardens, fountains and décor inspired by the heritage of Agra, the 135-unit TRIDENT boast luxury rooms and suites, multiple restaurants, wellness programs at its spa, a Kids’ club, yoga sessions, a gym, a swimming pool and guided Agra tours.

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    Discover the magic of the land where a unique adventure awaits you at every turn. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of diverse landscapes, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures, and savor the delectable flavors of the enchanting land. We endeavor to curate exclusive personalized itineraries to unveil the secrets of India. Count on us for immaculate planning and ensure a flawless soul-enriching experience; get ready to embark on a remarkable adventure that will mesmerize you.

    Sunil Gupta

    Founder & Managing Director

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