Highlights / General details

Agra has three heritage monuments - The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort. It is more just a decadent city of graveyards and work. Mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata as Agraban, the sister city of the more prominent Mathura. Agra was established in 1475 by Badal Singh and came into its own when Sikander Lodhi of the Lodhi dynasty chose it for his capital because of its proximity to the Yamuna. Babur defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra but also to lay the foundation of the Mughal Empire. In the mid-16th and earlier 17th centuries, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time that the symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality.

Drive to Agra - visit Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonder of the World, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best.

Agra Fort: build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favored architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan.

AItmad-ud-daulah's Tomb: Built between 1622 and 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan for her father, boasts of marble trellis work and inlaid with-precious stones, this mausoleum on the opposite bank of the Yamuna from the Taj, exhibits a strong Persian influence. Itmad-ud-Daula often describe as Jewel Box. The Tomb of Mir Ghias Beg, Vazir (minister) of Emperor Jahangir, was built between 1622 and 1628 from red sand stone with marble decorations as Akbars tomb in Sikendra in Agra. Itmad-ud-daula has important place in history as well as architecture. This is actually the very first tomb in India that is entirely made out of Marble. It is most important monument in Agra after Taj Mahal and Agra fort.

Fatehpur Sikri: Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15yrs due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other places.

Inclusion

Hotel pick-up/drop-off for Delhi city hotels ONLY; Full day excursion to Agra; Guided Tour of Agra and Fatehpur Sikri; Monuments entrances as per programme.

Exclusion

Personal expenses; Gratuities.

Hours of operation

Available Saturday - Thursday. Not available on Friday as Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday.

Duration

Tour is Approximately 10-12 hours.

Location

Tour begins and ends from Delhi city hotels ONLY.

Additional Information

1 and 2 passenger tours travel using Sedan.

3 and 4 passenger tours travel using SUV.

5, 6, 7 and 8 passenger tours travel using Van.

Policies

Cancellation: 2 day prior 100% penalty. No show always 100% penalty.

Children younger than 5 years old may participate for free.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**