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VACATION IN TAJ MAHAL

Day 01 International arrival DelhiOvernight Hotel The Connaught

Day 02 Drive from Delhi to Agra visiting Sikandara enroute (5 hr). Afternoon tour of Agra city visiting Taj Mahal (CLOSED ON FRIDAYS) & Agra Fort

Day 03 Drive from Agra to Delhi airport visiting Fatehpursikri enroute (6-7 hrs)

AGRA TOURIST DESTINATION

The earliest reference to Agra is in the epic, the Mahabharata, where it is mentioned as Agravana. Earlier sources called it Arya Griha, the abode of the Aryans. Ptolemy, Alexander’s geographer, called it Agra. It was, however, in the medieval period that Agra earned prominence as a capital city under the Mughals. Its many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, have given it a unique position as a tourist centre. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding.

WHAT TO SEE

The Taj Mahal is the world’s greatest monument to the love of an Emperor for his queen. It took 22 years to build and was completed in 1653 A.D. On full moon nights and four nights preceding and following it, it is, under normal conditions, kept open till midnight. To see the Taj by moonlight is an unforgettable experience.

Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. Inside are several palaces and the largest of pure marble mosques, the Moti Masjid.

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, built by Empress Nur Jehan in memory of her father. Pietra dura inlay work, later used in the Taj, was experimented here for the first time.

Akbar’s mausoleum at Sikandra (10 km.), is a fusion of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles which is characteristic of that period.

Radhasoami Samadhi (8 km.), where the ashes of the revered founder of the Radhasoami faith are preserved. Congregational services are held daily.

EXCURSIONS

Fatehpur Sikri (37 km.), the deserted ghost capital of Emperor Akbar. This exquisite city designed by Akbar, with its forts, palaces and mosques, was abandoned in a few years due to lack of water.

Bharatpur (Keoladeo Ghana) Bird Sanctuary (54 km.), a spectacular water-bird sanctuary.

Mathura (54 km.), associated with the life of Lord Krishna. The Mathura Museum has excellent collections.

Vrindaban (63 km.), associated with the childhood of Krishna. It has many temples of the 14th to the 19th centuries.

Gwalior (118 km.), famed for its ancient fort, one of the largest in the country, and its palaces, temples and the cenotaphs of its rulers.

FESTIVAL OF SPECIAL LOCAL INTEREST

Sheetla Fare (July-August), it is held near Delhi Gate at Agra.

Kailask Fair (August-September), held at the temple at Kailash, 12 km from Agra. The spot is sanctified by the belief that Lord Shiva appeared here.

Sharad Purnima (October). This famous fair take place at the Taj on the full moon night of October.

SHOPPING

Marble inlay on trinket boxes, carved teak wood figures, marble curios ivory statuettes semi-precious stone inlay, metal and leather work, carpets and cotton rugs, gold and silver embroidery, ready-made garments and semi-precious jewellery.