Agra- overnight trip from Delhi

Agra- overnight trip from Delhi

Agra is invariably included on every first-time visitor's itinerary, for who visits India without visiting the Taj? Home to three generations of one of the most dynamic dynasties in the medieval world, their talent and wealth immortalized in stone and marble, Agra is home to the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, of which the Taj is simply the most famous. The beauty of these buildings will bowl you over, but knowing something of the history that played itself out on these stages (akin to reading a Shakespearean drama) makes the entire Agra experience come alive.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi - Agra (200 kms & 03 hrs drive). Transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Agra fort & Mehtab Bagh

Stop At: Agra Fort Rakabgani, Agra 282003 India
Built by Akbar (or rather, by his 4,000 workmen) on the west bank of the Yamuna, Agra Fort first took shape between 1565 and 1573, but each successive emperor was to add his imprint, and today the towering red-sandstone ramparts house a variety of palace apartments, representing the different building styles of Akbar and his grandson Shah Jahan. Akbar's son, Jahangir, installed a "chain of justice" (1605) by which any of his subjects could call on him, which provides some insight into the ruling qualities of the man many dismiss as a drunkard. Entrance is through the impressive Amar Singh Gate. On your right-hand side you pass Jahangiri Mahal, the palace that housed the women of the court, dating to Akbar's reign (ca. 1570). In front is a stone pool with steps both inside and outside -- legend says it was filled with rose petals during Nur Jahan's time, so that she could bathe in their scent. Historians also point out that here -- unlike in Akbar's buildings, which feature straightforward Hindu elements next to Islamic -- a subtle blend of Hindu and Persian elements resulted in a totally new style, referred to as the "Mughal style," with its classical purity.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Mehtab Bagh, Nagla Devjit Etmadpur, Agra India
Mehtab Bagh is located on the left bank of Yamuna opposite Taj Mahal. The garden complex is approximately 300 square meters and is in straight alignment with the Taj Mahal. The excavation has revealed a huge octagonal tank on the southern periphery; Baradaris or pavilion on the East and West; a small octagonal tank at the center and a gateway at the Northern wall. The view of Taj Mahal from this garden is amazing specially at sunset.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 4 star hotel in Agra.

Day 2: Agra (visit Taj Mahal & Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb) - Delhi (200 kms & 03.30 hrs drive). drop at your address in Delhi

Stop At: Taj Mahal, Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra 282001 India
Built by Shah Jahan as an eternal symbol of his love for his favorite wife, whom he called Mumtaz Mahal ("Jewel of the Palace"), it has immortalized him forever as one of the great architectural patrons of the world. It's not just the perfect symmetry, the ethereal luminescence, the wonderful proportions, or the sheer scale (which is virtually impossible to imagine from staring at its oft-reproduced image), but the exquisite detailing covering every inch of marble that justifies it as a wonder of the world. What appears from afar to be perfectly proportioned white marble magnificence is in fact a massive bejeweled box, with pietra dura adorning the interior and exterior -- said by some to be an Italian technique imported to Agra by Jahangir, but more likely to be a craft originating in Persia. These intricately carved floral bouquets are inlaid with precious stones: agate, jasper, malachite, turquoise, tiger's eye, lapis lazuli, coral, carnelian -- every stone known to man, as well as different shades of marble, slate, and sandstone. Beautiful calligraphy, inlaid with black marble, is carefully increased in size as the eye moves higher, creating an optical illusion of perfectly balanced typography, with the letters the same size from whichever angle you look.
The Taj changes color depending on the time of day, and many recommend that you witness this by visiting in the morning and evening; however, your ticket is valid for one entry only. Eat a hearty breakfast before you head out (no food is allowed past security), and stay the day, or come in the early morning.
Note: The Taj is closed on Friday.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Itmad-ud-Daula, Moti Bagh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006, India
Described as a mini-Taj, this is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyath Beg, who served under Akbar and fathered Nur Jahan, the powerful wife of Jahangir who helped promote her father to his position as Lord of the Treasury and enshrined him here in this "bejeweled marble box" -- proof of her powerful hold on the purse strings. Also built of translucent white marble, it was the most innovative building of 17th-century India, and marked the transition from the heavy red sandstone so favored by previous Mughal emperors. It no doubt inspired Shah Jahan with its beautiful symmetry and detailing; the pietra duras are as delicate as embroidery, and the dense gilding and paintwork feature typical Persian motifs, such as the wine-vase and the dish and cup, much favored by Jahangir at the time.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at the Agra hotel.
No accommodation included on this day.