Day 15 (15th December): Trip to Agra Taj Mahal

Posted by on Feb 7, 2013 in Gandhi Lifescapes 2017 | 0 comments

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will leave for Agra by bus (approx 4 hrs drive, one way).  Arrive Agra and proceed to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Later, the group will drive to Delhi International Airport to board flight back home. No dinner this evening.

 

Visit the Taj Mahal. With its incredible lacy white grandeur the Taj Mahal is perhaps the agra - taj mahalmost perfect architectural monument in the world. To the poet Tagore it was a `tear on the face of eternity’. In memory of his wife the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan constructed this most extravagant and incomparable monument built for love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close up detail, which is really astounding.

Agra Fort is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, another monumental mission accomplished by the great Mughal visionary Emperor Akbar. His son Jehangir and grandson Shah Jehan added to this imposing structure during their rule. The palaces, mosques and audience halls contained within its massive wall of red sandstone are perfect examples of blending Islamic and Hindu traditions.

Agra, the city known for the famous monument of love – the Taj Mahal. The Mughal Emperor, Shah Jehan, constructed Taj Mahal. It is said he built this monument in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is ethereal at any part of the day – blushing in the rosy glow of dawn or sunset, appearing like a pearly mirage in the moonlight or reflected in the pools of the garden. Perhaps the most moving view of the Taj is from an octagonal tower in the Agra Fort further along the river Yamuna.

There are very few cities in the world that can match the history and heritage of Agra. Located at a distance of 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is the single most famous tourist destination of India. Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Norther Indian plains. The architectural splendor of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years.

 In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality, which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain in Agra.

Taj Mahal, India – http://www.airpano.ru/files/Taj-Mahal-India/2-3

 Meals Included: Buffet breakfast at the Suryaa Hotel + Lunch at local restaurant in Agra and no dinner  schedule this evening as part of the tour.

Weather: Agra December temperature varies from -2°C or 28.4 F to 31°C or 87.8 F. 

NOTE: for those who are joining Agra Trip: International flight tickets should be booked for December 16, 2017, early morning flight.

End of Tour