Taj Mahal Extension

Namaste! Welcome to India. Make your way to the joining point listed in the Essential Trip Information at 9 am today. We will begin with a tour of Old Delhi. Your English speaking guide will take you by private vehicle to the heart of the city, pulsing with the energy and colour of bazaars and laced by mazes of narrow lanes full of the sights, sounds, and smells of India. You can also ride a rickshaw around the back streets to experience the hustle and bustle of everyday Indian life. After a busy morning, stop for an optional lunch in Old Delhi before departing from Delhi at around 2 pm for the drive to Agra by a private air-conditioned car (approx 5 hrs). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel in Agra with the assistance of our local representative who will provide you with a briefing of the next day's itinerary, including arranging the time of your Taj Mahal visit. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore or enjoy an evening meal.

If you opt to view the Taj Mahal at sunrise you will be met at your hotel at approx 6 am by your guide who will brief and accompany you on today's activities. Alternatively, if you opt for a later 2 pm visit to the Taj your guide will meet you at a time decided the previous evening (this is usually around 8.30 am in order to visit the Red Fort first). Visit the Taj Mahal - a masterpiece of shimmering white marble set amid beautiful formal gardens. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz, this 'teardrop on the face of eternity' (as it was described by writer Rabindranath Tagore) lives up to all expectations. Visit Agra Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. Constructed in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, the fort was originally designed to be a military structure. It was converted to a palace in Emperor Shah Jahan's time and eventually became his prison after he lost power in 1658. Today there will also be some free time to unwind and relax, explore the back lanes of Agra, visit the Taj again, or watch local artisans and villagers making handicrafts, marble inlay work, or carpets. A visit to Sheroes Cafe, which provides employment for women who have been affected by acid attacks, is also highly recommended.

After breakfast, you will be met by your guide who will assist in checking you out of your hotel. Travel by private A/C vehicle towards Delhi, stopping en route at the deserted Mughal kingdom of Fatehpur Sikri (approx 4 hrs). Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, it was abandoned after 15 years due to the scarcity of water. A highlight of the settlement is Jama Masjid, a striking mosque featuring elements of both Persian and Hindu design. The main entrance of the mosque is the impressive 54 metre-high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, constructed to commemorate Akbar's military victory in Gujarat. After this visit, your guide will bid you farewell as you begin your journey back to Delhi.