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Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

One of the world’s most beautiful buildings is not merely an exquisite tomb but a monument to love. The Taj Mahal was completed after two decades’ labour in 1653 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to entomb his wife, Mumtaz.

It stands at the head of formal gardens by the Yamuna River. The combination of milky-white marble (much of it inlaid with semi-precious stones, a technique known as pietra dura), a great bulbous dome and four slender minarets lend the mausoleum an astonishing almost ethereal beauty.

Admire it at your leisure – its well-kept gardens coax lingering, relaxed visits.

Mumtaz’s original resting place

What’s rather less well-known is that this isn’t Mumtaz’s original resting place. She died 22 years earlier in Burhanpur (Madhya Pradesh) while in labour, and was interred in a formal pleasure garden. The original – an all but forgotten and extremely modest ‘tomb’ – is still there, long empty since she was moved to Agra and eventually her final resting place in the Taj. Shah Jahan was inconsolable, mourned in seclusion for a year and his hair turned white.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

East of central Agra and just south of the Yamuna, the Taj’s subsidiary gateways all funnel visitors to the main entrance and its classic archway-framing view of the tomb itself.

The east gate is generally less crowded than the west one, while the south is closed until further notice.

While many visitors arrive on guided tours, independent travellers might wish to use on-the-spot local guides (whose quality varies wildly) or audio guides. Food is not allowed inside the grounds and expect heightened security checks.

Some of the most striking views of the Taj are from the Yamuna River itself or from Mehtab Bagh on its northern banks. River boats with boatmen can usually be found down by the north-eastern side though this appears to be rather ad hoc and unregulated – don’t expect a life jacket. The undulating nearby scrubland also offers good viewpoints.

For Mehtab Bagh (open sunrise to sunset), a part-restored 16th-century Mughal garden that aligns perfectly with the Taj’s profile, it’s a 7km drive to cross the Yamuna River and loop back to within 250m of the mausoleum.

When to do it

The Taj Mahal is open all year round, Saturday to Thursday, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. It’s closed on Fridays.

Dawn and sunset lend the softest and most atmospheric light, with dawn also having fewer visitors.

October to April offers the most comfortable climate – but is the peak tourist season. May and June are hot and uncomfortable.

Five nights each month, the Taj opens for ‘Full Moon’ viewings between 8.30pm and 12.30am but you’ll need to book in advance.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

11-Hour Agra Day Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal

Agra

11-Hour Agra Day Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal
Visit Agra to experience the stunning sunrise and sunset of Taj Mahal. Your experienced local guide will reveal all the secrets about Taj Mahal and other UNESCO World Heritage in Agra including the magnificent Agra Fort, Baby Taj Mahal, and Great Emperor Akbar's tomb. Your journey will start at Taj Mahal in the morning and, before night falls, we take you to Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) for a beautiful romantic view of Taj Mahal at sunset. Your private guide will ensure a personalized and enjoyable experience at all time.

Price: $20

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [229 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Car - All Inclusive

New Delhi

Private Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Car - All Inclusive
Travel comfortably in a private car from Delhi. Skip the crowd and the heat to watch the magnificent Taj Mahal. Later experience the heavenly interior of Red Fort or Baby Taj.

Price: $25

Min age: 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [1326 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Car - All Inclusive

New Delhi

Private Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Car - All Inclusive
Travel comfortably in a private car from Delhi. Skip the crowd and the heat to watch the magnificent Taj Mahal. Later experience the heavenly interior of Red Fort or Baby Taj.

Price: $31

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [1948 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Private Day Tour with 5* Lunch from Delhi

New Delhi

Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Private Day Tour with 5* Lunch from Delhi
Visit the magnificent history of the Taj and Agra city in the private day tour, get a chance to experience the beauty of the city Agra and live in the glory of the Mughal. In the day tour, you will visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort from Delhi by car. You will enjoy the luxury of a private transport via Yamuna expressway, and by the end, you will would enjoy your lunch at 5 Star Restaurant in Agra.

Price: $33

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [250 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi with Lunch at 5 Star Hotel

New Delhi

Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi with Lunch at 5 Star Hotel
Enjoy a private day-trip to Agra from Delhi and experience the beauty of the Mughal Empire of India. You can see famous ancient architecture such as the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, a 16th-century Mughal monument. Your own private guide will make sure you have a great experience of these UNESCO World Heritage structures. We follow the Proper SOP for Covid-19 during the tour. Like Proper Sanitization of Vehicle on a periodic basis. Temperature Measure Gun with Sanitizers, mask and gloves in the vehicle. Your Chauffeur will also follow the SOP during the whole Tour.

Price: $40

Min age: 3

Rating 4.87 / 5 [331 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Day Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri Tour from Delhi by Car

New Delhi

Private Day Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri Tour from Delhi by Car
Discover the treasures of the Mughal Empire of India on a private full-day tour of Agra. See the Taj Mahal, visit the Agra Fort and the exquisite abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Included in this tour is a private live tour guide, private transport, A uniformed driver, Lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Delhi.

Price: $40

Min age: 10

Rating 4.92 / 5 [98 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Guided Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with Entrance tickets and Lunch,

New Delhi

Private Guided Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with Entrance tickets and Lunch,
Cherish a lifetime opportunity of exploring the worlds most beautiful monumnent the Taj Mahal by reaching agra through drive .Taj Mahal wasn't built on the steps of the love story of Mughal emperor  Shah jahan.apart from the Taj Mahal our guest will see agra fort made of red sandstone ,which will take you to centuries back ,the third place will be Mehtab bagh here our guest can enjoy the beautiful view of the Taj Mahal in sunset and kids can enjoy in the garden maintained by argelogical survey of India . we take a gurantee to give the best services in a tour.so our guest can experience the wounderful journey in agra city from Delhi to enjoy this spectacular one day trip from Delhi to agra. and everything happens in one day .

Price: $41

Min age: 1

Rating 4.91 / 5 [196 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Express Train - All Inclusive

New Delhi

Private Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Express Train - All Inclusive
Depart from Delhi NCR on the 90 minutes Gatimaan Express Train to Agra. Enjoy a private guided tour of The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort or Baby Taj. Return to Delhi by Train at 7:30 PM.

Price: $44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [1006 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Taj Mahal Day Trip by Express Train With Lunch

New Delhi

 Private Taj Mahal Day Trip by Express Train With Lunch
Taj Mahal, a castle in the Air spreading the charm and fragrance of what we call pure love, is a majestic monument located in Agra in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. Every sing year, millions of tourists flock to witness the unparallel beauty and architecture of this monument. We, at Perfect Agra Tours present you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit and explore the remarkable beauty and historic importance that Taj Mahal has to offer. Our Agra Tour by fast train makes the excursion easy and comfortable. Settle into the Gatimaan Express for your journey to Agra is created for people like you who want nothing but a chance to visit the Taj without disturbing their busy schedule. So if it’s a day-off or just a weekend, grab the opportunity and book your trip with us. With this option you get 2nd class air conditioned train, entrance fees of monuments, tour guide service, lunch at 5 star hotel and all taxes.

Price: $44

Min age: 4

Rating 4.96 / 5 [472 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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All Inclusive Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train

New Delhi

All Inclusive Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train
With this tour you will get the chance to explore Taj Mahal and other monuments of Agra in one day. Explore Taj Mahal in one day from Delhi and return back by India's fastest train – Gatimaan Express Train. You will visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Etimad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and Mehtab Bagh (Sunset Point).

Price: $45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [2467 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Day Tour From Delhi by Ac Car - All Inclusive

New Delhi

Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Day Tour From Delhi by Ac Car - All Inclusive
Nature always relaxes and soothes the mind. The sunrise and sunsets are the perfect example when everything grows a thousand times more beautiful than they actually are. All the scenic beauty falls short when you would see the Taj Mahal in its full glory while sunrise. The rays of the sun with a tinge of orange illuminate the white marble with a reddish glow. Even the shadow of the Taj Mahal while sunrise in the water creates a magical impression which cannot be forgot and will remain imprinted in your brain. This is the sole reason why the thousands of tourists across the globe have this desire of visiting the Taj Mahal at the time of the sunrise and witness this magnificent view. If you want to witness this beautiful phenomenon then we at the Perfect Agra tours are providing you with this perfect opportunity to witness it. We are offering you the Taj Mahal Sunrise Same Day by Car Tour which is perfect for the working people and is economical and also takes less time. 

Price: $56

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [94 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Day Trip to Agra Including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort,Baby Taj- All Inclusive

New Delhi

Private Day Trip to Agra Including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort,Baby Taj- All Inclusive
Travel to Agra to visit the wonderful Taj Mahal on this private day-tour from Delhi.  Discover the Taj Mahal with a qualified and experienced local tour guide and learn about the incredible yet mysterious architectural design of the monument. In addition, visit the magnificent Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the Baby Taj Mahal (Itimad-ud-Daulah's tomb) and Mehtab Bagh, a garden with a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal . FYI - This is a Private Trip only for you. We will Pick you up from any location in Delhi / Noida / Gurgaon / Airport and drop you off back. Pick Up time is 6 am , But you can choose any time to start from Delhi from Starting from 3 am .

Price: $59

Min age: 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [153 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Taj Mahal at Sunrise and Agra Day Tour from Delhi

New Delhi

Private Taj Mahal at Sunrise and Agra Day Tour from Delhi
Visit the world-famous Private Taj Mahal at Sunrise and Agra Day Tour from Delhi. Get picked up from the airport or your Delhi hotel and travel in a private vehicle to Agra. Dawn is a magical time to see the Taj Mahal, the UNESCO World Heritage Site built by a Mughal emperor in memory of his beloved wife. Afterwards, your guide will take you to the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort and to enjoy some shopping, before returning you to Delhi. Breakfast, transport, and entrance fees are included.

Price: $68

Min age: 0

Rating 4.68 / 5 [344 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Day Trip to The Taj Mahal, Agra with Mathura & Vrindavan from Delhi

New Delhi

Day Trip to The Taj Mahal, Agra with Mathura & Vrindavan from Delhi
Explore three important destinations in one full-day private tour including Vrindavan, a important Hindu pilgrimage site that dates back to the 1500s, Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna, and the iconic Taj Majal. Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off, guide, transportation,entrance fees, and lunch included.

Price: $68

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [8 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by car Same day with Agra Fort & Itmad-ud-daula

New Delhi

Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by car Same day with Agra Fort & Itmad-ud-daula
Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by car Same day with Agra Fort & Itmad-ud-daula, famous and very comfortable tour and we make it our guest and see India's most famous Monuments, Taj Mahal, and have time left over to check out the Mughal-era Agra Fort and white Marble "Baby Taj" on this full-day trip from Delhi. Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by car Same day with Agra Fort & Itmad-ud-daula is very popular tour for our guest. Sunrise Taj Mahal tour from Delhi by car also people can book this tour and book this tour very early morning pickup. Our tour Driver is very professional and experience drivers team so your journey will safe and good. As per compete the Monuments tour the we are provided Shopping tour Agra so tourist can enjoy shopping of Handicraft things like Marbles, Rugs, Gems Jewelry's, etc.

Price: $74

Min age: 3

Rating 4.99 / 5 [175 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Full-Day Tour in Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

New Delhi

Private Full-Day Tour in Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Take this chance to visit the Taj Mahal from New Delhi. Enjoy the comfort of your own private car and driver, as well as an English-speaking guide with visits to the  Agra Red Fort and the impressive Mehtab Bagh the Great on this full-day tour.

Price: $80

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [45 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Taj Mahal And Agra Fort Private Sunrise To Sunset Same Day Tour From Delhi

New Delhi

Taj Mahal And Agra Fort Private Sunrise To Sunset Same Day Tour From Delhi
Walk back in time with me through the Taj Mahal in Agra and feel the history in every wall and let them do the talk. We are specialized in experiential personalized travel programs, and may not be able to do the regular tour with just Car,Driver and Hotel. Agra,the landmark that has come to everlastingly symbolize love,is a city of rich authentic and building legacy which is visited by an enormous number of travelers.Taj Mahal is the single biggest vacation destination of this city, Agra additionally offers fine show-stoppers and art. In view of its numerous Mughal-time structures,The traveler puts in Agra talks volume about the rich culture and legacy of Agra.The city is known for its noteworthy destinations,design,and a climate of being in the Mughal period. Note:We tailor occasions for your particular needs.If you need adjustments so we can customize tour an occasion to suit your requirement for an exceptional India visit. We will go with the flow and will travel like a local.

Price: $81

Min age: 0

Rating 4.81 / 5 [22 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Day Trip to Agra includes Taj Mahal and Agra Fort from Delhi

New Delhi

Private Day Trip to Agra includes Taj Mahal and Agra Fort from Delhi
Step back in time and discover the glory of the Mughal Empire of India on this private day trip to Agra from Delhi. See ancient architecture significant to India’s history such as the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort, a 16th-century Mughal monument. Of course, a visit to this country is not complete without a tour of the Taj Mahal, one of the most recognized symbols of India. Your own private guide(English/french/German/Italian/Spanish) will ensure that you get an in-depth experience of these emblematic structures.

Price: $85

Min age: 0

Rating 4.54 / 5 [322 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sunrise Taj Mahal Trip from Delhi all Inclusive

New Delhi

Sunrise Taj Mahal Trip from Delhi all Inclusive
*Private Day Trip to Agra Taj Mahal by AC Car or by AC Train. *Tour of Taj Mahal and Agra fort with experienced Guide. *Lunch at one of the best restaurants in Agra. (If you Choose the right option). *Entrance and Camera fees for Taj Mahal and Agra Fort inclusive (If you Choose the right option). *No time limit for any monuments so enjoys as long you want. *Flexible pick up and drop-off from Airport or Hotel in Delhi 

Price: $87

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [1327 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Agra Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Private Day Trip by Rail from Delhi

New Delhi

Agra Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Private Day Trip by Rail from Delhi
Take the Gatiman Express from New Delhi to the Taj Mahal and Agra, after your hotel/airport pick-up around 7:00am. Prepare yourself for a 9-12 hour day, and enjoy the comfort of traveling by high-speed train for 80 minutes to maximize your sightseeing time. Join your professional guide for an exciting day of exploration to Taj Mahal with your private group. Travel in style with uniformed-driver and private air-conditioned car. You will enjoy such inclusions as hotel transfers, breakfast aboard the train, and entrance fees.

Price: $90

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [260 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Delhi to Agra and Taj Mahal Private Day Trip by Express Train with Lunch

New Delhi

Delhi to Agra and Taj Mahal Private Day Trip by Express Train with Lunch
This tour gives a traveller value for money. Within an economic price the traveler will get to experience a train ride on one of the fastest train in India. The price includes almost everything like local transfers, tour expert, train tickets and of course delicious Indian lunch in one of the best restaurant of Agra city. This tour helps a traveller in saving time and money both.

Price: $96

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [794 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Taj Mahal & Agra Fort: Private Sunrise Tour from Delhi

New Delhi

Taj Mahal & Agra Fort: Private Sunrise Tour from Delhi
See the sunrise over the marble mausoleum of the Taj Mahal on a full-day tour of Agra from Delhi. Visit one of the world's most romantic monument, As well as visit the impressive Agra Fort. * Experience the sunrise over the Taj Mahal followed by a guided tour of the monument * Explore the impressive walled exteriors and inner palaces of the Agra Red Fort with a private guide * Look inside the romantic Tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan * Travel in a private, air-conditioned car on the Delhi-Agra expressway and be back in Delhi by late afternoon

Price: $119

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [22 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Full-Day Tour by Train to Taj Mahal from Delhi

New Delhi

Private Full-Day Tour by Train to Taj Mahal from Delhi
Enjoy The Trip to Taj Mahal, Agra in one day from Delhi by Gatimaan Express Train reach the Agra very short period. Which departs Delhi at 08:10 AM and reach Agra at 09:50 AM. snacks will be served on the train. Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh in one day. During this tour Explore the white marble mausoleum of the Taj Mahal. Get the chance to sample Mughal cuisine at a luxury restaurant. All inclusive in package, lunch, AC transport for pickup, drop and Agra sightseeing, Well knowledge local tour guide etc.

Price: $156

Min age: 0

Rating 4.56 / 5 [16 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra from Delhi by Car

New Delhi

Private 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra from Delhi by Car
On this 2-Day private tour to the Taj Mahal and Agra, you will drive from Delhi to Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal  - the world's best-known tomb stands testimony to the timeless love story of the 17th century Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan and his queen Mumtaz Mahal. See Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage site) with its elegant buildings combined with Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Professional guide, overnight accommodation and meals as per itinerary are included.

Price: $176

Min age: 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [23 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-Day Golden Triangle Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra and Jaipur from Delhi by Car

New Delhi

2-Day Golden Triangle Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra and Jaipur from Delhi by Car
7am Pickup from Hotel / Airport / Railway Station or any other desired pickup location in Delhi, Noida, or Gurugram and three hours drive to Agra visit The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Friday Closed). And Agra Fort and drive to Jaipur. Next day Jaipur visit of Amber Fort, which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727.

Price: $224

Min age: 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [75 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private 5-Day Ranthambhore Tiger Tour from Delhi including the Taj Mahal, Agra and Jaipur

New Delhi

Private 5-Day Ranthambhore Tiger Tour from Delhi including the Taj Mahal, Agra and Jaipur
Combine a classic tour of the Golden Triangle (Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi) with a visit to Ranthambhore National Park on this private, 5-day tour from Delhi. Four nights' accommodation in a 5-star or 4-star hotel, even you can book without hotel accommodation. Meals per itinerary, all transportation, and a safari in Ranthambhore National Park included. This private tour ensures personalized attention from your guide and a flexible itinerary.

Price: $500

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [83 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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All Inclusive Day Trip to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj from Delhi by Car

New Delhi

All Inclusive Day Trip to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj from Delhi by Car
In this All Inclusive Luxury Private tour you will visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj (Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah). Entrance Fees to three monuments, Lunch at 5 Star Hotel Courtyard by Marriott and Air Conditioned car with English speaking driver are also included in this Luxury private tour.

Price: ₹1,900

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [413 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Agra

Uttar Pradesh, India

Agra

Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, the relentlessly congested and clamourous city of Agra and its hinterland host an array of superb Mughal architecture, along with vigorous bazaars.

India’s Golden Triangle

India’s cultural essence combined with its most iconic sights and greatest bucket list experiences, all distilled into one compact, diverse and vibrant region.

Round-ups that include this experience

100 World’s greatest historic buildings

The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.