Agra

The Best Delhi Itinerary For 3 Days – Sightseeing Tour Of The Indian Capital

September 21, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

India, without any doubt, can be termed as one of the world’s most culturally and ethnically diverse territories. A Delhi itinerary for 3 days is a minimum number of days required for this great city.

The city is the melting point of all these diversities is its capital, Delhi. Delhi is not your regular capital with government buildings and foreign embassies, this city has been through a lot, justifying the rich history of this city.

Delhi surely is not for the faint heart, there is heat, there is pollution, there is traffic; but amidst all this chaos exist people with good hearts, mouth-watering food joints, architectural wonders and much more.

In fact, a lot of people who plan to explore India, start their journey from Delhi. Delhi has so much to offer, that no span of time can be regarded as ample, however, 3 days are sufficient to pay a visit to Delhi’s most sought after sights.

So brace yourself and pack your bags, and follow this carefully crafted itinerary to enjoy Delhi to a maximum in 3 days.

Also, a point worth mentioning, if you are visiting Delhi, the heat combined with dirt becomes intolerable, so slather on a ton of sunscreen, wear a hat along with comfy clothes and since you would be doing a lot of walking, choose your shoes accordingly.

Delhi has a metro station that connects you to all the major tourist destinations, but a better option would be commuting around in a taxi or a Rickshaw.

Don’t forget to try your luck by bargaining for the fare, since these drivers charge way too much from foreigners.

Delhi Itinerary For 3 Days

A trip to Delhi is not complete without exploring the many beautiful temples, markets and other cool Delhi sightseeing places.

Below I not only take you through things to do in Delhi but what to see in Delhi, where to eat and shop too.

If you are visiting Delhi for the first time or are short on time you can also get many tours with several options for either one day itinerary for Delhi taking you around the city from early at the moment to get ahead of the traffic and hitting up many places to visit in Delhi in one day which of course will include one or two of the places below.

The local sightseeing in Delhi and places below should take up most of the day which leaving you to have the evening to check out evening entertainment in the city whether that is local restaurants or food tours in Delhi.

DAY 1 In Delhi (Mehrauli Archeological Park, Qutab Minar & Hauz Khas Village )

Delhi is among one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in India and the places below certainly justify why Delhi is on that tressured list.

Mehrauli Archeological Park

India is truly incredible, with so much to see and do so, your first destination to visit in mission explore Delhi is Mehrauli Archaeological Park.

Since it is located adjacent to Qutab Minar, most people prefer paying a visit there and overlook this site, however, little do they know that stepping into this complex is like walking down the lane of Delhi’s history.

It is spread over about 200 acres and houses around 100 historical monuments. You would come across monuments and relics of Tughluqs, Mughals, Khaljis, Lodhis, British and other rulers of Delhi along with their family and loyal subjugates.

Keep an eye for Jamali Kamali mosque and the stepwell of Rajon Ki Baoli. Both of these buildings stand out because of their unmatched splendor.

If walking too much is a turn off for you, you can also rent a bicycle and bring some snacks, to explore this place at your desired pace because there is so much to explore.

You can spend there as much time as you want, but minimum 3 4 hours are required since it’s huge so make sure to wake up early in the morning in order to give each site its due time in scavenging.

Qutab Minar

Adjacent to Mehrauli Archaeological Park lies the Qutab Minar which was built in 1206 and is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

This minaret is named after Qutab-ud-Din Aibak, the ruler who started its construction. It is about 240 feet tall and has 5 storeys.

The building is a manifestation of Islamic influence on the architecture of subcontinent. You would be awestruck by the majesty of this place.

For foreigners, you would have to pay a nominal entrance fee of 300 rupees while locals have to pay 50 rupees and kids are free to enter.

Hauz Khas Village

After spending the whole day dissecting through Delhi’s history and architecture that was influenced by its past rulers, it is now time to get a taste of Delhi’s present-day life and the architecture influenced by it.

Hauz Khas Village is one of a kind place in Delhi, where past meets present. Hauz Khas literally means a royal tank, this place is named so after an ancient reservoir present here, which dates back to the 13th century and is bounded by a walking track.

In the past, this place was an academic hub which attracted India’s Muslim students and scholars to gather and ponder for educational purposes.

This village went through drastic renovations in the 1980s, giving it its present shape. The best thing about this complex is that even with modern well-established shops and restaurants, it still has maintained its medieval charm.

The narrow streets lined with chic boutiques, Bollywood posters, and peppy restaurants is ideal to be strolled in the evening.

You will also have a lot of food options, the best one would be relishing on Indian street food or something which could be grabbed and eaten on the go. Some popular restaurants in Hauz Khas Village are Naivedeyam, Auro Kitchen and Bar, Coast Café, Himalayan Kitchen, etc.

When you return from Delhi you can also try your hand with these cool Indian food recipes.

DAY 2 In Delhi (Humayun’s Tomb, Connaught Place, National Museum of Delhi & Lotus Temple)

Humayun’s Tomb

Day 2 would be inclined towards exploring the monuments of Old Delhi. While Taj Mahal is recognized as one of the modern seven wonders of the world, the inspiration behind its construction was Humayun’s Tomb.

Humayun’s tomb has a significant status among the Muslim inspired architectural monuments in India since it was the first tomb with a garden area. This red sandstone tomb is the resting place of Mughal emperor Humayun.

It was constructed on the orders of his first wife Bega Begum. Since the main attraction of this tombstone is its well-established gardens, you can pack your food and have a picnic in these lush green gardens or you can check in the very famous Oberoi Hotel, whose iconic rooftop restaurant gives a picturesque view of the Humayun’s tomb.

Of all the places to visit in India for 3 or 4 days, this is up there on the top places not to miss.

There is a shop near the tomb Anokhi’s discount store, which has women’s traditional clothes at very affordable rates. If you are interested in exploring the Sufi culture rampant in sub-continent, you can join the walking tour of Nizamuddin Basti, the three hundred rupees that you would pay would be donated for the betterment of underprivileged residents of the area.

If you are lucky enough to join this tour on Thursday, your evening would end with such a mesmerizing Qawali performance that would traverse your soul to the lands unknown.

Connaught Place

Not Delhi itinerary is complete with a visit to this place. Head to Connaught Place, where you will catch a glimpse of Delhi and its people in their raw nature.

The spot is hustling and bustling at all times since it is a significant commercial and trading point in Delhi. The Georgian style buildings talk of Delhi’s colonial past.

You will find vintage cinemas, global chain stores, hotels of different ranges, restaurants offering local as well as foreign cuisine and much more. Parikrama is a revolving restaurant which offers scenic views of the city.

If you are looking to buy ethnic Indian outfits like saris or embroidered bags and traditional shoes, visit the stalls that line Janpath Market.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a prominent Sikh Gurudwara (worship house ) is another touristy spot in Connaught Place that is famous for its reflecting waters.

Jantar Mantar is the oldest astronomical observatory in India. It was constructed in 1724. A guard would take you around this building and the ancient calendars and sighting objects would fascinate you a lot.

National Museum of Delhi

From Connaught Place, head to National Museum Delhi, which is accessible to the public from 10 am to 6 pm, except Mondays.

It was established in 1949, soon after India’s independence. 650 rupees entrance fee is required.

You will not only find artifacts and relics from India’s recent history and the dynasties that ruled here but also from Indus Valley Civilization, that dates back to 2500 BC.

Lotus Temple

India is home to followers of many religions and the coexistence of their worship houses in its capital Delhi manifests it. Baha’i is a minority religion in India but the Baha’i community of Delhi is very proud of the Bahai Lotus Temple located to the East of Nehru Place.

The temple is relatively young as compared to other religious buildings located in Delhi since it was constructed in 1986.

The white marbled lotus-shaped building afloat water and bounded by gardens was constructed taking influence from other architectural sights in Delhi.

Since the fundamental principle of Baha’i faith is unity and equality among all people, the temple is open to visitation to everyone free of cost.

DAY 3 In Delhi (Chandni Chowk & Red Fort )

Chandni Chowk

Another Delhi itinerary must-see. The narrow streets of Chandi chowk filled with chaos have the heart of residents of Delhi for this place is perfect to shop, eat, explore culture, monuments, etc.

During the Mughal era, Chandni chowk was the primary location for imports from Asia and Europe and a prominent trade location.

Chandni chowk can easily be accessed by metro in case your hotel is too far away and the fare for taxi or rickshaw exceeds your budget.

Shopping at Chandi Chowk can be quite intimidating because of the narrow-congested streets with massive crowds.

In addition, there are specialist areas for each kind of item like Katra Neel for saris, Moti Bazaar for shawls, Dariban Kallan for ethnic jewelry, Chawri Bazaar for stationary, Khari Baoli for spices (which is also Asia’s largest spice Bazaar). That is why hiring a personal tour guide would help you a lot in traversing through this havoc.

Also, while shopping, be mindful of the pocket pickers and try to carry your cash and phone in the breast pocket(You can opt to use an anti-theft backpack).

Chandi Chowk is a foodie’s paradise and there are endless eating options which can become quite confusing as well. However, don’t forget to visit the famous Paranthe Wali Gali to try out anyone from the hundreds of variants of Indian fried bread, paratha, and the Old Famous Jalebi Wala to try out their mouth-watering jalebis.

In Chandni Chowk, you will find many Havelis (traditional Indian mansions) including the one which was home to the famous poet Mirza Ghalib. Chandi Chowk is also home to prominent worship places of different religions; including Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Shri Digambar Jain Temple.

Red Fort

At the end of Chandi Chowk, your eyes would meet the majestic Red Fort, which is open to visitors from 6 am to 9 pm, except Mondays and tickets need to be purchased for entry.

Red fort, locally known as Laal Qila, was the home of Mughal Emperors when the capital of the Mughal Dynasty shifted from Agra to Delhi. The red color of the building is imparted by red sandstone and the fort bears a striking resemblance to the Agra Fort in Uttar Pradesh.

In fact, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commanded to construct the fort by taking inspiration from the Agra Fort.

There are lush green gardens, museums, and mausoleums within the complex. Mumtaz Mahal, the palace inside the red fort that belonged to Shah Jahan’s wife Mumtaz, houses remnants and artifacts from the Mughal period.

Drishyakala Museum displays artistic works and paintings from different time periods, numbering more than 450, while Kranti Mandir is established to acknowledge the sacrifices laid by Indian freedom fighters and pay tribute to them.

The main entrance of the fort is called Lahore Gate which opens to Chatta Chowk. Across the red fort lies the famous Jama Masjid.

Jama Masjid translates into Friday Mosque and it is the biggest and largest Mosque in India. It was the central place of worship of the Mughal Capital Delhi.

The grandeur of the Mosque would leave you in awe since there is a capacity of 25000 worshippers in its courtyard.

Visitors are required to pay 300 rupees fee to tour the Mosque. Also, you cannot wear shoes inside so either leave them with the keepers outside for some money or bring a bag to carry them.

Shri Digambar Jain Temple, also located opposite to the red fort, has a sanctuary for sick birds, Charity Birds Hospital, where volunteers provide suitable treatment to ailing birds of all kinds.

Delhi might not appear as one of the rich or aesthetically pretty cities, but it surely is one of the liveliest and most hustling bustling cities where you can experience life up close.

This Delhi itinerary for 3 days covers a few of Delhi’s most important tourist destinations and if you have more time, you can surely cover the rest.

Day Trips From Delhi

If you have more time in India beyond the 3 day trip to Delhi, I would highly recommend a day trip to Agra. Even better if you have at least 2 days for Agra.

I have shared tips on places to visit in Agra as well as tips on visiting Taj Mahal. If you are doing Agra as a day trip you need to leave by 5am from Delhi at the latest to bit the traffic and arrive in Agra early enough to make the most of the day. For more information on how to get from Delhi to Agra read my post for full details.

Overnight Trips From Delhi

If you are into spiritual trips you can also do a 1 night trip from Delhi. My husband did an overnight trip to Krishna Balaram Mandir in the holy city of Vrindavan, which is on the route to Agra.

So you can do a Delhi sightseeing itinerary then move on to Vrindavan before going to see the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Although there are several day tours to Vrindavan, my husband opted for an overnight stay. Depending on the hotel or hostel you stay at they can arrange a driver for you but you will most likely have to pay for their accommodation too over there.

The hotels in Vrindavan are inexpensive so it’s not so big an expense to pay for the accommodation for the drive. Just book this yourself to avoid paying an unnecessarily higher “foreign” charge.

Whether you have a week in India or doing a one-month itinerary of India, there plenty of other beautiful places to visit in addition to Delhi.

Other overnight trips from Delhi, say 2-day trip places from Delhi include a visit to Jaipur which I have covered on the blog.

You can choose from day tours, 2-day trips or even 3 day trips near Delhi to Jaipur and Agra. If you are someone that prefers package tours then I would also check out the package tours to India from Contiki, GAdentures and WendyWu Tours.

How To Get Around Delhi

There is a mix of transportation options in Delhi. From yellow taxis, auto-rickshaws, radio cabs(advanced booking is a must), cycles, public buses and in recent years the Delhi metro has seen some improvements.

I mostly used taxis arranged by the hotel as it was easier for me to leave super early for exploring before the heavy traffic and come back to the hotel before the mid-day heat got too crazy.

From the moment you arrive, you will notice that Delhi is quite congested with traffic and this will affect how much you have to explore each day.

Delhi Buses

Buses in Delhi are inexpensive and have a wide coverage in the city and beyond. Most are operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation.

The red buses are air-conditioned and the green buses are the non air-conditioned buses. They are mostly packed to the brim. Also, note that it is not advisable for women to ride the buses alone after dark.

Delhi Metro

The metro in Delhi starts from 5.30am and runs to 11.30pm. Trains arrive every 3 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes during non-peak time.

The metro is clean and inexpensive. Prices for the tickets start at 8 Rupees and can go up to 30 Rupees. You get single-use tokens to use the metro in Delhi. There are 6 lines in operation.

If you are a tourist or staying longer in Delhi you also have the option of purchasing the Smart Card which can be topped up.

The Smart Card is available with a minimum value of Rs 100. They also have the Tourist Card which has unlimited travel over short periods.

These come in single day cards costing Rs 100 or the Tourist Card for 3 days which costs Rs 250 with a refundable deposit of Rs 50. Perfect for anyone visiting Delhi for 3 or 4 days.

The last option is the daily token option where you get a single journey tokens. The minimum fare is Rs 8 and the maximum is Rs 30.

Where To Stay In Delhi

There are plenty of amazing places to stay in Delhi, for one of our visits we stayed on the edge of the city at Marriott Courtyard which I shared on the blog.

Delhi has many affordable hotels and hostels catering to budget and luxury travellers. Hostels in Delhi can be as cheap as £5 per night.

You also have the option of hotels in Delhi which start from about £20 for a good 3-star hotel. If you prefer the self-caring option there also apartments available.

Other Things To Know About Delhi

The people are very friendly and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if you get invited to a wedding or two.
There is a system to the chaos of the city, simply stop and observe before making a judgment.
The city is beautiful with so many green parks to wander around.
There are so many amazing bazaars to shop at, be prepared to haggle!
Visa for India
- Tourist visas for India are usually granted for 6 months for most passports and you can extend depending on where you come from.
- You can get an electronic visa but I ended up getting mine from the visa offices in London. I don’t remember it costing me more than £50.

Essential Items To Pack

Make sure you have all your vaccines done.
Pack mosquito repellent – essential especially in the monsoon season.
Modest clothing. Keep clothing to at least knee-length as well as higher necklines for tops. Avoid showing cleavage.
Pack comfortable walking shoes as you will most likely be wandering around amazing markets and tourist sights on foot.

There you have it, my recommendations for places to visit in Delhi for 3 or 4 days. Have you been to Delhi before? What else did you include in your Delhi itinerary?

Also See:

The Colours Of India
Amazing Temples To Visit In Siem Reap
Where To Stay In Siem Reap

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How To Get From Delhi To Agra By Train (+ Bus & Car Option)

March 1, 2018 by admin 37 Comments

Doing the Golden Triangle is on almost everyone’s bucket list and two of stops on the Golden Triangle is the journey of traveling from Delhi to Agra by train, car or bus. In previous posts I covered 13 places to visit in Delhi, I also covered tips on visiting Taj Mahal, with the recent post covering 5 places to visit in Agra beyond Taj Mahal.

In this post, I wanted to provide tips on how to get from Delhi to Agra by train, bus or car, also covering the NewDelhii to Agra train ticket price options, depending on your budget and how much time you have to explore.

In some of my posts, you may have already read about how I managed to jump on the opportunity to visit India when my husband had a project in India for about a month and a half. While I had plenty of time in New Delhi to visit Humayun’s Tomb, The Lotus Temple and other places, my husband’s exploration were only on weekends.

So while planning the trip to Agra from Delhi I wanted to make sure we could maximise our time in Agra to not only the Taj Mahal but surrounding attractions. So below I have a quick guide one how to get from Delhi to Agra so that you can compare and see which method works for you.

Also See:

How to Get From Delhi to Agra By Train

There are plenty of trains leaving from Delhi to Agra and on to Jaipur so the journey from Delhi to Agra by train is not difficult.
Fast trains in Delhi leave early in the morning around 6 am and reach Agra around 8 am.
You also have the Delhi to Agra Cantt train option. The Hazrat Nizamuddin station in Delhi is where trains leave from 7 am and arrive at Agra Cantt Station.
You can buy tickets online or at the stations or online – details below.
There is now a New Delhi to Agra by train Taj express, a 100-minute journey on the Gatimaan Express, from the New Delhi to Agra, and home of the Taj Mahal. The Delhi to Agra train fare works out between 750 and 1,500 rupees (£8-£16 – AC Chair Car coach and Executive Coach. You can book below the train via the sites below of via a tour that includes the express train.
Gatimaan Express runs six days a week, except Friday, in both directions. The train leaves from Nizamuddin station in Delhi at 8:10 am and reaches Agra at 9:50 am. From Agra, the train will start its return journey at 5:50 pm and will reach Nizamuddin at 7:30 pm. This means you can easily do a day trip to Agra by train.

Don’t Fall For Scams in Delhi (Or India)

First things first, people hustle in all cities and that’s no different to India. You just have to have your wits about you. Most of the tickets for buses and trains can be bought at the tourist office at Delhi Station but make no mistake about it, you will have rickshaw drivers(aka touts) coming up with a million excuse about why you need to let them take you to some tour agent elsewhere. They will literally come up with all manner of excuses.

From the place being closed, flooded, burnt and all sorts. Insist on to the International Tourist Bureau inside New Delhi station or find another rickshaw driver. The other excuse or scare tactics will be that there is some sort of commotion in the area and it’s too dangerous to visit.

This goes for when requesting directions or a ride to your booked accommodation. But hey presto, they know just the place that is “safe” to stay or buy tickets. Don’t fall for it! If you are staying in India for longer and need tips on calling locally in India or how to use or get the local sim card in India check out the post by My Trip Hack.

Tips on Booking Ticket for Train Travel in India

You can book tickets for trains in and around India at the main stations of most big cities like New Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Agra, Jaipur, and Varanasi. You can book tickets at the International Tourist Bureaus that you will find in the main stations. These cater mainly to tourists and are usually less crowded.

So whether you are in Delhi or Jaipur, aim to go there for your tickets to avoid scams or paying beyond the price of the tickets. You can see the full list of stations with International Tourist Bureaus and their opening times by visiting India Rail.

If you are just arriving in at Delhi International Airport. There is also a 24-hour rail booking office at Delhi International Airport. I arrived at like 3 am and was in a rush to just get some sleep but that is another option if you are not in a rush to get to your hotel or other destination when you arrive.

How To Buy Tickets For Delhi to Agra By Train Online

At first, planning and booking train tickets when abroad looks complicated as some of the sites require registration and just look downright complicated! There are three options when it comes to purchasing tickets in India. I have added them below but in order to use any one of the last two you need to register with the first option first:

IRCTC – All online tickets have to go through via IRCTC but it’s not the easiest of websites to use.
1. First, register and verify your account. You can then either buy your ticket through this site or use the other slightly more easy to navigate sites.
2. You can book tickets at least 120 days in advance.
3. You have options for an e-ticket or an i-ticket that requires an Indian address to send the ticket to. The best option is for the e-ticket.
4. They now take foreign cards but if yours is not working you can use an Amex.
Clear Trip – It’s probably the easiest & simplest website to use to buy Indian train tickets online.
1. Clear Trip is allowed to link their website to the official IRCTC Indian Railways reservation & ticketing system.
2. It has a simple interface and lets you find your train routes, popular cities, train timings and train availability without hassle.
3. Enter the name of the starting station and the ending station
  - Select the seat or class along with the date of journey
  - Fill in the information about the number of passengers
  - Click on “Search trains” to get the names of the trains running along the desired route
  - You can also have a look at the train routes in India at the bottom of this page.
4. You can pay by card. For more details on payment on the site, they have an FAQ.
Make My Trip – Private much like Clear Trip and much like Clear Trip is also connected to the official IRCTC system.
1. You can buy tickets with an international card and print and e-ticket at home.
2. They charge a small fee when buying tickets through their site.

For more details in train travel in India, I highly recommend Seat61.

Taj Mahal Tours In Agra From New Delhi

You can certainly do Agra in one day. There are so many options to get from Delhi to Agra and one hassle-free option is to go via a tour. Most of these will provide options of going to Agra by train bus or car, all arranged for you via the tour.

You can also book them online before traveling to India. Check out Viator and Get Your Guide to find a suitable option.

How to Travel From Delhi to Agra By Bus

You also have the option of the Delhi to Agra by bus tour package, you can book tickets for bus ride via Make My Trip, Viator or check out Get Your Guide for bus tour package from Delhi. Currently, there are about 40 buses leaving from Delhi to Agra.
You have many operators to choose from on the Make My Trip site.
The journey takes about 2 hours with the lowest fare around Rs 250.
You can also buy tickets from the International Tourist Bureau at the main station. Details above.

How to Get From Delhi to Agra By Car

Whichever hotel you stay at, they can help you arrange a car and driver in addition to getting a guide when you arrive in Agra. Having gone through the process of looking at trains and buses to Agra in the end we opted for a car arranged by Marriott Hotel in Delhi, where we staying in Delhi.

Prices for this can range depending on whether you are booking a one-way trip, a return trip includes or excludes a guide when you get to Agra.

If you are staying overnight in Agra you can also enjoy Taj Mahal at sunrise before driving back to Delhi. Just get the prices and then compare to the above. We went with this option simply for ease of having it all sorted out by someone else including having an air-conditioned car to escape to between tourist sights while exploring during the hot Indian summer.

More on India on the blog:

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Top Things To Do In Agra One Day + Tips For 2 Day Itinerary

February 28, 2018 by admin 13 Comments

There is a bit more Agra just a quick visit to the Taj Mahal. Whether you are doing a day trip from Delhi to Agra, or part of a golden triangle trip in India, if you are heading to Agra then this post for you! Top things to do in

Agra in one day including sample Agra itinerary for one day and Agra itinerary for 2 days. Includes all the best places to visit in Agra on a day trip, things to do in Agra at night, perfect for those doing the 2 day Agra itinerary and the best Agra tours to check out. Tips on all the Unesco world heritage sites to check out, how to do an Agra trip from Delhi via the railway station easily accessible in both cities.

A lot of travelers have the iconic Taj Mahal on their bucket list, the love story alone behind this magnificent tomb is enough to draw millions of people to Agra. Having seen the beautiful Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, I had much more of an appreciation for the Taj Mahal as Humayun’s Tomb was what really gave birth to the idea of creating the Taj Mahal. You can read about that in my post. I wonder if that hadn’t come before it, as to whether we would have the Taj Mahal today.

There are many things to do in Agra city beyond the Taj Mahal from experiencing views of the beautiful Taj Mahal as you sip afternoon tea at Oberoi Hotel, to mingling in Agra’s markets to taking in the reach history of Agra Fort. You can visit the Agra on a day trip from Delhi or your can stay a day or two. You can check out my post on how to get from Delhi to Agra by train, car or bus.

Also See:

Things To Do In Agra In One Day | Places to visit In Agra In A Day Trip

Ideally, you will want to spend at least 2 days in Agra so that you can fully appreciate the beautiful sights in Agra but if time is limited the below are also things to do in Agra in one day. If you have more time I would highly recommend you revisit Taj Mahal the following day but perphaps from a different angle like from across the river. Also below is a sample Agra itinerary for one day on how to spend a day in Agra.

The Taj Mahal

First things, first. One cannot visit Agra and not visit the Taj Mahal, a Unesco world heritage site. Yes, it may be crowded at times but all noise and the pitta-patta of feet loses its volume as you are just in awe of the beauty of the Taj Mahal. The intricate details of semi-precious stones inlaid into marble. The details and thought that weight into everything all the way down to the gates and fixtures on them to represent how long it took to build from start to finish.

Truly a sight to behold and one that cannot be rushed. Take it in from all angles and if you can from across the river. I have linked above to my post on our Visit to see the Taj Mahal in addition to my tips for visiting the Taj Mahal.

Explore Agra Fort

Having braved the crowds or the Indian Summer, depending on your visit. A visit to the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This is a short rickshaw ride from the Taj Mahal. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers.

The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid – a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl. If you are with a knowledgeable tour guide you will learn about the many Emperors and their many wives and the lavish lifestyles of past time. Truly fascinating listening to the stories, they almost bring the building to life and suddenly you can imagine how people lived within the walls of the Fort.

If you cannot bring a guide I would highly recommend coming with a guidebook. Buildings without the stories behind them have no meaning and no soul to them. Don’t forget that Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638 so if buildings could talk…

Fatehpur Sikri In Agra

In addition to Agra Fort if time permits, I would also add another UNESCO treasure in Agra that is Fatehpur Sikri.

The Taj Mahal features on almost every Indian itinerary; its emotional draw is unimaginable. However, there is another monument, not too far that fascinates travellers with its story. The 440-year-old World Heritage Site Fatehpur Sikri, or the City of Victory, was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th Century after the prophecy, of a Sufi saint living in the village of Sikri came true and Akhbar’s heir was born.

The first planned Mughal city came as a tribute to the saint, featuring public buildings, residences, mosques and royal palaces. The Jama Masjid here is one of the largest mosques in the country.

See Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah aka Baby Taj

Another one of the cool tourist spots in Agra, India you need to check out is the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is a Mughal mausoleum in Agra. Often described as a “jewel box”, sometimes called the Baby Taj, the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Tāj Mahal. Baby Taj is the tomb of Mir Ghiyas Beg and was built years before Taj Mahal.

Mir Ghiyas Beg, a Persian nobleman was Mumtaz Mahal’s grandfather and Emperor Jehangir’s wazir (chief minister). His daughter, Nur Jahan, who married Jehangir, built the tomb between 1622 and 1628, in a style similar to the tomb she built for Jehangir near Lahore in Pakistan. Mumtaz Mahal who we know, died in 1631 in, during the birth of her fourteenth child is now synonymous with the Taj Mahal.

Built by Shah Jahan had as a mausoleum for her, which is considered to be a monument of “undying love”. India is filled with many more of these beautiful tombs around the country.

Shop for marble and Persian-style carpets in Agra

With the history build the material and methods used to construct the Taj Mahal, one cannot miss on on the many shops selling marble fixtures. From jewellery boxes to plates, and chairs. Most of these shops will most likely have someone on hand to demonstrate the process of in-lay in Marble with various stones.

Explore The Indian Markets and Jewelry Stores

Among Agra attractions is, of course, the markets! We all love a bit of sparkle and one cannot go to India and not come back with some jewellery. Whether for yourself or as gifts. Like any small town in India, the core of old Agra is a warren of lanes, each with thriving local markets.

Browse the exquisite Bazaars of Kinari and Sadar and check out the embroidered material and inexpensive leather goods. The Rawatpara markets is rich with the aromas of spices and the hustle and bustle of a wholesale vegetable market at Sabji Mandi.

Also worth hunting out are the jewellery store with beautiful precious stone jewellery. I manage to huggle my way to a beautiful sterling silver tennis bracelet with aquamarine, one of my favourite stone, which would have cost me a pretty penny in England.

Agra Sightseeing Packages and Tours In Agra.

There are plenty of tour packages on offer in Agra, from guided tours of Taj Mahal to exploring the markets and factories to food tours. Whether you are looking for the perfect golden triangle with your itinerary all planned out and a guide to take you exploring or lookinself-plan plan your Agra trip and just use shorter tours in between cities.

There is something for everyone and in every budget. Check out Get You Guide and Viator to for tour prices and compare reviews as well as options to help you find options on places to visit in Agra at night including many of the tourist places around Agra.

Taste Authentic Indian Curry

While the Taj Mahal is something one must experience in India, so is the food! After a busy day of sightseeing, head to the chaat gali (snack street) of Sadar Bazaar market. Home to famous chaat shops Shri Agrawal Chat House and Agra Chat Bhandar, this neighborhood is a delight for the taste buds.

There is a wealth of delights to sample, from flavor-filled samosas, authentic curries, and the fluffy besan ka cheela (crepes made with chickpea flour). Finish with Agra’s famous petha, a gooey sweet made of pumpkin. If sampling the food is not enough, you can also sign up for cooking classes in Agra to learn how some the delicious Indian food is made.

Sample Agra Itinerary For One Day

If you only have one full day in Agra, below the perfect one day Agra Itinerary exploring some of the tourists spots in Agra mentioned above.

10 am

Explore Taj Mahal, its gardens, mosque and take in all the details, angles and the beautiful gates.

12.30pm

Explore Agra Fort and the many rooms the royal family and the concubines lived in. Make sure to take in the views of the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort.

2.30pm

Explore the Markets and Jewellery stalls of Kinari and Sadar Bazaars. Sadar Bazaar is a popular shopping destination for tourists visiting Agra. It is located close to Agra Cantonment railway station and is in proximity to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Buy one of two items to take back home. Here you can also check out a few snacks to keep you going. as there is something special awaiting you later.

4.30 pm

Take to the luxury Oberoi Villas for afternoon tea. While they do afternoon separately you can also choose to have a day tour of Agra with a guide combined with Afternoon Tea at one of the luxury Agra hotels that comes with amazing views of Taj Mahal.

7pm

Explore the party scene in Agra or do a night tour. If you are in Agra over the weekend the city comes alive with plenty of places to visit in Agra on a Friday night.

Sample Agra Itinerary For 2 Days

If you have 2 days in Agra, in addition to the above one day itinerary, below is how to spend a day in Agra for day 2. Combine that above itinerary with the one below to give you two 2 full days of exploring tourist places around Agra that are must-sees.

6.30am

If you had an overnight stay in Agra the perfect way to start is to see Taj Mahal at sunrise. For times on the best times to visit and which gets are open, check out my post for tips on visiting Taj Mahal.

9am

Head back to the hotel for breakfast.

12pm

Head to explore Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah aka Baby Taj and admire the details on this mini Taj Mahal.

2.30pm

Explore the beautiful Fatehpur Sikri shown above in the video. (Distance between Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri is about one hour)

5.30 pm

Dinner at the hotel or many of the authentic curry houses in Agra.

7pm

Free time…

Things To Do In Agra At Night

If you have run through the above list of things to do in Agra and are staying in Agra for the night then the to get a taste of things to do at night in Agra:

Check out the party scene at Thor Party World in downtown Agra. Dance the night at away and experience the nightlife in Agra in this upscale nightclub that only accommodates about 100 people.
Hang out at Sheroes – a little hangout place that is run by women survivors of acid attacks.

How To Get To Agra From Delhi

You can fly directly to New Delhi and from there are options of using a tour service, train, bus or car hire with driver or taxi. I will cover these in my next post so look out for that. In the meantime, you can also check out my post on 13 places to see in Delhi. For more on how to get to Agra check out my post with details on buses from Delhi to Agra as well as trains and car rentals in Delhi.

Where to stay in Agra

There is so much to see beyond the Taj Mahal that a day in Agra is simply not enough. In addition to that point with the inexpensive price of the ticket, it may be worth visiting the Taj Mahal again before leaving the city.

Failing that there are also hotels with amazing views of the Taj Mahal from your very own room, bathroom or even balcony. Imagine dinning to views of the Taj as you sip wine at The Oberoi Hotel or chilling by the pool with views of the Taj Mahal from Radisson or Hilton hotel.

There are plenty of hotels f near the Taj Mahal and those with views of the Taj Mahal. Prices ranges are dependant on your style and travel budget. You can also opt for hotels near Agra Fort which also have a lovely view of the Taj Mahal.

To view hotels and hostel listings in Agra, check out Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago to compare prices and read reviews.

Booking.com

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So, have you explored India’s golden triangle or explore many of the places to visit in Agra listed above?

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A Unique Visit of The Agra Fort on The Taj Mahal Tour

March 31, 2016 by admin 3 Comments

Visiting The Agra Fort - Photo by Bianca Malata - www.itsallbee.com

One cannot visit the Taj Mahal without also visiting the place where Shah Jahan spent his last days; The Agra Fort. Shah Jahan is of course Mamtaz Mahal’s husband who also comissioned the Taj Mahal a memorial to his beloved wife. Agra Fort is almost as beautiful as the Taj Mahal and is also made mostly of the same material as the Taj Mahal. Build with marble and detailed in semi precious stones.

In my previous post I shared 13 top tips on visiting the Taj Mahal, while you are in Agra this is another spot that you should not miss out on. Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage located not too far from the Taj Mahal. This is what can be discribed as a walled city. One of the Mugal Emperor’s realised the importance of the Agra following a victory of the battle for the city, he made Agra the capital city. It was this Emperor’s grandson who then took over the site. This grandson was of course Shah Jahan. He tended to have buildings broken down and rebuilt in white marble. You will see this when you visit. Most parts are made from the red brick that Akbar, his grandfather, when he rebuilt the fort after the battles.

As Shah had over spent so much money building the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, his son deposed and restrained him in the Fort. Its rumored that Shah Jahan died in the Musamman Burj, a tower with marble balcony with a view of the Taj Mahal. Our tour Guide took as all around and let us roam around also telling us about how some of the the emperor has over a thousand concubines and just how many orgies took place there. As well as how his servants would be outside with big fans fanning the Emperor while his ladies attended to his every desires. Not exactly surprised by stories of these sex mad emperors compared to what you will find at Khajuraho Mounuments.

The Agra Fort is also an important site in that it was the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company rule in India. This also led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.

Don’t miss out on this site and highly recommend getting a tour guide as they offer such a wealth of information about this place, its history and just cool tidbits about the Emperors that ruled over the lands and their scandalous lives.

Entrance Fee: 300 Rupees(£3 +/-) for tourists and 20 rupees for Indians.

Visiting of The Agra Fort - Photo by Bianca Malata - www.itsallbee.com

Jahangir Palace

Agra Fort Diwan I Am (Hall of Public Audience)

In the middle there you can see the burial location of John Russell Colvin, a British Civil Servant who died during the peak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. His body could not be carried out of the Agra Fort (which after the fall of the Mughals, the British establishment in India converted into a military garrison). The selection of the burial location is often criticized for the insensitivity, considering the significance of the place.Within the sprawling palace-fort complex, the tomb is located in the front of the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) where the Peacock Throne was placed.

This is where the Emperor spent many of his time during the day and this was where many of his concubined were summoned to attend to the Emperor’s desires and bring his fantasies to reality so to speak. The servants stood fanning the Emperor while standing outside under those arches.

Marble and semi precious stones from the many renovations that Shah Jahan did at Agra Fort and when he had the Taj Mahal built.

A view of the Taj Mahal from where Shah Jahan spent his last days.

The Musamman Burj, a tower with marble balcony with a view of the Taj Mahal , where Shah Jahan spent his days.

Little pockets in the marble where the princesses would hide their jewellery.

Inside Agra Fort

13 Tips For Visiting Taj Mahal In Agra India

March 29, 2016 by admin 18 Comments

Tips For visiting Taj Mahal | - 13 Tips For Visiting The Taj Mahal In Agra India

In my recent post, I shared pictures from our time exploring Agra’s monument of love; The Taj Mahal. This time I thought I would share tips for visiting Taj Mahal with ease. There are millions of people that dream of visiting the Taj Mahal. This means that there is hardly a time when its not crowded.

My Taj Mahal tips below will help you the visit a little more bearable in what can be a crowded and chaotic place in some seasons. You can also check out posts on how to do a day trip to Agra from Delhi which includes details of how to get from Delhi to Agra by bus, train or car. Perfect for a day trip of golden triangle tour.

Also See:

Top Tips for visiting the Taj Mahal

1. Take A Guided Tour Of Taj Mahal

Although I am usually a fan of DIY tours of places I visit, for this one I would highly recommend a guided tour. For one they will know all the cool places to show you as well as the insider history and stories about how the place came to be. Secondly, they will also fend off people hustling you to pay for them to take pictures for your or any other service they may be throwing at you.

Also bear in mind that your tour guide will also try and take you around to so-called “Galleries” or aka carpet showrooms and jewellery studios, places that they are more than likely to receive a commission from, for each person they bring to the showrooms. Feel free to go and have a look but know that they most likely will make you feel as if you have to buy something before can leave.

I am quite strong-willed and buy only what I want and need. If you cannot afford it or don’t need it do not feel like you are to buy it. Leave or haggle and see if you can get a price you are happy to pay.

Arranging Taj Mahal tour guides: Depending on where you are staying in India, your hotel can help you find a knowledgeable guide to take you around for the day. We were staying at the Marriott in Gurgaon, a couple of minutes outside of Delhi. They arranged our driver from Delhi to Agra and a tour guide when we arrived in Agra. If you want to DIY(Do It Yourself) and arrange a guide yourself, then check out ToursByLocals and Vayable.

You can also get a government-approved tour guide for about £20 a day fromUptourism. We were looking at where to stay in Agra when we were planning our trip but ended up doing the day trip due to other commitments we had. If you are looking for places to stay near Taj Mahal, there is a Marriott near by as well as the beautifulOberoi which has amazing views of the Taj Mahal even if you are just there for afternoon tea. For a full list of hotels in Agra, check out his list of hotels covering all budgets.

2. When To Visit Taj Mahal and What Days To Visit | The Best Times To Visit The Taj Mahal

India has high pollution and this can affect the visibility of the Taj Mahal. It’s recommended not to bother coming in the winter. Yes, there may be less of the crowds but there is a reason for that! Even when you are only a few meters next to the Taj, you may not be able to see it because of the fog.

If you cannot help coming in winter then don’t bother getting up first thing for it either as you will most likely not see a thing until the fog clears of around midday onwards but again returns early afternoon. Winter is between November and February. I would recommend going just before Summer as it will be warm enough but not too hot. I visited in the heat of the summer and won’t be trying that again.

What I can say though was that the days were clear so if you want those sunrise and sunset shots and can bear the heat then its the perfect time to visit. Also note that Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Try and go between Monday and Thursdays as weekends and public holidays this place can resemble what I can only compare with a wildebeest migration, in that it is so crowded you will regret getting out of bed in the morning. You can also visit the Taj Mahal with kids.

3. Taj Mahal Opening Timings | Avoid Going In The Morning

Most of the blogs and travel guides usually say go early in the morning but guess what? EVERYBODY and their cousin and grandma is there in the morning because they read the same advice. Aim to go there slightly later in the morning around 10am onwards. The crowds at the ticket office would have subsided by then. I think when we arrived it was around 10 or 11am, there was hardly any people at the ticket office. If you want to see the Taj Mahal early in the morning without the crowds then see tip number 4.

Taj Mahal opening time

Daytime: sunrise to sunset every day (06:00 am to 06:30 pm), except Friday.

Every Friday the Taj Mahal is closed and only accessible in the afternoon for Muslims to attend prayers.

Night time: 08:30 pm to 12:30 am.

The night view of the monument is only available 5 days a month: the full moon night and 2 days before and after that day, except Friday and on month of Ramadan.

Tips For visiting Taj Mahal | Taj Mahal Pictures - Tips; how long do you need at the taj mahal and How long do you need at the taj mahal

Crowds are inevitable at Taj Mahal

4. Sunrise (and Sunset) At The Taj Mahal

Hordes of people usually turn up at the Taj Mahal hoping to see it at sunrise. The best views at sunrise, and without crowds, AND also free can be had from across the Yamuna River orSaniya Restaurant’s rooftop(See tip 13). This is also the perfect spot for sunset as well. The sunrise is the best time for amazing photography of the Taj Mahal. Another great time to visit the Taj Mahal is in the early morning, as you not only avoid the heat but also the crowds. If you are in the pursuit the perfect shots without hordes then getting up earlier can be very rewarding.

5. Seeing Taj Mahal At Full Moon Opening

There are certain times of the year when the Taj Mahal is open at night. This is during the full moon. Taj Mahal is open two days before and two days after the full moon. The only downside to this is that there is a cap on the number of visitors allowed in at a time. Only 50 visitors are allowed in at a time. You can purchase tickets for this 24 hours in advance and will be given time slots.

Downside to all this is that if you pick a time slot before the moon has rise then the effect of having the Tah Mahal light up by the moon is a waste of time and if you pick a slot when the moon as fully risen then it would be too high for that all-beautiful shot or even as an experience, in my eyes would have been a wasted journey.

Tip: Instead head to the River Yamuna. See tip 13.

6. Whats Included In Your Ticket For The Taj Mahal

Tickets for entrance to see the Taj Mahal are about 750 Rupees which is roughly about £7-8 or $ 9-10. Your ticket also includes a bottle of water as you are not allowed any food or drink inside. Your ticket also includes shoe covers as you are not allowed to walk around the Taj Mahal with your shoes. You may spot some locals walking around bear foot inside as well as shoes are not allowed.

In the summer the marble can be extremely hot so bear that in mind if you want to explore like a local. You may burn in the process. Shoes are not allowed as this is all to protect the marble from more damage. Also note: There are 3 gates to enter; Western Gate, Eastern Gate and Southern Gate. The Southern Gate is open from 08:00 am, so remember to use other 2 gates if you want to visit the structure at dawn.

If enter via Western Gate, visitors have to go through a large stretch of woods to arrive the building where you may encounter many monkeys in the morning. Make sure you don’t have any exposed food.

7. A Day Trip From Delhi To Taj Mahal | It Can Be Done In One Day

If you are visiting the golden triangle(Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), note that you can actually see the sights, visits the markets and walk around the city all in one day. Most Golden Triangle tours mainly take you to the Taj Mahal, where as if you DIY and get your own tour guide you can do Agra Fort, and Baby Taj as well as see the markets, have some authentic Indian curry in the city before moving on.

If you do however want to stay the night there are many a place to stay in the city covering budgets from cheap as chips to luxury. I will do another post with what to see in the rest of Agra and cover some options on where to stay if spending the night in Agra. For a day trip from Delhi to Taj Mahal, check out my post with instructions on how to get to Taj Mahal from Delhi by train, bus or car.

Tips For visiting Taj Mahal | Taj Mahal Pictures - Tips; how long do you need at the taj mahal and How long do you need at the taj mahal, does the taj mahal have a dress code

8. Getting The Money Shot | Taj Mahal Photography Tips

The beauty of having a guide with you is that as they show you around they will also have insider information of the spots to photograph the Taj Mahal as well as leave you to your own devices to be creative while you tour the place without them. For the most part I would say you can forget about getting that money shot without the crowds being in your shot.

Even with the crowds, if you are creative enough there is plenty of room to have peaceful moments away from the crowds where you can take unique pictures with a soul in them – you just may have to work harder for it.

Tips For visiting Taj Mahal | Taj Mahal Pictures - does the taj mahal have a dress code and visiting the taj mahal what to wear tips

9. Prepare For Touts Including – Your Guide

The place is rife with touts, from the ticket office to even when you are inside the Taj Mahal. They won’t be selling products in there but will be offering a service of taking pictures for you and all sorts. Just prepare for that. On the one hand, I get that they have to eat and that’s one way to earn money but when you are asked several times over and over it can be a pain. The advantage of having a tour guide with you will mean they either won’t ask you or when they do, your guide will fend them off for you.

Note that your guide may also offer to take you to a “gallery”, in my naivety I thought this was really a gallery. These are showrooms. They will take you to many. Some I outright said no to and some I wanted to go to. I saw carpet showrooms and learned about the traditions handed down, as well as the locals they use to create these beautiful pieces. When it came to buying one, it wasn’t something I needed so I didn’t fall for the spiel or the guilt trip of walking away without buying anything. What I did fall for was an Aquamarine tennis bracelet though.

Blue is my favorite color and Aquamarine is my favourite stone so this piece was calling my name! The point doesn’t be guilt-tripped into buying anything. Because the showrooms doors are closed off and you will feel as if you almost cannot leave until you buy something. Don’t fall for the hard sell. Buy if you want and or can afford it. The carpets are beautiful and a fraction of what places like John Lewis and Liberty stores charge for them, so you want one and cant afford them in London then this is the time and place to get them as they also deliver for free, anywhere around the world.

10. Check Out The Hidden and Cool Places To Taj mahal pictures Capture In Photos

Nothing beats insider information where ever you are going, whatever the city. Unless your mind is like Google search engines then you will not have all the information about where to get the best views or that little hole inside the moselum to sneak that shot of the mosque or angling your face just right so that the Taj Mahal is right in your eyes.

So take your time and tour the site at slow pace and fully take it in(also because you can only use your ticket one – can’t go out and come back in), because for some, this is a once in a lifetime visit so make the most of it.

Tips For visiting Taj Mahal | Taj Mahal Pictures and how long to spend at taj mahal

Tips For visiting Taj Mahal | Taj Mahal Pictures

You can see the Taj in Igal’s eyes.

11. Check Out Other Sights With Related History.

Although the Taj Mahal may be the star of the show don’t forget to visit other sights while in Agra. These included the Agra Fort where Shah Jahan, the husband of Mamtaz Mahal, the man himself who commissioned the Taj Mahal for his wife. This is not too far from Taj Mahal and you can also see Taj Mahal from there.

This is where Shah Jahal spent his days with view the Taj Mahal and resting place for his beloved wife. Another place to see while you are in town is also the Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah. This is another Mughal mausoleum and usually referred to as Baby Taj. I will be sharing pictures of Agra Fort in my next post as well as Baby Taj when I do the top things to see and do in Agra(Including where to stay). Look out for a post on that.

12. What You Are Not Allowed To Bring

If you are thinking that you can sneak in your tripod for those long exposure thoughts you will be disappointed. Tripods are not allowed in. While there are lockers for you to leave these if you make the mistake of coming to the site with them. I don’t think I would put money on the security of the lockers and any contents in them.

If you happen to be driving yourself there(car hire is only about £10 a day in Agra), cars or are not allowed within 500 meters of the Taj Mahal as pollution has been found to increase deterioration of the site. Food is also not allowed so don’t bother packing a lunch to bring with you as that will be thrown out and increase the time you are searched at security. Other items not allowed include smoking items, mobile phone chargers, tobacco products and drinks other than the water included in your ticket.

Igal and our guide, standing by the Taj Mahal with views of River Yamuna – You want to be on the overside for the Full Moon shooting.

13. Take In The Views From The River

If you are after those amazing shots of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, sunset and during the full moon then head to the river and view the Taj Mahal from River Yamuna. It has much less of a crowd, if at all. Depending on your chosen spot you may only have a few photographers to compete with.

This means that you won’t have to contemplate on whether you have chosen the correct time slot for the full moon opening evenings at the Taj Mahal. Also sunset, sunrise and importantly for full moon shots from the river side means that you can use your tripods, something that is not allowed when you are inside the grounds of the Taj Mahal. It’s also FREE! Apart from the transportation to get there, of course. There are a few places near the Taj Mahal that also over great views without having to pay for it., such as rooftop restaurant of Saniya Palace Inn.

Where to Stay in Agra

One day in Agra is definitely not enough to explore and take it all in. For hotels, hostels and other accommodation options check out Booking.com, to get the latest hotel deals.

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Tips For visiting Taj Mahal | Taj Mahal Pictures - Tips; how long do you need at the taj mahal and How long do you need at the taj mahal, visiting the taj mahal what to wear

Taj Mahal In Photos – A Visual Guide The Iconic Monument Of Love

March 15, 2016 by admin 28 Comments

Who hasn’t dreamed of seeing the Taj Mahal? Having done a little bit of Indian history in my early years at school, from the moment I learned about the Taj Mahal, I knew I had to see this place with my own eyes. Below I am sharing some of my Taj Mahal photos from my trip to Agra, India. This a building that that is said to be the world’s greatest monument to love. Commissioned by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth.

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Taj Mahal In Photos

This is, of course, the tomb that nearly bankrupted the emperor in his no expense bared mentally in throwing money at the construction of the tomb and many other projects. Shah Jahan is the same emperor that famously commissioned the Peacock Throne, crafted from over a tonne of gold and encrusted in diamonds, emeralds, pearls, and rubies. When you see the Taj Mahal photos below you will notice how the intricate detail within the marble are all made of semi-precious stones. The design, exquisite and unique in its blend of Indian and Persian architectural style.

Taj Mahal photos at the entrance

A photo of entrance to the Taj Mahal. There are 2 row of the 11 white bulbs, altogether 22. Symbolising how the number of years it took to build the Taj Mahal.

The level of detail and thought that went into the construction is simply remarkable. The construction began soon after the death of Mumtaz Mahal’s death and to 22 years to complete, with over 20, 000, laborers, stone cutters and skilled artisans. The marble that traveled all the way from Rajasthan, decorated in Arabic calligraphy in this beautiful masterpiece. The entrance to the Taj Mahal also give clues to how long it too to construct the tomb. It’s really as beautiful as many have described it to be. Even in the blistering heat that visited on, didn’t dampen our spirits.

I mentioned in my previous post about how Humayun’s Tomb inspired the Taj Mahal. If are planning on setting your own eyes on the Taj Mahal, I would strongly recommend a visit to New Delhi to check out the very tomb that in my opinion gave birth to the Taj Mahal, and what for me is a better representation of monument of love.

Photos on The Taj Mahal Benches

Wearing: H&M dress(Old limited addition collection), Belt: Hermes, Bag: Prada, Sandals: DSW(US), Hat(Bought from a small boutique on a trip in Namibia). Similar items below.

How To Get To Taj Mahal: We drove from New Delhi to Agra which was about 4 hours to get to Agra, but you can also take a flight or train depending on your budget. Also note that it’s closed on Fridays. I have a post on how to get from Delhi to Agra by Train, bus, or car.

Self Guide or Guided Tour Of Taj Mahal: We chose to have a guided tour of Agra with us as I wanted someone with a little more knowledge of the history. Our guide for the day also took as to Agra Fort, which I will share pictures of soon. Your guide will also show you cool spots to take pictures as well as leave you to enjoy the surroundings in peace.

Taj Mahal Tickets and Prices: There are ticket offices a few meters away from the Taj(about 10 minutes walk from the ticket office). There are local ticket counters and tourists counters too. Tickets for tourist cost 750 rupees and about 20 rupees for locals.

Taj Mahal In Photos | An Indian Love Story

Arabic Calligraphy with semi-precious stone inlay curved into the Marble.

Taj Mahal, Agra - India. Photo by Bianca - www.itsallbee.com

Photo of the tomb inside the Taj Mahal

The Tomb inside the Taj Mahal, all with semi-precious stones curved into the marble throughout. Emeralds, Carnelian and throughout the rest of the building stones like Lapis Lazuli, onyx, coral, cat’s eye an many more used in the Taj Mahal inlay.

Photo of The Mosque across from the Taj Mahal.

Couldn’t resist a photo with the husband on the benches at Taj Mahal

View of the entrance to Taj Mahal grounds from across the mezzanine of Taj Mahal.

Just one of many cool Taj Mahal photo spots

The Colours Of India

July 20, 2015 by admin 16 Comments

Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi

I have yet to come across a wanderluster(read travel addict) that has not dreamed abouttravelling to India. The very mention of the country conjures up pictures of bustling cities in India’s capitals, with tuk tuks meandering through chaotic and congested traffic, food sellers at the markets enticing you to taste their aromatic currys, colourful saris cris-crossing the streets in warm and toasty weather of course.

I have longed for a trip to India to ever since I was a teen. Imagining what it would be like to set my eyes on the Taj Mahal in Agra, visiting the Golden Temple of Goa, taking a boat ride to see the Water Palace in Jaipur or just taking a train journey from city to city and letting views and colours of India unfold before me from my train window.

This dream of visiting India came true two months ago when my boyfriend and I embarked on a quick trip to Delhi. Quick for me but longer for him as he was there on month-long business trip. My trip was short and sweet but included visits to Agra, Delhi and Gurgaon. India is everything you imagine it to be and so much and more, and thankfully it was without the ‘Delhi Belly’.

The crazy traffic or rather ‘organised’ chaos, in addition to the bustling madness, there is the people aspect; lovely, warm and welcoming. But, as welcoming as everyone was I was also a little taken back with the people staring. In many other countries, I have been to, considering I was either visiting some European countries or East Asia where there aren’t that many black people, I obviously stood out like a sore thumb, so the staring wasn’t a surprise, somewhat.

This time I was in India! Where people are only a few shades lighter than my chocolate hue, if not the same shade of chocolaty goodness. Yet, I still found myself being photographed(some asked and some were just sneaking in shots – I am guilty of that too, á la “street photography”) and in some cases mobbed a little. Perhaps it might have something to do with me strutting about in my big hat, which by the way was stolen just hours before I boarded my flight back to London.

I was a little gutted as I bought it in Namibia last year and its been with me through my little African expedition through Zambia, BotswanaandNamibia. Whoever has it has some major attention to look forward to. My attention-grabbing in India only fell short of being asked to give autographs. Some moments were so funny, I had parents saying their children would like to take a picture with me, then only for them to jump into the picture too.

Yeah, sure your 3 year old asked to take a picture with me. They were all really sweet about it too. And no this definitely doesn’t put me off heading back to India(if one didn’t have to do the work thing, one would be heading to Heathrow airport checking out the next flights to India).

Soon after I got back I got an email introducing me to some of India’s charm through aromatic teas, oils and scented room infusions via Great Rail, as an introduction to Great Rail’s infographic on the Colours of India showcasing some of what you can see on the rail journeys through India. Had I not just been to India I would have probably shed a tear at being enticed to immerse myself in be bold colours of this beautiful country electronically, instead of a ticket back to India to fully experience it first hand.

Luckily I have seen some of India’s stunning and beautiful architecture, learnt about some of its past empires and what they brought and contributed to India’s cultural heritage, from temples that have stood the test of time, learnt about art left behind by Persians and how this has now blended in with styles of architecture and the imported rags from India still using Persian methods.

Truly majestic sites that leave indelible marks that will forever conjure a smile with each recall of my explorations in the hustle and bustle of the towns I passed through. Both on my own explorations and those with my boyfriend, before I left him to get on with a month long work venture.

I already miss seeing the beautiful temples all around New Delhi. Yes, even the cows chilling under the trees to avoid the heat or the ones roaming the roads freely. I miss it all. I am hoping to return soon, as there is just so much to see and explore in this beautiful country and hopefully be reintroduced to colours of India through the Great Rail’s train journeys across India.

In the meant time below are a few pictures from my visit in India with plenty more to come. I took what seems like a million of pictures, so look out for more posts to come with tips on getting around Delhi, top things to see and do in both Delhi and Agra.