The world's greatest symbol of love
It has graced the pages of books for centuries but nothing quite prepares you for seeing the Taj Mahal for the very first time. The ultimate symbol of eternal love, this is one of India’s most memorable and emotive sights. Heartbroken after the death of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, during the birth of their 14th child, Shah Jahan set about building the world’s most beautiful monument in her honour. It took a workforce of more than 20,000 men 22 years to build, painstakingly making sure every slab of marble, precious stone and stroke of calligraphy was perfect.
The Taj Mahal sits on the banks of the holy Yamuna River within 42 acres of beautiful gardens. The domed mausoleum sits 52m above the river bank, surrounded by minarets on all four sides. It is flanked by a mosque and a guest house, both made from red sandstone and mirror images of each other.
As the light changes, so too does the colour of the Taj Mahal. One of the best times to visit is in the early hours when it is bathed in the ethereal glow of the morning light. As the sun rises, the marble changes from a soft golden hue to dazzling white, and as evening draws in, its character changes once again. The inside is no less beautiful with precious stones, intricate carvings and ornate inscriptions of the Koran. Mumtaz Khan’s grave is housed in the burial chamber alongside Shah Jahan, who was brought to rest by her side on his death.
There is no denying that the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is one of the main reasons people visit Agra. However, it’s well worth lingering to explore the city’s magnificent fort that lies just 3km to the west.
Highlights
Visit the impossibly beautiful Taj Mahal. It is at its most magical at sunrise and sunset. There are also fewer people at these times so you can enjoy a much more intimate experience.
Admire the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River, its reflection shimmering in the water.
Take a walking tour through the nearby villages for a glimpse into life in rural India.
Explore Agra Fort and learn about the history of the Mughal Dynasty.
Rachel O’Leary
Travel Designer
A visit to Agra is truly memorable. The city is a gateway to India’s fascinating Mughal history, with the Taj Mahal as the ultimate showstopper—this breathtaking monument is a must-see, and its beauty is totally mesmerising, especially at sunrise or sunset when the marble appears to glow.
Rachel O'Leary
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Agra and the Taj Mahal
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Trip inspiration
Where else to visit in India
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Chandigarh is the capital of both of Haryana and Punjab states, located on their borders yet technically within neither, in the green foothills of the Sivalik mountain range.
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India’s capital captures the past, lives in the present and looks to the future in a way that few other cities do. Perhaps daunting at first sight, a little exploring soon reveals a rich, diverse and fascinating culture.
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Nestled on the northwest tip of Cochin’s peninsula, Fort Cochin is a quaint coastal region with strong links to its colonial history.
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Gir National Park is a vitally important protected forest that is home to the last remaining wild population of the Asiatic lion in the world, as well as prolific birdlife and other animals.
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The capital of Rajasthan and its largest city, Jaipur is at once the state’s commercial hub and one of its most fascinating cultural destinations. The pace of life here is fast, but take your time and in this somewhat frantic city you’ll find some of India’s most majestic palaces and atmospheric relics.
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Rajasthan’s second largest city, historic Jodhpur may just be its most photogenic. Labyrinthine streets, bustling spice bazaars and flitting multihued saris make for an overwhelmingly vibrant sight at every turn.
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Equidistant between Agra and Varanasi in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is the small town of Khajuraho. Its remote location means it could easily slip under the radar of travellers keen to get to India’s more well-known cities, were it not for its remarkable collection of temples, famous for their erotic carvings.
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Nestled in the mighty Western Ghats and surrounded by sprawling tea plantations is the hill station of Munnar. A favoured summer retreat of the British who were lured by the cool mountain air, the surrounding mountains and valleys are one of India’s most picture-perfect destinations.
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In the Vindhyan mountain range in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, lies Panna National Park. The River Ken winds its way through a vast expanse of plateaus, gorges and thick forest giving life to a variety of animal and plant life.
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Away from Rajasthan’s thronging historic cities, this vast state – India’s largest – is peppered with traditional villages, looked over by fortresses in the rugged mountains, and awash with the sands of the baking Thar desert.
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The pedestrianised centre is wonderful to explore on foot, despite the topography, and there are a charming collection of bustling bazaars to be found off the winding main street, the Mall, which follows the spine of the ridge.
Discover moreThe Kumaon Region
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Certainly one of the most scenic cities in Rajasthan, and perhaps in all India, this unmatched setting along with Udaipur’s rich history and culture make it a must-see.
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Discover moreMeet your Indian Subcontinent team
When to visit
The best time to visit is between October and March. September and April are considered the shoulder months when it is very hot in the middle of the day but mornings and late afternoons are lovely. From the end of December until the middle of January, mornings and evenings can be foggy and nights cold, but during the day the weather is great for sightseeing.
Hot weather
September and April
Clear skies
October - March
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Jacada designed a once-in-a-lifetime trip to India and the Maldives for our honeymoon. We spent 9 nights in northern India, traveling to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur then 4 nights in an overwater villa in the Maldives. The travel designer and concierge team member from Jacada assisted us with planning every last detail and provided excellent, well-informed recommendations for all…
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