India2 days
Delhi and Agra: Monuments and Taj Mahal — 2 Days
Delhi's Mughal architecture and the Taj Mahal, with 200-km road transfers between cities
This two-day round trip from Delhi covers the capital's principal Mughal and modern monuments before moving south to Agra for sunrise at the Taj Mahal and the lesser-visited Agra Fort. The route involves a 200-kilometer transfer each way, with guided sightseeing in both cities and accommodation in Agra overnight. Travellers depart Delhi by road, spend a full day viewing the Taj Mahal and secondary sites in Agra, and return to Delhi the following afternoon.
Highlights
- Red Fort, Delhi — walled fortress in central Delhi
- Humayun's Tomb, Delhi — marble Mughal mausoleum with symmetrical gardens
- Qutub Minar, Delhi — minaret from a ruined courtyard complex
- India Gate, Delhi — World War I monument and civic landmark
- Lotus Temple, Delhi — Bahá'í House of Worship with distinctive petal-shaped white marble design
- Taj Mahal, Agra — viewed at sunrise, marble mausoleum
- Agra Fort, Agra — red sandstone fortress overlooking the Yamuna River
- Itimad-Ud-Daulah, Agra — marble mausoleum known as the 'Baby Taj Mahal'
Day by day
1Delhi Sightseeing and Transfer to AgraRed Fort · Humayun's Tomb · Qutub Minar · India Gate · Lotus Temple · Delhi to Agra
Depending on flight arrival or hotel schedule, pick-up occurs either at the airport or hotel in Delhi. The guided tour of Delhi begins in the morning and covers five main monuments: Red Fort, a walled fortress; Humayun's Tomb, a Mughal complex; Qutub Minar, a minaret; India Gate, a civic monument; and Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship. After sightseeing concludes, the 200-kilometre drive to Agra takes approximately three hours, with arrival in the early evening. Overnight accommodation is in Agra.
2Taj Mahal Sunrise, Agra Fort, and Return to DelhiTaj Mahal · Agra Fort · Itimad-Ud-Daulah · Agra to Delhi
An early start allows viewing of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the marble mausoleum is least crowded and light is clearest. After the sunrise visit, travellers return to the hotel for breakfast. The morning then includes guided tours of Agra Fort, a red sandstone fortress positioned overlooking the Yamuna River, and Itimad-Ud-Daulah, a marble mausoleum referred to colloquially as the 'Baby Taj Mahal' for its architectural and decorative similarities to the larger site. In the afternoon, the return drive to Delhi begins, a journey of approximately 200 kilometres taking three hours. Drop-off is at either the hotel or Delhi airport, with arrival around 5 p.m.
Where you go
- 1Red Fort
- 2Taj Mahal
- 3Agra Fort
- 4Itimad-Ud-Daulah