The undisputed highlight of Agra is the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We get up early to appreciate it at sunrise / early morning (depending on the conditions), before the site gets crowded – the light is also wonderful for photos at this time. Regarded as a symbol of eternal love, it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. Construction started a year later and took 22 years to complete, using materials from all over India and Asia. No matter how many pictures you have seen of the Taj Mahal, nothing can quite prepare you for the reality – every angle provides a different experience, and the fine detail demands a close-up look, with intricate carvings, and semi-precious stones inlaid into the white marble. The grounds are also beautiful and serene, in sharp contrast to the city outside!
After breakfast back at the hotel, we set off for Jaipur, breaking our journey at the impressive deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Capital of the Mughal Empire, it was built in the 16th Century and abandoned only 14 years later due to lack of water. Its buildings are almost perfectly-preserved and include mosques, palaces and living areas; it’s a fascinating place to explore. We continue our journey (approx 4 hours) to Jaipur, famously called the Pink City because of its many terracotta-coloured buildings. We’ll have time in the evening to explore some of the colourful bazaars.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided; hotel accommodation
