Brief History
Considered by some to be the most extravagant monument built for love, the Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India. Grief-stricken after the death of his second wife during childbirth, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the mausoleum as a tribute. He drained the national treasury to fund the monument and shortly after its completion was overthrown by his own son and imprisoned in nearby Agra Fort. Legend claims he spent his remaining years gazing at his tribute to his lost love from his prison window and when he died, his son buried him in the tomb next to his wife.
The tomb and surrounding minarets are made of polished white marble. Construction took over fifteen years to complete requiring thousands of laborers and hundreds of craftsmen. Contrary to myth, the Shah did not have workers executed, dismembered or otherwise tortured after laboring on the structure.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. When to Go
Best times are mid-January to April or September to mid-Dcember. May – June is unbearably hot and the monsoons begin late June and go through August.
Currency
The official currency is the Indian Rupee.
Passport/Visa Requirements
A passport valid six months or longer after return and visa are required for US citizens. Additional documentation may be required for other countries.
Ready to Go?
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Itinerary 1 – Northern India in Luxury
Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra, Jhansi, Orcha, Khajuraho, Varanasi. Highlights include the Red Fort citadel and explorations of Old and New Delhi, a lake cruise with views of Udaipur and the island of Jag Mandir, Sahelion-Ki-Bari also known as the "Garden of the Maids of Honor," with a private visit to the Crystal Gallery, the spectacular outdoor Jantar Mantar Observatory, and the Amber Fort. Also, a visit to a local Indian village including an elephant ride with a skilled mahout, Fatehpur Sikri, sunrise at the Taj Mahal, followed by a tour of Agra Fort, Khajuraho's Hindu temples, and a private cruise on the River Ganges at sunrise. Deluxe hotels, private tours. 14 days, starting at $7,900. Book it! |
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Itinerary 2 – Secrets of India
Explore the fascinating land of India during this regional discovery. In Delhi, visit the Hama Mosque, the Red Fort, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. The holy Hindu city of Varanasi is where you will view the ritual of bathing in the Ganges and the Bharat Temple. In Khajuraho, visit the mysterious Temples of Love and the impressive Medieval Palace Complex. Then travel by train to Agra, where you will see the legendary Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and the Moti Masjid. Next is the “Pink City” of Jaipur, with the amazing Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal. Finally, Udaipur for a cruise on Lake Pichola and visits to Jag Mandir and the City Palace. 12 nights, starting at $2,279. Book it! |
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Itinerary 3 – Customize It!
OK. We’ve given you a couple of ideas. Not quite what you are looking for? Whether you are a solo traveler or a group of 1000, like to rough it or prefer being pampered, we’ll create your dream vacation. We can tweak one of these, or start from scratch. Call today and we’ll get right on it. Book it! |
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