The Taj Mahal is India's architectural crown jewel and the star of its Golden Triangle.
No visit to India is complete without seeing its elegant domes, exquisitely carved white marble arches and columns, and ornate inlays and mosaics. So, where is the Taj Mahal? A monument to the undying love of one man – Moghul emperor Shah Jahan – for his wife, the iconic building stands on the south bank of the Yamuna River just outside the city of Agra, and is actually a vast mausoleum that contains her tomb at its heart. Construction of the entire Taj Mahal complex took 21 years, from 1632 to 1653. Soon after it was completed, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and could only view the stunning site from his prison window at Agra Fort.
To this day, it's a beautiful, majestic sight - at its most enchanting at sunset and sunrise when the marble gleams in the half-light. Visitors can wander around the exquisite complex, which also includes formal gardens, a mosque and a guest house. As well as a Taj Mahal holiday, India's many other unique experiences can be enjoyed on our India tours, from beach lazing in Goa to spotting tigers on our India Tigers & the Taj Mahal tour.
11 days from £1,795 pp
October 2024 - December 2026
11 days
3 airports
12 included
22 included
17 days from £3,998 pp
October 2024 - November 2026
17 days
1 airport
19 included
38 included
Take a look through our gallery of interesting things to do at the Taj Mahal. From strolling through the gardens, to visiting the tomb itself, the Taj Mahal has been wowing tourists for centuries.
Northern India plays host to many tantalising treats - Taj Mahal holiday packages, or simply India tours in general, wouldn't be complete with sampling the local cuisine.
Specialities in Agra include cheela, savoury pancakes, kachori, a deep-fried snack similar to a samosa, and the paratha, a fried flat bread stuffed with vegetable curry, cheese, or dhal. When it comes to filling, there aren't many places that do it better than Northern Indian food. Satisfy your sugar cravings with Agra petha, the city's most beloved sweet. Soft and see-through, these candies are made from ash gourd, also known as white pumpkin and winter melon, soaked in syrup.
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