Taj Mahal, Agra

Everyone seems to have one place that for whatever reason you simply have to visit in your lifetime. For me, this has been the Taj Mahal. This historic marble tomb has long been on my bucket list and I can safely say it did not disappoint. There is nothing quite like the feeling of emerging around a corner and seeing the thing you have dreamt of for years right in front of you!

The Taj is widely known as one of the greatest love declarations the world has ever known. It was built by Shah Jahan (Mughal Emperor) as a memorial for his beloved wife who died giving birth in 1631. Construction began the year after her death but the Taj was not fully completed until 1653. 

The first view I had of the Taj Mahal was from the Agra Fort, where Shah Jahan was sent to live by his son who overthrew him. It is believed that he spent the rest of his life in this compound overlooking his dearly loved creation and was later buried at the Taj himself. Although this post is predominantly about the Tah Mahal, I will also be writing about my time in Agra Fort which is definitely worth a trip if you can squeeze it in!

Duration/ How to get to Agra 

Most people come to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, so if this is your sole purpose (like mine) then I would recommend staying just one night here! The best way to reach Agra is via the Gatiman Express train from Delhi. It is a very modern train that leaves at around 8 am and takes roughly two hours, meaning you will arrive in Agra just before lunch giving you time to explore the city in the afternoon!

See & Do in Agra (with Photos) 

The Taj Mahal - For obvious reasons...

Agra Fort - A must if you are visiting Agra! It is one of the best Mughal forts in India and is full of incredible architecture, perfectly kept gardens and ladies in their finest Sari's. Plus, it offers an unconventional view of the Taj Mahal and was the place where Shah Jahan was constricted to in his final years. Thus, it has a lot of history and connection with the Taj.

Mehtab Bagh - This is a 16th century Mughal park which offers a view of the back of the Taj and is often relatively free of tourists!

Top Tips

• Stay as close as you can to the Taj Mahal. If you are waking up early in the morning to visit the Taj you will want to be walking distance from a ticket office and the entrance! 

• You can only take very small bags into the Taj compound, so try and bring a small bag with you otherwise you will have to leave your rucksack in a locker and be forced to juggle all of your belongings... 

• To make the most out of your time,  visit the Agra Fort/Mehtab Bagh in the afternoon you arrive in Agra and then the Taj Mahal in the morning.

• The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays so make sure to plan your trip around this! 

• Book hotels early if you want to stay somewhere decent - a lot of the good hotels get booked up in advance leaving you with only average hotels to choose from!

• The Agra fort is located a few kilometres from the tourist area around the Taj so most people strike up a deal with a rickshaw driver to take them there and back. This is where you can also add in a trip to the Mehtab Bagh. 

Stay 

Coral Court Homestay - A lovely family run guest house that has amazing reviews and is highly sought after!


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Much love,

Lizzie xx