The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous landmarks in India and an iconic symbol of love. It is located in the city of Agra, which is around 230 km from Delhi. If you are planning to visit the Taj Mahal, you can do a day trip from Delhi, either by car or by train.
Taj Mahal Tour by Car:
If you prefer to travel by car, there are many tour operators that offer day trips from Delhi to Agra. You can choose to join a group tour or book a private car, depending on your budget and preferences. A private car tour gives you more flexibility and allows you to customize your itinerary.
The journey from Delhi to Agra takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic. It is recommended to start early in the morning to avoid the rush hour traffic in Delhi. Along the way, you can stop at popular landmarks such as Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once you reach Agra, your driver will take you to the parking area near the Taj Mahal. From there, you can take a shuttle or walk to the entrance gate. You will need to purchase an entry ticket, which costs around INR 1,100 for foreigners and INR 50 for Indians. You can also hire a local guide to take you around the monument. The guide fee is around INR 500-1000, depending on the duration of the tour.
The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset, except on Fridays when it is closed for prayers. It is recommended to visit the Taj Mahal early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. The monument is at its most beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when the white marble reflects the golden hues of the sun.
After visiting the Taj Mahal, you can explore other popular attractions in Agra, such as the Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb. The Agra Fort is a massive red sandstone fortress built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Mughal monuments in India. The Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb is also known as the Baby Taj, as it is considered to be a precursor to the Taj Mahal. It is a small marble tomb built in the 17th century, and it is located on the banks of the Yamuna river.
Once you are done with the sightseeing, your driver will take you back to Delhi. It is recommended to leave Agra by early evening to avoid the traffic and reach Delhi before midnight.
Taj Mahal Tour by Train:
If you prefer to travel by train, you can take the Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Agra. The Gatimaan Express is a high-speed train that covers the distance between Delhi and Agra in just 2 hours. It departs from Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin station and arrives at Agra Cantonment station.
The train provides comfortable seating, meals, and onboard entertainment, and you can enjoy the scenic views along the way. There are two classes of seats available on the Gatimaan Express: Executive Class and Chair Car. The Executive Class offers more space and comfort, and it includes meals and drinks.
Once you reach Agra, you can hire a local guide or take a shuttle to the Taj Mahal. The entrance fee is the same as for a car tour, and you can spend as much time as you want at the monument. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan
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