Taj Mahal - same day Agra sightseeing

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Incluye

Itinerario

1. Built by Shah Jahan as an eternal symbol of his love for his favorite wife, whom he called Mumtaz Mahal ("Jewel of the Palace"), it has immortalized him forever as one of the great architectural patrons of the world. It's not just the perfect symmetry, the ethereal luminescence, the wonderful proportions, or the sheer scale (which is virtually impossible to imagine from staring at its oft-reproduced image), but the exquisite detailing covering every inch of marble that justifies it as a wonder of the world. What appears from afar to be perfectly proportioned white marble magnificence is in fact a massive bejeweled box, with pietra dura adorning the interior and exterior -- said by some to be an Italian technique imported to Agra by Jahangir, but more likely to be a craft originating in Persia. These intricately carved floral bouquets are inlaid with precious stones: agate, jasper, malachite, turquoise, tiger's eye, lapis lazuli, coral, carnelian -- every stone known to man, as well as different shades of marble, slate, and sandstone. Beautiful calligraphy, inlaid with black marble, is carefully increased in size as the eye moves higher, creating an optical illusion of perfectly balanced typography, with the letters the same size from whichever angle you look. The Taj changes color depending on the time of day, and many recommend that you witness this by visiting in the morning and evening; however, your ticket is valid for one entry only. Eat a hearty breakfast before you head out (no food is allowed past security), and stay the day, or come in the early morning. Note: The Taj is closed on Friday. Your Taj ticket also entitles you to a small discount at the other four major attractions (Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah, Sikandra, and Fatehpur Sikri), so keep it on hand and show it when paying to enter the others.

   2 hEntrada incluida

2. Built by Akbar (or rather, by his 4,000 workmen) on the west bank of the Yamuna, Agra Fort first took shape between 1565 and 1573, but each successive emperor was to add his imprint, and today the towering red-sandstone ramparts house a variety of palace apartments, representing the different building styles of Akbar and his grandson Shah Jahan. Akbar's son, Jahangir, installed a "chain of justice" (1605) by which any of his subjects could call on him, which provides some insight into the ruling qualities of the man many dismiss as a drunkard. Entrance is through the impressive Amar Singh Gate. On your right-hand side you pass Jahangiri Mahal, the palace that housed the women of the court, dating to Akbar's reign (ca. 1570). In front is a stone pool with steps both inside and outside -- legend says it was filled with rose petals during Nur Jahan's time, so that she could bathe in their scent. Historians also point out that here -- unlike in Akbar's buildings, which feature straightforward Hindu elements next to Islamic -- a subtle blend of Hindu and Persian elements resulted in a totally new style, referred to as the "Mughal style," with its classical purity.

   2 hEntrada incluida

3. Described as a mini-Taj, this is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyath Beg, who served under Akbar and fathered Nur Jahan, the powerful wife of Jahangir who helped promote her father to his position as Lord of the Treasury and enshrined him here in this "bejeweled marble box" -- proof of her powerful hold on the purse strings. Also built of translucent white marble, it was the most innovative building of 17th-century India, and marked the transition from the heavy red sandstone so favored by previous Mughal emperors. It no doubt inspired Shah Jahan with its beautiful symmetry and detailing; the pietra duras are as delicate as embroidery, and the dense gilding and paintwork feature typical Persian motifs, such as the wine-vase and the dish and cup, much favored by Jahangir at the time.

   1 hEntrada incluida

4. It is one of the best shop in Agra to buy authentic marble products with warranty.

   30 min

Cancelación

Cancelación gratuita hasta 24 horas antes del inicio, con reembolso completo.

Opiniones

Las valoraciones proceden de 2 opiniones recogidas por nuestro socio de reservas. Son palabras de los viajeros, en el orden en que se escribieron — nunca reordenadas para favorecer la experiencia.

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How it compares in Agra

• Its from-price is 95% above the median of the 915 experiences we list in Agra.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 364 of 915.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Agra

Agra, junto al río Yamuna en el norte de la India, alberga el Taj Mahal, el monumental Fuerte de Agra y la ciudad fantasma mogol de Fatehpur Sikri.

El Taj Mahal, construido por el emperador mogol Shah Jahan como mausoleo para su esposa Mumtaz Mahal, es uno de los edificios más admirados del mundo, con su mármol blanco que cambia de color del amanecer al anochecer. Sus jardines, estanques reflectantes e incrustaciones de piedra son más hermosos a primera hora de la mañana, y los jardines de Mehtab Bagh, al otro lado del río, ofrecen una vista tranquila al atardecer.

Top-ranked sights in Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah.

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