10:00 AM – Pick-Up from Delhi & Drive to Agra
Morning Departure:
Begin your journey with a morning pick-up from your hotel or location in Delhi, Noida, or Gurgaon. A comfortable private car will take you to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway, a modern highway that ensures a smooth and scenic drive. The drive usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, during which you can relax or stop for refreshments along the way.
1:00 PM – Arrival in Agra & Hotel Check-In
Check-In & Refresh:
Upon arrival in Agra, check into your pre-booked 4- or 5-star hotel. After checking in, take some time to rest and freshen up before starting your tour of Agra’s famous attractions.
2:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Lunch Break:
Enjoy a traditional Indian meal at a local restaurant or your hotel. Agra is famous for its Mughlai cuisine, featuring rich and flavorful dishes. Your guide or driver can suggest some of the best places to try local delicacies.
3:00 PM – Visit to Agra Fort
Agra Fort Tour (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM):
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Agra Fort, one of the most important Mughal monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, this massive red sandstone fort served as the royal residence of the Mughal emperors.
Guided Tour: Your guide will take you through the fort’s impressive palaces, courtyards, and mosques. Highlights include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), where emperors held court.
Historical Significance: Learn about the rich history of the fort and its role in the Mughal Empire, especially during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
Views of the Taj Mahal: From the fort’s terraces, enjoy a distant view of the Taj Mahal, especially as the evening light starts to shift.
5:00 PM – Visit to Mehtab Bagh (Optional Sunset View of the Taj Mahal)
Mehtab Bagh Visit (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
After visiting Agra Fort, proceed to Mehtab Bagh, a beautiful garden complex situated across the Yamuna River, directly opposite the Taj Mahal. This spot is known for offering some of the best views of the Taj Mahal, especially during sunset.
Guided Tour: Walk through the serene gardens, where Emperor Shah Jahan used to view the Taj Mahal from a distance. The sunset view from Mehtab Bagh is stunning, as the Taj Mahal appears to change colors with the setting sun.
Photography: Capture breathtaking photos of the Taj Mahal from a different angle as the evening light reflects off its white marble.
7:00 PM – Dinner & Relaxation at the Hotel
Dinner:
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a recommended restaurant or your hotel. Try more of Agra’s famous Mughlai dishes or other Indian cuisine.
Rest & Relaxation:
After dinner, take some time to relax at your hotel. Rest in preparation for the moonlight viewing of the Taj Mahal later in the night.
9:30 PM – Moonlight Visit to the Taj Mahal
Moonlight Taj Mahal Tour (9:30 PM – 11:30 PM):
This is the highlight of your trip—the special moonlight viewing of the Taj Mahal. On full moon nights and the two days before and after, the Archaeological Survey of India allows limited visitors to enter the Taj Mahal complex to view the monument under the moonlight. Tickets for this tour are limited and must be reserved in advance.
Special Moonlit Atmosphere: As the soft light of the full moon illuminates the white marble, the Taj Mahal takes on a mystical, dreamlike quality. The reflection of the moonlight on the monument creates an ethereal glow that enhances its beauty and makes it appear almost otherworldly.
Peaceful Experience: The night is peaceful and tranquil, with fewer visitors, allowing you to experience the Taj Mahal in a serene and intimate setting. This is a perfect time for quiet reflection or capturing stunning night-time photos of the monument.
Guided Experience: Your guide will share stories about the Taj Mahal’s creation, the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, and the architectural significance of the mausoleum under the magical moonlight.
Romantic Setting: The moonlit Taj Mahal is often seen as the most romantic way to experience the monument, making it an ideal tour for couples or anyone seeking a unique and memorable visit.