The world's greatest symbol of love and devotion
It has graced the pages of books for centuries, but nothing quite prepares you to see the Taj Mahal in person. The ultimate symbol of eternal love, this is one of India’s most unforgettable sights. After the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the heartbroken Shah Jahan set out to create a beautiful monument in her honour. It took 22 years to build, with more than 20,000 workers painstakingly perfecting every slab of marble and stroke of calligraphy.
The Taj Mahal sits on the banks of the holy Yamuna River amid 42 acres of beautiful gardens. The domed mausoleum rises 52 metres (171 feet) above the river bank, surrounded by minarets on all four sides. It’s flanked by a mosque and a guest house, both made from red sandstone and mirror images of each other. The burial chamber holds the graves of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, who was brought to rest by her side.
We can arrange private Taj Mahal tours that allow you to witness its changing colours from dawn to dusk. In the early hours, the building is bathed in the ethereal glow of the morning light. As the sun rises, the marble shifts from soft gold to dazzling white, and as evening approaches, it transforms once again. The inside is no less beautiful, featuring precious stones, intricate carvings and ornate inscriptions of the Quran.
The Taj Mahal is one of the main reasons to visit Agra, but we also recommend lingering to explore other magnificent landmarks like the Red Fort, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah and the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Contact our team to start crafting your ideal trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal, with the help of their expert knowledge and years of experience in this incredible destination.
Highlights
Take a luxury Taj Mahal tour at sunrise or sunset, when it’s at its most beautiful – and least crowded – alongside an expert guide
Head to the gardens of Mehtab Bagh to admire the Taj Mahal and its shimmering reflection in the river
Travel west to Agra’s Red Fort, once home to the ruling families of the Mughal Empire
See the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, known as the ‘Baby Taj’ due to its influence on the Taj Mahal’s architecture
Take a walking tour through nearby villages for authentic insights into life in rural India
A visit to Agra is truly memorable. The city is a gateway to India’s fascinating Mughal history, with the Taj Mahal as the ultimate showstopper. This breathtaking monument is a must-see; its beauty is totally mesmerising, especially at sunrise or sunset when the marble appears to glow.

Rachel O Leary
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Agra and the Taj Mahal
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When to visit Agra and the Taj Mahal
The best time to visit is between October and March. In the shoulder months of September and April, it’s very hot in the middle of the day but mornings and late afternoons are lovely. From the end of December until the middle of January, mornings and evenings can be foggy and nights cold, but during the day the weather is great for sightseeing.

Hot weather
September and April

Clear skies
October–March
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