Wake early, for transfer from your hotel to the New Delhi railway station for short train ride to Agra. The train departs at 6.12 am and reaches Agra at 8.15 am. Enjoy breakfast on board provided by the railways. Upon arrival at Agra, drive straight to Sikandra, just outside of Agra, the home of Akbar’s Tomb and has a lovely garden. Return to the hotel and, if available, check in early at 11.00 am (standard check in is 2:00 pm).
Later, explore Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with massive 70-foot high, 1.5-mile long walls, encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (who built the Taj). Visit the Jami Masjid and the bustling market outside its gate. From here walk or ride a horse-cart to the entrance of the the Taj Mahal, a building that needs little introduction. The Taj is probably the most famous building on earth and unquestionably the most beautiful. It is an architectural wonder inspired by love - a white marble memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, wife of the great Shah Jahan, fifth Moghul Emperor and architect extraordinaire. Designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa, it took 22 years to complete and features stunning balance and symmetry, elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever produced.