DAY TRIP ON SHATABDI TO AGRA & FATEHPUR SIKRI

Early Morning pick-up for New Delhi Railway Station to board the superfast air conditioned Shatabdi Express train to Agra departing at 0615 Hrs. Arrive at Agra cantt Railway Station at 0815 hrs, and proceed for local sightseeing tour of Agra.

Agra, or the city of the Taj, as it is known all over the world, forms the first destination on the itinerary of most travelers coming into India. Forming part of the famous 'Golden Triangle' (Delhi-Jaipur-Agra), it is placed on the western bank of the Yamuna. The magnificent Taj Mahal which is the pride of this city is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan, which is split by watercourses - a reflection of the Persian style.

Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. The earliest reference for Agra comes from the epical age, when Mahabharata refer Agra as Agravana. In the sources prior to this, Agra has been referred as Arya Griha or the abode of the Aryans. The first person who referred Agra by its modern name was Ptolemy. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a monument that is included in the World Heritage List. Fatehpur Sikri is 35km from Agra and is commonly visited by tourists coming to Agra. Built during Akbars reign (1570–1586), Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a short period. It was abandoned because of the serious water shortage problems. The architecture of this walled city is a blend of Mughal and Hindu styles.

Return to Agra and transfer to Riao Restaurant for lunch in Agra.

After lunch visit Agra Fort

Agra Fort is situated on the banks of Yamuna River, North West of the Taj Mahal, this majestic fort was started by the Emperor Akbar and it developed as a strong hold of the Mughal Empire, under successive generations. This majestic fortness of red sandstone encompasses with in its 2.5 km long endosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many visionary palaces, such as the Jahagir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan, audience halls such as the Dewan E Khas and two very beautiful mosques.

Taj Mahal

Visit the Taj Mahal - A white marble Tomb building 1631 - 1648 in Agra,(Having been Designed by Giants and finished by Jewelers) seat of the Mughal Empire by Shah Jahan for his wife, the monument sums up many of the formal themes that have played through Islamic architecture. Its refined elegance is a conspicuous contrast both to the Hindu architecture of pre - Islamic India, with its thick walls, corbelled arches and heavy lintels and to the Indo Islamic styles, in which Hindu elements are combined with an electric assortment of motifs from Persian and Turkish sources.

Transfer to Railway Station to board the super fast Shatabdi Express train to Delhi. Arrive Delhi & Pick up from New Delhi Railway Station. & transfer to the drop-off point

END OF THE TOUR

Cost: INR PER PERSON* 3500/-

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Entrance fees for foreigners : Taj Mahal- Rs. 750/-, Agra Fort- Rs. 250/-, Fatehpur Sikri – 250/- all entrances are per person and to be paid directly at the respective monuments.

*Tour Operational with Minimum 4 Pax.