Wow!
We ‘ticked off’ all of the sights you would expect to see, but also got under the skin of both countries a little, to soak up the way of life. India as expected is noisy, busy, colourful, fascinating. Nepal more relaxed.
Taj Mahal
Sunrise or Sunset at the Taj Mahal?
Taj Mahal Trips
Probably the most extravagant monument ever built for love, the Taj Mahal has become the emblem of India. Known as the jewel in India’s crown, its exquisite white marble dome and beguiling symmetry make it one of the world’s best-loved architectural treasures.
Built by the Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1648 as a mausoleum for his second wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is the finest existing example of Mughal architecture. It combines intricate Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic styles to wonderful effect and seems to appear as immaculate today as when it was first constructed. Its timeless beauty is perhaps best captured in the words of the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore who described it as “a teardrop on the cheek of time”.
Taj Mahal Adventure Holidays
Fiona Carter Highlights of Northern India & Nepal
Amanda Hemsworth Highlights of Northern IndiaThis was our first time in India and we wanted a trip that gave us a flavour of the country, we certainly felt like it delivered that.
There was quite a bit of traveling between places either on a coach or trains, but this gave us an opportunity to see he landscape along the way, or rest. The coach was comfortable and air conditioned, the trains far exceeded our expectations,
travelling in the executive class carriage, there was plenty of leg room with food served on board.Ajay our guide was excellent, everything ran smoothly, he was well informed and sorted out any minor issues quickly, he had a great sense of humour and we had some real laughs with him.
The places we ate at were all very good, and as far as I know no one got ‘dellybelly’.
There are some very early starts but they were necessary to see particular things like a flower market or the early morning boat trip on the Ganges.
If you want to see a lot in a short space of time then this is a great trip to go on.
Sharon Kennelly India's North & SouthThis was our first time travelling with Exodus and we have had a superb experience. From the initial enquiry about the trip, booking ,departure/ joining details and trip exceeded expectations.
Taj Mahal tours: Sunrise or sunset?
Get to the Taj early – sunrise is undoubtedly the best time to avoid the huge crowds and the heat. As the sun rises and the early morning mists clear, the delicately carved white marble walls are slowly unveiled to dazzling effect.
On the other hand… sunset affords the most impressive views of the Taj. As the sun goes down, the white marble first takes on a rich golden sheen, which slowly gives way to rose-pink hues, then deep red and finally blue with the changing light. Mesmerising.
And while in the city of Agra – your base for Taj Mahal tours – visit the Red Fort, a key strategic stronghold of the Mughal Empire. A citadel of over 500 buildings, once you are inside the fortified red walls a palatial city spreads out before you. Fairytale palaces, elegant courtyards and exquisitely crafted mosques create the city within a city.
Meanwhile, just outside Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, another Mughal palace-city. The Emperor Akbar moved his capital there in 1571, with the Red Fort just down the road for protection if it were ever needed. Occupied for just 14 years, its palaces and courtyards feel as though they were left only yesterday.
As far as grand designs go, they don’t come any grander than in Agra.
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