I honestly can’t recommend this trip enough. From start to finish, it was full of unforgettable moments and thoughtful touches. We travelled through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and everything was so well organised – it was the perfect introduction to India. One of my favourite memories was being greeted with flower wreaths at a Jaipur flower market—it felt so personal and welcoming. The visit to the Taj Mahal was obviously a highlight, but there were so many other surprises too. Staying at Suroth Mahal, a 600 year old heritage hotel, was something special. After a short cooking demonstration, they even put on a traditional Indian wrestling match in the courtyard, which none of us were expecting! We also had an optional stop at Chand Baori stepwell—recognised it from the Batman film, The Dark Knight! It also wasn’t just bus journeys – we were on camel carts, cycle rickshaws, and it was in these moments you really got to see the chaotic but beautiful pace of life in India. The food was another major highlight for me. I went in expecting curry and naan, but it was so much more varied and regional than I thought. The evening cooking demonstration in Jaipur was a real treat too—we learned how to make things like masala chai, lentil pakoras and korwan aloo, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the flavours and how fresh everything is. We even got to try some street food chai and sweet jalebi!
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
Kristen Whitla India's Golden Triangle
Joan Brightwell India's North & South – Premium AdventureThis was a busy itinerary with some early starts and long transfers, but it meant we saw so many amazing places every day. Our memory of the first week in the north, was of the noisy mayhem that is India, with quite a lot of sightseeing to monuments. In contrast the week in Kerala was more relaxed either by the sea or in the mountains. Being a ‘Premium Adventure’ meant we were in good standard hotels, and about half the dinners and some lunches were included in the price, which was appreciated. Also, our leader saw to all the tipping for the whole trip, so we didn’t have to have a kitty (a bit of a bugbear on previous Exodus trips).
Angela Whitbread Highlights of Northern IndiaI have always wanted to visit India and this trip did not disappoint, its such a vibrant country full of traditions, colour and lots of smiles. The children we met who wanted photos of us along with everyone at India gate who we felt like celebrities posing for them in pictures. The overnight train to Varanasi was an adventure and not to be apprehensive about with some wonderful morning views from the train to take in.
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.
Expert Blog Entries
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.