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Getting to the Taj MahalThe Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra in the heart of India and is a part of the Golden Triangle of cities (Delhi and Jaipur are the other two). Relative to a lot of other tourist attractions, the Taj Mahal does not get very many foreign tourists with approximately 200,000 foreign visitors a year (around 2-4 million Indians visit each year). This is likely due to the fact that although the Taj Mahal is not difficult to get to, it just isn't as accessible as some other famous places. The best way to get to the Taj Mahal is by flying in Delhi and taking the train south on a day trip to Agra. The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is anytime between February and November. Dense fog is common in the area in December and January and will likely delay or cancel flights and also slow down train travel. |
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Getting to Delhi and then on to AgraMost tourists visiting the Taj Mahal will fly into Delhi's Indira Ghandi International Airport. The airport is going through some modern upgrades, but is still one of the worst airports you will ever find (when you leave Delhi, make sure you get to the airport 3-4 hours ahead of time). Since the airport is crowded and chaotic, we recommend taking the high speed train from Delhi to Agra. Taking a day trip from Delhi to Agra is probably the best way to see the Taj Mahal. To get to the correct train station, catch the Delhi Metro Line 2, it has a stop for the New Delhi Train Station (NDLS), the station you will need to use to depart to Agra. From that station, you will need to take the Bhopal Shatabdi train (the high speed train between Delhi and Bhopal) and get off at the Agra stop. We suggest you take the early train to Agra in the morning and return to Delhi in the evening. It will give you plenty of time to explore the Taj Mahal and the few other noteworthy sites in Agra. The train ride to Agra is a comfortable 2 hours and they will provide the food and drink. |
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Other things to see and do while in Agra |
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Besides the main attraction in Agra, the Taj Mahal, there are some other great sites to visit. First is the Agra Fort, where Shah Jahan was confined after he lost power. It is similar to the Red Fort in Delhi, but is much better preserved. The red sandstone fort is enormous and is better described as a walled city. The fort was the central hub for the Mughal Empire. It is definitely a 'must see' after viewing the Taj Mahal. If you have time remaining, our last recommended site in Agra is known as the Baby Taj (Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb). Although much smaller in size, it retains some of the artistry of the Taj Mahal. After visiting the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Baby Taj, you will still likely have plenty of time to relax and eat dinner and/or even revisit the Taj Mahal before you get on the train back to Delhi. |
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