Agra, India – A trip to the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort of Agra

Getting to Agra

The day started early as we met in the lobby of our hotel at 4:50 am. Here, we prepared to leave New Dehli for Agra, India. We were off to visit the home of the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Needless to say, we were all a bit groggy in the morning. Still, the excitement of our first full day was more than enough to overcome the pre-dawn start time. We made our way to the train station and boarded Indian Railways for the two-hour ride to Agra.

|Read more about getting around Dehli by public transit from Divert Living

Deciding to Visit the Red Fort in Agra, India

The sun rose along the way. Upon reaching Agra, we left the station and located our bus. Once aboard, we were given the option of heading to the hotel for early check-in or heading to Agra Fort. We decided to go to The Agra Fort (Red Fort) and started our day with a tour. All but one of us took up the offer and we were driven off to meet our guide, Saim. This was definitely the right choice. As long as my body remains capable, I will do every additional activity offered in the next three weeks.

Crossing the drawbridge to The Red Fort of Agra

No Crocodiles in the moat these days

Arriving at Agra Fort

Agra Fort is a sight, and I was impressed as soon as the bus pulled up. We hopped out and Saim told us about the fort’s past as a military structure and later an expansive palace. The Red Fort of Agra was built by the Mughal emperor, Akbar the Great. It was expanded and turned into a palace by Akbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan. He is the ruler who commissioned the Taj Mahal. It was built before the capital of the empire was moved from Agra, India to Dehli.

If invaders made it to this part of the fort they would be met with boiling hot oil and tar as well as giant boulders rolling towards them

We entered Agra Fort through the only remaining gate for tourists, Amar Singh Gate, to the south.

Inside Agra Fort

Crossing a drawbridge that once covered the crocodile-infested moat, we entered Agra Fort. Next, we marched up the dog-legged rampart which was designed to confuse invaders. We were rewarded with views of the brilliant courtyard and walked through ornately carved gates and columns. Inside we were treated with more beautifully-designed palace residences, the interior vineyard, thrones, and the open-air bazaar. In the courtyard, Shah Jahan met Mumtaz Mahal, who would be his wife. Their undying love is what gifted the world with the Taj Mahal.

The courtyard into Agra Fort, a city within a city

Quite a doorway, combining symbols from a multitude of world religions

: The incredibly ornate designs of these arches are stunning

The palace vineyards were located here – the soil was brought in to grow suitable grapes

Khas Mahal, the palace where Shah Jahan was jailed by his power-hungry son

Musamman Burj – the tower where Shah Jahan was jailed with a view of the Taj Mahal

Marble throne overlooking the Ladies’ Bazaar

Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audiences, used by Shah Jahan for government business

By late afternoon we left the Red Fort. After leaving the fort, we checked into our rooms, ate lunch and once again boarded our bus. Now we drove to the Taj Mahal. From the time I booked this trip, I was anticipating this moment the most.

My first view of the Taj Mahal – life goal unlocked

Arriving at the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is the most beautiful building in the world and seeing it in person was indeed a major life moment. It took 21 years to complete this world wonder, complete with fountains, ornamental gardens, marble relief works, calligraphy-surrounded pishtaqs and walls inlaid with precious stones. The pictures I am posting do not do it justice. It seemed as if every time we moved 10 meters closer, the structure became more picturesque.

Every step closer it became more and more magnificent.

Amazing from every angle.

Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the Taj Mahal.

Truly remarkable, the inlay has 35 different precious stones and the calligraphy on the pishtaqs gets larger as it gets higher to give the impression of uniform size.

On each side of the Taj Mahal you will see a similar building, this maintained symmetry. One is a mosque and the other, a guest house.

A view of the Yamuna River from the rear of the Taj Mahal.

Tips for planning a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, India:

1. Come Empty Handed

You can only bring in minimal personal belongings: wallets/cash, medicines, mobile phones, cameras (no tripods or accessories), passports and that’s about all. If you bring additional items you will have to throw them out.

2. Visit at Sunrise

It’s empty then and a beautiful way to see the Taj. There are also great views at sunset, but it’s a bit more crowded. We did not get to experience this, but the full moon tours are popular. During the 5 days before every full moon, you can buy tickets for a night visit. Only a limited supply of tickets are released one day in advance.

3. Princess Diana’s Bench

In the center platform area of the ornamental garden, you’ll find a bench from a famous picture of the Taj Mahal. Princess Diana was photographed there in 1992 during an official state visit. You can recreate the iconic picture there, but be prepared to fend off others – it gets crowded.

4. Light it Up

Use the flashlight/torch feature on your mobile phone to shine on the pietra dura (the jewels inlaid in the marble). You’ll be able to see the brilliance of the translucent marble and precious stones.

5. Nothing is Free

Once inside the ground of the Taj Mahal, you may be approached by strangers. Anyone who offers to take a professional photo of you or offers you other unsolicited services is not doing it to be kind and welcoming. They are looking for compensation. You will avoid hassles if you stay with your guide or your group.

Tomorrow our group is leaving Agra, India and off to Jaipur. Follow for more from the trip.

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Read more about India’s Golden Triangle, tours that include Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

If you’re more interested in planning as you go, check out these options from GetYourGuide.