Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his cherished wife, the Taj Mahal stands on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. The famed mausoleum complex, built over more than 20 years, is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, which combined Indian, Persian and Islamic influences. At its center is the Taj Mahal itself, built of shimmering white marble that seems to change color depending on the sunlight or moonlight hitting its surface. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a stunning symbol of India’s rich history.
Start the day at 9 in the morning with a visit to the Lotus Temple, another landmark in the capital city. You may have to take local bus,auto/taxi to reach Lotus Temple Resembling a half-open lotus, this is a relatively recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith. From there, you may move on to visit Humayun's Tomb one of the most impressive Mughal edifices buy local bus or auto/taxi.The distance is about 7kms. Take some time to explore this magnificent structure and the other monuments the complex houses. About 2 km north of the Tomb lies the Nizamuddin Dargah belonging to the famous Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Auliya. Ignore the crowded surroundings and focus on the irresistible eateries around. Your next stop is the Lodi Gardens . Along with an extensive, well-manicured garden, you will see some ornate tombs and structures belonging to the Lodi and Sayyid dynasties.
Late Afternoon / Evening
From Khan Market head towards Safdarjung's Tomb. Buy auto/taxi. The distence is about 2kms. Spread over an area of 300 sq km, the spectacular tomb is enclosed within a garden with tanks and fountains. From there you can go to Hauz Khas by metro which is about 4kms and walk for 12-15 minutes to reach Hauz Khas Village. This area was developed during Feroz Shah Tughlaq's rule.