maltasr

Wife and I would like to see the Taj Mahal in our retirement years. My maps shows it near a city in India called Agra. However, when I check the airline guides, I only find two flights into and out of Agra. In light of this limited air service, how we can we get to the Taj without having to drive long distances? Isn't there a major airport closer to this world renowned location?

nigam

In general, driving from Delhi (or rather being driven in a nice car) is the most efficient way of doing this. However, there are several trains. If cost is no object, you can also take a helicopter :-)

tkflyer

IMOH I think train is easiest and most comfortable Delhi->Agra. There are some express trains depending on time of day. First class is fine. Just google it for more info.

yrs

The Taj Express runs between Delhi and Agra. It leaves very early in the morning, and makes the trip to Agra in about 2 hours these days. Similarly, it returns from Agra to Delhi around 10PM. It is a great train that has been running for over 40+ years for tourists.

Day trips are possible, since you can combine the Taj Express ticket with a conducted bus tour of Agra.

My personal recommendation is to stay overnight in Agra. Leave by Taj Express one day, return the next night. The Taj is best viewed in the evenings, espcially on a full-moon night.

There are a couple of hotels very close it (you can see the Taj Mahal from the room windows). I think Oberoi (Amarvilas) has a hotel there, and possibly a Sheraton.

By staying overnight, you will also be able to travel to the Agra Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri (Akbar's capital - 22KM from Agra), and possibly Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra.

Good luck.

rsh913

http://www.viator.com/New-Delhi-tour...ets/d804-t2401

SeeBuyFly

Train?
Please to explain,
what is train?

Georgia Peach

The train is a great way to see the countryside. First class is definitely the way to go unless you're really adventurous. Keep in mind the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Keyser

the taj mahal is in the city of agra....

flights to agra are limited because due to its close distance from delhi, people prefer to take the train or drive....

if you would like contact details of a good travel agent in delhi then let me know & i can send them to you via pm....i have lost count of the number of people i have sent their way & they have all been happy with the service provided....

rsh913

Kingfisher Red has once a day DEL-AGR service. The flight is seasonal (predominantly Dec-March only)

http://www.flykingfisher.com/flex/schedules.pdf

yosithezet

Alternatively, if you don't want to drive far, there are a number of Taj hotels in Delhi you could visit.

Keyser

very true....infact, the taj property on man singh road is called the taj mahal hotel....

captain_starwood

It cost 100 INR and was a fascinating experience.

The train in F class is probably the thing to do.

kyunbit

As others have said take the train. Stay the night at ITC Mughal, Agra. Come back the next day.

mikel51

We recently rented a car with driver for a couple of days. Drove to Agra and stayed at the Oberoi. Visited the Taj Mahal for full moon one evening and then walked around the next morning at close to opening time. In the afternoon our driver took us to red fort and other sites. After a leisurely evening at the hotel, we returned to Delhi the next day. We enjoyed that schedule and would recommend it to others. The Oberoi is fantastic, but very expensive (we splurged). From our balcony, we could watch sunset and sunrise on the Taj while sipping tea or beer. In the evening they had dancers and music as the sun was setting. The Taj Mahal in the evening in the full moon was nice, but we were surprised that they only let us in for the famous view from the entrance.

Alysia

So have any of you done the guided tours of Agra to the Taj Mahal and other Agra sites that are listed on frommers:
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...501010002.html

Or did you just visit the Taj Mahal on your own? I'm trying to figure out what is best.