India

Agra

‘A teardrop on the cheek of eternity’ to Tagore; ‘the embodiment of all things pure’ to Kipling. Generations of visitors have been enraptured by the Taj Mahal since its completion in 1653, and it’s considered by many the most beautiful building in the world.

Back to all places in North India, Delhi & Rajasthan

Does it live up to the hype? In a word, yes. You can picture it, of course, but there’s something indescribable about being in its presence — an awesomeness that can’t be captured in an image. It’s the second-most visited building in the world, and that’s a travesty because it’s leagues more impressive than the first (sorry, Eiffel Tower).

The Taj Mahal was the masterpiece of Shah Jahan, who presided over the zenith of the Mughal Empire in the mid-seventeenth century. Built by over 20,000 workers from as far afield as Central Asia and Europe, incorporating exquisite craftsmanship and thousands of semiprecious stones, it is the perfect example of the extravagance that would shortly spell the empire’s decline.

It’s rather a shame that the most beautiful monument in India should be surrounded by one of its most unlovely cities. Modern Agra has always been rather a dump, but it was given a glow-up in honor of the G20 and we are happy to report that it’s now a much more pleasant place to spend some time. It’s still not one of our favorite cities in India, but there’s plenty to do: cooking classes, bazaars, Taj-view rooftop bars and one or two spectacular hotels worth splashing out on.

The Mughals left plenty of other impressive buildings, too: Emperor Akbar’s mausoleum; the so-called ‘Baby Taj’, and the Red Fort where Shah Jahan spent his final years under house arrest (the view of the Taj from here is spectacular). If you can, give yourself enough time to visit the Taj more than once, as its moods change throughout the day.

Other destinations in this region

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Amritsar (Punjab)

One of India’s friendliest cities and the holiest site in Sikhism, with its hallowed Golden Temple and delightful maze of old havelis, bazaars & courtyards.

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Chambal

Chambal is fascinating: tales of outlaws, river safaris, camel treks to ruined cities and villages full of haveli mansions — all totally under the tourist radar.

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Chandigarh

Purpose-built in the wake of Independence, Punjab’s capital is a yin-yang experience: Brutalist architectural masterpiece meets exuberant, surrealist art garden.

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Chanoud

Stay at one of India’s most beautiful heritage properties and let the Singh family introduce you to their home, countryside and local community.

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Delhi

Where do we even begin? Mughal monuments and British-colonial buildings are only the start: India’s capital is a whole world contained inside a single city.

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Deogarh

Experience the rhythms of rural Rajasthan in this unassuming town, where the descendants of Deogarh royalty welcome guests to their home.

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Jaipur

Come for the flamboyant pink architecture; stay for the craft workshops, market-hopping, and non-stop street life. Jaipur earns its place in the Golden Triangle.

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Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer belongs in the pages of Arabian Nights, with its ridgetop fort, medieval market atmosphere, and desert surroundings.

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Jawai

Jawai is known for the peaceful coexistence of humans and nature: wild leopards living alongside Rabari herders in a wild, rugged and beautiful landscape.