Historical and heritage sites scattered all over India have always been at the center of India's tourist attractions. India got many emblems according to its different attributes, some calls it the country of Himalaya, some refers to this country as the land of gods indicating to its rich spiritual and religious traditions while for some it is the land of Rajas and Maharajas emphasizing on its history of numerous empires, bloodshed and great cultural traditions reminiscent of them. When architectural and artistic marvels from the rich pages of human history are considered few countries in the world can match the astounding range of historical wonders and artistic brilliance in India's heritage sites. Agra, the erstwhile capital of Mughal Empire just few kilometers away from the Indian capital city of Delhi is the home to several architectural marvels from the Mughal tradition including the Taj Mahal, Indias crowning jewel in architecture and several other astounding heritage palaces and forts most of which are considered by UNESCO as world heritage sites. So, if you want to experience India in its richest historical aura a heritage tour in Agra is definitely the right thing to begin with.
Before you become too restless to step into the gigantic splendor of that breathtaking white mausoleum called Taj Mahal, let us plan our tour a bit, so that visiting Agra you do not need to haste for unnecessary reasons or remain preoccupied about your travel itinerary too much. A heritage tour in Agra is definitely something that needs you to remain composed and relaxed so that facing those mammoth architectural beauties you can just listen to your poetic self whispering in exclamation.
The easiest way to travel from international locations to Agra is to fly to Delhi and then either by your hired car or by train to reach Agra. After a long or overnight journey it is advisable to spend one day in Delhi. It is not far and only four hour journeys from Delhi but you do not know what heart rendering charm is waiting for you, so soothe your nerve and relax for a day. If you are to travel from domestic locations, Delhi is again the best choice as a stopover, but some trains have their routes through Agra if you can get down at Agra its best, otherwise the options of trains and hired vehicles are plenty to reach you to Agra. From November 2008 Agra has been connected by plane on the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur tourist route, but as per reports late flight timing remained constantly a concern. So if you do not like to travel by passenger train hired vehicle can be a better option and it is cheaper too.
For a busy traveler who at most can afford only one full day for all the heritage sites including Taj Mahal hiring a car for the whole day (8 hour or 80 kilometers, as per the local service standard) is a good option. But, we suggest a better itinerary for your heritage tour in Agra though obviously would depend upon your preferences. The heavenly splendor of Taj Mahal definitely deserves a separate day and if you are in Agra on a full moon day you can consider yourself one of the luckiest persons in the world to be presented with the blessed chance of seeing the glaring beauty of Taj Mahal in the soft glow of full moon. So, rent a car for day long sightseeing around Agra and reserve one full day for visiting Taj Mahal, especially if you're lucky to arrive before a full moon. A local horse carriage called Tanga, though extinct already, can just add up to your charm for local sightseeing.
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