Agra & Taj Mahal holidays

From its reflecting pools and symmetrical gardens to the mausoleum’s incredible interior chambers, the Taj Mahal is the undoubted highlight of any trip to Agra but is far from the only attraction of the city. Step through history and collided cultures in the riverside Agra Fort. Explore the exquisite patterned rooms of I'timād-ud-Daulah’s tomb, the animal-filled gardens of Akbar's Mausoleum, the colourful tiles of Chini ka Rauza, and the tomb of Afzal Khan Shirazi.

Pick up intricately crafted one-of-a-kind trinkets at Subhash Emporium. Explore the ghost town palaces of Fatehpur Sikri, or wander among the street food aromas as you learn stories of the past in Agra Old City. Witness an evening performance of "Mohabbat-the-Taj: The Saga of Love” at Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Centre, or enjoy a fresh-cooked meal when you visit the Sikh centre of Gurudwara Guru ka Tal.

Any tour in Agra will take you to two landmarks, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. India’s most famous attraction, the 17th-century mausoleum of the Taj Mahal is an architectural wonder, a monument of beauty, and a touching tribute to love and loss. While the Taj itself is the focus, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is also home to striking additions including the Kau Ban Mosque in the west and its reflecting Jawab on the eastern side.

Across the Yamuna River, the Mehtab Bagh - or Moonlight Garden - offers a space of beauty from which to get a new perspective on the magnificent landmark. A short distance west, along the river, sits Agra Fort - often called the Red Fort - a 16th Century residence of the Mughal Dynasty which showcases architectural influences from Islam and Hinduism blended together in white marble and red sandstone.

Discover a lesser-seen side of India when you spend time away from Agra’s ancient treasures and visit two of its most modern and caring institutions. Both operated by Wildlife SOS, the Agra Bear Rescue Facility and Elephant Conservation and Care Centre provide homes and conservation for two of India’s most beautiful creatures after years of their mistreatment throughout the region.

Sloth bears, which once attracted crowds by “dancing” until the practice was outlawed, now play happily among trees at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility as they are rehabilitated for life back in the wild. At the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, India’s biggest beasts are cared for after being rescued from mistreatment as working animals. Tourists play a vital part in keeping both institutions running while also enjoying close-up, and ethical, animal experiences in Agra.

Agra & Taj Mahal can be visited all year round with each season offering new benefits and different experiences. Winters are traditionally considered the most pleasant time to visit with cooler days averaging around 20°C. This period, lasting from October to March, is generally rain-free and offers the perfect weather for exploring the outdoor attractions of the city. Summer days, from April to June, regularly exceed 35°C. These months can become uncomfortable for some but also offer reduced crowds for those able to brave the heat.

Agra’s monsoon season is mild and, while rain will be experienced between July and September, dry spells are common and many landmarks take on a special quality when coated with droplets of water reflecting spectrums of colour in the bright sun. At the Taj Mahal, the vibrant festival of Taj Mahotsav brings new energy to the monument for 10 days each February or March.