3-Day Itinerary for Taj Mahal in December 2023

1. Day 1: Taj Mahal
   Located in Agra, 230 km (4 hours 20 minutes) from Delhi

   Begin your day early in the morning and visit Taj Mahal at sunrise. Marvel at the monument's beauty in the first light of the day. Afterward, head to the nearby Mehtab Bagh, which offers a stunning view of Taj Mahal from across the river. Enjoy a breakfast of hot parathas and sweet lassi at a nearby street vendor. In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the seat of the Mughal Empire for generations. Built-in the 15th century, the fort houses palaces, mosques, and halls of public and private audience. In the evening, visit the local bazaar and try some chaat and samosa.

2. Day 2: Fatehpur Sikri and Tomb of Akbar
   Located in Agra, 40 km (1 hour) from Taj Mahal

   Start your day with a visit to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted city that was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has beautiful palaces, courtyards, and monuments. In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Akbar, located in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra. The tomb is a beautiful blend of Hindu, Islamic, Christian, Buddhist, and Jain designs. In the evening, visit the local market to buy some souvenirs or handicrafts.

3. Day 3: Itmad-Ud-Daulah and Wildlife SOS
   Located in Agra, 9.5 km (25 minutes) from Taj Mahal

   Start your day by visiting the Itmad-Ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj. The tomb was built by the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan in memory of her father. It is an exquisite example of Mughal architecture and is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, visit Wildlife SOS, a rescue center for bears and elephants that were once used for street performances. Learn about the organization's efforts to rehabilitate the animals and promote animal welfare. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at a local restaurant.

Recommendations

Besides the Taj Mahal, you should also consider visiting the Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque that is one of the largest in India. You could also take a side trip to Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, to visit some of the ancient temples there. To maximize your fun, you can hire a local guide who would provide you with valuable insights into the local culture, history, and cuisine. Finally, make sure to sample some of the local sweets, such as petha, a candy made from ash gourd, and dalmoth, a spicy snack made from lentils and gram flour.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Taj Mahal (2-3 hours, INR 1300)
• Mehtab Bagh (1 hour, INR 200)
• Agra Fort (2-3 hours, INR 600)
• Fatehpur Sikri (2-3 hours, INR 500)
• Tomb of Akbar (1 hour, INR 300)
• Itmad-Ud-Daulah (1-2 hours, INR 400)
• Wildlife SOS (2-3 hours, INR 1000)
• Dinner at a local restaurant (1 hour, INR 400)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 4300

For hotel and flight prices, please visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.