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Agra & Taj Mahal

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Discover Agra & Taj Mahal

Agra will always be dominated by the Taj Mahal’s magnificent shimmering domes. We used to think the crowds didn’t detract too much from the experience, but these days we’re not so sure. By all means visit the Taj at sunrise – the most popular time of day – but see it again from a different angle too. Agra is much more than the home of one iconic building. Although much of the city isn’t particularly eye-catching, the tombs of Itmad ud Duala and John Hessing echo the delicate craftsmanship of the Taj, and the Ram Bagh garden is a haven of fragrant trees and tinkling fountains.

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Not just the Taj

“Everyone comes for the famous white marble masterpiece (rightly so), but we'd strongly recommend leaving time for the Chambal Valley or Wildlife SOS. Agra's lesser-known side is well worth meeting.”

Three things to do in Agra

Did we mention the Taj?

Taj Mahal, India

This white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is undoubtedly spellbinding at sunrise. However, that’s exactly what attracts large numbers of people, and we want to make sure that seeing the Taj Mahal is memorable for the right reasons! Sadly we can’t do much about the throngs of visitors, but we can advocate for a change in perspective… The villagers of Kachpura, located across the Yamuna River, live in the shadow of the Taj every day, and it makes an impressive and thought provoking background to their excellent community tourism project. Alternatively those who have the inkling and budget can stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas and view the Taj in the distance without even leaving their room.

Taj Mahal, India

Wildlife SOS

Bear in India

Around an hour from Agra you’ll find two projects run by Wildlife SOS, an NGO doing important work to protect and conserve local wildlife. The Bear Sanctuary is home to over 200 Indian Sloth Bears, the majority rescued after being forced to ‘dance’ for tourists, or saved from poachers who sell the bears for use in certain traditional medicines. The Elephant Conservation and Rescue Centre shelters around 20 elephants, rescued from captivity and nursed back to health after being found malnourished, dehydrated and suffering from injury. Tour the facilities, meet the residents, learn about their individual histories, contribute to a very worthwhile cause, and take a break from gazing at the region’s famous architecture for a while.

Find out more about Wildlife SOS
Bear in India

Out of Agra

Chambal Safari lodge

Just an hour away from Agra in a different direction is the Chambal Valley, though its tranquil river makes it feel a million miles distant. It’s a magnet for rare birdlife, turtles, crocodiles, and even freshwater dolphins. Head out on a small boat to explore, or wander around the rural villages on foot, then stay at the family-run Chambal Safari Lodge, a homely eco-lodge full of antique furnishings and surrounded by flower filled gardens.

Chambal Safari lodge

Fantastic holiday

Using Selective Asia took all the stress out of booking and organising the trip ourselves as we were travelling around the country. Selective Asia were really responsive to our needs and created our perfect honeymoon holiday. They were available whenever we had questions or needed some help. I would highly recommend using their service!

Alice, Sri Lanka

Another fantastic trip with Selective Asia

We’ve been on 5 trips to the Far East with Selective Asia over 17 years with the same consultant (Lionel). They take the time to tailor the holiday individually with invaluable local knowledge and once again got it spot on. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

Rob Clarkson, Vietnam

Highly Recommend Selective Asia

Have been to Asia with Selective Asia twice now, and we can't fault them. We had the most amazing holiday staying in 6 different locations throughout Thailand. Selective Asia did us proud by giving us a well thought out itinerary. The accommodations were first class. Our private guide called James was very knowledgable and made our holiday very memorable.

Susan Bartlett, Thailand

Personalised and spot on journey

Personalised service all the way up to departure and then throughout via on the ground help and advice in country as well. Ideal.

Ann B, India

Our trip to Japan was outstanding

We had had several discussions with Andrew, our agent, before booking the trip and he incorporated all the activities we were interested in plus recommending other activities that he knew we would be interested in. Much of our trip was self guided and SA provide an excellent app to help with this. It was intuitive, easy to use and had the option to be able to contact someone locally if necessary. The whole trip was seamless and managed at a thoroughly professional yet friendly level. I would travel with this company again (we have travelled with them before.)

Heather, Japan

It was amazing from start to finish. Really informative when we were planning the trip, flexible about our itinerary, offering a range of options but all backed with knowledge of the lodges and reserves. The support when we were away was excellent with alternative arrangements made quickly when a flight was cancelled and great advice when our return flight seats were changed. We would absolutely recommend the company, particularly if you are looking for something a little different but special.

Linda Johnson, Borneo

Inspiring experiences and places to stay

Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…

Start planning your journey here...

Give us a call 9am-5pm UK time Monday to Friday, or make an enquiry online at any time.

Call us on
01273 670 001
Get in touch
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India

Taste India

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