Taj Mahal Tour

Pickup was on time. Driver was friendly and got us there and back without issue. Keep in mind, this is a long drive and the Delhi traffic especially when returning is terrible but that is reality in India. Picked up the tour guide in Agra and we took a rickshaw to the Taj Mahal. The guide quickly got us in skipping the lines and gave a really good overview of the architecture and history. He left us to go into the tomb on our own. Once in the tomb, there are guides that will give you further information. They work off tips but don’t insist on them. I thought the information they provided was worth the tip. We finished the Taj Mahal and went to lunch. We went to a local restaurant and were told order anything we want as it’s included in the tour. We didn’t go crazy but order a decent sized lunch with drinks. Food was very good as was the service. Out waiter ensured we knew that tip was not included so we provided a tip. Next up, and why I didn’t give the tour five stars, were Two stops at shops under the guise of education. We were quickly educated and walked to the gift shop which was the main purpose. Both shops have very nice but very overpriced items. We haggled over prices but I certainly did not get a great deal on the marble box I bought. Overall, I liked the tour but would be more insistent on skipping the shopping parts.

My tour started with Chandr, a very professional driver who picked me up in Delhi and drove me over three hours to Agra. He was a skilled driver who was not aggressive and ensured I was comfortable, even stopping along the way for a break, restroom, snacks. My guide met us in Agra and handled all entry to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. He was very knowledgeable on the story and background of both locations and made it an interactive tour. He was also great with taking pictures and knew all of the best spots to get a great shot! The duo took me to a lovely buffet restaurant with great food and service. There were two stops after the tours that were introduced to me as "educational opportunities" to see how ancient families carried out their trade- gem stones and art work. The first was definitely a tourist trap that was uncomfortable for me to get out of as I was ushers from room to room and vendor to vendor. I don't tend to shop while traveling so I had no interest in this. I declined stopping for the second opportunity understanding it would be the same environment. The guide and driver obliged my decision, so please know that you have a choice. The driver then drove me back to Delhi. On the way we drove into a monsoon which was something to experience, the roads flooded very quickly, however, my driver remained calm and skilled and got me to my hotel without issue. It was a great comfort to be with a skilled driver. Thank you to all!!

The tour was organized well by Mr.latif. Everything was spot on. The vehicle we got was clean and the driver was also handled us in a professional manner.