Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi with Live Demonstration Art & Crafts

I was in Delhi on business and had only one day free. I really wanted to see the Taj Mahal since Thor was my first trip to India and I’m not sure if and when I’ll be back. Everything was expertly organized and perfectly timed to arrive at the Taj Mahal in the early morning before crowds and heat became oppressive. Our guide, Adarsh, was fantastic - he knew all of the best places to get great photos and provided a wonderful introduction and guided tour of both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. We also were taken to see local craftsman in their shops and view their galleries. They were definitely trying to sell us their wares but I didn’t feel bad saying no (except to a new rug which I did want to buy). Adarsh also took us to another handicrafts store so I could buy a mask and some other souvenirs for my family. The one drawback was that our driver, Vishal, was quite tired and seemed to be dozing. Reading some of the reviews now, I see that this was not an isolated incident. I found that he was much more alert if we engaged him in conversation and after stopping along the way for chai. It’s a long day for him too and he is a delightful man but this was a little unnerving.

I was picked up at my hotel by Ravi. He was prompt and on time. He also had cold drinking water as it was very hot that day, as well as pillows for napping since departure was at 2:30 am. The car also had WiFi connection for all of you cellular needs. When we arrived in Agra I met my guide for the day Tony. He is a local from the area and had several generations of knowledge about the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. The tour was amazing filled with beautiful views and photo ops at the perfect time of day. This was my first experience with Nikitaholiday and I highly recommend them for anyone thinking about making this trip.

Not the worst tour, nor the best. First, the price is absurd for India. While it seems reasonable for an American the price gouging is incredible. You'd definitely do better arranging something through your hotel when you get there and just going to Agra on your own. You'd also have more time if not on an official tour. Like all tours in India, as some point you're going to get taken to a "government official cultural artisan shop." It's amazing how much time can be wasted driving to these warehouses and then convincing several touts you don't want to pay for the overpriced items and getting back to seeing the things listed on the itinerary that was printed online. If you spend too much time shopping and don't get to see the Agra fort, well that's not their problem is it? Second, don't be fooled by some idea that "sunrise" tour is something magical. The Taj Mahal will still be crowded, the tour will get your there at about 15 mins before the sun actually peaks, but there is no majesty as it's already bright and the sun doesn't rise anywhere near the Taj. Mostly you can get some shimmers in your shot but I'm not convinced that doesn't happend all day. Mostly sunrise means, less hot, but it's still India so by 7:00am it is already too warm. Third, don't know if it was just our guide or all. But the man we had was from Agra. He generally didn't care about the Taj Mahal anymore (understandable as he saw it everyday) but his attitude kind of brought us down. His tour was mechanical and he repeated himself a lot and was not open to questions. It was annoying to be with him and we were happy when he'd just motion and say "20 mins back here" and then just leave us to explore an area. The reason I booked this was to save time. Agra (the city) is nothing special. It's dirty and full of people looking to profit from the tourist of the Taj Mahal. That being said the Taj Mahal is every bit as impressive and worth visiting as any guide suggests. It fully lives up to the name of Wonder of the World. Go to the Taj Mahal, skip Agra, skip the "tour".