Mahal, described by the poet Tagore as 'a tear on the face of eternity'. It is the classic visual symbol of India. This mausoleum was built over 20 years, with translucent white marble inlaid with 35 types of precious stone, by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan in the 17th century, as a response to his dying wife's request that he build a memorial to the beauty of their love. So much has been written to describe this monument to love, so many photographs taken and yet each time the Taj surprises us by its enigmatic quality that is difficult to define. While at Agra we visit the museum and the mosque at the Taj and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the magnificent Agra Fort which was built by four generations of Mughals, on the banks of the River Yamuna. Shantum helps us understand the different historical, architectural, artisanal and spiritual dimensions. We spend time in meditative silence watching the changing moods and colors of the Taj as the sun sets so as to touch that 'elusive quality that makes the Taj the most magical building in the world?'.

Led By: Shantum Seth

Extensions that may added before and after the Journey to Agra:

In the Footsteps of the Buddha - Saal Pilgrimage: 25th November to 6th December 2013

The Exquisite Caves 2013: 7th December to 10th December 2013

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In the Footsteps of the Buddha - Peepal Pilgrimage: 15th February to 2nd March 2014

The Exquisite Caves 2014: 3rd March to 5th March 2014

Itinerary

6th December to 7th December 2013 (2 days)

December 6th: Lucknow - Agra by train for those on the Saal pilgrimage

December 7th: Agra - Delhi. Departure

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1st March to 3rd March 2014 (2 days)

March 1st: Delhi - Agra by train (or Lucknow - Agra by train on 1st afternoon for those on the Peepal pilgrimage)

March 2nd: Agra - Delhi by train

March 3rd: Departure from Delhi 12:00 Noon