Travel to Agra and Taj Mahal with kids

This time when we visited our home town Delhi, we took the kids (ages 8 and 6) to Agra to see the Taj. About time lest they think of the Taj more as a hotel. ;-) rather than one of the most beautiful monuments or one of the wonders of the world, a symbol of the beauty and majesty of India really.

It was a short 2 day trip and we saw the Agra fort and the Taj. We went in the fairly warm time of the second half of September. This trip was mainly for the kids because we have been to Agra a few times. We kept Fatehpur Sikri for next time beause we thought the little ones would overdose on history and monuments. Kept it just enough to keep their interest and imaginations firing.

We did tell them a little about the history as we toured--the mughal kings Akbar, Jehangir, Shahjehan, the story about Shajahan and Mumtaz, the fanatical Aurenzeb who had imprisoned his father Shahjahan. It is amazing what eager sponges the little ones are and how much they remember. The other day my little one passed by a mosque and exclaimed, "Mama, look this has a dome and minars just like the Taj". Better lessons than any history text book for sure!

Agra Fort

• Somehow there is something about forts that really capture the kids imaginations. Tales of enemies, warms, valour and glory.
• The red sandstone Agra fort is so huge with the palace inside that it is quite an awesome experience.
• The kids enjoyed the spot from where Shahajahan was imprisoned by his son Auranzeb and you can view the Taj near the banks of the river Yamuna. Good photo spot to take kids photo as well with the faint Taj in the background.

Taj Mahal

• We pointed out the big features of the Taj like marble, dome, 4 minarets, raised platform, carvings and inlay work...
• We talked about how long it took (20 years) and thousands of people who made the building.  Also the intricate carvings in the age when they did not have the hi fi machinery.
• We also talked about the story how Shan Jahan had blinded and cut the hands of the artisans who worked on creating the monument so that they would not make it again for someone else.
• Every time one sees, it is always awe inspiring!

Tips

• Agra is very hot. Ideally you should go in the wintery months of Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan. But this is also the peak prices for hotels but might be worth it.
• But if you do go in the warmer months,  keep the monuments for early morning or later in the evening to beat the heat. My vote would be early morning. For example, we reached the Taj at 6:30 am. Less crowds too.
• Most monuments are open from 6am to 7pm. Do double check with the hotel. Do verify if the monuments will be open before you plan the trip. Taj Mahal is open all days except it is closed on Fridays.
• Check out the wikipedia entries for Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. You can check before and even after the trip. Lovely pictures and explanation of architecture.
• When you reach inside the Taj Mahal, you need to take off your shoes and it is very hot so keep socks for the kids. Especially if you are going when it is hot.
• Phase out the monument touring. Not in succession. I guess good things come in small packages for the small ones. The kids will have an overdose and get bored/cranky.
• To get a guide or not? We did not take a guide this time since we wanted to soak in the ambience and make it more like a fun story and experience for the kids versus loading them with too many details that were beyond their years. And we had seen it earlier. But for older kids, taking a good guide might be worthwhile. But make sure that you keep some time for yourself as well and keep the guides in check with the details that do not interest you.
• Btw, do not miss the yummy Agra chaat. Near the famous Panchi (namkeen /petha shop) in Agra city. There is a lane and excellent chaat shops. The kids might prefer their pasta/pizza but you deserve something too. One of the best alu tikki I have had! And my daugter too enjoyed the papri chat. And then it was back to the hotel for their pasta treat.