Summer holidays always have been a source of fun for our kids. However, for us, it was a source of a lot of trouble. Handling kids 24x7 for more than a month with only a few routine options to keep them entertained is a big problem. For the past two years we had planned vacations to hill station with kids. It was great fun and a huge relief from scorching heat of Delhi. But this time we wanted to enjoy holidays differently. So we thought of a visiting the historical city of Agra. So without worrying about heat, we booked a tour package to Agra.
Since our motive was to keep the kids engaged, we decided to take a train to Agra from Delhi. My hubby had booked AC Shatabdi express. The comfortable train leaves from railway station of New Delhi early in the morning. This saved our day for sightseeing.
Upon reaching the Agra railway station, we hired a prepaid taxi to take us to the Hotel. We had booked the Oberoi Amarvillas which was only 600 meters from the world famous Taj Mahal. The hotel staff was very friendly and room was luxuriously decorated. Room service was prompt. My children loved then breathtaking sight of Taj Mahal from the hotel.
We had a relaxing bath here and took a short nap. The food served here was simply amazing. We loved it. The lunch at Bellevue is something we will never forget. Right from the taste, treatment by the staff, and ambience, everything was royal. Since we wanted to enjoy our tour thoroughly, Taj Mahal was the ultimate destination. We were seeing it first time live. The monument built by mughal emperor Shahjahan in the year 1631 and dedicated to beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal simply stole our hearts. The kids loved clicking pictures here. The white marble wonder and watercourse running through gardens make the sight simply outstanding. Being a masterpiece, this monument is rightly referred to as the seventh wonder of the world.
We also visited the museum in the premises. It showcased coins of the Mughal era, crockery, ammunitions, scriptures, and many other interesting things. We reached the hotel in the evening. After relaxing for some time, we visited the restaurant for buffet. The lip smacking cuisines simply stole our hearts.
After dinner, we enjoyed a good night's sleep. Next day, we pampered ourselves at the hotel spa. Later on, we made our way to famous hotel Jama Masjid. The beautiful mosque was built by Shah Jahan's daughter. The streets were congested but the beauty of constructed made all efforts worth it. We also visited sadar bazaar for shopping. This place is simply superb. Right from intricate marble inlays, gemstones, and laces, you will get everything here. The Kinari bazaar here is also worth visiting. Next day, we visited Fatehpur Sikri. Since the kids were really curious, we hired a tonga. The whole complex is made of red sandstone with beautiful mosques, tombs, and temples. Diwan i Khas here is a wonderful place. It looks beautiful and is believed that whatever one wishes for here in the mazhar will be fulfilled.
Next day, we decided to check out and end our short yet very memorable trip. The kids were really happy visit historical places they have always studied about in the books. The only thing that troubled us was the heat. We are planning a second visit towards the end of October. Overall, a fantastic trip!
