I am currently in Hyderabad for work. I'll be heading to Delhi Friday night and returning to Hyd. Sunday night. I had originally planned to visit Taj Mahal, but my traveling companions have already been and it seems a waste to spend 12 of the 30 waking hours I have traveling to do a 2 hour sight see. Clearly Taj is one of the wonders of the world, but if I assume I will make it back to India at some point, I am thinking I'd rather actually see some of Delhi. Am I crazy to not go to the Taj Mahal when it is 5 hour dirve away and I have come 17 hours flying to be in India??

In a word, yes. I was a bit sceptical about the Taj myself, but it is absolutely stunning, and absolutely has to be seen in person. Photographs can't do it justice - you have to be there to appreciate the perfect proportions, and to see how the marble changes color in different light. You can't really see the pietra dura in photos either. Nothing in Delhi comes close (although Humayan's tomb and the Qutr Minab come closest).

no i do not think you are crazy....there is more to see and do in delhi than in agra, really a one or two sight city.....

If you are SURE that you will return to India, skip the Taj and save it for a time when you can devote the 2 nights and a day to Agra needed to see the Taj, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah and Fatephur Sikri.

There is much to do in Delhi - Do try to get to Humayan's tomb and Qutar Minab. Also Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, is well worth a visit.

IMHO nothing in Delhi can compare to the Taj. Very little in the entire world can compare to it. If you are certain of returning to India then see Delhi now but if not than do make the effort to see this wonder of the world. I've seen it 4 times and each time I am awed no less than the first time. JM2C.

It is totally up to you, and there is certainly a lot of interest in Delhi, but just so you have the facts, if you take the early morning Taj Express or a Shabadti (sp?) express train, you can get to Agra in 2 to 2.5 hours in good comfort. There are also fast return trains from Agra. I would not drive with only 2 days, it is not worth the traffic hassles and time.

I agree that it is a sight that does not disappoint.

hello there..
By the sound of it, it seems as if you have already made up your mind and do not want to put in the extra distance and travel before you international flight! IF it was meant to be, u will come back!

Of course nothing compares to the Taj, but Delhi certainly has its pleasures, sights and charms and u can easily spend your time exploring the city.

I would not say you are crazy@! It took me three visits to INDIA to get to the Taj, and now i go all the time with my groups. And yes, yes,yes**, it is absoltely breatkaking and spectacular..A visit to the Taj is magical and uplifting.

However, Delhi is a fascianting city. U can visit OLD Delhi and Jama Masid and chandni chowk, u can lal Qila(Red For), u can visit Raj Ghat, u can visit the Birla tEMPLE, u can visit the Bahai Temple, u can visit Qutab Minar, u can visit Humayan's Tomb, for starters..

And then there is the shopping,(janpath market/dillhat/ hauz khas village) and the eating and the wandering..So much to do in Delhi!

Namaste..happy travels and feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] I am a American in Delhi. NAMASTE.

thanks for the responses. I've got a list of places to see now and will do the Taj trip another time. Much appreciated!