Agra beyond the Taj - An immersive experience that takes you back in time! Recommended for history/culture enthusiasts. - Agra Heritage Walks gave us an experience far beyond a typical guided tour. This isn’t just about ticking the Taj Mahal off your list — it’s about stepping into Agra’s living history, its art, and its soul. We did multiple tours with them, and each one was unique. On the first day, we were guided by Kaleem, the Co-Founder, whose family has lived in Agra for generations. He isn’t just a guide — he’s a writer, playwright, musician, and a passionate cultural revivalist, determined to keep Agra’s artistic traditions alive. His storytelling brought the city’s past to life — from tales of Mughal emperors and queens to the lesser-known stories of the immensely talented Mughal women whose legacies still stand in stone. We explored Itmad-ud-Daulah and learned about the vision of Nur Jahan and her influence in shaping Mughal architecture. On their recommendation, we visited Sikandra with Arhaan, where Akbar the Great rests in a tomb as majestic as any other marvel of the era — though the interior is stark and sad, having been gutted by fire and later plundered by invaders. The narrative of power, glory, and decline, intertwined with the city’s architectural brilliance, kept us enthralled throughout. Arhaan also led us through Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s magnificent red sandstone city, where we admired the Buland Darwaza and visited Salim Chishti’s serene dargah. The blend of architecture, faith, and intricate artistry left us deeply humbled by the vision of ancient builders. Our trip culminated in the Taj Mahal with Arhaan, who regaled us with stories about its making — the engineering genius, the inspiration behind its design, and the human passion that made it possible. And then came the most special touches. Kaleem welcomed us into his home with true Agra hospitality, serving a traditional meal we’ll never forget (the Dastarkhan experience). He also took us on a handicraft walk, where we discovered the exquisite artistry of Agra’s craftsmen and came away with newfound admiration for their skill. It’s sad to see that some of these age old, handmade crafts are dying like carpet weaving. We rounded off our trip with an Agra 101 walk through the narrow alleys of the city, a visit to a 100-year-old perfumery, and glimpses of Mughal architecture that is slowly disappearing from Agra. We also visited the Jama Masjid, commissioned by Jahanara Begum — Shah Jahan’s daughter. Both Kaleem and Arhaan were fountains of knowledge, weaving together history, culture, and food into an experience that no guidebook could ever deliver. Their passion for their city and its rich heritage truly shows through. Agra Heritage Walks made our trip unforgettable. If you want to experience Agra not just as a tourist, but as a guest of the city, this is the way to do it. We cannot recommend them enough.