Culture & History
Discover rich historical and cultural delights of the incredible city of Agra from The Oberoi Amarvilas. Within walking distance from the hotel is the inconceivable Taj Mahal, or as Rudyard Kipling described it as 'the embodiment of all things pure'. Illustrated as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, it was constructed by Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the Emperor so heartbroken, his hair is said to have turned grey overnight. The legacy of the Mughal Empire is ripe throughout the city, which has left the magnificent Agra Fort, and a hand full of remarkable tombs and mausoleums.
City Highlights
Attracting between two and four-million visitors each year, the Taj Mahal really needs no introduction. Situated just five minutes away from this glorious building, The Oberoi Amarvilas provides battery-operated resort buggies to and from the iconic site. This staggering monument - one of the Seven Wonders of the World - is open for night viewings when there is a full moon (and two days either side), which is a beautiful and extra-special experience. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the temperatures are a little more bearable. Please note the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Romance
Beside the silhouette of the romantic Taj Mahal, a monument built for love, The Oberoi Amarvillas provides the perfect setting for a romantic venue. Experience the 'Taj Romance at Amarvilas' which is a rejuvenating spa treatment for couples, that uses Ayurvedic techniques to release tension and stimulate marma points around the body. Renew your vows within this incredible setting with a Hindu ceremony with an auspicious blessing by a Hindu Priest at the wonderful Jodha Mahal temple, perfect to further declare your love for one another. Dine under the Stars for an unforgettable star-lit dinner or treat your loved one to a romantic dinner, set with flowers and candles on the private balcony of your room.
Spa Breaks
Complementing the grandeur of the Mughal era is The Oberoi Spa. With the mystical image of the Taj Mahal visible outside, trained Thai Therapists re-energise the body with holistic treatments based on Ayurvedic, ancient Thai and western techniques. The experience includes beauty and body treatments, with the same formulations of exotic oils and creams that were used by royalty some five-hundred years ago, in addition to the steam room and sauna, which rekindle the body and spirit.