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Getting There
The Oberoi Amarvilās is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, one of the largest states in India. The resort is located at a distance of 600 meters from the Taj Mahal.
By air: Agra’s Kheria Airport is located 9km from The Oberoi Amarvilās and is approximately a 25 minutes drive.
By rail: The main railway station at Agra is the Agra Cantonment station. The journey takes approximately two hours from New Delhi.
By road: The Delhi-Agra highway (National Highway 2) via Mathura joins New Delhi and Agra and is the best route for those wanting to drive from New Delhi to Agra. The drive of 190kms takes approximately four hours.
Things to do
Taj Mahal: Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, this stunning mausoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. Emperor Shah Jahan constructed it in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the Emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned gray overnight.
Fatehpur Sikri: This magnificent fortified city was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Today, it remains a perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the Empire's splendor.
Agra Fort: Emperor Akbar began the construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River in 1565. Additions were made until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan, under whose reign it was partially converted into a palace.
Akbar's Mausoleum at Sikandra: The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, is situated in the middle of a peaceful garden where deer graze, at Sikandra, 4 km northwest of Agra. Akbar started its construction himself, blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles, much like the syncretic religious philosophy he developed called Din-E-illahi.
Kinari Bazaar: The alleyways of Kinari Bazaar, or old marketplace, start near the Jama Masjid. There are several distinct areas whose names are relics of the Mughal period, though they don't always bear relation to what is sold there today.
Dayal Bagh Temple: The white marble Dayal Bagh Temple of the Radah Soami religion has been under construction since 1904 and is not expected to be completed until some time in the 21st century. If you're lucky, you may get to see the pietra dura (inlay work) in process.
Special Events: In February, the Taj Mahotsav (festival) is held in Shilpgram, a crafts village and open-air emporium situated about a kilometer along the road running from the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal. The festival features live performances of music and dance.
Spa
Be transported back to the days of Mughal Royalty at The Oberoi Amarvilas Spa. Prepare to be pampered from head to toe with therapies to restore and rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Traditional iron gates, latticework, inlaid floors and mosaics all create an ambience of regal beauty.
The Sauna and steam room cleanse and invigorate. Yoga, Ayurvedic and aromatherapy massages relax and soothe away the stresses of modern high-pressure life, helping the body to heal and realign itself, both inside and out.
Favourite therapies include; stimulating Oberoi massage to iron out the knots; a Chakra Head and Shoulder Massage; the bliss-inducing Rose Sandalwood Wrap (essence of rose, milk, honey and sandalwood.) These are just a few of the ways you will be made to feel like a Princess - or a Prince.
And for those who like to get fit the hard way, the Oberoi Spa features a fully equipped state-of-the-art Gymnasium. Choose from exercycle, multigym, rowing machines, steppers and treadmills.
Accommodation
Superior deluxe rooms: Sixty superior deluxe rooms have their own private open-air terraces.
Executive Suites: Four Executive Suites have a separate living room and bedroom. The two luxury Suites feature in addition, a separate living/dining room with butler’s pantry and private open air terrace. The bathroom overlooks the Taj Mahal.
Kohinoor Suite: The regal Kohinoor Suite has separate living and dining rooms. There is a private study. The bedroom has a separate dressing area with walk-in closet. Here too the bathroom overlooks the Taj Mahal.
Eating
Bellevue: Modern Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine is served here. The menu features soups, salads, grilled meats, pastas and desserts. Special children’s menus are available during the day.
Esphahan: The more formal Esphahan, with richly detailed interiors, serves traditional Indian dishes.
Esphahan is open for dinner only. Theme evenings feature live performances of traditional Sitar and Tabla music.
Bar: For an aperitif or a late digestif guests choose the teak-paneled Bar. The bar features an antique map of the Taj Mahal and a magnificent view of the Taj Mahal itself.
Lobby Lounge: Just the place for a reviving cafetiere or a quiet cup of Darjeeling, The elegant French-inspired tea-lounge is at the lobby level and has a wonderful view of the Taj Mahal.
Facilities
Broadband Internet access
Dual line telephones with data port
Personal bar
Tea and coffee maker
Air conditioning with thermostat
Electronic safe
Hairdryer
Voltage 110220
Business center
Concierge
Car rental
Beauty salon
Laundry and valet service
Doctor on call
Steam and Sauna
Spa
Fitness Center
Set in a terraced garden and lit with torches, the beautiful white marble colonnaded swimming pool is straight from the fairytale pages of the Arabian Nights.
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