We have arranged a car and driver to take us to Agra; first thing I notice getting into the car is that the driver has loud Indian music playing and we will be sitting on a piece of carpet. I’m praying the music won’t be playing the whole trip.
After stopping for gas, then driving around in circles (I'm sure we weren't but it felt like it!) to pay some kind of tax we are off.....google maps absolutely has it wrong with the 2.45 hours to Agra.
Our driver is very friendly (although it’s all sir sir sir…..yes I’m chopped liver!) and explains that if we were to drive in India we need 3 things – 1. A good horn; 2. Good brakes and 3.
Good luck! I can totally see that being the case. He mentions something about Miss India which I don't catch so ask him to repeat - "Miss India has packed my lunch". Aah he calls his wife Miss India, so nice!
The driver decides he needs a small break so we stop at a roadside public conveniences; definitely nowhere near as bad as I thought. The ladies bathrooms even had soap and running water – result!
Back into the car we go, at a rapid pace of 80 kms an hour. Thursday's trip to Jaipur (supposedly will take 5 hours) is look less and less likely. I'll be researching about flights later on.
A good 3.5 hours later (after being passed by every single car and motorbike on the highway) we get to the turn off for the Taj Mahal. Finally we are getting close. Driving through this "village" reminds me of both Vietnam and China – people everywhere, small fruit and vegetable stalls set up and cars/trucks/motorbikes/horses etc all vying for road space. On first glance at the horses (white) I notice they have circles on them, very odd…then I look closer and notice they all have painted orange circles.
On the first spotting of the Taj Mahal I'm in awe – wow wow wow and we aren't even close!
We park the car then walk back to the entrance where we are told to get onto a rickshaw which will take us to the entrance. Totally a scam as it's no more than a few minutes ride. I’ll be walking back.
There are sooo many people around; finding the ticket place is easy. Now to locate the foreigner line. A man decides he wants to help us but no thank you.
Tickets brought
now to work out how on earth to enter! There are animal like holding pens which are chocka block with people already. Thankfully the foreigners have a separate line, but like the locals it's split by male and female. I was a little worried with being separated but the ticket man kept turning around to make sure I was ok. After walking through a security gate and being hand patted down we had to put our bags through a scanner; they were then individually sorted through. My chewing gum, apple and playing cards were removed. I was far from pleased! Greg had a book but somehow managed to keep that – he was just informed he couldn't read it while inside.....the lady advised I could put my things in a locker, and while I really didn't want to lose the cards (more the holder it was in) I didn't fancy having to repeat the holding pen situation. She must have read my mine as she removed the cards then gave me the holder. Right lets go.
We have to walk through a gate, which is made of red sandstone – an impressive sight.
Half way through the gate you get a glance of the Taj – amazing! But that doesn't do it any justice. What a bloody impressive building it is!! I'm in awe and could just stand staring all day.....problem is half the world is around me and it's very hot!
We wander up the well-manicured grounds to the Taj; as foreigners we can go through a special lane to enter. First though I need to put stockings over my jandels. It's either that or bare feet....
Up close and personal it’s even more spectacular.
On entering the mausoleum it’s like a scrum – it's the same door to enter and leave so it's all for one!! I'm getting pushed around left right and centre by the locals. I was expecting the inside to be amazing but was disappointed – it’s nowhere near as beautiful as the outside, but it is cool.
We walk around the outside of the Mausoleum, I'm just in awe of this amazing site! The marble inlay and calligraphy work is out of this world.
The shading quarter is so lovely and cool – clearly we aren't the only ones enjoying the relief from the hot sun.
While walking around the complex a little boy (perhaps 7-8 years ago) asks me for a photo – sure why not. He then taps his shoulder and says hand hand.....I finally understand what he is wanting - arm around his shoulder it is. His family/friends are all there watching and the camera shots begin.
We have a quick visit to the Taj Mahal museum; by no means big but it had fans – a welcome relief from the heat.
It's a struggle to get me out of here, I honestly could be here all day. I have about a million last looks before walking out the side gate. Definitely worth the visit and I'd encourage everyone to come at least once in their life!
Leaving the complex we politely turn down all the rickshaw drivers and walk to the gate where we entered. Unfortunately as soon as we exit we are constantly hassled by tuk tuk drivers. No thank you!
Seeing a driver was a lovely sight :) Time to get out of this joint and fast.
Our itinerary did include a visit to the Agra Fort, but on arriving there were far too many people and quite frankly nothing could match the Taj so why bother. Time to return to Delhi.
An amazing experience to be at the Taj Mahal and one I won't forget!
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