On Saturday, 8 of us set out to Agra, home of the famous Taj Mahal. On the way there we stopped at Abhaneri, a small town whose claim to fame is a large step well; literally a deep well lined with steps.
We didn't arrive in Agra until late in the day and, although we attempted without success to catch the sunset on the Taj from a rooftop restaurant, we didn't get to see the famous monument until the following morning. We woke up at 6 am to beat the crowds and catch the sunrise. We walked through the red sandstone gate at the entrance and then there it was, the famous Taj Mahal. It was everything I expected it to be and then some. Definitely the most beautiful manmade structure I have ever seen.
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| Selfie with the Taj |
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| We had to wear shoe covers inside in order to protect the monument |
After many many photos (presented here are a just select few), we made our way inside. The inside is less impressive than the outside, with the only noteworthy room being the main chamber, where the walls are covered in Arabic verses from the Qu'uran and inlaid with precious stones. After many many
more photos, we left the majestic Taj and headed back to our hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast we visited Agra Fort, 1 km north of the Taj Mahal. It is a shame that this fort has to compete with such a prestigious neighbor, as it is a gem itself. We had a guide, Shahid, who gave us all sorts of fun facts and trivia about the fort.
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| Gate to Agra Fort |
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| "Carpet Garden" -- the plants meant to look like a rug |
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| View of the Taj across the river |
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| Hari and Shahid |
Sunday night we headed back to Jaipur, sleepy but satisfied.
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