Over the weekend of my visit I had a chance to explore Agra. \u00a0While the city might not sound familiar, it’s the site of the most famous monument in India, the Taj Mahal. \u00a0After flying to Delhi and visiting a work location, we checked into our hotel and got ready for an early expedition the following morning.<\/p>\n
About 6 months a new road opened linking Delhi to Agra. \u00a0It cuts down the travel time by about an hour and takes you on a zippy and fairly empty road straight into Agra. \u00a0It cuts through the countryside and past the new F-1 track. \u00a0It’s a nice, but boring drive. \u00a0Thankfully after each toll road there is a small rest stop with snacks and decently clean bathrooms.<\/p>\n
Once we arrived in Agra it was a different world from the streets of Bangalore. \u00a0For the first time I saw water buffalo, cows, monkeys, pigs, and goats all wandering the streets. \u00a0Mingling with the pedestrian, motorbike, and rickshaw traffic I’m amazed they don’t get run over on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
Pulling up to the Taj Mahal’s west gate we exited our vehicle to begin the walk up to the entrance gate. \u00a0It’s a path full of vendors wanting to sell you camel rides, trinkets, water, etc. \u00a0I was extremely thankful to have a guide with us as I would have felt overwhelmed without him. \u00a0After making our way to the ticket counter we found out it was closed due to a VIP event (rumor was an Iraqi delegation) and that we would have to return in a few hours.<\/p>\n
The Taj Mahal being delayed, we drove up the road to the Agra Fort. \u00a0It was quite a sight, but I’ve been to a lot of forts and they do tend to look the same. \u00a0What did make this stand out was the beautiful mosque and views of the Taj Mahal. \u00a0Legend has it that the king who built the Taj Mahal for his love and was later imprisoned in the fort was locked into a room where he could only see the building through a reflection in a diamond. \u00a0At least that’s what our guide said…<\/p>\n
After a few other detours (marble working shop and jewelry store) we made it to the Taj Mahal once again. \u00a0Making our way past the camels and solicitors we arrived at the ticket booth and I was dismayed by the insanely long line. \u00a0However, I soon realized this was the “local” line and as a foreigner I was to pay a much higher entrance fee with no wait. \u00a0The higher fee also meant shorter lines at security and throughout the rest of our Taj Majal visit. \u00a0It was awesome, but I did feel a tad guilty waltzing past so many people queued up in the extreme heat.<\/p>\n
We could not have picked a more beautiful day to visit. \u00a0The sky was a remarkable blue with a few puffy clouds scattered about. \u00a0The Taj Mahal itself gleamed in the sunlight and the detail of the craftsmanship was stunning. \u00a0I am lucky to have been able to experience it. \u00a0While walking about I was disappointed in myself for not knowing more about Indian and Persian history. \u00a0The architect that built this was from Aleppo and it made me realize the casualties in the current Syrian war are not contained to just human life. \u00a0Countless historical treasures are in peril.<\/p>\n