The Taj Mahal

 We were awake early because we were catching an 8:15 train to Agra for a one night stay.  We were on a newer train that was promised to be very fast and modern.  I would need to see the alternative to make a judgement on this but I don’t think Japan needs to worry about competition.

On arrival in Agra we boarded our bus and went directly to The Red Fort.  Appropriately named, the huge outer wall of the fort is very red.  Two outer motes protected the fort, one with crocodiles and the other with tigers.  The entrance to the fort has a sharp turn in it because running elephants that might be used to tear down the outer door were unable to make such a sharp turn.  The fort has been owned by seven different dynasties and is currently owned by the Indian government.  

The fort is quite large (94 acres) and is more accurately described as a walled city.  There are many structures inside which served in such capacities as housing for the haram, the ruler’s house, places for worship, etc.  It really was quite interesting.  Across the river in the distance, The Taj Mahal can be viewed from the fort.

We had been told that we might be photographed, especially the blond headed women and that was certainly the case here.  A group of three women wanted their picture made with me.  I have to say, this was a first.

After the touring the Fort we took tuk tuk’s to The Baby Taj.  This mausoleum is thought to have served as a model for The Taj Mahal.  Constructed from marble, this white tomb and out buildings was decorated in intricate mosaics.  The complex also contains gardens.  Having come from the much more crowded fort, this complex was very calm and quiet.  It also looked out over the river.  There were also some monkeys rooming the grounds.  It is aptly called the jewel box.

We checked into our hotel, ITC Mughal, and enjoyed a lovely, large lunch buffet.  The hotel is beautiful although we really didn't have time to enjoy it.  I think I'll mention here how much the Indians love flowers and use them to enhance their facilities at every turn.  They leave petals on our beds, in our bathrooms, and in large stone pots placed around the hotels.  You don't realize how much you love this until you actually experience it.

And now for the moment we've all been waiting for: The Taj Mahal.  First, I have to tell you that it's not as simple as pulling up to the entrance and walking in.  There's a ticket line, then an electric open air tram sort of like the kind you might see at an amusement park.  Then walking to the entrance which is not at the gate.  Bags and bodies must be scanned before being allowed in.  The approach to the gate, or entrance, is a big plaza where the tourist stop to take photos.  Then the masses stream through the arch where all you see is the Taj making it look closer and larger than it actually is.  Then, the big reveal of the reflecting pools, gardens, mosques, etc. that lead up to the marbled main event.  It truly is stunning and not to be missed.

The mix of tourists were probably 90%+ Indians with very few people of European decent visiting this afternoon (tomorrow will be different).  We had been told that we are very exotic looking to them and to expect to be asked to have our photos taken.  Wow, this happened big time especially those of us with blond hair.  I totally lost track of the number of times I was asked to pose for a photo.  I won't lie, it's a bit of an ego booster!

We were allowed to room the grounds and stayed until around sunset.  There are no pictures without the mobs of visitors so you just have to embrace it.  To one side there were a couple of groups that had pored little pools of water to use for reflections and that kept us amused to awhile.  A separate ticket allows you access to the main building (you must put coverings on your shoes to protect the marble) but I did not take the opportunity to visit it this afternoon.

Back at the hotel we enjoyed a dinner at their Indian offering.  The preparation was more woodfire grilled and fewer sauces.  While nice, I don't think we thought it lived up to its billing as famous.  We were off to bed early as we have an early morning meet time.

Tomorrow: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal