Of Love, History, Old World Charm And … Pethas!

Whether a romantic or not, it’s a dream come true for every Indian to catch a glimpse of Taj Mahal, one of the country’s most prized possession, at least once in a lifetime. And I’ve been lucky to visit Agra, the quaint little city that hosts this legendary symbol of love and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Exuding the old world charm, Agra is almost synonymous with Taj, but, if you ask me, this place has much more than what meets the eyes.

So, here’s a quick photo recap of our journey to Agra… the journey of love, history, old world charm and… wait for it… pethas and dal moth! :P

 

Thanks to Yamuna Express Highway, for travellers on wheels Delhi-Agra can now be covered in just 3-4 hours. The clutter-less 4 lane roads cutting across beautiful corn fields make the journey more of a cake walk, compared to the National Highway filled with gutters and pot holes that literally send “pain” down the spine. The highway is equipped with facilities like public toilets (surprisingly clean ones), restaurants, petrol pumps, workshops and more at intervals to help travellers enjoy a worry free drive.

This is a highly recommended road trip route, if you are visiting Delhi and vice versa. A day’s trip is good enough to cover the popular tourist attractions in Agra, but a night’s stay is much recommended and you’ll get to know why.

Note* On reaching Agra and exiting from the express highway, remember to take the Taj Link road, which will save you some time and traffic, provided your stay is arranged somewhere close to Taj or Agra Fort.

Agra Fort:

Agra Fort, clearly shadowed by the fame and marvel of Taj Mahal, is a rare gem you wouldn’t want to miss. Also called as Agra Red Fort (Lal-Quila), this structure in red sandstone and white marble is also one among the UNESCO world heritage sites.

Typical fort walls welcome you at the entrance and as you move in the wealth and might of the Mughals begin to unravel.

To add to its glory, this is the fort where all the early Mughal Emperors lived.

From the much famed Krishna Mandir that Emperor Akbar built for Jodha Bhai (his Hindu queen) to the world’s most beautiful jail that Aurangzeb built for Shah Jahan (when he was kept under house arrest), you will see such stories come to life, as the guide narrates them to you.

The Majestic Gateway!

Pathway equipped with rough floor for better grip for horses and elephants. The walls are built so high so as to echo the sound.

The main palace inside the fort.

Ceiling of the Krishna mandir built by Emperor Akbar for Jodha Bhai (Hindi queen) resembling Hindu architecture

What is left of the reading room of emperors! 

Perhaps, the world's most beautiful jail built by a son for his father! 

One of the many corridors on the first floor of the palace. 

Taj view from Agra Fort 

Mosque inside the palace courtyard 

Notes* Pay Rs.200-300/- and take an authorized guide, because, you realy want to hear all the stories as you bask in the Mughal glory.

Agra Fort can be covered the same day evening, post which you could indulge in shopping at Shilpgram Village or Sadar Bazar. 

Taj Mahal

First view - from inside the main gate!

During school days my textbooks spoke in length and breadth about this classic symbol of love, and for all these years, I’ve imagined how Taj Mahal would look like. Now that I have witnessed this epic architectural wonder (and I thank God in tons for this opportunity), let me tell you, there is no way one can imagine the beauty of this structure than seeing it for real. Nothing, I mean nothing in white would look this picturesque on an untainted white background, the way Taj Mahal looked against the milky white sky!

And there you see the very familiar fountain! :P 

One of the identical mosques built on both sides of Taj Mahal 

Originally called Mumtaz Mahal, the structure is built in the shape of Queen's crown. Since it is made in the shape of crown, Britishers later called this "Taj Mahal". 

There are precious stone inlays on the outer (and inner) walls of the Mahal, which shines beautifully at sunrise; pay an early morning visit to catch a glimpse of that (the reason why I recommend an overnight stay). During full moon, it is said to look even prettier!

Photography or videography is not allowed inside the mausoleum, and I like an obedient Indian citizen sealed the camera inside the bag, when there were many including foreigners clicking photos of the tomb! :( 

One of the four minars... 

And the last one against twilight! 

I could sit there on the stone bench for the rest of my life staring at this beauty and still not get bored of it; such is the grandeur this place will bind you in.