Agra – Taj Mahal

Upclose at the Taj.

One of the wonders of the world. It may not be of the ones that can be seen from space but this wonder sparkles upclose in direct sunlight and shimmers during the full moonlight. It also has colour change abilities with the sky, sunrise and sunset. Shah Jehan definitely did not waste his time (22 years construction to be exact) to pay tribute to Mumtaz, both of whom are buried in the Taj.

I must have been 8 years old when I collectively first heard about ‘Taj Mahal’. It wasn’t the one in India though. It was in Atlantic City at the Trump Plaza during one of Mike Tysons walk through knock out fights ( if im not mistaken this was against undefeated Michael Spinks). There brushed past me a same hair styled Donald Trump sporting a yellow butcher linen jacket, while everyone took Kodak pics. I did not know who he was prior, he gave the announcement of his new hotel named ‘The Taj Mahal’ and the model of the development was shown, it was to be built right there in Atlantic City. A wonder of the world in hotel sense. That’s when the intrigue to the one in Agra began. It took well over 2.5 decades to get here and wow it sure is marvellous.

Getting to Agra.

I missed the train! The best way to get there. The 12002 Bhopal Shatabdi departs New Delhi Railway at 6.15am arriving in Agra at 8.15am. Priced well at 1000 Rupees for air conditioned 1st class and sold out for a few days.

Second option, head back to the Hilton at the mall, have a full breakfast and get a taxi. What a blessing, I took my pillow and crashed all the way for some 2 and half hours. 5000 rupees for a full chauffeur drive and wait – return service. ( Some American tourists paid $200 + at the hotel). The trains’ first class did look cramped and uncomfortable but I still would love to see India countryside on rail.