Agra

We caught an early train from Jaipur to Agra. When a bunch of touts got on the train at the stop before Agra, we knew there’d be trouble. A couple of the touts made their way down the carriage telling tourists to exit from a particular door (so that they can corner us there). We went the opposite direction, but a large noisy group found us on the platform and jostled us all the way out of the station. I had to ask a policeman to get rid of them. The hassle has gradually been getting worse since Rajasthan; everywhere else has been fine (apart from Mysore). 

After the chaos at Agra station, we went to the hotel via tuktuk. Obviously the Taj is the main attraction in town, not sure why tourists would come to Agra for any other reason; it’s not a particularly nice place. First priority was some breakfast before catching a cycle rickshaw to the south entrance of the Taj. 

I can’t really describe in words how amazing to Taj is. It’s the most famous/beautiful building in the world; enough said. Photos can’t really do it justice. 

Protectors must be worn over shoes, nice look.

Shejal – absolutely shocked at how beautiful the Taj is

We had planned to visit for a couple of hours and then head to the fort, but couldn’t tear ourselves away. In total we spent six hours, walking around the entire complex twice before sitting down and just staring at the Taj. From our position, we were also treated to some high-quality photo posing. 

Sexy

Sexier

Cheer up!

The first innings of the India vs. Pakistan semi-final was in progress whilst we were visiting, so the place was unusually quiet – very lucky. The Taj commands the highest entrance fee of any attraction we’ve visited so far – 750 rupees, which is about 10 quid... totally worth it, predictably the best thing we’ve seen on the trip so far!

Mindful that we needed to sort out transport to Delhi, we were on the lookout for travel agents on the way back to the hotel. Understandably (due to the cricket match) the streets were deserted and most shops shut. Seemed like everybody/everything (including the urban-wildlife) was watching the match on the TV.

Loves: India, Sachin, and eating magazines