The idea of visiting Agra and experiencing the Taj, was of my friend Jijimon. Distant relative of his ,had come from Kerala and they desired to see the greatest monument of all times, The Taj mahal. He planned for our weekend at Agra and invited us to be part of it ,and as you know I don't turn down these kind of offers .
The D day came and I was more than ready to travel to history. A van was booked which could easily pick up 20 person in one go. It did take us in one go but the real problem was that air condition was not working. That being the hot month of June, we were sweating like anything in the morning itself. We could not do anything about it except complaining to the driver. He was busy driving his van ,unruffled by any comment given by us. The music being played in the van was becoming irritable because of the hot condition of the van.
After a run of 5-6 hrs. we did reach the city of Mughals , Agra. There was a sigh of relief as we got down from the van. The condition outside the van were more unforgiving. It was a hot sunny day and road were scorching with heat. You could feel the heat wave on the skin and eyes could not open properly due to excessive sunlight.
Everybody ran to get a ice cream from the vendor. The ice cream was surely provided to us but it turned out to be a fake. It was very bitter and rubbery and we could not gulp it down our throats, so we spitted it out. We promised ourselves not to take any thing from the street vendors
Our group was introduced to a new guide who was more like a joker in a circus. He spoke funny English and accent. At times, we could not even understand what he was saying. Our first stop was Red Fort of Agra built by Shahjahan of Mughal dynasty. It is a marvelous piece of architecture and is made of red stones. It is a fort where the military used to stay and it had water body all around the fort. It is said that crocodiles were reared in those waters. Red Fort has a Dewan-e-Aam and Dewan-e-khash and lovely garden adds to its beauty. Taj Mahal can be viewed from the Red Fort. It is said that Shahjahan was captured by his son, Aurangzeb and kept in Red Fort. He used to stare Ta j Mahal from there.
Our next destination was Taj Mahal. This magnificent structure comes under the UNESCO world heritage sight. It was built by Shahjahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is domed shaped structure inspired by Islamic architecture and made up of marble. It took 22 years to built Taj Mahal.
We had to get down from our van, quite far away from Taj Mahal because motorised vehicles are not allowed in its vicinity. Due to pollution, Taj Mahal colour is fading that is why we had to walk up to Taj Mahal. Horse carts and electric vans are available for those who prefer that.
When we entered Taj complex it seemed we had been transported to a past era. Beautiful Taj Mahal with backdrop of blue sky was amazing. The garden complex inside had been painstakingly maintained. The fountain at the garden made Taj mahal look heavenly.
The floor of Taj mahal was very hot as we entered the main Taj mahal structure. Inside of Taj mahal are placed the graves of great lovers, Mumtaz and Shahjahan. Nowadays the real grave of the Emperor and Queen is closed and only replica of the graves is open to the public. The inside of Taj mahal, it was cool air blowing in spite of the heat waves blowing outside.
We took loads of photographs of Taj mahal and explored each corner of the beautiful place. It was a
great experience visiting Taj and I salute Shahjahan for such a lovely gift to India.
Food
Specialty of Agra is Petha. Best stores are Bikanervala store, Pancchi store, Gopaldas, Deviram, Brijwasi.
Agra is famous for its chaat. Double phatak at Sikandra, Sadar and Belangunj.
Transport
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| Travel to Taj Mahal |
The D day came and I was more than ready to travel to history. A van was booked which could easily pick up 20 person in one go. It did take us in one go but the real problem was that air condition was not working. That being the hot month of June, we were sweating like anything in the morning itself. We could not do anything about it except complaining to the driver. He was busy driving his van ,unruffled by any comment given by us. The music being played in the van was becoming irritable because of the hot condition of the van.
 |
| Taj Mahal |
After a run of 5-6 hrs. we did reach the city of Mughals , Agra. There was a sigh of relief as we got down from the van. The condition outside the van were more unforgiving. It was a hot sunny day and road were scorching with heat. You could feel the heat wave on the skin and eyes could not open properly due to excessive sunlight.
Everybody ran to get a ice cream from the vendor. The ice cream was surely provided to us but it turned out to be a fake. It was very bitter and rubbery and we could not gulp it down our throats, so we spitted it out. We promised ourselves not to take any thing from the street vendors
Our group was introduced to a new guide who was more like a joker in a circus. He spoke funny English and accent. At times, we could not even understand what he was saying. Our first stop was Red Fort of Agra built by Shahjahan of Mughal dynasty. It is a marvelous piece of architecture and is made of red stones. It is a fort where the military used to stay and it had water body all around the fort. It is said that crocodiles were reared in those waters. Red Fort has a Dewan-e-Aam and Dewan-e-khash and lovely garden adds to its beauty. Taj Mahal can be viewed from the Red Fort. It is said that Shahjahan was captured by his son, Aurangzeb and kept in Red Fort. He used to stare Ta j Mahal from there.
Our next destination was Taj Mahal. This magnificent structure comes under the UNESCO world heritage sight. It was built by Shahjahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is domed shaped structure inspired by Islamic architecture and made up of marble. It took 22 years to built Taj Mahal.
We had to get down from our van, quite far away from Taj Mahal because motorised vehicles are not allowed in its vicinity. Due to pollution, Taj Mahal colour is fading that is why we had to walk up to Taj Mahal. Horse carts and electric vans are available for those who prefer that.
When we entered Taj complex it seemed we had been transported to a past era. Beautiful Taj Mahal with backdrop of blue sky was amazing. The garden complex inside had been painstakingly maintained. The fountain at the garden made Taj mahal look heavenly.
The floor of Taj mahal was very hot as we entered the main Taj mahal structure. Inside of Taj mahal are placed the graves of great lovers, Mumtaz and Shahjahan. Nowadays the real grave of the Emperor and Queen is closed and only replica of the graves is open to the public. The inside of Taj mahal, it was cool air blowing in spite of the heat waves blowing outside.
We took loads of photographs of Taj mahal and explored each corner of the beautiful place. It was a
great experience visiting Taj and I salute Shahjahan for such a lovely gift to India.
Food
Specialty of Agra is Petha. Best stores are Bikanervala store, Pancchi store, Gopaldas, Deviram, Brijwasi.
Agra is famous for its chaat. Double phatak at Sikandra, Sadar and Belangunj.
Transport
Road-It is around 200 km from Delhi. The buses ply to Agra in the morning. Delhi to Agra distance is 233 km via Taj Express highway also known as Yamuna Expressway.
Train-Agra cantonment area. Shatabdi ,Rajdhani and palace on wheels. 12050 Gatiman Express is fastest train from New Delhi to Agra. This train takes 1 hrs. 40 minutes to reach Agra.
Agra boasts a well-established railway network that connects
it to various parts of the country. In addition to the primary Agra Cantonment
railway station, the city is served by two other stations, namely Raja-ki-Mandi
and Agra Fort. Travelers can avail themselves of several renowned train
services linking Agra to Delhi, including Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani,
and Taj Express.
Airport-It is around 7 km from main city. It takes around 40 minutes to fly to Agra.
Important-Taj Mahal is closed on Friday. Mobiles to be switched off and videography can be done by paying fee.
Places to visit near Taj Mahal
Important-Taj Mahal is closed on Friday. Mobiles to be switched off and videography can be done by paying fee.
Places to visit near Taj Mahal
Agra fort
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| Agra fort |
Behold the majestic Agra Red Fort, nestled in the vibrant city of Agra, India! It stands tall, an emblem of our nation's profound heritage and cultural legacy, captivating all who set their eyes upon its glorious presence. Cast back in time to the 16th century, when the visionary Emperor Akbar breathed life into this architectural marvel. Its mighty walls, crafted from resplendent red sandstone, stretch across an awe-inspiring expanse of 2.5 kilometers, a testament to the audacity and strength that defined the Mughal era. As you venture within this sprawling complex, prepare to be swept away on a whimsical journey through history. Palaces, adorned with intricate designs and opulent tapestries, whisper tales of royalty and grandeur. Gardens, adorned with fragrant blooms, offer a serene sanctuary amidst the bustling fort. Mosques, with their celestial beauty, inspire reverence and awe, bearing witness to the artistic genius that once flourished within these hallowed walls. Allow your senses to soak in the symphony of architectural brilliance and artistic finesse that define the essence of the Mughal era.
Meena Bazaar
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| Bazaar |
Agra, the city renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal, is also home to a hidden gem that shopaholics and culture enthusiasts alike can't afford to miss—Meena Bazaar. Nestled within the labyrinthine lanes of the old city, Meena Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace that offers a sensory feast for visitors. With its rich history, colorful atmosphere, and an array of traditional treasures, this bustling bazaar is truly a shopper's paradise.
Sikandra-Tomb of Akbar
Akbar's tomb is a grand structure built for Mughal King, Akbar. It was constructed between 1605 and 1613 by his son, Jahangir. This remarkable structure spreads across 119 acres of area in Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Positioned along the Mathura road (NH2), approximately 8 kilometers west-northwest of the city center, Akbar's tomb stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this revered ruler. A short distance away, about 1 kilometer from the tomb, lies the Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, Akbar's beloved wife. After Akbar's passing, Mariam-uz-Zamani lovingly adorned his resting place with a vast garden, and eventually, she too was laid to rest there by their son, Jahangir.
FAQ
1) On which day is Taj Mahal closed?
Ans : On Friday Taj Mahal is closed for general public.
2) Why is taj Mahal famous ?
Ans: The Taj Mahal a magnificent mausoleum constructed in Agra from 1631 to 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This iconic structure made of white marble represents pinnacle of Muslim art in India and stands as a Global cherished masterpiece.
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Kindly comment on the post thanks.
Taj Mahal travel can become memorable journey, if you have time to see and feel the beauty of monument.
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