Agra and The Taj Mahal

Feb 5, 2018

We left New Delhi bright and early, on the 7.30am train to Agra. Navigating an Indian train station after not even taking the tube for nearly six months was a challenge, especially pre-coffee. A few hours later we were dropping our bags at the Trident Hotel and setting off on a tour of the colonial parts of the city, taking in the Post Office and St George’s Cathedral.

After a few hours of downtime (which may or may not have involved a pizza by the pool – I know) we headed to the Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah, otherwise known as the “Baby Taj”. Say hi to my parents in the below photo! The tomb is surrounded by gatehouses which are just as beautiful and it’s the perfect prelude to the Taj.

 

The obvious highlight of Agra, the Taj Mahal, necessitated another early alarm call. We didn’t quite see the sunrise but arriving early meant avoiding the worst of the queues and the crowds. Seeing such places is always a strange experience, I find, you sort of feel like you’ve seen it before you have actually seen it and then it’s never quite what you’re expecting but you’re not sure what you were expecting. It’s hard to put into words. I did get some great photos and yes, I did get told off for the yoga pose…

Our final stop in Agra was the Red Fort. I wandered around quoting Game of Thrones to my bemused father who has never read / watched it.

In the evening, I got my palm read and my star chart done which was spookily accurate and a really nice experience (I am very into all things “woo”). I headed up for an early night to scrawl everything down in my travel journal before tiredness and India’s finest “Blue Riband” gin made me forget. Next stop – Ranthambore..